BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit — Dodge Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 SKU: BDS686FS | Dodge Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 2008 | Gas | 6" Front / 4" Rear | FOX 2.0 Performance Series | Leaf Springs Rear | 3-1/2 Inch Axle

A complete 6-inch suspension lift kit engineered for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 gas — configured for the 3-1/2 inch rear axle with leaf spring rear. Gas-specific progressive rate Pro-Ride coil springs provide the 6-inch front lift. BDS-engineered lower control arms are longer than stock to rotate the axle for proper alignment, paired with a relocation mounting bracket to flatten the upper control arm angle. Forged drop pitman arm and track bar bracket correct steering geometry. The rear uses progressive rate multi-leaf springs for a 4-inch rear lift with extended U-bolts. FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks front and rear. Clears up to 36-inch tires.

Before ordering: This kit fits the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 gas engine. You must measure your rear axle tube diameter before ordering — this kit is configured for the 3-1/2 inch axle. The BDS fitment table shows all drive types for the 2008 models — confirm with BDS whether your specific drivetrain configuration is supported before ordering. Gas engine only — diesel Ram 2500/3500 is not supported. If your truck's steering gear box has been replaced and the sector shaft diameter measures approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches, you must add BDS082404 to your kit. Power Wagon owners: This kit requires sway bar link kit 122401 (sold separately) and the net lift gain on a Power Wagon will be 4 inches, not 6, due to the factory 2-inch taller ride height. Welding equipment, a cut-off wheel, and a grinder/sanding disc are required specialty tools — confirm your installer has these before scheduling.

Required separately (conditional):

• BDS082404 — Required if steering gear box has been replaced and sector shaft diameter is approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches
• Sway bar link kit 122401 — required for Power Wagon models (not included)
• T-case index kit 122801 (auto) or 122802 (manual) — if driveline vibration occurs after installation

Verified Fitment

Gas engine only. Diesel Ram 2500/3500 is not supported — see BDS680FS (3-1/2 inch axle) or BDS681FS (4-inch axle) for diesel. This kit covers the 2008 model year only.

Component Specifications

Lift Configuration (this SKU):

Pro-Ride Coil Springs — Front:

Control Arms:

Rear Lift — Leaf Springs:

FOX 2.0 Performance Series Shocks (front and rear):

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included — Front:

• Gas-specific progressive rate Pro-Ride coil springs (pair)
• BDS-engineered lower control arms (pair — longer than stock)
• Upper control arm relocation mounting brackets
• Forged drop pitman arm
• Track bar relocation bracket
• Sway bar links (standard models)
• Bump stops
• FOX 2.0 Performance Series front shocks

Included — Rear:

• Multi-leaf progressive rate rear springs (4-inch, 3-1/2 inch axle configuration)
• Extended U-bolts
• FOX 2.0 Performance Series rear shocks

Not included (conditional — may be required):

• BDS082404 — Required if steering gear box has been replaced and sector shaft diameter is approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches
• Sway bar link kit 122401 — required for Power Wagon models
• T-case index kit 122801 (auto) or 122802 (manual) — if driveline vibration occurs

Critical Compatibility

• Rear axle measurement required — 3-1/2 inch axle configuration: This kit is built for the 3-1/2 inch axle. Two rear axle diameters exist on this generation Ram. Measure your rear axle tube before ordering.
• Gas engine only: Gas-specific Pro-Ride coil springs are included. Diesel Ram 2500/3500 is not supported — see BDS680FS or BDS681FS for the diesel variant.
• 2008 model year only: This kit is specific to the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. For 2009–2013 gas, see BDS676FS (3-1/2 inch axle) or BDS677FS (4-inch axle).
• Drive type — confirm before ordering: The BDS fitment data for this kit lists all drive types. Confirm your specific drivetrain configuration with BDS before ordering.
• Steering gear box sector shaft check: If the steering gear box has been replaced and the sector shaft diameter measures approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches, BDS082404 must be added. Inspect your sector shaft before ordering.
• Power Wagon applications: Power Wagon models require sway bar link kit 122401 (sold separately, not included). Net lift gain on a Power Wagon is 4 inches, not 6, due to the factory 2-inch taller ride height.
• T-case index kit: Not included. If driveline vibration occurs after installation, order T-case index kit 122801 (auto) or 122802 (manual).
• Welding and grinding required: Cut-off wheel or equivalent, grinder/sanding disc, and welding equipment are required specialty tools. Confirm installer capability before scheduling.
• ADAS recalibration: Required after installation. All recalibration costs are the owner's responsibility.
• Tire fitment: Clears up to 36 x 12.50-inch tires. Minor trimming may be required.

Installation Notes

Professional installation is strongly recommended. This kit is rated Moderate with an estimated installation time of 8 hours. Specialty tools required: cut-off wheel or equivalent, grinder/sanding disc, pitman arm puller, and welding equipment. Confirm your installer has all required tools before scheduling.

Verify before beginning:

• Rear axle tube diameter confirmed as 3-1/2 inch
• Drivetrain configuration confirmed with BDS
• Steering gear box replacement and sector shaft diameter check (if replaced, measure — if 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches, add BDS082404)
• Power Wagon identification (if applicable): sway bar link kit 122401 required; net lift will be 4 inches
• Installer has welding equipment, cut-off wheel, and grinder
• ADAS recalibration appointment scheduled

Professional alignment is required after installation. Refer to the current BDS Suspension installation instructions for SKU BDS686FS for complete procedures, torque specifications, and component-specific instructions.

