Let's be honest, seeing a 4th gen cummins lifted driving down the road is enough to make almost anyone do a double-take. There is just something about the body lines of the 2010 to 2018 Ram heavy-duty trucks that lends itself perfectly to a higher stance and some beefy tires. Whether you're hauling a heavy gooseneck trailer through a muddy job site or just cruising to the local meet, a well-executed lift on these trucks completely changes the vibe from "work horse" to "absolute beast."
The 4th generation Ram is widely considered the sweet spot for many diesel enthusiasts. You've got the legendary 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel, a much more comfortable interior than the older 3rd gens, and a rugged suspension design that can take a beating. But if you're thinking about pulling the trigger on a lift kit, there's a lot more to consider than just "how high can I go?" It's about balance, drivability, and making sure you don't ruin a perfectly good truck in the process.
Why the 4th Gen is the Perfect Canvas
If you talk to any long-time Dodge or Ram guy, they'll tell you the 4th gen really refined what a heavy-duty truck should be. While the 2nd and 3rd gens are legendary for their engines, the 4th gen brought a level of comfort and tech that made them actually pleasant to drive every day. When you take a 4th gen cummins lifted and do it right, you're enhancing a platform that's already solid.
The frame on these trucks is incredibly stout, especially the 2013.5 and newer models that transitioned to a high-strength steel frame and a radius arm front suspension. This change was a big deal because it improved ride quality and handled lift kits a bit differently than the older four-link setups. Whether you have the earlier 2010-2012 models or the later radius arm trucks, the wheel wells are cavernous, meaning you can fit some serious rubber under there without having to hack up your fenders too much.
Choosing Your Lift Height: How High is Too High?
This is where things get subjective. Some guys just want a "level" look, while others want to be looking down at semi-trucks. For a 4th gen cummins lifted, the most common heights usually fall into three categories:
The 2.5 to 3-inch Leveling Kit: This is the "starter pack." It gets rid of that factory rake where the front sits lower than the rear. It's perfect if you want to run 35-inch tires and keep the factory ride quality mostly intact. It's practical, easy to park, and won't break the bank.
The 4 to 6-inch Lift: This is the sweet spot for aesthetics. A 5-inch lift on a 4th gen looks incredibly proportional. It allows you to run 37-inch tires comfortably. At this height, the truck starts to feel like a monster. You'll definitely need a drop pitman arm and maybe some extended brake lines, but the presence on the road is unmatched.
The 8-inch+ "Show" Lift: This is for the guys who want to be seen. You're looking at 40-inch tires and probably some serious ladder bars in the back to prevent axle wrap. While it looks insane, keep in mind that your center of gravity goes way up, and getting into the bed becomes a literal climbing expedition.
Don't Skimp on the Hardware (Avoiding the Death Wobble)
We can't talk about a 4th gen cummins lifted without addressing the elephant in the room: the death wobble. If you've ever experienced your steering wheel shaking so hard it feels like the truck is coming apart at 70 mph, you know the terror. This usually happens when people buy a cheap lift kit that only includes spacers and ignores the geometry of the front end.
When you lift these trucks, you change the angle of the track bar and the drag link. If they aren't parallel, you're gonna have a bad time. Investing in a high-quality adjustable track bar is non-negotiable. Look for brands that use heavy-duty bushings or heim joints.
Also, shocks matter. Don't just use the "white box" shocks that come with cheap kits. A set of Bilstein 5100s or Fox 2.0s will make the truck ride smoother than it did from the factory. The weight of that 6.7L Cummins engine is no joke—it's a heavy chunk of iron sitting over the front axle, so you need shocks and springs that are actually rated for that weight.
The Wheel and Tire Combo: 35s or 37s?
The tires are what really pull the whole look together. On a 4th gen cummins lifted, the debate usually comes down to 35s versus 37s.
If you go with a 3-inch lift, 35s look great and fill the wheel well nicely without rubbing. However, many owners find that after a few months, 35s start to look a little small. 37s are really where these trucks shine. A 37-inch tire on a 20-inch or 22-inch wheel gives the truck a massive, planted look.
You also have to think about offset. A "negative offset" will push the wheels out past the fenders, giving you that wide, aggressive stance. Just remember that the wider you go, the more stress you're putting on your wheel bearings and ball joints. Plus, you'll probably be throwing rocks down the side of your paint unless you invest in some decent flares.
Performance Hits and Re-Gearing
One thing people often forget when they see a beautiful 4th gen cummins lifted is that those big tires are heavy. Rotating mass is the enemy of performance. If you have 3.42 gears (which many 4th gens do) and you throw 37-inch tires on there, your truck is going to feel sluggish. Your transmission is going to hunt for gears, and your fuel economy will take a nose dive.
Re-gearing to 4.10 or even 4.56 can bring that "pep" back to the truck. It gets the engine back into its power band and takes the strain off the 68RFE or Aisin transmission. Speaking of the 68RFE, if you're adding a lift, big tires, and a tune, you might want to start saving for a built transmission. They aren't exactly known for loving high torque and heavy tires simultaneously.
The Daily Driver Reality
Is a 4th gen cummins lifted a good daily driver? It can be, but you have to be honest with yourself. You're going to lose a few miles per gallon—expect to see the mid-teens if you're lucky. Parking garages will become your mortal enemy, and your significant other might get tired of the "climb" every time you go out to dinner.
But man, when you're sitting up high, looking over traffic, and hearing that turbo whistle, all those minor inconveniences just melt away. There's a confidence that comes with driving a truck that can go almost anywhere and look incredible doing it.
Final Thoughts
Building a 4th gen cummins lifted is a rite of passage for many Ram owners. It's about taking a truck that is already a powerhouse and giving it the attitude it deserves. Just remember to do it right the first time. Focus on the suspension geometry, don't cheap out on the steering components, and pick a tire size that fits your actual lifestyle.
Whether you're building a dedicated off-road rig or a clean street queen, the 4th gen platform is one of the best out there. It's rugged, it's reliable, and when you add those extra inches of lift, it becomes one of the most imposing vehicles on the road. So, if you've been staring at lift kits online late at night—just do it. Your truck (and your ego) will thank you.