Installing a 2019 ram 1500 2wd leveling kit is one of those modifications that offers a huge payoff for a relatively small investment. If you've spent any time looking at your truck from the side, you've probably noticed that the front end sits significantly lower than the back. This is what the industry calls "rake," and while manufacturers do it to keep the truck level when you've got a heavy trailer hooked up, it doesn't exactly scream "aggressive off-road machine" when the bed is empty.
If you're driving the two-wheel-drive version of the 2019 Ram, you're already sitting a bit lower than your 4x4 counterparts. Adding a leveling kit doesn't just fix the stance; it gives the truck a much more commanding presence on the road. It's the difference between looking like a standard work truck and looking like something you've actually put some thought into.
Why Bother Leveling a 2WD Truck?
A lot of people think leveling kits are only for the guys heading out to the mud pits or climbing rocks, but that's not really the case. For a 2WD 2019 Ram 1500, a leveling kit is mostly about aesthetics and clearing larger tires. Let's be honest: the factory rake on the 2019 models is pretty noticeable. By bringing the front up about two inches, you're creating a much more uniform, "level" profile.
Beyond just the looks, a leveling kit opens up your options for rubber. If you want to move away from those skinny highway tires and put something with a bit more meat on it, you're going to need that extra clearance in the wheel wells. Without it, you'll be listening to the sound of your tires rubbing against the plastic liners every time you try to pull into a parking spot.
Understanding Your Options
When you start shopping for a 2019 ram 1500 2wd leveling kit, you'll realize there isn't just one way to do it. You've got a few different paths you can take depending on your budget and how much you care about the ride quality.
Leveling Spacers
These are the most common and definitely the most budget-friendly. They're basically heavy-duty "pucks" made of aluminum, steel, or high-density nylon that sit on top of your factory strut assembly. They're great because they don't require you to take the whole strut apart, and they're usually pretty easy to install. However, because they're just pushing the factory suspension down, they can sometimes make the ride feel a little stiffer than stock.
Leveling Struts and Shocks
If you've got a bit more cash to spend, going with something like the Bilstein 5100 series is usually the way to go. These are replacement struts that have adjustable height settings. Instead of just adding a spacer, you're actually upgrading the damping of your truck. Most people find that these actually improve the ride quality, making the truck feel more planted and less "floaty" on the highway.
Coil Springs
For the 2WD Ram, some kits actually replace the front coil springs. This is a very solid way to do it because the spring is designed specifically for that height. It's a more "complete" feeling modification, though it does require a bit more work during the installation process since you'll be dealing with compressed springs.
The Issue of Upper Control Arms
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is the upper control arms (UCAs). On the 2019 Ram 1500, the factory UCAs are built to work at a specific angle. When you install a 2019 ram 1500 2wd leveling kit and push that front end up two or two-and-a-half inches, you're changing the geometry of the suspension.
At that height, the ball joint in the factory control arm can get pretty stressed. It's stretched to its limit, which can lead to premature wear or, in worst-case scenarios, the ball joint popping out while you're driving. If you're going over two inches, a lot of truck guys will recommend upgrading to aftermarket UCAs that are designed for leveled trucks. It's an extra expense, but it's a lot cheaper than a catastrophic failure on the freeway.
Can You Do It Yourself?
If you're handy with a wrench and have a decent set of tools, you can probably knock out a spacer kit installation in your driveway over a Saturday afternoon. You'll need a floor jack, some sturdy jack stands, and probably a big breaker bar because those factory bolts are on there tight.
However, if you're going the strut replacement route or dealing with coil springs, things get a bit more intense. You might need a spring compressor, which can be a bit intimidating (and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing). If the idea of a highly compressed metal coil makes you nervous, there's no shame in taking it to a local alignment shop and letting them handle the heavy lifting.
The All-Important Alignment
Here is the one thing you absolutely cannot skip: the alignment. The second you change the height of your front suspension, your toe, camber, and caster angles are going to be completely out of whack. If you finish the install and decide to "see how it feels" for a few weeks before getting an alignment, you're going to ruin your front tires.
Even a two-inch lift can cause your tires to point slightly inward or outward. You won't always feel it in the steering wheel, but your tread will disappear faster than you'd believe. Budget an extra hundred bucks or so to take the truck straight from your garage to the alignment rack.
Bigger Tires and the Look
Most people buying a 2019 ram 1500 2wd leveling kit are doing it so they can run 33-inch or even 35-inch tires. On the 2019 "New Body Style" (the DT model), you can usually fit 33s with no problem once you're leveled. If you want to go up to 35s, you might have to do some minor trimming of the plastic wheel well liners, and you'll definitely need to pay attention to your wheel offset.
If you keep the factory wheels, a 35-inch tire might be too wide and could rub against the control arm or the frame. Many guys end up getting a set of wheel spacers or new wheels with a slightly more aggressive offset to push the tires out just enough to clear everything. Plus, that wider stance just looks better anyway.
Impact on Fuel Economy and Towing
It's worth mentioning that leveling your truck will probably cost you a little bit at the pump. By raising the front end, you're catching more wind underneath the truck, which increases drag. It's not going to turn your truck into a gas-guzzler overnight, but don't be surprised if you see your MPG drop by one or two.
As for towing, remember why that rake was there in the first place. When you put a heavy load in the bed or hook up a trailer, the rear of the truck squats. Since you've already leveled the front, that squat might now result in your truck "squatting" or "California leaning," where the nose points toward the sky. If you plan on towing heavy loads frequently, you might want to look into getting some rear air bags or helper springs to keep things level when the truck is loaded down.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a 2019 ram 1500 2wd leveling kit is one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" mods you can do. It transforms the look of the truck, gives you more confidence on rougher roads, and lets you run the kind of tires the truck should have had from the factory. Just make sure you do your homework on the UCAs, don't cheap out on the alignment, and enjoy the new view from the driver's seat. It's a small change that makes your Ram feel like a completely different beast.