03-09 RAM 2500/3500 3" UNCHAINED 3.5 LONG ARM SYSTEM, BASE, DIESEL

Where the Performance 2.5” Long Arm System is more balanced, the tuning in the Unchained System pushes the build quality of the rest of the truck to the limit. It rides slightly stiffer on-road than our other high-end systems, but still far better than stock. At this level, a cage is recommended, as the off-road ability far exceeds the truck’s factory capability. The front features massive, long-travel King 3.5” shocks with an off-road-oriented tune; the rear, King 3.0” 4-tube bypass shocks. These bypass shocks provide superior bottom-out resistance and are user-tunable for the desired rear ride. The result: uncompromised off-road performance with civil on-road manners, making the truck a blast to drive everywhere.

The Details

With the release of the 3″ Long Arm, the older short-arm Unchained 3.5″ has been discontinued in favor of this extended-travel version. Customers must remove the factory control arm mounts in favor of Carli Drop Brackets, which house our internally gusseted, fully fabricated Long Arm System. These arms are 50% longer than stock and built from 3/16” cold-rolled steel with internal gusseting for extended travel, more linear stroke, and a smoother ride quality thanks to their ground-parallel position.

The system includes a 6.25” tall slide-over shock tower to accommodate 11.25” travel shocks, 1” bump stop drops, and limit straps. This allows full, safe use of the King 3.5” shocks. Compared to short-arm setups (7” up / 3” down), the long arm shifts operating range down by 1” for a balanced 6” up and 5.25” down travel—ensuring the front end stays planted in rough terrain. If you’re looking for a daily driver that can handle weekends off-road, stick with Performance 2.5”; if you want a no-compromise system pushing the limits of the Ram platform, this is it.

The Unchained system features Carli Signature-tuned King 3.5” remote reservoir shocks up front. These required boring out the factory spring buckets to cycle properly. Extensive off-road oriented tuning ensures maximum performance while maintaining street manners. Out back, King 3.0” 4-tube Bypass Shocks are spec’d to balance the rear performance with the front.

Bypass Shock Function

A bypass shock uses external tubes with one-way check valves, adjustable to tune compression and rebound zones:

• Compression zone: At ride height, bypass tubes allow fluid to move freely for a supple ride. On large hits, ports close, forcing fluid through valving for strong bottom-out resistance—like an internal bump stop.
• Rebound zone: Oversized tubes deep in the stroke allow fast rebound to maintain traction. As the shock extends, rebound tubes close and valving slows the shaft to prevent harsh top-out.

Larger shock diameters = more capability. More tubes = more adjustability. Larger tubes = more oil flow and more valving options to fine-tune progression.

All King shocks are finished with 17-4 Stainless shafts—machined and polished from solid stock. Unlike standard hardened shafts, they resist weathering and can be smoothed if chipped. Bodies are plated steel; for long-term inclement weather, wrap in 3M film for a replaceable moisture barrier.

Rear shocks are mounted with Carli Fabricated Rear Shock Mounts to eliminate the weak points in the factory mounts.

The system lifts the truck 3”-3.25” in the front (cab/year dependent) and delivers 70% more suspension travel over stock thanks to taller linear-rate coil springs. Multi-rate coils were too short to meet this droop potential.

As a no-compromise package, the system pairs with the Carli Torsion Sway Bar and Full Progressive Leaf Springs (no option for sway bar links or add-a-packs). The sway bar replaces the entire factory setup with fabricated drop brackets, Delrin bushings, fabricated arms, and dual 5/8” FK heim end links.

The Full Progressive Leaf Pack raises the rear 1.5”-2”, replacing the factory spring assembly for increased travel and comfort. This reduces payload by ~15% compared to a 2500, but payload can be restored to 3500 SRW levels with optional Long Travel Airbags for both ride quality and load control.

A 3” front lift shifts the axle ¾” driver-side and ½” rearward. The system includes an Adjustable Track Bar to recenter the axle and strengthen this key linkage.

Wheel & Tire

• Fits up to 37”x12.5” tires on 17”-18” wheels with 5”-5.25” backspacing.
• With fiberglass fenders: 37”x13.5” tires on 9” wheels with 4.5” backspacing.
• Tuned with 17” wheels, 37” Toyo M/T at 40F/35R.
• More rubber = better small bump compliance; larger wheel diameters = firmer ride.