The Obsidian Take

The BDS686FS is the gas engine counterpart to BDS680FS for the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 — same year-specific front coil spring spec, same 8-hour installation rating, same specialty tool requirements, same leaf spring rear on the 3-1/2 inch axle. Gas-specific Pro-Ride coil springs replace the diesel-specific units. Two items are specific to this kit versus the adjacent generation gas kits: the sector shaft check (if the steering gear box has ever been replaced) and the fitment table drive type designation showing all configurations — confirm your drivetrain with BDS if you are not running a standard 4WD setup. Power Wagon owners need sway bar link kit 122401 and should plan for 4 inches of net lift.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 gas engine with a confirmed 3-1/2 inch rear axle.
• You have confirmed your drivetrain configuration is supported with BDS.
• Your truck's steering gear box is factory original, or if replaced, the sector shaft is not in the 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inch range (or you will add BDS082404).
• You want the leaf spring rear option for reduced axle wrap, improved stability, and maintained factory payload ratings.
• You want 6 inches of front lift and 4 inches of rear lift with FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks.
• Power Wagon owners: you have sourced sway bar link kit 122401 and understand net lift is 4 inches.
• Your installer has welding equipment, a cut-off wheel, and a grinder.

This Product Is Not For You If

• You have not measured your rear axle tube diameter.
• Your rear axle is a 4-inch axle — see the 4-inch axle gas variant for 2008.
• Your Ram has a diesel engine — see BDS680FS or BDS681FS.
• Your Ram is not a 2008 model year — see BDS676FS/BDS677FS for 2009–2013.
• Your truck has a replaced steering gear box with a sector shaft diameter of approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches and you have not added BDS082404.
• Your installer does not have welding equipment or a cut-off wheel.
• You want the block rear option — see the block kit variant.
• You want NX2 Nitro Series shocks — see the NX2 variant.
• You want FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks — see the FOX 2.5 variant.

Product Family Reference

Common Questions

Does this kit fit the diesel Ram?
No. The Pro-Ride coil springs are gas-specific. For the diesel 2008 variant, see BDS680FS (3-1/2 inch axle) or BDS681FS (4-inch axle).

Does this fit 4WD only?
The BDS fitment table for this kit lists all drive types for 2008. Confirm your specific drivetrain configuration with BDS before ordering.

Why do I need to measure my rear axle before ordering?
Two different rear axle tube diameters exist on this generation Ram. Ordering the wrong axle configuration produces an incompatible rear kit. Measure your rear axle tube before placing your order.

What is the sector shaft check?
If the steering gear box has been replaced, the replacement unit may have a different sector shaft diameter. If it measures approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches, BDS082404 is required. Inspect your sector shaft before ordering.

I own a Power Wagon — what do I need?
Sway bar link kit 122401 is required (not included). The Power Wagon's factory ride height is 2 inches taller than standard — net lift gain is 4 inches, not 6.

What if I have driveline vibration after installation?
Order T-case index kit 122801 for automatic transmission or 122802 for manual transmission.

Does ADAS need to be recalibrated after installation?
Yes. All ADAS sensors require professional recalibration. All recalibration costs are the owner's responsibility.

Manufacturer Data Disclaimer

Fitment, specification, included-component, and installation data for this kit are sourced from BDS Suspension manufacturer documentation and OFAS-verified product data current as of publication. Manufacturer specifications and included components are subject to change without notice; confirm current documentation for this SKU at the time of purchase.

Required Legal, Warning, Fitment, and Return Notices

ADAS Recalibration Warning: This kit alters vehicle ride height and suspension geometry. All advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) sensors require professional recalibration after installation. Schedule recalibration at an authorized dealer or certified ADAS service center. All recalibration costs are the owner's responsibility.

Power Wagon Warning: Power Wagon applications require sway bar link kit 122401, which is not included in this kit. The Power Wagon's factory ride height is 2 inches taller than standard — net lift gain on a Power Wagon is 4 inches, not 6.

Installation Warning: Professional installation is strongly recommended. Welding equipment, a cut-off wheel or equivalent, and a grinder/sanding disc are required specialty tools. Confirm installer capability before scheduling. A professional wheel alignment is required after installation.

Rear Axle Warning: Two rear axle tube diameters exist on this generation Ram. Measure your rear axle tube before ordering. Ordering the wrong axle configuration produces an incompatible rear kit.

Steering Gear Box Warning: If the steering gear box has been replaced and the sector shaft diameter measures approximately 1-1/2 to 1-5/8 inches, BDS082404 must be added to this kit. Inspect your sector shaft before ordering.

Tire Fitment Notice: Up to 36 x 12.50-inch tires are supported. Trimming may be required. Buyer is responsible for verifying tire and wheel clearance for their specific vehicle and build.

California Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Return Policy: All returns require prior authorization from Obsidian Forged Auto Supply — do not ship any product back without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). To request an RMA, contact OFAS at Support@obsidianforgedautosupply.com or 469-407-7538 (Monday–Friday 9am–5pm CST, Saturday 9am–3pm CST) with your order number, product SKU, return reason, and photos. Return requests must be submitted within 90 days of delivery. To qualify, the product must be new, unused, uninstalled, complete with all hardware and included components, and in original manufacturer packaging. Do not write on, tape to, or place shipping labels directly on the manufacturer's product box. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility in all cases. Non-defective returns may be subject to a 15% restocking fee. No restocking fee applies when OFAS shipped the wrong item or the return is due to a verified defect or approved damage claim. Some products — including special-order, electrical, and installed items — may be non-returnable. Return eligibility is also subject to applicable manufacturer and supplier return requirements. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method within approximately 10 business days of the warehouse receiving and processing the returned product. For damaged, missing, or incorrect shipments, contact OFAS within 48 hours of delivery, retain all packaging, and do not install the product.