Carli Suspension Unchained 6" System | King 3.5" RR Front + King 3.0" 4-Tube Bypass Rear | Radius Arm Conversion | Fabricated Shock Towers | 2003–2009 Ram 2500/3500 Diesel 4WD | SKU: CS-DUC35-6-03

Verified Fitment

This system fits the 2003 through 2009 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 with a diesel engine and 4WD. It is the highest-tier system in the Carli 6-inch Ram lineup for this generation — every 6-inch Ram system includes a radius arm conversion and custom shock package by design; there is no entry-level 6-inch option. Carli explicitly recommends a roll cage at this capability level.

A rear Full Progressive Leaf Spring is required for the system to function at the stated 4" rear lift height. Select at checkout or purchase separately.

Verify fitment by text: (469) 407-7538

Does NOT Fit

Verify fitment by text: (469) 407-7538

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included in base kit:

Not Included:

Critical Compatibility

Installation Notes

Skill level: Expert — professional fabrication shop required. This is the most complex system in the entire Carli session. Multiple fabrication steps are required before components can be installed.

Step 1 — Factory spring bucket boring: The 4" Hole Saw and Arbor (included) is used to bore the factory spring bucket casting to accept the King 3.5" front shock bodies. This is a permanent modification and requires a drill press or equivalent equipment for accurate center positioning.

Step 2 — Fabricated rear shock mount welding: Rear shock mounts (CS-DRSMKIT-03) and gusset kit (CS-D30GUSSET) must be welded into the rear frame area to support the King 3.0" 4-Tube Bypass shock bodies.

Step 3 — Radius arm system installation: The long crossmember radius arm system replaces the factory control arms. The crossmember spans the full frame width — complete underbody clearance and access is required during installation.

Post-install alignment: Full front-end alignment is mandatory.

Torsion sway bar: Included in the base kit. Replaces the entire factory sway bar assembly.

Instructions: Not currently available at carlisuspension.com for this SKU. Contact Carli directly for installation documentation.

Required shop equipment:

Common Questions

What is the difference between the Unchained 3.5 and the Dominator 3.0 for this platform?
Two key differences: shock specification and tuning philosophy. The Dominator uses King 3.0" Remote Reservoir shocks tuned for the best balance of on-road and off-road performance. The Unchained uses King 3.5" Remote Reservoir fronts and King 3.0" 4-Tube Bypass rears tuned specifically for off-road performance. Carli states the Dominator is "more balanced" while the Unchained's tuning "is enough to put the build quality of the rest of the truck to the test." The Unchained is the choice for buyers whose primary use case is aggressive off-road. Both systems include the radius arm conversion.

The rear bypass shocks are clicking. Is something wrong?
No — the King 3.0" 4-Tube rear bypass shocks produce audible clicking from the check valves in the external bypass tubes as they open and close. This is normal bypass shock operation, not a defect or sign of failure. The bypass tubes are what make the rear shocks tunable — and the clicking is inherent to the design.

Why does this system cost $13,760 when 3-inch systems start around $2,700?
Multiple factors. The King 3.5" front shocks alone are among the largest truck shocks produced — Carli spent significant time dialing in the custom piston and tuning. The rear King 3.0" 4-Tube Bypass shocks are complex, adjustable components. The radius arm system with 3" Currie Johnny Joints and the 1-piece gusseted crossmember is a major structural upgrade. The fabricated shock towers, weld-in rear mounts, gusset kit, torsion sway bar, and all supporting hardware add up. At 483 lb and $13,760, this is Carli's most material-intensive system in this platform.

Do I need a roll cage?
Carli recommends it for any buyer using this system to its off-road capability. The Unchained is designed to perform beyond what the truck's stock chassis was built to withstand at aggressive off-road speeds. If this truck will be driven hard in the desert or wash, a cage is a serious safety consideration. Carli does not sell cages — work with a qualified fabricator.

My Ram has a 2-piece driveshaft — do I need anything else?
Yes — a carrier bearing drop bracket is required for 2-piece driveshaft trucks (typically Crew Cab Long Box configurations) to correct the carrier bearing angle at 6" of front lift. Without it, you will experience vibration and accelerated carrier bearing wear. Add the carrier bearing drop bracket when ordering.

What is the warranty?
Carli provides a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects to the original purchaser, with proof of purchase at Carli's retail price required. Wear items excluded.

The Obsidian Take

This system is for the 2003–2009 Ram 2500 or 3500 Diesel owner who is building a dedicated off-road performance truck and has outgrown every other system in the Carli lineup. At $13,760 and 483 lb, this is not a truck-improvement purchase — it is a truck-transformation purchase. The King 3.5" fronts require factory spring bucket boring, the King 3.0" 4-Tube Bypass rears require welded frame mounts, and the radius arm system with Currie Johnny Joints replaces the factory control arms entirely. No part of this build is casual.

It is not for the buyer who wants improved ride quality on a commuter truck — the Pintop and Backcountry systems deliver that. It is not for anyone without a qualified fabrication shop — boring spring buckets and welding rear shock mounts are not negotiable steps. And it is not complete without a rear Full Progressive Leaf Spring selection and, for 2-piece driveshaft trucks, a carrier bearing drop bracket.

Carli recommends a roll cage. That is the most direct statement they make about any system in their lineup — and it tells you exactly who this is for.

Manufacturer Data Disclaimer

Specifications are sourced from Carli Suspension product documentation and authorized distributor data. Actual product specifications, component fitment, required options, and year range may vary by specific vehicle configuration, engine, driveshaft type, and manufacturer updates. Confirm all vehicle specifications and build requirements with Carli Suspension or OFAS before ordering.

Prop 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Non-Returnable Notice

Suspension components are non-returnable once installed. Confirm model year (2003–2009), engine (diesel), drivetrain (4WD), driveshaft type (1-piece or 2-piece), DRW/SRW status, and rear leaf spring selection before ordering. Text (469) 407-7538 with any fitment or build questions before your order is placed.