Lifted Ram 2500 Diesel on KMC KM445 Beadlock Wheels and 37” tires
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What’s going on everyone, welcome back! This time we’re looking at a rig that proves sometimes less is more when we’re talking about lifted trucks. While other builds might catch your eye with massive overland campers, countless LED light bars, and aggressive steel bumpers, Dave’s late-model Ram 2500 Cummins takes a refreshingly different approach – and it doesn’t mean this truck is any less capable, in fact it’s even better!
Dave, the proud owner of this lifted off-road beast, stuck to the philosophy of keeping things clean and purposeful. Rather than loading the truck with flashy accessories, he’s focused on the basic things that really matter when it comes to wheelong – suspension and wheels.
Simple & Functional Build
The result? A lifted truck with serious off-road capability that keeps that classy, meaningful vibe we absolutely love to see. Dave has put considerable thought and investment into creating a capable off-road machine that can cope with a tough terrain while still being comfortable for daily on-pavement driving. Stick around as we break down all the modifications and upgrades.
Suspension
The first and foremost mod for Dave’s Ram upgrade is the thoughtfully selected suspension. Thuren Fabrication’s 2.75″ springs provide the perfect balance of lift and ride quality.
What I like most about this setup is how Dave paired these springs with FOX 2.5 DSC (Dual Speed Compression) shocks to deliver excellent damping with separate high and low-speed compression circuits that can be precisely tuned for everything from highway cruising to high-speed desert running.
Completing the front end geometry correction, the Carli Suspension Track Bar keeps the axle properly centered throughout its travel range and effectively eliminate the dreaded “death wobble” which is a real issue for many lifted trucks and Jeeps. This combination provides sufficient articulation and maintains predictable handling, on and off the paved roads.
Wheels & Tires
Dave’s wheel and tire choice makes a truly distinctive statement. The KMC KM445 IMPACT FORGED BEADLOCK wheels in 17×9 with aggressive -12 offset are undeniably the centerpiece of this build, with a striking custom finish by Armor Coatings.
Wrapped in meaty 37-12.5-17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, these wheels provide excellent traction on different terrains and keeps reasonable on-road manners. The Apex Designs USA RPV’s (Radius Prevention Valves) complete the combo, protecting these gorgeous wheels when airing down for more technical trails.
Other Mods
The meticulous attention to detail continues with two practical yet often overlooked modifications. The well-known firewall pinch seam interference was carefully flattened in order to prevent tire rubbing at full articulation without compromising structural integrity.
To complement this, Dave heated and remolded the fender liners to maximize clearance for the 37-inch tires and eliminate the need for aggressive trimming. These subtle tweaks demonstrate Dave’s thoughtful approach to building a capable off-roader that maintains clean looks.
List of Modifications
Suspension
- 2.75″ Thuren Fabrication Springs
- FOX 2.5 DSC Shocks
- Carli Suspension Track Bar
Wheels/Tires
- 37-12.5-17 Nittotire Ridge Grapplers
- KMC KM445 IMPACT FORGED BEADLOCK 17×9 -12, custom coated by Armor Coatings
- Apex Designs USA RPV’s
Other
- Flattened firewall pinch seam
- Heated fender liner and molded out of the way
Conclusion
With a thoughtful suspension upgrade, premium wheel and tire package, and careful clearance mods, Dave’s Ram 2500 Cummins earns a solid 45-point rating based on our Off-road Capability score. The meticulously crafted combo of 37-inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers and custom-finished KMC beadlock wheels creates an authoritative stance that delivers the spirit of desert pre-runners and keeps daily practicality high.
What I like most about this truck is how it demonstrates that targeted, quality mods often provide better real-world performance than excessive, showy upgrades that compromise drivability. This Ram perfectly exemplifies modern off-road philosophy — respecting traditional lifted truck principles and incorporating race-inspired elements that improves both form and function.
Watch the progress and find out more about this lifted Dodge Ram build by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @punknking_jt
Stay tuned for more project reviews on Offroadium.com – Follow us on social media, and share this write-up if you enjoyed reading it!
