BDS 6-Inch Lift Kit | Leaf Springs | 6-Bolt Indexing Ring | FOX 2.0 Shocks | Ram 3500 4WD Diesel 2013–2018 | SKU: 1617FS

The BDS 1617FS is a 6-inch lift kit with FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks for the 2013–2018 Ram 3500 4WD diesel — the DS-generation platform. Lift is delivered via replacement leaf springs paired with a 6-bolt indexing ring for driveline geometry correction at 6-inch lift height. The truck clears larger tires, sits aggressive, and maintains corrected driveline geometry under diesel towing loads.

This is a leaf spring system — not a radius arm upgrade. If you want FOX 2.5 PE shocks with a radius arm upgrade on the DS Ram 3500 diesel platform, order 2104FPE. Both deliver 6 inches of lift on the same platform; the suspension architecture and shock specification differ.

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

First — generation: the 2013–2018 Ram 3500 is the DS platform. The 2019 and newer Ram 3500 is the DT platform — a different architecture requiring a different kit. The 2012 and earlier Ram 3500 is not compatible.

Second — engine: diesel only. Ram 3500 gas requires a different kit.

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

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

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Critical Compatibility

Three fitment confirmations required before ordering.

Want FOX 2.5 PE with radius arms instead of FOX 2.0 with leaf springs? Order 2104FPE.
Not sure which Ram 3500 generation you have? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

1617FS vs. 2104FPE — Which Kit Do You Need?

DS vs. DT Generation Reference — Ram 3500 Diesel

Tire Clearance

At 6 inches of lift on the 2013–2018 Ram 3500 diesel platform, typical fitment runs 37–40-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. A 6-inch leaf spring lift on a diesel platform 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.

Driveline inspection is mandatory at 6-inch lift. The 6-bolt indexing ring corrects the front axle pinion angle at 6-inch lift height. Confirm proper installation per BDS instructions and verify U-joint operating angles and driveline vibration after installation before road use. Driveshaft modification may be required depending on your specific truck's configuration — confirm with your installer before the job begins.

6-bolt front axle confirmation. This kit includes a 6-bolt indexing ring specific to the 6-bolt front axle configuration. Confirm your axle bolt pattern before ordering.

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

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

The Obsidian Take

The BDS 1617FS is the correct kit for the 2013–2018 Ram 3500 4WD diesel owner who wants 6 inches of lift via a leaf spring system with driveline correction at the FOX 2.0 price point. The 6-bolt indexing ring addresses the driveline geometry that 6 inches of lift demands on the DS platform — without it, U-joints operate outside their designed angle range and wear accelerates rapidly under diesel towing loads.

The choice between this kit and 2104FPE comes down to suspension architecture and shock specification. If FOX 2.0 damping covers your use case and a leaf spring system is acceptable, the 1617FS delivers 6 inches at the correct tune for the DS diesel. If you want FOX 2.5 PE performance with external reservoir damping and prefer a radius arm upgrade, order 2104FPE.

If your Ram 3500 is a 2019 or newer DT platform, this kit does not apply — the DS and DT architectures are not interchangeable. If it is gas, diesel-specific geometry and spring rates in this kit are not the correct application.

DS platform, diesel, 4WD, 6-bolt axle confirmed — the 1617FS is the complete, correctly-specified lift solution at the FOX 2.0 price point.

Common Questions

What does the 6-bolt indexing ring do?
The 6-bolt indexing ring corrects the front axle pinion angle at 6-inch lift height. Without it, the driveshaft U-joints operate outside their designed angle range — producing vibration and accelerating wear under diesel towing load. Confirm proper installation per BDS instructions and verify driveline vibration after installation.

What is the difference between 1617FS and 2104FPE?
Both kits fit the 2013–2018 Ram 3500 4WD diesel and deliver 6 inches of lift. 1617FS uses FOX 2.0 shocks with a leaf spring replacement system. 2104FPE uses FOX 2.5 PE shocks with external reservoir and a radius arm upgrade. Choose based on your damping performance requirements and preferred suspension architecture.

Why does this kit not fit the 2019 Ram 3500?
The 2019 and newer Ram 3500 is the DT platform — completely different front suspension architecture from the 2013–2018 DS platform. The components in this kit are not compatible with DT geometry. Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm the correct kit for a 2019 or newer Ram 3500.

Is this a DIY install?
No. A 6-inch lift with driveline correction on a diesel platform requires a qualified suspension shop. Professional installation is required.

What tire size fits at 6-inch lift?
Typical fitment on the 2013–2018 Ram 3500 diesel at 6-inch lift runs 37–40-inch tires depending on wheel offset and backspacing. Tires at the larger end may require trimming. Confirm 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