2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Buildup - Ground Force 2/3 Lowering Kit

Before

We've told you how much we love our long-term road test '09 Dodge Ram 1500. Unfortunately, we have to keep it stock and just keep you posted on how the vehicle delivers in its stock configuration, but we just know that a few bolt-ons would allow it to perform even better. Well, we just happened to know of someone with a similar truck that was willing to see how the venerable 5.7L Hemi V-8 could benefit from improved breathing and better handling.

After

Enter MagnaFlow and Airaid with high-flowing components to improve the power and mileage of the Hemi and Ground Force for a simple coil spring 2/3 drop kit. In addition to the new suspension, we also had to do something about its lackluster, factory 17-inch wheels. We visited tirerack.com and ordered a set of KMC wheels and General Grabber UPH tires with TPMS sensors installed so that the owner could switch easily between sets of wheels. The owner uses the truck to haul heavy Harleys, so we went with a tall, cushy sidewall on the 20-inch General tires that are similar diameter to the stock tires to keep a factory ride, while improving handling. General tires have great grip, are quiet on the highway, and the price point is just right for this economy.

Our first stop was at Elahn Motorsports, formerly known as JBM Motoring, in Orange, California, where the Ground Force 2/3 lowering kit was laid out. With four coils and four shocks tuned for the Ram, we anticipated a straightforward install.
Our first stop was at Elahn Motorsports, formerly known as JBM Motoring, in Orange, Califo
Adolfo handled the install and began by lifting the truck on a rack and removing the wheels. To keep it from binding, he unplugged the wheel speed sensor. Then he removed the tie-rod end and unbolted the sway bar from the endlink.
Adolfo handled the install and began by lifting the truck on a rack and removing the wheel
Next, Adolfo removed the shock and unbolted the upper ball joint from the A-arm. He used a prybar to get the lower arm to drop down far enough to pull the spring free.
Next, Adolfo removed the shock and unbolted the upper ball joint from the A-arm. He used a

Side by side, you can see that the Ground Force spring has the same number of coils, but it's slightly shorter, even unloaded. Each coil spring is tuned to deliver excellent ride quality, while also helping the truck handle better than ever.
Side by side, you can see that the Ground Force spring has the same number of coils, but i
The spring and its bushing were inserted into the spring pocket.
Adolfo pried down on the upper arm until the ball joint nut could be threaded on, then it was tightened in place.
Adolfo pried down on the upper arm until the ball joint nut could be threaded on, then it

The shock was installed and the pitman arm and sway bar were both bolted back in place. Adolfo used a paint pen to mark each bolt that was turned so that they could quickly be inspected for signs of coming loose.
The shock was installed and the pitman arm and sway bar were both bolted back in place. Ad
The rear suspension was even easier, although the shock did take some maneuvering to get free. This lower bolt was simple, but the upper one required a tight squeeze.
The rear suspension was even easier, although the shock did take some maneuvering to get f
The rear axle was supported because the shocks serve to limit the rear suspension travel. With the shocks out, the springs easily dropped out and made way for the new Ground Force coils. The shocks bolted in and Adolfo had us ready to roll in less than an hour! We were ready for the new KMC wheels and General Tires, but we'll show you that last.
The rear axle was supported because the shocks serve to limit the rear suspension travel.