Best Lift Kit for RAM 1500 Rebel
The RAM 1500 Rebel is already a beast off the factory floor, but if you’re looking to fit 35-inch tires or tackle more aggressive trails, the standard height often falls just short. Navigating the world of spacers, coilovers, and air-ride compatible brackets can be a mechanical minefield. After testing various configurations on my own rigs, I’ve found that the ReadyLift 3.5″ SST stands out as the premier choice. Let’s dive into the kits that actually enhance your Rebel’s performance.
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Best Lift Kit for RAM 1500 Rebel: Detailed Reviews
ReadyLift 3.5″ SST Kit View on Amazon
The ReadyLift 3.5″ SST (Smart Suspension Technology) kit is the gold standard for Rebel owners who want a significant boost without sacrificing the truck’s signature ride quality. What makes this kit exceptional is the inclusion of heavy-duty tubular Upper Control Arms (UCAs). On the Rebel, increasing the height can often put the factory ball joints at a precarious angle; these UCAs correct that geometry perfectly. I’ve installed this on several 5th Gen Rams, and the fitment is seamless. It provides enough clearance for 35×12.50 tires on a +18 offset wheel without trimming. The only real drawback is the installation time—it’s more involved than a simple spacer—but the long-term reliability of your front-end components makes it worth every penny. You’ll notice the steering feels just as tight as stock, even at highway speeds.
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Rough Country 2″ Leveling Kit View on Amazon
If you love the Rebel’s factory Bilstein shocks but hate the “nose-down” rake, the Rough Country 2-inch Leveling Kit is your best bet. This kit utilizes strut extensions that maintain your factory spring preload, ensuring the ride remains plush. For the price, the value is unbeatable. I particularly appreciate that Rough Country uses a heavy-duty composite material for these spacers, which won’t corrode like cheaper aluminum options in salt-heavy winter climates. It’s a straightforward weekend project for any DIYer with a floor jack and a socket set. While it doesn’t offer the height of a full lift kit, it provides that aggressive “leveled” stance that the Rebel should have come with from the factory. Keep in mind, this is specifically designed for the non-air suspension models; if you have the Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension, you’ll need a different SKU.
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Supreme Suspensions Pro Billet View on Amazon
For those on a strict budget who still want a quality product, Supreme Suspensions offers a Pro Billet front leveling kit that is surprisingly robust. These spacers are CNC-machined from T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, which I find much more reassuring than the plastic spacers found in no-name eBay kits. This 2-inch front lift allows you to clear slightly larger tires while maintaining the factory ride quality. It’s a “no-frills” solution that gets the job done. However, be aware that pushing past 2 inches on a Rebel with just spacers can lead to “ball joint pop-out” if you’re doing heavy off-roading. For a mall crawler or light trail truck, it’s a fantastic way to improve the look of your RAM without breaking the bank. The black anodized finish also ensures they look great even years down the line.
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BDS 4″ Lift Kit View on Amazon
If you want to transform your Rebel into a true overland machine, the BDS 4-inch Lift Kit is the ultimate investment. BDS is famous for their “No Fine Print” warranty, and this kit shows why. It utilizes high-clearance crossmembers and replacement steering knuckles to maintain perfect suspension geometry. When paired with the optional Fox 2.0 shocks, the off-road damping is incredible; you’ll find yourself gliding over washboard roads that used to rattle your teeth. This kit easily accommodates 35-inch tires and, with the right offset, can even fit 37s. It is a “true” lift, meaning it drops the differential to keep CV angles flat. It’s significantly more expensive and requires professional installation, but the performance gains are night and day compared to spacer kits. For the Rebel owner who actually uses their 4WD system, this is the pinnacle of engineering.
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Mopar 2″ Lift Kit View on Amazon
For many Rebel owners, the biggest fear of lifting is voiding that factory warranty. That’s where the official Mopar 2″ Lift Kit comes in. Since it’s a factory-engineered part, most dealers will honor your warranty if they perform the install. This kit replaces the factory Bilsteins with specially tuned Fox shocks, which I’ve found offer a slightly firmer, more controlled feel on the road. It includes longer front control arms to ensure your alignment stays within spec. The Rebel already sits 1 inch higher than a standard RAM, so this Mopar kit adds an *additional* 2 inches on top of that, effectively giving you a 3-inch total lift over a base RAM 1500. It’s a clean, factory-approved look that doesn’t scream “aftermarket,” making it perfect for the professional who needs a capable truck without looking like a teenager’s project vehicle.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Lift Kit for your Rebel
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReadyLift 3.5″ SST | Daily Driving / 35″ Tires | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Rough Country 2″ Level | Value / Leveling Look | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Supreme Suspensions | Tight Budgets | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BDS 4″ Lift System | Hardcore Off-Roading | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Mopar 2″ Factory Kit | Warranty Protection | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a lift kit void my RAM warranty?
Technically, no lift kit “voids” the entire warranty due to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. However, if a lift kit causes a failure (like a CV axle snapping), the dealer can refuse to cover that specific repair. If warranty is your top priority, the Mopar 2-inch lift is your safest bet because it is an official accessory often covered when installed by an authorized technician at the dealership.
Can I lift a Rebel with air suspension?
Yes, but you cannot use standard spacers or coilovers. You must use “air links” (adjustable rods that change the sensor height) or specific air-ride compatible lift brackets like those from BDS or Readylift. Lifting an air-suspension truck is often simpler but can result in a stiffer ride in “Off-Road 2” mode as the air bags are at maximum pressure and have less travel.
What is the largest tire size for a 2-inch level?
On a RAM 1500 Rebel with a 2-inch level, you can comfortably run a 33×11.50 tire on factory wheels. You can fit 35×11.50 tires, but you will likely experience “rubbing” on the frame or the plastic wheel well liner when turning the steering wheel to full lock. For 35×12.50 tires, a 3.5-inch lift with offset wheels or spacers is generally required for a rub-free experience.
Do I need to realign my truck after a lift?
Yes, absolutely. Any time you change the ride height of a RAM 1500, the toe and camber settings will change. Driving without an alignment will lead to rapid tire wear and potentially dangerous handling characteristics. Most lift kit manufacturers recommend driving about 50 miles to let the suspension settle before taking it to a shop for a professional computerized 4-wheel alignment to ensure everything is straight.
How does a lift affect my fuel economy?
The lift kit itself doesn’t kill your MPG as much as the tires do. A 2-inch lift might cost you 0.5 MPG due to increased wind resistance. However, once you add heavy 35-inch mud-terrain tires, expect to lose 2-4 MPG. You’ll also notice the speedometer is off; I recommend using a programmer like the Pulsar or Rough Country Speedo Calibrator to correct your shift points and speedometer after your install.
Final Verdict
For most RAM Rebel owners, the ReadyLift 3.5″ SST kit is the “sweet spot” that provides an aggressive look without ruining the truck’s road manners. If you’re just looking to level the front for a better stance, the Rough Country or Supreme Suspensions kits are fantastic, low-cost options. However, if you plan on doing high-speed desert running or technical rock crawling, spending the extra money on a BDS or Mopar Fox-based system is a choice you won’t regret.