94-02 RAM 2500/3500 3" PINTOP 2.5 SYSTEM, BASE, DIESEL

94-02 RAM 2500/3500 PINTOP 2.5" PERFORMANCE SYSTEM, DIESEL

The Pintop is the Backcountry on steroids. This system is our most popular, all-around suspension system, tuned and rides best with the Full Progressive Leaf Springs. The Pintop is a jack-of-all-trades system from which every Ram owner would benefit. Raising the Ram platform and adding the 2.5” diameter shocks supports the argument that these trucks should come equipped with 2.5” shocks from the factory. The Pintop delivers exceptional on- and off-road ride quality at a value unmatched by higher-end systems.

The Details:

This system features Carli-specific, blueprinted King 2.5” shocks on all four corners. Custom pistons were designed to determine proper base flow rates and tuned based on seat-of-the-pants feel. All King shock shafts are machined and polished from solid 17-4 Stainless Steel for durability. Unlike standard King shafts, there is no coating to wear off, and minor chips can be rounded with emery cloth without damaging the seal housing. Shocks are filled with King oil, rated down to -55°F, and come with plated steel bodies. Extended exposure to harsh weather may require wrapping shocks with 3M for additional moisture protection.

Your truck will sit 2.5”-3” higher in the front (year/cab configuration dependent) with 50% more suspension travel than the factory platform thanks to taller, lighter-rate coil springs. For the 2nd Gen platform, these coils are Multi-Rate and Side-Specific.

The rear is lifted 1”-2” via the customer’s choice of a Progressive Add-A-Pack or Full Progressive Leaf Pack. The Progressive Add-A-Pack replaces the factory overload with a 5-leaf progressive pack, keeping the rear planted while increasing traction and predictability. The optional Full Progressive Leaf Pack is highly recommended, as the system was tuned with it. It replaces the factory leaf spring assembly, increasing travel and comfort at the cost of a 15% payload reduction, which can be supplemented with Long Travel Airbags to restore payload capacity.

Rear Piggyback Reservoir Shocks Note: 2.5” rear piggyback reservoir shocks should be drained of nitrogen and cycled to their collapsed dimension to ensure clearance of all under-bed crossmembers. Shocks mount body down, shaft up, with reservoirs pointing away from the axle. Passenger side may require a 3”x1.5” section removal. Once installed, shocks should be extended fully and charged to 225psi of nitrogen.

Extended down-travel also requires modification to the factory sway bar position. Extended Sway Bar End Links are equipped with ½” FK Rod-Ends and in-house machined 17-4 stainless bodies, reusing factory pillow-bushings, to reset the sway bar engagement point.

Front axle alignment is affected by lift. Three inches of front lift shifts the axle ¾” toward the driver’s side and ½” back toward the cab. We recommend an adjustable track bar (1994-2002 trucks excluded) and extended control arms to restore proper axle location and reduce deflection.

Driver Side Lean: 1994-02 Ram 2500/3500 trucks may lean up to 1.5” lower on the driver’s side. Carli Coil and Leaf Springs for these trucks are designed side-specific to minimize this lean. Trucks may require taller springs on the passenger side or equal springs on both sides to achieve level stance. Small spring spacers may be used if necessary.

Wheel and Tire:

This system will fit up to a 35” tire with Extended Control Arms. Recommended wheels are 5.75-6” of backspacing. Larger tires improve small bump compliance; ride firming occurs with larger wheel diameters.