Installing a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit is arguably the best first modification you can make if you're tired of that factory nose-dive look. Let's be real for a second—Ram builds a fantastic truck, but they have this tendency to set the front end significantly lower than the rear. While that "rake" is technically there to help with aerodynamics and keep the truck level when you're hauling a heavy trailer, it doesn't do much for the truck's curb appeal when the bed is empty. If you want that aggressive, even stance, leveling is the way to go.
Why Leveling Your Ram Actually Matters
Most people look at a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit as a purely aesthetic upgrade, and honestly, that's a huge part of it. When you level out the truck, it suddenly looks like the beast it was meant to be. It stands taller, looks more capable, and just has a better presence on the road. But beyond just looking cool at the local meetup, there are some practical reasons to consider this.
The biggest functional benefit is ground clearance at the front bumper. If you do any light off-roading or even just drive through deep snow, that factory chin spoiler can scrape on just about everything. Bringing the nose up a couple of inches gives you that extra bit of breathing room. More importantly, it opens up the wheel wells so you can actually fit a decent set of tires. Let's face it, the stock highway tires that come on many 2019 Rams look a bit small once you start looking at them closely. A leveling kit lets you step up to 33-inch or even 35-inch tires (depending on your wheel offset) without the constant fear of rubbing every time you turn the steering wheel.
Understanding the Different Types of Kits
Not all leveling kits are built the same, and what you choose really depends on your budget and how you plan to use your truck. For the 2019 model year, which was the debut of the "DT" new body style, you have a few specific options to weigh.
Spacer Kits (The "Puck" Style)
If you're on a budget, a spacer kit is usually the go-to. These are essentially metal or high-density plastic spacers that sit on top of your factory strut assembly. They're relatively inexpensive and get the job done. The main perk here is that they don't change your factory spring rate, so the ride stays pretty much the same as it was the day you drove it off the lot.
However, there is a catch. Because you're technically extending the assembly, you're pushing your suspension components closer to their limits. On a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit that uses spacers, you have to be careful about your upper control arms (UCAs). If you go too high—say, 2.5 inches or more—the ball joint angle can get pretty nasty, which might lead to premature wear or even the ball joint popping out if you hit a big bump.
Leveling Struts and Coilovers
If you have a little more room in your wallet, I'd always suggest looking at adjustable leveling struts, like the Bilstein 5100 series or something from Eibach. Instead of just shoving a spacer on top, these replace the factory strut or use a different spring seat height to lift the front.
The advantage here is ride quality. Many of these struts are valved better than the factory ones, meaning your truck might actually handle bumps better than it did before. You get the lift you want and an upgrade in dampening at the same time. If you want to go all-out, you can go with a full coilover setup, but for most daily drivers, that's usually overkill.
The 2019 "New Body" vs. "Classic" Factor
Here is something that trips a lot of people up: 2019 was a transition year for Ram. You had the "New Body Style" (the DT) and the "Classic" (the DS, which is the older 4th gen body). When you are shopping for a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit, you absolutely have to know which one you have.
The suspension setups are different. A kit designed for a 2018 Ram will work on a 2019 Classic, but it won't fit the new 2019 body style properly. The newer trucks have different control arm designs and different strut mounts. Always double-check your VIN or look at your headlights—if they're the slim, modern LEDs or halogens, you've likely got the new body style. If it looks like the truck Ram has been making since 2009, it's a Classic.
Installation: Can You Do It Yourself?
This is a common question in the forums. Can you install a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit in your driveway? The short answer is yes, but it's not exactly a "ten-minute oil change" type of job. You're going to need some decent tools: a heavy-duty jack, jack stands (don't even think about doing this on just a jack), a torque wrench, and probably a big breaker bar for those stubborn lower strut bolts.
The trickiest part is usually dealing with the steering knuckles and making sure you don't over-extend the CV axles if you have a 4WD model. If you're installing a kit that requires you to disassemble the strut to put in a new spring or a preload spacer, you'll need a spring compressor. Word of advice: if you aren't comfortable with spring compressors, just take the struts to a local shop and pay them $50 to swap the parts. Those springs are under a massive amount of tension, and they don't play nice if something slips.
Once everything is bolted back together, there is one non-negotiable step: Get an alignment. I can't stress this enough. Even a 2-inch lift completely changes your toe and camber settings. If you skip the alignment, you'll ruin a perfectly good set of tires in a few thousand miles, and the truck will feel "darty" on the highway.
Choosing the Right Lift Height
How high should you go? Most guys find that 2 inches is the "sweet spot" for a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit. It usually leaves a tiny bit of rake (maybe half an inch), which is actually good because it prevents the truck from looking like it's sagging when you have a couple of passengers in the back or some groceries in the bed.
If you go for a 2.5-inch or 3-inch leveling kit, the truck will sit perfectly level or even a tiny bit nose-high ("California Lean" or "Baja Style"). While some people love that look, keep in mind that as soon as you hook up a trailer, the rear is going to squat, and your headlights will be pointing at the power lines instead of the road.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
At the end of the day, a 2019 dodge ram leveling kit is one of those mods that gives you a ton of "bang for your buck." It changes the entire silhouette of the truck and makes it feel like yours rather than just another stock vehicle off the lot.
Just remember to do your homework. Check if you have the Classic or the New Body Style, decide if you want the simplicity of a spacer or the performance of a new strut, and for the love of all things holy, get that alignment done as soon as you're finished. Your Ram is a workhorse, and giving it a better stance just makes the work (and the drive) that much more enjoyable. Whether you're hitting the trails or just want to look better in the driveway, leveling is a solid move.