Next Level Performance
September 20, 2026 • 10 min read
Winter exposes the weak points in a stock truck fast: not enough clearance for deep snow, not enough room for real winter tires, and dampers that go crashy the moment the temperature drops. If you run a 2019-2023 Ram 1500 4WD through Florida cold snaps, mountain ski trips, or a genuine Snow Belt winter, the right Ram 1500 lift kit fixes all three at once — adding ground clearance for slush and drifts, opening the wheel wells for taller all-terrain rubber, and (with the right kit) improving cold-weather ride control instead of ruining it.
We pulled every 2019-2023 Ram 1500 4WD lift and leveling kit we stock, then narrowed the field to four that make sense for a winter build — from a $517 two-inch level to a $3,500 three-inch kit with genuine Fox coilovers. Here is how they compare, what tires each clears, and which one we would bolt to our own truck before the first storm.
Our Verdict
For a 2019-2023 Ram 1500 4WD that has to work all winter, the Superlift 3-inch kit with Fox front coilovers is the sweet spot: real snow clearance, room for 33-34in tires, and dampers that stay composed in the cold.
It costs more than a spacer level, but the Fox 2.0 front coilover and matched rear shock deliver the controlled, quiet ride you want on icy highways — not the crashy feel cheap lifts are known for. Want maximum clearance for 35s? Step up to the Belltech 6in-8in. On a tight budget? The 2in Tuff Country level still frees up meaningful tire room.
Shop Our Top Pick →Why a Lift Kit Is a Smart Winter Upgrade for the Ram 1500
A lift kit is a matched set of suspension components — coilovers or struts, upper control arms, and shocks — that raises a truck's ride height to add ground clearance and make room for larger tires. On a winter-driven Ram 1500 that translates into three concrete gains: clearance over packed snow, fitment for taller all-terrain tires, and (with quality dampers) better cold-weather ride control.
Ground clearance is the whole game in deep snow. A stock 2019-2023 Ram 1500 4WD carries roughly 8.7 to 9.2 inches of clearance depending on trim — fine for a plowed road, marginal once snow packs into ruts or drifts across a trailhead. Adding 2 to 3 inches of lift raises the front air dam, crossmember, and skid pan above that packed layer so you are pushing through snow instead of plowing it with your bumper.
The bigger win is tire fitment. Snow and ice traction comes primarily from your tires, and a lift is what lets you fit a taller, more aggressive winter-capable A/T without rubbing. A 3-inch kit typically clears a 33-34in tire; a 6in-8in kit like the Belltech is designed around full 35s. More sidewall also means you can safely air down for flotation on unplowed roads. Just remember: never run a summer or track tire in winter — pair any lift with a proper 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) A/T or a dedicated winter tire.
A Belltech 6in-8in kit opens the wheel wells for full 35in winter tires.
Finally, cold-weather ride quality. Shock oil thickens as temperatures fall, so budget spacer lifts that reuse worn factory dampers tend to feel harsh and skittish on frozen, washboard roads. The kits we recommend include gas-charged coilovers and monotube shocks valved to stay consistent in the cold, so your lifted Ram rides better in January than a tired stock truck does.
How We Chose These 2019-2023 Ram 1500 Lift Kits
We evaluated each kit on five things that actually matter for a winter truck: usable lift height, the quality of the included dampers, how large a winter tire it clears, whether it corrects front-end geometry with upper control arms, and value. We also confirmed body-style and suspension fitment — every kit here fits the 2019-2023 DT body and is built for coil-spring trucks, not the factory air-ride option. Prices below are live and update automatically; use the exact figures in the cards and comparison table when you plan your budget.
Superlift's Fox 2.0 front coilover damps consistently in sub-freezing temperatures.
The Best Ram 1500 Winter Lift Kits, Reviewed
1. Superlift 3in w/ Fox Coilover — Best Overall for Winter
This is the kit we would run on our own winter Ram. It delivers a true 3 inches of front lift through a bolt-in Fox 2.0 front coilover — a monotube, gas-charged unit that shrugs off cold far better than a spacer — matched with a Fox 2.0 IFP shock in the rear. The payoff is a lifted stance that clears 33-34in A/T winter tires while riding smoother and quieter on icy highways than the factory setup. Superlift has built truck suspension since 1975, and the kit retains factory ride height adjustability and geometry without permanent modifications. At around $3,500 it is the priciest here, but it is the only kit that pairs real clearance with genuine Fox damping.
Key Specifications — Superlift 3in w/ Fox
What We Like
- + True 3in lift with genuine Fox 2.0 front coilovers & rear shocks
- + Cold-stable monotube damping for a composed winter ride
- + Clears 33-34in A/T tires; no permanent cutting
- + Limited lifetime warranty on kit components
Things to Consider
- – Highest price in this roundup
- – Excludes TRX and factory air-ride trucks
2. Belltech 6in-8in Lift Kit — Best for Maximum Clearance & 35s
When you want a full-size winter rig that swallows 35-inch tires and clears the deepest drifts, the Belltech is the answer. It is a height-adjustable system — you can dial 6, 7, or 8 inches of front lift through Belltech's patented front Trail Performance coilovers, backed by matched rear Trail Performance shocks. That range lets you tune stance and tire size to your winter needs. It is a bigger, more involved install than a 3-inch kit and it changes the truck's center of gravity, so it rewards drivers who genuinely need the clearance and tire room. Priced around $2,900, and it currently qualifies for an extra discount at checkout.
The complete Belltech 6in-8in kit ships with front coilovers, rear shocks, and brackets.
