BDS 5.5-Inch Lift Kit | Rear Air Ride | FOX 2.0 Shocks | Ram 2500 4WD Gas 2014–2018 | SKU: 1630FS

The BDS 1630FS is a 5.5-inch lift kit with FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks for the 2014–2018 Ram 2500 4WD gas equipped with factory rear air ride suspension — the DS-generation platform. Front lift is delivered via gas-tuned coil springs and geometry-correct radius arm brackets. The included air ride-specific rear brackets preserve the factory load-leveling function at lifted height. The truck clears larger tires, sits level and aggressive, and maintains consistent geometry under towing and hauling loads.

This kit has four hard fitment splits before it applies to your truck.

First — rear suspension: factory rear air ride only. If your Ram 2500 does NOT have factory rear air ride, a different kit is required. Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm the correct non-air-ride kit for your configuration before ordering.

Second — generation: the 2014–2018 Ram 2500 is the DS platform. The 2019 and newer Ram 2500 is the DT platform — a different front suspension architecture. If your Ram 2500 is a 2019 or newer with factory air ride, order 1739FS.

Third — engine: gas-tuned coil springs. Ram 2500 diesel requires a different kit — gas and diesel springs are not interchangeable.

Fourth — drivetrain: 4WD only. Ram 2500 2WD is not compatible. Ram 2500 2013 and earlier is not compatible.

Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm all four before the order ships.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Critical Compatibility

Four fitment confirmations required before ordering.

Not sure about rear suspension type or generation? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

DS vs. DT Generation Reference — Ram 2500 Gas Air Ride

How to Confirm Factory Rear Air Ride on Your Ram 2500

Check your window sticker or build sheet for "Rear Air Suspension" or "Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension." Visually, the factory air ride system uses air bags at the rear axle with an onboard compressor — distinguishable from conventional leaf springs on inspection. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN if you need confirmation before ordering.

Tire Clearance

At 5.5 inches of front lift on the 2014–2018 Ram 2500 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 — Ram air ride experience mandatory. A suspension lift with factory air ride integration requires a qualified suspension shop familiar with Ram air ride systems. Do not attempt DIY installation.

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

Factory air ride system verification is mandatory after installation. Verify that the factory air ride load-leveling function operates correctly at lifted height. If the air ride system does not function correctly, do not drive — return to your installer to verify bracket installation per BDS instructions before road use.

Torque all fasteners to BDS specification. Torque specs are included in the BDS installation instructions. Do not estimate torque values.

FOX shock break-in period. Allow FOX 2.0 shocks to complete the manufacturer-recommended break-in period before aggressive off-road or heavy towing use.

Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm air ride configuration, generation, engine, and drivetrain before ordering.

The Obsidian Take

The BDS 1630FS is the correct kit for the 2014–2018 Ram 2500 4WD gas owner who has factory rear air ride and wants 5.5 inches of front lift without giving up the load-leveling function that makes the air ride system worth having. Gas-tuned coil springs, geometry-correct radius arm brackets, air ride-specific rear brackets, and FOX 2.0 damping — the complete system for the DS-generation gas 2500 with air ride, correctly tuned and correctly integrated.

If your Ram 2500 does not have factory rear air ride, this kit installs brackets with nothing to connect to — text (469) 407-7538 to confirm the correct non-air-ride kit for your DS platform configuration before ordering.

If your Ram 2500 is a 2019 or newer DT platform with factory air ride, the DS geometry in this kit does not apply — order 1739FS, which is built for the DT platform air ride application.

If your Ram 2500 is diesel, gas-tuned springs are not the correct rate for the diesel engine weight — a diesel-specific kit is required.

The air ride brackets in this kit are what keep the load-leveling system working at lifted height. If your truck has that system and you want 5.5 inches of front lift on the DS platform, the 1630FS is the complete, platform-correct solution.

Common Questions

How do I confirm my Ram 2500 has factory rear air ride?
Check your window sticker or build sheet for "Rear Air Suspension" or "Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension." Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN and we will confirm before your order ships.

What kit do I need if my 2014–2018 Ram 2500 does NOT have factory air ride?
A different kit is required. The non-air-ride DS platform variant is not specified in this listing — text (469) 407-7538 with your year, engine, and drivetrain and we will confirm the correct kit before your order ships.

What is the difference between 1630FS and 1739FS?
Both kits are for Ram 2500 4WD gas with factory rear air ride. 1630FS is for the DS platform — 2014–2018. 1739FS is for the DT platform — 2019 and newer. The front suspension architecture differs between platforms and the kits are not interchangeable.

What happens if my air ride doesn't work correctly after installation?
Do not drive the truck. Return to your installer to verify the air ride brackets are installed correctly per BDS instructions before road use.

Why can't I use diesel springs on my gas Ram 2500?
The diesel engine is significantly heavier than the gas engine. Front coil springs are tuned for a specific front axle weight — diesel-tuned springs under a gas engine deliver excessive spring rate and harsh ride. Gas springs under a diesel engine sag and compromise front-end geometry under load. A diesel-specific kit is required.

Is this a DIY install?
No. Ram air ride system experience is required. Professional installation is required.

What warranty does this kit carry?
BDS suspension components carry the BDS No-Fine-Print Warranty. FOX 2.0 shocks carry a FOX 1-year limited warranty.

Verified Fitment