BDS 4-Inch Radius Arm + 3-Inch Rear Block | FOX 2.5 Performance Elite | Ram 3500 4WD Diesel 2019–2026 | With Overload Leaf | 6-Bolt | SKU: 1657FPE

The BDS 1657FPE 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 with factory rear overload leaf springs and 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 front and rear 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 with factory rear overload leaf springs. If your Ram 3500 does NOT have factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1656FPE — 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 1683FPE (with overload leaf) or 1682FPE (no 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 1683FPE (with overload) or 1682FPE (no overload).
Not sure about overload leaf or axle bolt count? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

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

How to confirm your rear spring configuration: Visually inspect the rear axle leaf spring pack. An overload pack has an additional leaf that sits above the main pack and contacts the axle only under heavy load — visible as an extra leaf that does not contact the axle at rest. Common on higher trim levels and work truck configurations. 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 1657FPE is the correct kit for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD diesel owner with factory rear overload leaf springs and a 6-bolt front axle who wants a complete matched front-and-rear lift system at 4 inches front and 3 inches rear — with premium FOX 2.5 PE damping throughout. The overload-specific calibration matters on a diesel work truck: the additional rear spring rate from the overload pack requires a kit tuned for that rear suspension configuration, and the 1657FPE delivers that calibration with the 3-inch rear block to match.

If your Ram 3500 does not have factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1656FPE — the overload and non-overload kits are not interchangeable and the calibration difference affects geometry and ride quality under load. If you need 6 inches of front lift rather than 4, see 1683FPE (with overload) or 1682FPE (no overload). If your Ram 3500 is gas, diesel-tuned springs are not the correct rate.

The FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir is the correct shock specification for a Ram 3500 diesel that sees sustained towing and repeated off-road use — the reservoir keeps damping consistent under heat and repeated loading cycles where a standard shock body fades.

Five prerequisites confirmed — overload leaf, 6-bolt axle, diesel, 4WD, 2019–2026 — the 1657FPE is the complete, matched, correctly-calibrated lift solution for the Ram 3500 diesel work truck that tows hard and needs consistent geometry front to rear when it does.

Common Questions

How do I confirm my Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs?
Visually inspect the rear axle leaf spring pack. An overload pack includes an additional leaf that sits above the main pack and contacts the axle only under heavy load. Common on higher trim levels and work truck configurations. 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 1657FPE and 1656FPE?
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 — 1657FPE is for trucks with factory rear overload leaf springs and 1656FPE is for trucks without. 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 lift stance at both axles.

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