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SKU #: CS-DSTARTER-985 MPN #: CS-DSTARTER-985

Carli 3" Starter Suspension System 1998.5-02 Ram 5.9L Cummins

$1,280.00
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Description
The Carli Starter System for the Ram 2500/3500 is the ideal first step for second-gen owners who want noticeably better ride quality, improved suspension performance, and a leveled stance, without diving into a full long-travel system. Built around Carli’s custom-tuned Signature Series shocks and multi-rate leveling coils, this kit delivers a smoother, more controlled ride both on-road and off-road, all while keeping your Cummins work-ready. Your truck gains approximately 2.5"–3" of front lift depending on cab configuration, paired with a major increase in usable suspension travel thanks to Carli’s lighter-rate coil springs and extended-travel Signature shocks. Zinc-plated bodies, clear coat corrosion protection, quality bushings, and protective shock boots ensure durability, and every shock is backed by Carli’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. To maintain proper geometry at the new ride height, the Starter System offers optional upgrades including extended sway bar end links (required for best performance on 98.5–02 models), an adjustable track bar for axle centering, and extended control arms to correct caster and improve tire clearance. For improved rear ride quality and a more balanced stance, the optional Add-A-Pack replaces the stiff factory overload, delivering 1″ of lift and significantly better traction and comfort without reducing payload capacity. If you're looking for a simple, affordable, and proven way to wake up the suspension on your second-gen Cummins, the Starter System builds the perfect foundation, smooth, capable, and ready for future upgrades. Vehicle Fitment:1998.5–2002 Ram 2500/3500 4×4 Diesel Base Kit Includes: Carli Signature Series Front Shocks Carli Signature Series Rear Shocks 2.5″–3″ Multi-Rate Leveling Coils All Required Hardware Available Options: Sway Bar End Links — Correct geometry, eliminates bind Add-A-Pack — +1″ rear lift, better drive quality Adjustable Track Bar — Recenters axle after lifting Extended Control Arms — Correct caster & improves tire clearance Wheel & Tire Notes:Fits up to a 35″ tire with wheels 5.75″–6″ backspacing. Stock wheels may require an all-terrain 35″ to avoid rub. Larger wheels increase ride stiffness; 17″–18″ wheels recommended.

The Carli Starter System for the Ram 2500/3500 is the ideal first step for second-gen owners who want noticeably better ride quality, improved suspension performance, and a leveled stance, without diving into a full long-travel system. Built around Carli’s custom-tuned Signature Series shocks and multi-rate leveling coils, this kit delivers a smoother, more controlled ride both on-road and off-road, all while keeping your Cummins work-ready.

Your truck gains approximately 2.5"–3" of front lift depending on cab configuration, paired with a major increase in usable suspension travel thanks to Carli’s lighter-rate coil springs and extended-travel Signature shocks. Zinc-plated bodies, clear coat corrosion protection, quality bushings, and protective shock boots ensure durability, and every shock is backed by Carli’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

To maintain proper geometry at the new ride height, the Starter System offers optional upgrades including extended sway bar end links (required for best performance on 98.5–02 models), an adjustable track bar for axle centering, and extended control arms to correct caster and improve tire clearance. For improved rear ride quality and a more balanced stance, the optional Add-A-Pack replaces the stiff factory overload, delivering 1″ of lift and significantly better traction and comfort without reducing payload capacity.

If you're looking for a simple, affordable, and proven way to wake up the suspension on your second-gen Cummins, the Starter System builds the perfect foundation, smooth, capable, and ready for future upgrades.

