BDS 4-Inch Radius Arm + 3-Inch Rear Block | FOX 2.5 Performance Elite | Ram 3500 4WD Diesel 2019–2026 | No Overload Leaf | 6-Bolt | SKU: 1656FPE

The BDS 1656FPE is a matched 4-inch front and 3-inch rear lift kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite external reservoir shocks for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD diesel without factory rear overload leaf springs and with a 6-bolt front axle. Front lift is delivered via heavy-duty BDS radius arms and diesel-tuned coil springs. Rear lift is delivered via 3-inch axle blocks. FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir shocks deliver advanced valving and heat-managed damping for sustained towing and off-road performance at lifted height.

This kit has five hard fitment confirmations before it applies to your truck.

First — rear suspension: this kit is calibrated for Ram 3500 trucks without factory rear overload leaf springs. If your Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1657FPE — the overload and non-overload kits are not interchangeable.

Second — axle: 6-bolt front axle required. Confirm your front axle bolt pattern before ordering.

Third — engine: diesel-tuned coil springs. Ram 3500 gas requires a different kit.

Fourth — generation: 2019–2026 only. The 2018 and earlier Ram 3500 is a different platform.

Fifth — drivetrain: 4WD only. Ram 3500 2WD is not compatible.

If you need 6 inches of front lift instead of 4, see 1682FPE (no overload leaf) or 1683FPE (with overload leaf).

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Critical Compatibility

Five fitment confirmations required before ordering.

Need 6 inches of front lift instead of 4? See 1682FPE (no overload) or 1683FPE (with overload).
Not sure about overload leaf or axle bolt count? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

No Overload Leaf vs. With Overload Leaf — Which Kit Do You Need?

How to confirm your rear spring configuration: Visually inspect the rear axle leaf spring pack. Standard configuration has a main leaf pack with no additional overload leaf. An overload pack includes an extra leaf that sits above the main pack and contacts the axle only under heavy load. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN to confirm before ordering.

How to confirm your front axle bolt count: Count the lug bolts on your front axle flange — 6-bolt configuration required. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN if you need confirmation before ordering.

Front and Rear Lift Reference — Ram 3500 Diesel 2019–2026

Tire Clearance

At 4 inches of front lift on the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 diesel platform, typical fitment runs 35–37-inch tires depending on wheel offset and backspacing. Tires at the larger end of this range may require trimming or additional modifications. Confirm maximum tire diameter and wheel specifications with your wheel and tire supplier before ordering.

Installation Notes

Professional installation is required. Front and rear suspension lift on a diesel platform requires a qualified suspension shop. Do not attempt DIY installation.

Full front-end alignment is mandatory after installation. Do not drive on public roads before alignment is completed.

Rear axle block installation. 3-inch axle blocks must be installed per BDS specifications. Confirm U-bolt torque specs and axle centering after installation — improperly centered axle blocks cause driveline vibration and premature U-joint wear under towing loads.

Driveline inspection is required after installation. Inspect driveshaft angles and U-joint operating angles after installation. Confirm angles are within acceptable operating range before towing.

6-bolt front axle confirmation is mandatory before ordering. Count the lug bolts on your front axle flange. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN to confirm before ordering.

External reservoir routing. Follow BDS and FOX installation instructions for reservoir placement. Avoid pinch points, heat sources, and moving components. Improper routing can damage the reservoir line and void the FOX warranty.

Overload leaf and axle confirmation is mandatory before ordering. This kit is non-returnable once installed. Confirm both before the order ships.

Torque all fasteners to BDS specification. Do not estimate torque values on a diesel-weight platform.

FOX shock break-in period. Allow FOX 2.5 PE shocks to complete the manufacturer-recommended break-in period before aggressive off-road or heavy towing use.

Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm rear spring configuration, axle bolt count, engine, and drivetrain before ordering.

The Obsidian Take

The BDS 1656FPE is the correct kit for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD diesel owner without factory rear overload leaf springs and with a 6-bolt front axle who wants a complete matched front-and-rear lift system — 4 inches front, 3 inches rear, FOX 2.5 PE damping throughout. The non-overload calibration is specific to standard rear suspension — the spring rates and geometry correction are matched to a truck without the overload pack, and the 3-inch rear axle block brings the rear up to match the front lift for a level stance under both no-load and towing conditions.

If your Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1657FPE — the calibration difference affects geometry and ride quality under load and the two kits are not interchangeable. Ordering the wrong variant and installing it is a non-returnable mistake on a platform that regularly sees the kind of loads that expose the difference.

If you need 6 inches of front lift instead of 4, order 1682FPE. The FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir is the correct shock specification for a diesel truck that tows heavy and regularly — the reservoir manages heat under sustained loading cycles where a standard shock body fades.

Five prerequisites confirmed — no overload leaf, 6-bolt axle, diesel, 4WD, 2019–2026 — the 1656FPE is the complete, matched, correctly-calibrated lift solution for the Ram 3500 diesel that needs consistent geometry and consistent damping front to rear when the load goes on.

Common Questions

How do I confirm my Ram 3500 does not have factory rear overload leaf springs?
Visually inspect the rear axle leaf spring pack. Standard configuration has a main leaf pack with no additional overload leaf — all leaves contact the axle under normal conditions. An overload pack includes an extra leaf that sits above the main pack and contacts the axle only under heavy load. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN and we will confirm before your order ships.

How do I confirm my Ram 3500 has a 6-bolt front axle?
Count the lug bolts on your front axle flange — 6-bolt configuration required. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN if you need confirmation before ordering.

What is the difference between 1656FPE and 1657FPE?
Both kits deliver 4 inches of front lift and 3 inches of rear lift with the same radius arm upgrade, diesel-tuned springs, FOX 2.5 PE shocks, and 3-inch rear axle block. The difference is rear spring calibration — 1656FPE is for trucks without factory rear overload leaf springs and 1657FPE is for trucks with. They are not interchangeable.

Why do I need both front and rear lift?
The 4-inch front radius arm upgrade raises the front of the truck. Without matched rear lift, the truck sits nose-high — compromising towing geometry, load balance, and visual stance. The 3-inch rear axle block brings the rear up to match, delivering a level stance at both axles.

What is the driveline inspection for?
The driveline inspection confirms that driveshaft angles and U-joint operating angles are within acceptable range after the lift is installed. Under diesel towing load, U-joints operating outside their designed angle range wear rapidly and can fail. Confirm with your installer before towing.

Is this a DIY install?
No. Front and rear suspension lift on a diesel platform requires a qualified suspension shop. Professional installation is required.

What warranty does this kit carry?
BDS suspension components carry the BDS No-Fine-Print Warranty. FOX 2.5 PE shocks carry a FOX 1-year limited warranty.

Verified Fitment