Carli 6" Dodge Unchained 3.5 Radius Arm System

Carli Suspension has once again stepped up their game!

6" Radius Arm Unchained 3.5 Dodge Ram Suspension System

Never in this life did we think the words, "Soooo... What's next?" would be uttered from our Dominator 3.0 owners. When they were, Sage went back to the drawing board. The result was an offset fabricated tower and monster 3.5" King remote reservoir shocks stuffed into the front of the 3" suspension system paired with 3-Tube, 3.0 Bypasses in the rear, or, one could upgrade to 3.5", 3-Tube Bypasses.

This dynamic duo has yet to find an obstacle that causes the driver to spill their coffee while cruising through the whoops. These shocks are already spec'd with Carli's 17-4 Stainless Steel shafts as well.

This system leaves no expense spared and thus includes the Torsion Sway Bar, Chromoly Control arms, Stainless Steel Shock Shafts, HD Rear Shock Mounts, and Full Leaf springs (upgradable to long travel by request).

This is something completely new and a unique option for 2003+ Dodge Ram HD owners. A completely bolt-on, radius arm system for Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4x4's. This project wasn't easy, there's a lot to be taken into account.

Sage Carli engineered this system with the customer in mind:

• 100% Bolt-on DIY kit
• No cutting off factory brackets
• No welding (other than for the limit strap tabs)
• Return to stock at any time
• The kit can be transferred/sold complete
• Crossmember designed for easy transmission removal

These were the goals on Sage's plate when he embarked on this project. Before he even got to dimensions, the requirements were to offer a customer-oriented kit. This system was designed for our customers who don't want to cut their chassis, that will take their suspension system with them when they upgrade their truck, install it themselves on their driveway and/or need access their transmission - and wants a great riding, hard working and proven radius arm system.

Unchained 3.5 Dodge Ram Suspension System

Where the Dominator 3.0” is more balanced, the tuning in the UnChained System is enough to put the build quality of the rest of the truck to the test. At this level of suspension, customers should install a cage as the off-road capability far exceeds the capability of the truck itself. The Front Boasts massive, long-travel 3.5” King Shocks with an off-road oriented tune; the rear, 3.0” 4-Tube King Bypass Shocks. The 4-tube bypass will have far more bottom-out resistance than their smooth-body counterparts and their capability is user tunable to achieve exactly the rear ride desired by the purchaser.

The Carli 6” Systems are an entirely different animal than the 3” offerings. There is no entry level; every system is equipped with a custom tuned shock package and Radius Arm Conversion. The longer, flatter links cycle more linear travel and offer a superior ride quality over extending a short arm to work with a 6” front lift. Complete with a Driver’s side axle shock, Carli radius arms allow the axle to roll as to not bind during articulation; think of it as the strength of a radius arm and articulation capability of a 4-Link. Further, the drop brackets that affix the radius arms to the frame bolt on with no modification to the existing, factory control arm brackets (ensuring the truck can be returned to stock). The arms themselves boast “X” bracing internal to their gusseted, clam-shell structure and are constructed with 3” Currie Johnny Joints and an internally gusseted, 1-piece Crossmember (Dominator and UnChained only) making them both serviceable and nearly indestructible.

The UnChained Suspension system is the only kit running a shock tune specifically for off-road. At this level of suspension, customers should install a cage as the off-road capability far exceeds the capability of the truck itself. This system was tuned with 37” x 13.5” Toyo M/T at 40F/35R.

The UnChained system features front Carli Signature tuned, King 3.5” remote reservoir shocks so large, we needed bore the factory spring buckets for them to cycle properly. As the old adage goes, there’s no replacement for displacement. In an effort to provide customers with the best product, we do not sell off-the-shelf King shocks. We spent countless hours dialing in an off-road oriented tune to ensure we maximized the performance of these monster-shocks while maintaining good road manners. To ensure the rear performance is on par with the front, Carli spec’d KING 3.0” 4-tube Bypass Shocks round off the rear.

