If you're looking to get rid of that annoying factory rake, a 2019 dodge ram 1500 leveling kit is probably the first upgrade on your list. It's funny how a couple of inches in the front can completely change the way a truck looks. Most of these trucks come off the lot with the back end sitting significantly higher than the front—the "stinkbug" look, as some guys call it—and while that's great for towing heavy loads without sagging, it doesn't do much for the truck's stance when the bed is empty.
I've spent plenty of time under trucks and talking to owners who just want their Ram to look a bit more "level" and aggressive. Finding the right kit isn't just about picking the cheapest option on a website; it's about understanding how your truck handles and making sure you don't ruin the ride quality.
Why bother with a leveling kit?
Let's be real for a second: most of us aren't out here doing heavy-duty rock crawling every weekend. But we do want our trucks to look like they mean business. A 2019 dodge ram 1500 leveling kit fixes that nose-down posture and, more importantly, it opens up a lot of doors for bigger tires.
Stock Rams usually come with pretty modest tires that look a little small in those big wheel wells. Once you level the front, you can often jump up to a 33-inch or even a 35-inch tire (though you might need to trim a little plastic for the 35s). Plus, having that extra ground clearance in the front is nice if you're hitting a construction site or a muddy trail.
The big 2019 confusion: Classic vs. New Body
Before you go out and buy anything, you have to know exactly what truck you have. 2019 was a weird year for Ram. They sold the "Classic" (the DS model) alongside the "New Body Style" (the DT model). This is a huge deal because a leveling kit for a 2018 won't fit a 2019 New Body, and vice versa.
The New Body 2019 Ram has different suspension geometry. If you buy a kit designed for the Classic and try to bolt it onto the New Body, you're going to have a bad time. Always double-check your VIN or look at your headlights—if they're the sleeker, more modern ones, you've got the DT. If they look like the trucks from 2013-2018, you've got a Classic.
Different types of leveling kits
Not all kits are created equal. You basically have three main paths you can take, depending on your budget and how much you care about the way your truck drives.
Spacer Kits
These are the most common and definitely the most affordable. A spacer is essentially a puck made of aluminum, steel, or high-grade plastic that sits on top of your factory strut. It's a simple "lift the body" solution.
The pro? It's cheap and relatively easy to install. The con? It doesn't change your suspension's performance. In fact, if you go too big with a spacer (like 3 inches), you're putting a lot of stress on your ball joints and CV axles. For a 2019 dodge ram 1500 leveling kit, sticking to a 2-inch or 2.5-inch spacer is usually the "safe" zone.
Leveling Struts
This is where things get a bit more serious. Instead of just adding a puck, you replace the whole front strut or use an adjustable one like the Bilstein 5100 series. These are incredibly popular for a reason. They use the factory spring but have a different seat for it, allowing you to choose your ride height.
The ride quality with leveling struts is usually much better than spacers. It feels firmer and more controlled. If you actually use your truck for more than just grocery runs, this is the way to go.
Coilover Kits
If you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, full coilovers are the gold standard. These replace the entire strut and spring assembly with a high-performance unit. They're usually adjustable, so you can dial in the exact height you want. They handle off-road bumps like a dream, but for a daily driver, they might be overkill for some people.
The Upper Control Arm issue
One thing many people don't talk about enough when discussing a 2019 dodge ram 1500 leveling kit is the Upper Control Arm (UCA). On the 5th generation Rams (the 2019+ New Body), the factory UCAs are known to be a bit weak when you start changing the angles.
If you go with a 2.5-inch or 3-inch level, the angle of the ball joint becomes pretty extreme. I've seen cases where the ball joint literally pops out of the socket because it just wasn't designed to work at that angle. If you're going for a taller level, it's a really smart move to budget for aftermarket UCAs that are designed for lifted applications. It's better to spend the money now than to have your wheel fold in while you're driving down the highway.
Can you install it yourself?
If you're handy with a wrench and have a decent floor jack and some jack stands, you can definitely tackle a 2019 dodge ram 1500 leveling kit in your driveway. Most spacer kits are "bolt-on," but "bolt-on" is often a bit of an oversimplification.
You'll have to disconnect the sway bar links, the upper ball joint, and sometimes the tie rod ends to get enough room to swing the strut out. If you're doing leveling struts that require you to reuse the factory spring, you'll need a spring compressor. Honestly, those things can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. If you aren't comfortable with high-tension springs, just take the struts to a local shop and pay them $50 to swap the springs for you.
Don't forget the alignment
I cannot stress this enough: get an alignment immediately after installing your kit.
Anytime you mess with the front suspension height, you're changing the toe, camber, and caster. Even a 2-inch lift will pull your tires inward or outward. If you skip the alignment, you'll ruin a brand-new set of tires in a few thousand miles. Most shops will charge about $100 for a standard alignment, and it's the best $100 you'll spend on the whole project.
How does it affect fuel economy?
Let's be honest, nobody buys a Ram 1500 for the world-class fuel economy, but it's still something to consider. When you level the truck, you're catching more wind under the front end, which increases drag.
If you just do the level and keep the stock tires, you might lose maybe 0.5 MPG. However, most people pair a 2019 dodge ram 1500 leveling kit with bigger, heavier tires. That's where the real hit comes. Bigger tires are harder to turn and have more rolling resistance. Expect to lose 1-3 MPG once the whole setup is done. If you can live with that, the look is totally worth it.
Final thoughts on choosing your kit
At the end of the day, picking a kit comes down to your goals. If you just want the truck to look level for the lowest price possible, a high-quality 2-inch spacer kit will do the trick. Just keep an eye on those ball joints and don't go too crazy with the height.
If you care about how the truck feels when you hit a pothole or take a corner at speed, look into adjustable struts. The Bilstein or Eibach options are fantastic for the 2019 Ram and won't break the bank.
The 2019 Ram 1500 is one of the best-looking trucks on the road, and leveling it just brings out that "mean" factor that's hidden under the factory rake. Take your time, do your research on whether you have a Classic or a New Body, and definitely don't skip that alignment! Your truck (and your wallet) will thank you in the long run.