Vehicle Fitment:
1998.5–2002 Ram 2500/3500 4×4 Diesel

Base Kit Includes:

  • Carli Signature Series Front Shocks
  • Carli Signature Series Rear Shocks
  • 2.5″–3″ Multi-Rate Leveling Coils
  • All Required Hardware

Available Options:

  • Sway Bar End Links — Correct geometry, eliminates bind
  • Add-A-Pack — +1″ rear lift, better drive quality
  • Adjustable Track Bar — Recenters axle after lifting
  • Extended Control Arms — Correct caster & improves tire clearance

Wheel & Tire Notes:
Fits up to a 35″ tire with wheels 5.75″–6″ backspacing. Stock wheels may require an all-terrain 35″ to avoid rub. Larger wheels increase ride stiffness; 17″–18″ wheels recommended.

About Carli Suspension
CARLI SUSPENSION KITS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPONENTS

Yeah, we know Sage Carli can launch a full sized truck over nearly any obstacle. If you are into Baja racing, everyone knows by now that Carli Suspension is the name to go with. What you may not realize is that Carli has a suspension kit for your needs too. You probably don't care anything about having your expensive truck go air born, but you do want the best performance out of your suspension for your application. Carli Starter and Commuter 2.0 systems are designed to give you the best possible street manners compared to any other system on the market while providing ample room for the larger tires you want. Potholes disappear, you find yourself building speed on corners and washboard, and that's just when you are on the way to work. Now imagine heading out to feed the cows WITHOUT hitting your head on the headliner. Imagine coming back from your hunting trip WITHOUT needing a trip to the chiropractor. Take another look at Carli Suspension. It's not all about Baja. It's about YOUR truck and what you do with it. Stop by, we'll give you a ride and show you what you're missing. Just bring the checkbook and permission from the boss! One ride and you'll be hooked!

CARLI KITS

The entire engineering philosophy behind Carli aims to offer the real world Dodge Ram and Ford SuperDuty a suspension system that drastically increases the street drive of the vehicle while offering incredible off-road characteristics. So far, Sage Carli's suspension systems are the only option available where you don't have to compromise.

Carli products are designed to meet the expectations of both the daily street driver and the most extreme avid off road enthusiast. From the urban streets to the most remote places, Carli products will far exceed all your expectations. The easiest way to put this into perspective is that Carli truly builds suspension systems for the enthusiast....the person who truly LOVES their truck and wants to upgrade it with the most thought out, tasteful upgrades on the market. No, this type of individual isn't going to head to Napa to pickup a new track bar. They're going to research the best possible track bar on the market and go that route. Carli Suspension is truly a brand for enthusiasts, featuring products that are built by enthusiasts. Just watch any of Carli Suspension's videos and you'll understand why they have such a passion for their products.

Stock production trucks are built mainly to keep costs down. From a truck enthusiast's point of view these standards simply are not acceptable. From people looking to get a better ride with a more aggressive stance to people looking to get some serious off road performance, Carli understands the needs of these enthusiasts. This is epitomized by the ever growing list of satisfied customers. Carli Suspensions relentless pursuit of producing the best performing suspension systems is something that can be felt every time a customer drives their truck. Carli wouldnt have it any other way.

CARLI COMPONENTS

You know, its not always about a complete suspension. In fact, some of our best selling Carli products are things like a track bar, Carli ball joints, shocks, coil springs, and more. Maybe you've got a clunk in your front end that has been nailed down to being from a worn out track bar bushing and you did your research (mentioned above) and found out that the best track bar for your Ram or Ford is from Carli, so you buy that one. Or maybe you want a better ride, but only want to replace the coil springs for now. No problem. Sure, Carli is centered around their entire systems, but nearly all of their components can be used interchangeably on a stock height truck or one with an existing leveling or lift kit. We do our best to make note of any fitment requirements on each product page, but if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and ask, we're happy to help.

Here at Diesel Power Products we only want to sell the best and lets face it, the stock Ram and Ford suspension needs help. Your stock suspension system is designed to be adequate and nothing more. Carli not only makes the ride of your truck better, it makes it safer. Whether you are towing a trailer on the interstate or doing a little off-road adventure, we will attest that you'll be more than satisfied by upgrading to Carli.

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