BDS 5.5-Inch Radius Arm Lift Kit | FOX 2.5 Performance Elite | Ram 3500 4WD Gas 2019–2026 | No Factory Rear Overload Leaf | SKU: 1686FPE

The BDS 1686FPE is a 5.5-inch radius arm front lift kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite external reservoir shocks for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas without 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 5.5 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 kit has four 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 1687FPE — the overload and non-overload kits are not interchangeable.

Second — engine: gas-tuned coil springs. Ram 3500 diesel requires a different kit — gas and diesel springs are not interchangeable.

Third — generation: 2019–2026 only. The 2018 and earlier Ram 3500 is a different platform and is not compatible.

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.

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. 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 5.5 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. 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. 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 5.5-inch lift on the Ram 3500 platform is critical for tire wear and steering geometry under towing load.

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.

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 1686FPE is the correct kit for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas owner without factory rear overload leaf springs who wants 5.5 inches of front lift with corrected radius arm geometry and premium FOX 2.5 PE damping. The non-overload calibration is specific to this rear suspension configuration — the spring rates, geometry correction, and ride tuning are matched to standard rear suspension, not the overload pack. Installing the overload kit (1687FPE) on a standard suspension truck produces incorrect ride height, compromised geometry, and handling behavior that does not match the platform.

The FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir is the correct shock specification for a Ram 3500 that sees sustained towing and off-road use. The reservoir manages heat under repeated loading cycles, keeping damping performance consistent where a standard shock body fades. If your use case is primarily daily driving with light occasional towing and the FOX 2.0 price point is the priority, text (469) 407-7538 to confirm alternate shock options before committing to the 2.5 PE.

If your Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1687FPE — one phone call before the order ships prevents a non-returnable mistake. If it is diesel, gas-tuned springs are not correct. If it is a 2018 or earlier, this platform does not apply.

No overload leaf confirmed, gas, 4WD, 2019–2026, FOX 2.5 PE — the 1686FPE is the complete, correctly-calibrated front-end solution for the Ram 3500 that works hard and needs the suspension to hold up when it does.

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 and loaded conditions. An overload pack includes an extra leaf that sits above the main pack and only contacts the axle under heavy load. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN and we will confirm before your order ships.

What is the difference between 1686FPE and 1687FPE?
Both kits fit the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas and deliver 5.5 inches of front lift with the same BDS radius arms, gas-tuned springs, FOX 2.5 PE shocks, and track bar correction bracket. The difference is rear spring calibration — 1686FPE is for trucks without factory rear overload leaf springs and 1687FPE is for trucks with. They are not interchangeable.

Why can't I use diesel springs on my gas Ram 3500?
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 geometry under load. The correct spring tune for your engine is not interchangeable.

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