For those unfamiliar, a bypass shock has external tubes with one-way check valves that are fully adjustable to allow users to tailor the amount of fluid that bypasses the piston/valving on either the compression or rebound stroke within the effective range of the bypass tube. Typically, there will be a tube surrounding the compression zone (at ride height) that will allow fluid to freely move around the piston giving a supple ride. Once a large hit is encountered, the piston will move upward closing off the port, thereby forcing all fluid through the valving which substantially increases the shock’s resistance in this secondary zone. This acts as an internal bump-stop of sorts and gives tunable progression to the shock making it the perfect dual purpose setup.

Conversely, on the rebound side, we normally spec tubes that are oversized and deep in the travel stroke to allow a high volume of oil to bypass ensuring the shock shaft comes out quick enough to maintain contact with the ground (doesn’t get hung-up in the bump-zone after a large hit). As the shock extends and closes off the rebound tube, all the valving on the rebound side engages to slow the shaft as it reaches maximum extension, top-out. Simply put, the larger the shock diameter, the more capable the setup; the more tubes and “zones”, the more adjustability; the larger the tubes, the more fluid can flow around the piston and the more valving you can run to increase the stopping power in the “bump-stop” or “top-out” zone.

We round off ALL our King shocks with shafts machined and polished from a solid piece of 17-4 Stainless. Unlike King’s standard shafts, there is no coating to wear off, weather is far less likely to hurt them and if there is a small chip, you can round the edges with emery cloth to ensure the seal housing isn’t damaged as they’re not brittle like the stock, hardened shafts. Note that all King shocks are built with a plated steel body. If subjected to inclement weather for extended periods, we recommend wrapping your shocks in 3M to provide a moisture barrier that’s replaceable.

Your truck will sit 6” higher in the front with 60% more suspension travel than the factory platform thanks to the taller, lighter rate coil springs. The rear is lifted 4” via Carli’s Full Progressive Leaf Pack. The Full Progressive Leaf Pack replaces the entire factory leaf spring assembly increasing travel and drastically increasing comfort throughout the entire usable travel stroke at the cost of a 15% payload reduction from a standard 2500. This payload reduction can be supplemented back to factory capacity with the addition of the Long Travel Airbags (with optional spacer for 6” systems) for the best of both worlds; ride quality and payload capacity/load control. The Full Progressive Leaf Pack requires no block to achieve the 4” rear lift height.

When pairing added travel with the taller ride height, the position of the factory, front sway bar will need to be altered as well. For this, we include a Replacement Torsion Sway Bar. Carli’s Torsion sway bar removes the entire factory sway bar assembly replacing it with a torsion bar supported by fabricated drop brackets and delrin bushings. Fabricated sway bar arms and dual 5/8” FK heim end links round off the package. This is the single best bang for the buck, ride-quality upgrade offered by Carli Suspension (in close competition with the full progressive leaf spring upgrade).

When lifting a straight axle truck, all linkage, brake lines and bump stops need to be addressed. We include extended stainless brake lines, an adjustable track bar + track bar drop bracket, bump stop drop brackets, drop pitman arm, and recommend the purchase of a carrier bearing drop bracket in the rear for those running a 2-piece driveline.

What does all this mean? Uncompromised off-road ability with an amazing on-road ride resulting in a truck that’s a blast to drive in all environments.

A word to the wise...

The Unchained System was designed for skilled and experienced drivers that have considerable time behind a vehicle driven in offroad environments. Novice drivers or those unfamiliar with their vehicles should refrain from pushing their skill level until a considerable amount of seat time has been acquired. Due to the extreme nature of this system, we highly recommend a FRONT AAM AXLE TRUSS to preserve your front axle.

