Combining the features that satisfy both the heavy-duty work truck and the off-road sport truck into one suspension system is not an easy task. The factory Dodge suspension on a 3/4- and 1-ton truck is usually capable of handling payloads, but doesn't give you the off-road comfort of a lighter half-ton.
Fortunately, there is a solution.
The same company that's known for its domination in off-road performance now delivers incredible appeal for the everyday truck owner. Taking a step back from the rock-crushing experiences and testing south of the border, Sage and the guys over at Carli Suspension filled a gap for those of us who don't see harsh desert environments every weekend, yet still want a capable sport suspension. The Performance 2.0 system was designed to deliver a plush ride for driving and towing while remaining more than adequate for the weekend warrior in the dirt. Working with Bilstein's digressive piston design, Sage's team dialed in a valve profile that turns the heavy-duty Dodge Ram into a tamed beast on the street. Still doubling the wheel travel and flowing fluid through an external reservoir, the off-road characteristics are staggering.
These trucks come tremendously capable and lead the pack with strapping ability, but Performance 2.0 system should leave you wondering where that brawny feel went. Outfitted with a 5-stage progressive leaf pack that replaces the factory overload spring, adjustable chromoly track bar and Carli's own multi-rate coil springs, a deceptive transformation occurs. Highway chatter, potholes, winter beaten roads, washboard, all the things you don't want to encounter with a topped-off cup of coffee in your hands, simply disappear. Still boasting OEM load and towing capacity, the truck takes on an entirely new discipline . a refined toughness that gives you more control, better handling and a smooth, quiet ride you'd never expect from a Dodge Ram HD.
Our system came complete with stainless sway bar end links, limiter straps, zinc-plated u-bolts and a specialized billet aluminum clevis that allow a 15mm bearing to be used that marry the Bilsteins to the chassis using the factory shock tower. Thanks to design elements like this, it's made to go on easy and installation can be done with a handful of tools and a jack. Air powered socket guns will make the track bar and u-bolts a much easier task, but this system goes on in a few hours. In the end, we raised the front of our Dodge about three inches and gained one inch in the rear. The truck now sits level and has room to clear 35s. One of the features we really appreciated was how the new rear spring packs move the axle about half an inch back, centering the tire in the wheel well. You can actually fit 37s in there without a major lift.
The system makes the Dodge look and feel like a completely new truck. Highway manners are one of the Carli Performance 2.0 system's big claims, aside from off-road capability.
We'll admit tackling the manners of Dodge's robust line of HD trucks isn't easy. But you can leave it to this Carli suspension.
Carli Suspension is based in Orange County, CA. KLM Performance (who hooked us up with Carli) is its eastern U.S. distributor and has systems in stock and ready for same-day shipment.
SOURCE:
Carli Suspension
www.thecarlisuspension.com
KLM Performance
www.klmperformance.com