BDS 5.5-Inch Radius Arm Lift Kit | FOX 2.0 Shocks | Ram 2500 4WD Gas 2019–2026 | SKU: 1681FS

The BDS 1681FS is a 5.5-inch radius arm front lift kit with FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks for the 2019–2026 Ram 2500 4WD gas — the DT-generation platform. 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 gas engine weight. FOX 2.0 damping handles the added lift height and the towing and hauling demands of the 2500 gas platform.

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

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

Second — generation: the 2019–2026 Ram 2500 is the DT platform. The 2018 and earlier Ram 2500 is a different platform and is not compatible with this kit.

Third — drivetrain: 4WD only. Ram 2500 2WD is not compatible.

Fourth — rear suspension: if your Ram 2500 has factory rear air ride, this kit does not apply. Order 1739FS for air ride-equipped trucks.

If you want 4 inches of lift instead of 5.5, order 1699FS (FOX 2.0) or 1699FPE (FOX 2.5 PE). If you want FOX 2.5 PE shocks at 5.5 inches, text (469) 407-7538 to confirm availability before ordering.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Critical Compatibility

Four fitment confirmations required before ordering.

Want 4-inch lift instead of 5.5-inch? Order 1699FS (FOX 2.0) or 1699FPE (FOX 2.5 PE).
Want FOX 2.5 PE at 5.5 inches? Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm availability.
Not sure if your Ram 2500 has factory rear air ride? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

2019–2026 Ram 2500 Gas Lift Kit Variant Reference

Tire Clearance

At 5.5 inches of front lift on the 2019–2026 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. The radius arm lift requires a qualified suspension shop with experience on heavy-duty truck platforms. This is not a bolt-on leveling kit. Do not attempt DIY installation.

Full front-end alignment is mandatory after installation. Do not drive on public roads before alignment is completed. Running a lifted truck without post-installation alignment causes accelerated tire wear, steering pull, and handling instability under load.

Torque all fasteners to BDS specification. Torque specs are included in the BDS installation instructions. Do not estimate torque values on a 2500-class platform.

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.

Factory rear air ride confirmation. If your Ram 2500 was optioned with factory rear air suspension, this kit does not apply. Check your window sticker or build sheet for the factory air suspension option before ordering. Text (469) 407-7538 if you need help confirming before ordering.

Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm engine, rear suspension configuration, and platform before ordering.

The Obsidian Take

The BDS 1681FS is the correct kit for the 2019–2026 Ram 2500 4WD gas owner who wants more aggressive stance and tire clearance than the 4-inch kit delivers, without stepping up to a 6-inch system. At 5.5 inches, you get meaningful additional lift over the 4-inch variant with the same heavy-duty BDS radius arm geometry correction and FOX 2.0 damping — gas-tuned springs, correctly rated for the gas engine weight, built for the DT platform.

The 5.5-inch lift and 4-inch lift both use the same radius arm architecture and deliver the same geometry correction. The difference is ride height and the tire options that come with it. Both clear 35–37-inch tires at comparable offsets — confirm maximum tire clearance with your wheel and tire supplier for your specific wheel specs before committing to either kit.

If you want the FOX 2.5 Performance Elite upgrade at 5.5 inches, text (469) 407-7538 to confirm that variant's availability before ordering. If 4 inches is sufficient for your build, 1699FS delivers the same radius arm correction at a lower lift height. If your Ram 2500 is diesel, gas-tuned springs are the wrong rate — order 1660FS or 1660FPE. If you have factory rear air ride, order 1739FS.

DT platform, gas, 4WD, standard rear suspension, 5.5 inches, FOX 2.0 — the 1681FS is the complete, correctly-tuned front-end solution for the build that needs the extra lift.

Common Questions

What is the difference between 1681FS and 1699FS?
Both kits fit the 2019–2026 Ram 2500 4WD gas with the same BDS radius arms, gas-tuned springs, FOX 2.0 shocks, and track bar correction bracket. The only difference is lift height — 1681FS delivers 5.5 inches and 1699FS delivers 4 inches. Choose based on your target ride height and tire clearance requirements.

Can I run FOX 2.5 PE shocks with this kit?
A FOX 2.5 PE variant at 5.5 inches on the DT gas platform is not confirmed in this listing. Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm availability and the correct SKU before ordering.

Why can't I use diesel springs on my gas Ram 2500?
The diesel engine is significantly heavier than the gas engine on the Ram 2500 platform. 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, drop ride height, and compromise geometry under load. Order 1660FS or 1660FPE for the diesel platform.

How do I know if my Ram 2500 has factory rear air ride?
Check your window sticker or build sheet for the factory air suspension option. The factory air ride system uses air bags at the rear axle in place of conventional leaf springs. Text (469) 407-7538 if you need help confirming before ordering.

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. This is not a leveling kit — professional installation is required.

What tire size will fit after installation?
At 5.5 inches of front lift on the 2019–2026 Ram 2500 gas platform, typical fitment runs 35–37-inch tires depending on wheel offset and backspacing. Confirm maximum tire diameter and wheel specs with your wheel and tire supplier before ordering.

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