BDS 4-Inch Radius Arm Lift Kit | FOX 2.5 Performance Elite | Ram 3500 4WD Gas 2019–2026 | With Factory Rear Overload Leaf | SKU: 1701FPE

The BDS 1701FPE is a 4-inch radius arm front lift kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite external reservoir shocks for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas with factory rear overload leaf springs. Heavy-duty BDS radius arms replace the factory arms, correcting caster at lift height and reducing bushing bind. Gas-tuned front coil springs deliver 4 inches of lift at the correct spring rate for the Ram 3500 gas platform. FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir shocks deliver advanced valving and heat-managed damping for sustained off-road and towing performance at lifted height.

This is a radius arm upgrade — not a 4-link conversion. If you want maximum geometry correction and articulation improvement at 4 inches of lift, the 4-link kits are the correct step up: 1677FPE for trucks with overload leaf, 1676FPE for trucks without. The radius arm upgrade corrects caster and reduces bushing bind. The 4-link conversion replaces the entire front suspension link architecture — a more complete geometry solution at higher complexity and cost.

This kit has four 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 1700FPE — the overload and non-overload kits are not interchangeable.

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

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

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

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Critical Compatibility

Four fitment confirmations required before ordering.

Not sure if your Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

Radius Arm Upgrade vs. 4-Link Conversion — Which Do You Need?

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.

Tire Clearance

At 4 inches of front lift on the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 gas platform, typical fitment runs 35–37-inch tires depending on wheel offset and backspacing. Confirm maximum tire diameter and wheel specifications with your wheel and tire supplier before ordering.

Installation Notes

Professional installation is required. The radius arm lift requires a qualified suspension shop with experience on heavy-duty truck platforms. Do not attempt DIY installation.

Full front-end alignment is mandatory after installation. Do not drive on public roads before alignment is completed. Correct alignment at 4-inch lift on the Ram 3500 platform is critical for tire wear and steering geometry under towing load.

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

Rear overload leaf configuration confirmation is mandatory before ordering. This kit is non-returnable once installed. Confirm your rear spring configuration before the order ships. Text (469) 407-7538 if you need help confirming before ordering.

Torque all fasteners to BDS specification. Torque specs are included in the BDS installation instructions. Do not estimate torque values on a 3500-class 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, engine, and drivetrain before ordering.

The Obsidian Take

The BDS 1701FPE is the correct kit for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas owner with factory rear overload leaf springs who wants 4 inches of front lift with corrected radius arm geometry and FOX 2.5 PE damping — without the added complexity and cost of a full 4-link conversion. The radius arm upgrade addresses the primary geometry issues at 4-inch lift: caster deviation and bushing bind. The FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir keeps damping consistent under sustained towing loads where a standard shock body fades.

The honest comparison is between this kit and the 4-link option (1677FPE). If your Ram 3500 sees moderate towing and occasional off-road use and the 4-link conversion's added complexity is more than your build requires, the 1701FPE delivers excellent geometry correction and premium damping at a lower tier of installation complexity. If you run aggressive off-road terrain, prioritize maximum articulation, or want the most complete geometry correction available at 4 inches, the 4-link conversion is the correct choice.

If your Ram 3500 does not have factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1700FPE — the calibration difference between the overload and non-overload kits affects geometry and ride quality under load and they are not interchangeable. If it is diesel, gas-tuned springs are not the correct rate. If it is a 2018 or earlier, this platform does not apply.

Overload leaf confirmed, gas, 4WD, 2019–2026, FOX 2.5 PE — the 1701FPE is the complete, correctly-specified solution for the Ram 3500 owner who wants premium front-end performance at 4 inches without going full 4-link.

Common Questions

What is the difference between 1701FPE and 1677FPE?
Both kits fit the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas with factory rear overload leaf springs and deliver 4 inches of front lift with FOX 2.5 PE shocks. The difference is the front suspension architecture — 1701FPE uses a radius arm upgrade (caster correction and bushing bind reduction) and 1677FPE uses a full 4-link conversion (more complete geometry correction, improved articulation, higher installation complexity). Choose based on your off-road demands and build priorities.

What is the difference between 1701FPE and 1700FPE?
Both kits fit the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas and deliver 4 inches of front lift with the same radius arm upgrade and FOX 2.5 PE shocks. The difference is rear spring calibration — 1701FPE is for trucks with factory rear overload leaf springs and 1700FPE is for trucks without. They are not interchangeable.

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. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN and we will confirm before your order ships.

Does this kit lift the rear of the truck?
This kit addresses front lift via the radius arm upgrade. Rear lift components are not included. Confirm rear lift requirements with your installer before ordering if needed.

Is this a DIY install?
No. The radius arm lift 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