Carli 3" Performance 2.5 Long Arm Suspension System 12-13 Ram 2500/3500 4WD

The Carli Performance 2.5 System is Carli Suspension’s longest-running and most refined suspension system, featuring King Off Road 2.5″ race shocks. Developed from day one and proven in early Baja race support on Carli’s own Dodge Ram trucks, this system delivers a plush, car-like street ride while maintaining serious off-road capability for high-speed desert use.

CARLI SIGNATURE LONG ARM SYSTEM

Rather than limiting performance with short control arms, Carli designed the Performance 2.5 around its signature Long Arm System and Full Progressive Rear Springs to fully utilize the capability of the King 2.5 shocks. The short-arm version has been discontinued in favor of this long-arm, extended-travel configuration.

This system requires removal of the factory control arm mounts and installation of Carli drop brackets to house the internally gusseted, fully fabricated long arms. Over 50% longer than factory arms and built from 3/16″ steel, they provide more linear suspension travel, increased articulation, improved ride quality, and greater durability thanks to their parallel geometry and extended length.

SLIDE-OVER SHOCK TOWER DESIGN

To maximize long-arm performance, Carli includes a 6.25″ tall slide-over shock tower designed to accommodate 12″ travel front shocks. Paired with 1″ front bump stop drops and limit straps, the system shifts the axle’s operating range down 1″, resulting in a balanced 6″ up-travel and 6″ down-travel. This delivers 3″ more down-travel than short-arm systems while maintaining front-end control and traction over rough terrain.

CARLI-TUNED LONG-TRAVEL KING 2.5″ SHOCKS

This system includes Carli-specific, blueprinted, long-travel King 2.5″ remote reservoir shocks at all four corners. Long-arm systems receive a custom off-road-oriented 5-port piston that increases bottom-out resistance on sharp hits while maintaining predictable, comfortable street manners.

All King shocks feature solid 17-4 stainless steel shafts machined and polished from a single piece for superior durability and corrosion resistance. Shocks are filled with King oil rated to -55°F. While the plated steel bodies are highly durable, vehicles exposed to harsh weather are recommended to wrap shocks with replaceable 3M protective film.

Front ride height increases approximately 3″–3.25″ (depending on year and cab configuration) with 70% more suspension travel than stock thanks to tall, linear-rate coil springs required for the extended droop potential of the long-arm system.

TORSION SWAY BAR OPTIONS

As a no-compromise performance system, Carli highly recommends upgrading to their Torsion Sway Bar. This system replaces the factory sway bar assembly with a torsion bar supported by fabricated drop brackets, delrin bushings, fabricated sway bar arms, and dual 5/8″ FK heim joint end links. Extended end links are optional.

TORSION SWAY BAR SPECIFICATIONS:

• Significant improvement in ride quality and front suspension freedom
• Maintains vehicle control while increasing articulation
• Compatible with 0–3″ of front lift
• Requires removal of factory electronic sway bar on Power Wagons
• Torsion bar finish may be black or silver zinc (not selectable)

End link size must be verified prior to ordering: 10mm uses a 15mm socket, 12mm uses an 18mm socket.

REAR LEAF SPRING OPTIONS

Full Progressive Rear Leaf Springs are standard and provide 1.5″–2″ of rear lift while replacing the entire factory leaf pack. This dramatically improves ride quality throughout the full travel stroke while reducing payload capacity by approximately 15% on 2500 models. Payload capacity can be restored with optional Long Travel Airbags.

STANDARD FULL PROGRESSIVE LEAF SPRING SPECIFICATIONS:

• 2″ rear lift with slight rake for Carli 3″ systems
• Softer initial spring rate for improved comfort
• Reduces axle wrap and wheel hop
• Capable of 15″ suspension travel with factory shackles
• Fits 4.0″ axle tube

HEAVY-DUTY FULL PROGRESSIVE LEAF SPRING SPECIFICATIONS:

• Designed for constant 1,500 lb bed loads
• Maintains ride comfort while improving load control
• Capable of 15″ suspension travel
• Fits 4.0″ axle tube

ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR

Lifting a solid-axle truck shifts the front axle laterally and rearward. At 3″ of lift, the axle moves approximately ¾″ toward the driver side and ½″ toward the cab. This system includes an adjustable track bar to properly re-center the axle and provide increased strength with reduced deflection.

WHEEL & TIRE FITMENT

This system fits up to a 37×12.5″ tire on 17″–18″ wheels with 5″–5.25″ backspacing. With fiberglass fenders, 37×13.5″ tires fit on 9″ wide wheels with 4.5″ backspacing. The system was tuned on 17″ wheels with 37″ Toyo M/T tires at 40 PSI front / 35 PSI rear.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• WHEELS: Recommended 17″–18″ wheels, no wider than 9″
• TIRES: 37″ E-rated tires recommended; unloaded pressure 45F / 40R
• 37″ TIRE FITMENT: Requires full replacement leaf springs and control arms
• 2013 RAM 2500: Not compatible due to rear shock mount and A/C line clearance issues

NO LEAF SPRING OPTION NOTES:

• Carli strongly recommends selecting one of the available rear leaf options to ensure proper system performance, though the option to omit is available for customers with existing solutions.

NO SWAY BAR OPTION NOTES:

• Carli strongly recommends selecting one of the sway bar options for optimal handling and ride quality, though customers may opt out if already equipped.