What We Like
- + Adjustable 6in, 7in, or 8in front lift height
- + Designed to clear full 35x12.50 winter tires
- + Patented Trail Performance coilovers and rear shocks
- + Currently eligible for an extra 5% off
Things to Consider
- – Big lift raises center of gravity — more body roll
- – Involved install; taller step-in on icy days
3. Superlift 3in Lift Kit (No Fox) — Best Value 3-Inch
Same proven Superlift 3-inch bracket architecture as our top pick, but with Superlift's standard gas shocks instead of the Fox coilovers — which drops the price to under $800. You still get the same clearance and 33-34in tire fitment for roughly one-fifth the cost of the Fox version. If your winter driving is mostly plowed roads and the occasional storm rather than serious off-road wheeling, this is the smart-money 3-inch kit. Spend the savings on a good set of winter A/T tires, which will do more for traction than any shock upgrade.
4. Tuff Country 2in Leveling Kit — Best Budget / Mild Level
If you want a little more clearance and room for a 33in A/T without committing to a full lift, this 2-inch front-level kit is the budget-friendly entry — currently on sale under $520. Crucially, it includes upper control arms, so it keeps proper front-end geometry and a wider alignment window rather than just spacing up the strut. No new shocks are required, which keeps the install and cost down. It fits only the DT (new body) 2019-2023 trucks without factory air ride. For a daily-driven Ram that sees winter but not hardcore trails, it is a lot of capability for the money.
The value Superlift 3-inch kit shares the same bracket architecture as the Fox version.
Ram 1500 Winter Lift Kit Comparison
Here is the quick side-by-side. Prices shown are live and reflect current pricing at NLP Performance; tap any kit to see full fitment and add it to your build.
| Kit | Lift Height | Front Damper | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superlift 3in w/ FoxTop Pick | 3 in | Fox 2.0 coilover | Trail + on-road comfort | $3,499.99 |
| Belltech 6in-8in | 6–8 in (adj.) | Trail Performance coilover | Max lift, 35in tires | $2,935.00 |
| Superlift 3in (value) | 3 in | Twin-tube gas | Budget 3in clearance | $764.99 |
| Tuff Country 2in Level | 2 in (front) | Factory (reuse) | Mild level, 33in tires | $517.09 |
Installation & Winter Setup Tips
Budget a full day for a 3-inch kit and more for the 6in-8in Belltech, plus a mandatory professional alignment afterward — lifting changes caster and camber, and skipping the alignment will chew through tires and dull your steering on slick roads. Torque all hardware to spec and re-check it after the first 100-500 miles, because fasteners settle. If you are stepping up in tire size, verify wheel backspacing and re-calibrate or reset the TPMS and speedometer for the new rolling diameter. Finally, treat the lift as half the job: the other half is a genuine 3PMSF-rated all-terrain or winter tire and correct tire pressure for the cold — that is where your snow and ice traction actually comes from.
Gas-charged coilovers keep a lifted Ram 1500 composed on cold, frozen roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a lift kit on a Ram 1500 for winter?
No — a lift kit is not required to drive a Ram 1500 in winter, but it is one of the most effective clearance upgrades for deep snow. A 2-to-3-inch lift raises the front bumper and skid pan above packed snow and slush, and it opens room for taller all-terrain (A/T) or mud-terrain (M/T) winter tires, which do more for snow traction than the lift itself. On a 2019-2023 Ram 1500 4WD, most owners pair a 3-inch kit with a 33-34in A/T for the best real-world balance of clearance, ride, and fuel economy.
What size tires fit a 3-inch lifted Ram 1500?
A 3-inch lift on a 2019-2023 Ram 1500 (DT) typically clears a 33-to-34-inch tire, such as a 285/70R17 or 275/70R18, on a wheel with roughly 0 to +25mm offset. A 2-inch leveling kit usually tops out near a 33-inch tire with minor liner trimming, while a 6in-8in kit like the Belltech is built to swallow full 35s (35x12.50). Always confirm backspacing and factory-air-ride status before ordering.
Will a lift kit hurt my Ram 1500's ride quality in the cold?
A quality lift kit maintains ride comfort in cold weather; a cheap spacer-only lift often does not. Gas-charged monotube dampers like the Fox 2.0 in the Superlift kit and Belltech's Trail Performance coilovers are valved to stay consistent as temperatures drop, so the truck does not turn harsh or crashy on frozen, rutted roads. Spacer-only leveling that reuses tired factory shocks is the setup most likely to ride poorly once the mercury falls.
Do Ram 1500 lift kits require an alignment?
Yes. Any lift or leveling kit changes front suspension geometry, so a professional alignment is required immediately after installation to protect your tires and steering. Kits that include upper control arms — like the 2-inch Tuff Country and the taller Belltech — restore proper caster and camber for a wider adjustment range, which matters most on lifted trucks that see winter potholes and frost heaves.
Can you lift a 2019-2023 Ram 1500 with factory air suspension?
Not with these kits. The Superlift, Belltech, and Tuff Country kits in this guide are all engineered for coil-spring trucks and specifically exclude the factory air-ride suspension. Air-ride Ram 1500s need a dedicated air-compatible lift or a leveling solution designed for that system. Check your build sheet or the sticker in the glovebox before buying, because installing a coil kit on an air truck will not work.
How much does it cost to lift a Ram 1500 for winter?
Kit prices for a 2019-2023 Ram 1500 4WD run from about $517 for a 2-inch leveling kit up to around $3,500 for a 3-inch kit with Fox coilovers, with a big 6in-8in system landing near $2,900. Budget separately for professional installation and a required alignment, plus winter-rated A/T tires if you are going bigger. At NLP Performance we stock every tier so you can match the kit to your winter driving and your budget.
Build Your Ram 1500 for Winter
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