If you're tired of that nose-down look on your truck, a 2014 Ram 3500 leveling kit is probably the first upgrade on your list. These trucks are absolute powerhouses, but from the factory, they come with a pretty significant "rake." That means the back sits a few inches higher than the front. Ram does this intentionally so that when you hook up a massive fifth-wheel or throw 4,000 pounds in the bed, the truck levels out instead of sagging in the rear. But for most of us who aren't hauling maximum capacity every single day, that slanted stance just doesn't look right.
Leveling your truck isn't just about the aesthetics, though that's a huge part of it. It's also about opening up space in the wheel wells. If you've been eyeing a set of 35-inch tires, you've likely realized they won't fit comfortably without some extra clearance up front. A simple leveling kit solves that problem while giving the truck a much more aggressive, "tough" presence on the road.
Why the 2014 Model Year Matters
When you're shopping for a 2014 Ram 3500 leveling kit, you have to be specific about your year. Why? Because 2013 and 2014 were transition years for Ram's heavy-duty suspension. Unlike the older models that used a four-link front suspension, the 2014 Ram 3500 features a radius arm setup. This changes how the axle moves and how the suspension reacts to a lift.
Because of the radius arms, you can't just throw any old spacers in there and expect it to drive like stock. You have to consider the geometry. When you lift the front of a radius arm truck, it slightly pulls the axle backward and shifts it toward the driver's side due to the track bar. If you don't account for these shifts, your truck might feel "flighty" on the highway or develop some annoying vibrations.
Spacer Kits vs. Replacement Springs
The first big decision you'll face is whether to go with a "puck" (spacer) or a full replacement coil spring.
Spacers are the most budget-friendly way to get the job done. These are usually made of steel or heavy-duty polyurethane and sit right on top of your factory coil springs. The big benefit here is cost and ease of installation. Since you're keeping your factory springs, the ride quality stays almost exactly the same as it was when you drove it off the lot. It's a great option if you're happy with the stock feel but just want the height.
On the other hand, replacement coil springs are the premium choice. Instead of just shoving a spacer in there, you're swapping the entire spring for a longer one. Many of these aftermarket springs use a "linear" or "progressive" rate that is actually softer than the factory Ram springs. Let's be honest, 1-ton trucks aren't known for their pillowy ride. A high-quality leveling spring can actually make the truck handle small bumps and potholes much better than the stiff factory setup.
Don't Forget the Shocks
One mistake a lot of guys make is forgetting about the shocks. When you add a 2 or 2.5-inch 2014 ram 3500 leveling kit, your factory shocks are suddenly stretched out. They might still work for a while, but they'll be operating at the very end of their travel limit. Every time you hit a big bump, the shock can "top out," which feels like a violent jolt and can eventually ruin the shock.
Most decent kits will either include shock extensions—which are just little brackets that move the mounting point—or better yet, a pair of longer aftermarket shocks. If you have the budget, upgrading to something like a Bilstein 5100 or a Fox 2.0 shock at the same time as your leveling kit is a total game-changer. It'll handle better, look better, and last a lot longer.
The Importance of an Adjustable Track Bar
If you're going up 2 inches or more, you really should look into an adjustable track bar. The track bar is what keeps your front axle centered under the frame. Because it's an angled bar, as the truck goes higher, the bar pulls the axle toward the driver's side.
On a 2-inch level, your axle might only shift over half an inch or so. To some people, that's not a big deal. But for others, seeing one tire sticking out further than the other is an eyesore. More importantly, it can mess with your steering wheel alignment. An adjustable track bar lets you perfectly center that axle again, keeping your steering geometry exactly where it needs to be.
Can You Install It Yourself?
If you've got a decent set of tools and a Saturday afternoon, you can absolutely install a 2014 ram 3500 leveling kit in your driveway. However, keep in mind that we're talking about a heavy-duty truck. Everything is bigger, heavier, and tighter than it is on a half-ton or a car.
You're going to need a very high-quality floor jack and some heavy-duty jack stands. You'll be dropping the front axle down quite a bit to get the springs out (or the spacers in), so you have to be careful not to overstretch your brake lines or ABS wires. It's a straightforward job, but it's a workout. If you aren't comfortable working with compressed springs or heavy suspension components, paying a local shop for a few hours of labor is money well spent for the peace of mind.
Tires and Alignment
Once the kit is on, the very next stop needs to be the alignment shop. Even if you think the truck drives straight, changing the ride height alters the "toe" and "caster" of your front end. If you skip the alignment, you might find yourself buying a new set of front tires in six months because they wore down unevenly.
Speaking of tires, a leveled 2014 Ram 3500 looks incredible with 35-inch tires. Depending on the offset of your wheels, you might get a tiny bit of rubbing on the plastic inner fender liner at full steering lock, but it's usually nothing a little trimming can't fix. Some guys even squeeze 37s on with a level, but that usually requires specific wheel offsets and a bit more "massaging" of the wheel wells.
Any Downsides to Leveling?
It wouldn't be fair to talk about all the pros without mentioning a few cons. The biggest one is the "squat" factor. Like I mentioned earlier, that factory rake is there for a reason. If you level the front and then hook up a heavy trailer, your truck is going to be "squatting" (the rear will be lower than the front). This can make your headlights point into the eyes of oncoming drivers and might make the steering feel a bit light.
If you still plan on towing heavy stuff frequently, you might want to consider adding airbags to the rear. That way, you can have a perfectly level truck when empty, but you can pump up the bags to keep it level when you're hauling a load.
The other thing to watch for is a slight dip in fuel economy. By raising the front end, you're catching more wind under the truck, which creates more drag. It's usually not a huge difference—maybe half a mile per gallon—but it's something to be aware of if you do a lot of highway commuting.
Final Thoughts
A 2014 ram 3500 leveling kit is arguably the best "bang for your buck" modification you can do. It completely transforms the look of the truck, making it look like the heavy-duty beast it was always meant to be. Whether you go with a simple spacer or a high-end spring and shock combo, you're going to love the way your Ram looks when you catch its reflection in a storefront window. Just remember to do it right: get an alignment, keep an eye on your shock length, and maybe grab an adjustable track bar to keep everything centered. Your truck (and your ego) will thank you.