Press Release #186: 2013-2014 RAM 3500 8″ Long Arm Systems

View 8” 4-Link System Online

RAM 3500 8″ 4-Link System
Hi–res image: dk_1614H_a.jpg

RAM 3500 8″ 4-Link System
Hi–res image: dk_1614H_b.jpg

RAM 3500 w/ 8″ Lift Kit
Hi–res image: dodge_3500_8b.jpg

RAM 3500 w/ 8″ Lift Kit
Hi–res image: dodge_3500_8a.jpg

RAM 3500 w/ 8″ Lift Kit
Hi–res image: dodge_3500_8c.jpg

RAM 3500 w/ 8″ Lift Kit
Hi–res image: dodge_3500_8e.jpg

RAM 3500 w/ 8″ Lift Kit
Hi–res image: dodge_3500_8d.jpg

BDS Project Slate shown

More on this truck at Project Slate

Coldwater, MI—December 1, 2014— BDS Suspension continues to lead the industry with new and innovative products for the late model RAM 2500/3500 4WD trucks. After more than a year of development and testing BDS is excited to announce the release of complete 8″ 4-Link Conversion Long Arm Systems for the 2013-2014 RAM 3500 4WD diesel trucks. These new systems offer premium on-road comfort and superior offroad capability for the best all around performance out of your new 1-ton RAM.

As with the widely popular BDS 4″ and 6″ 4-link conversion systems for late model RAM, this new 8″ system converts the factory radius arm suspension to a true 4-link for improved stability, wheel travel, and handling across all terrains. The 4-link design limits caster change to less than 1-degree of change throughout wheel travel for better handling, steering control, and overall driveability. The heart of the system are a pair of massive frame-mounted brackets precision welded and engineered to position the new upper and lower control arms for optimal suspension geometry for late model RAM trucks. The 4-link brackets are fabricated from 1/4″ thick steel and wrap around the frame as well as the factory radius arm brackets to create an extremely sturdy mount for the new arms. Removal of the factory radius arm brackets is not required allowing the brackets to stay intact to speed up the installation time. The upper and lower control arms are built from 2″ OD x 3/16″ wall DOM tubing for the strength to take any abuse you can throw at them. They utilize large 2.5″ OD polyurethane bushings to isolate road vibrations and are formed inward to allow for extra tire clearance while repositioning the front axle slightly forward for increase tire clearance to the backside of the front fenders when turned. These arms are finished in a durable textured black powder coating and use grease fittings for easy servicing.

The additional height comes from a pair of specially designed dual rate ProRide coil springs. These 8″ coils have been engineered and tested to improve the ride quality and performance across all terrains while holding up to the rigors that 1-ton truck owners demand without bowing or sagging over time. A heavy duty track bar relocation bracket is supplied to recenter the front axle once lifted and a forged drop pitman arm is used to correct steering angles to keep them in phase for proper handling. New extended sway bar links are included to correct the front sway bar operating angle. These new links are greasable via pre-installed grease fittings and feature a unique poly-flex ball design to provide bind-free operation. Extended front bump stops are included to limit suspension compression and braided stainless steel kevlar-lined extended front brake lines allow full droop of the suspension. Rounding out the front are your choice of specially valved BDS-5500 or Fox 2.0 performance gas shocks for a smooth ride across any terrain.

At 8″ of lift, transmission/transfer case relocation is required to allow front driveshaft functionality. BDS includes a new laser cut transmission crossmember and adjustable transmission mounting plate to increase clearance front driveline clearance. The transfer case is repositioned by way of a supplied indexing ring kit to correct the operating angle and a billet aluminum driveshaft spacer is supplied to allow the use of the factory driveshafts. Indexing rings are available for both 6-bolt and 8-bolt transmission equipped trucks, confirm transmission before ordering.

In the rear, a new leaf spring/block combo is supplied to optimize ride quality and maximize wheel travel. This is accomplished with an exclusive triple-stage leaf spring design where the main leaf pack is broken into 2 stages. The primary 3 leafs are functional with no additional load in the vehicle for excellent everyday ride quality. As moderate loads are applied the secondary leafs are engaged. Lastly, if the truck is fully loaded, the bottom overload is engaged for maximum hauling capacity. This setup allows your RAM 3500 to maintain ride quality unloaded without sacrificing payload. In addition to the new leaf spring leaf design, the rear system integrates a 2″ block to achieve minimal spring arch to improve shackle functionality and maximize wheel travel. New rear u-bolts are supplied to convert the factory 14mm to larger 5/8″ diameter u-bolts and your choice of BDS-5500 or Fox 2.0 performance gas shocks complete the rear of this truck.

Available Accessories

BDS has a number of accessories available to fit the new 2013-2014 RAM 3500 trucks. Both single and dual steering stabilizer kit are available to meet your on-road and off-road performance needs. Available with 5500-series (white body), 9500-series (brushed stainless body), and Fox 2.0 (50/50-valved aluminum body) BDS steering stabilizers improve drivability by reducing front end shimmy caused by oversized tires and mount above the tie-rod for extra protection when offroad. The dual stabilizer kits mount end-to-end with an attractive BDS branded center bracket. In addition to steering stabilizers, BDS offers a heavy duty adjustable front track bar to allow you to dial in the front axle lateral positioning. Constructed from 1-3/8″ solid steel stock this new adjustable track bar is built to handle on and off-road abuse and uses a 1-3/8″-12 fine threaded pinch bolt design turnbuckle to allow easy tuning to properly recenter the front axle for a range of lift heights. The track bar is formed for proper clearance around critical front end components and features gusseted ends for additional rigidity. The ends utilize high-durometer polyurethane bushings with thick-walled steel sleeves for strength and reliability. To improve dampening capabilities BDS offers front dual shock mounting brackets. The upper hoop ties into the factory coil bucket and frame rail for added rigidity and allows you run a pair of BDS-5500 or Fox 2.0 shocks at each front corner. Lastly, BDS offers rear traction bar kits to fit the new Ram 3500 trucks. Designed to eliminate axle wrap and keep the rear axle planted during hard acceleration, BDS traction bars are constructed from 1-1/4″ OD tubing and are 100% bolt-on.

As with all BDS products these are backed by the comprehensive Factory Protection Plus Plan. For more info on this new 8″ 4-link suspension system and available accessories, visit BDS Suspension or call (517) 279-2135.

BDS Suspension Systems are Protected by the Factory Protection Plus Program
	5-year, 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty BDS’s exclusive No Fine Print Warranty