Wheels and Tires

This system will fit up to a 37” tire on wheels no more than 9” wide with 4.5” of backspacing. The more rubber, the better the small bump compliance will be at proper inflation pressures. The ride will firm up as you go larger in wheel diameter. For more details, see our article on wheel and tire selection and tire pressures: HERE

System Includes:

• King 3.5 Remote Reservoir Front Shocks
• King 3.0 4 Tube Bypass Rear Shocks
• 17-4 Stainless Steel Shock Shafts
• Offset Fabricated Steel Shock Towers
• Misalignment Spacers
• Front Reservoir Mounts
• Heavy Duty Replacement Upper Rear Shock Mounts
• Limit Straps
• 6" Multi Rate Coil Springs
• Carli/Deaver Full Replacement Leafs
• Zinc Plated U-Bolts
• Radius Arm Conversion Drop Brackets
• Heavy Duty Radius Arm Crossmember
• Passenger Side Solid Radius Arm
• Driver Side Articulating Radius Arm
• Torsion Sway Bar With HD End Links
• Sway Bar Drop Brackets
• Front and Rear Bump Stop Drop Brackets
• Front and rear Extended Braided Stainless Steel Brakelines
• Adjustable Chromoly Track Bar
• Track bar drop bracket

Dodge Ram Fitment Guide:

• 2003-2009 2500 / 3500 4x4 Diesel Trucks
• 2010-2011 2500 / 3500 4x4 Diesel Trucks
• 2012 2500 / 3500 4x4 Diesel Trucks
• 2013 2500 only  4x4 Diesel Trucks (Will not fit 2013 3500's)
• 2012 Dualies interested in 6" Radius Arm Systems MUST be checked for traction control. If traction control exists, select the appropriate 2012-13 part number based on end link size. If no traction control exists, please select the appropriate 2010-11 part number based on end link size.

Part Numbers

• CS-DUC35-6-03 | 2003-09 2500/3500 4x4 Diesel (Old Part Number: CS-UC35-6-03-D)
• CS-DUC35-6-10 | 2010-11 2500/3500 4x4 Diesel (Old Part Number: CS-UC35-6-10-D)
• CS-DUC35-6-12 | 2012 2500/3500 4x4 Diesel (Old Part Number: CS-UC35-6-12-D)

Altered Vehicle Characteristics:

• 6" of front lift
• 4" of rear lift
• Level Ride

Shipping Info - This kit ships on a pallet via truck freight and require a shipping address that can accept freight shipments. Call us if you have any questions.

System Notes:

• Wheels - Carli Recommends a 17"-18" Wheel, no more than 9" wide with 4.5" of Backspacing on 6" Systems
• Tires - 37", E-Rated Tire Fitment is Recommended. Recommended unloaded Tire Pressure 45F/40R
• Recommended Configuration - Carli 6" Suspension Systems are Designed and Tested on Vehicles with 17"-18" Wheels with 37", E-Rated Tires. Stock wheels and tires or running a larger wheel diameter will result in a stiffer ride.
• Endlinks - 2010-2013 vehicles have 2 possible sizes of Sway Bar End Links. Place a socket on the nut that compresses the rubber End Link bushings; fitment of an 18mm socket will indicate the need for the 12mm Extended End Link.
• Torsion Sway Bar - Selection of the Torsion Sway Bar Replacement will not Require size selection as the entire sway bar assembly is replaced.
• Front Drive Shaft - Front drive shaft MUST be lengthend 2".
• Rear Drive Shaft - Rear Driveshaft must be checked for 1 piece or 2 piece units. It is recommended that 2 piece Driveshafts order a carrier bearing drop, PN# CS-CARRIERDROP-D
• Pitman Arm - A drop pitman arm is REQUIRED for 6" suspension kits. Pitman Arm Selection: [2003-2008: CS-PITMAN6-03]; [2009-2013: CS-PITMAN6-09]
• Steering Linkage - Carli 6" suspension kits MUST run T-style steering linkage. Y-style linkage does not have enough angle of articulation to support the additional lift height and travel.

Sway Bar Options

• CS-DTSB6-03 - 6in Torsion Sway Bar
  • Easily the Best "Bang for the Buck" Upgrade for ride quality
  • Allows front suspension to move freely without giving up Control

Rear Lift Options

• CS-DFSP-6-(03, 10)-D - 6in Diesel Full Spring Pack
  • Softens initial spring rate at ride height
  • Minimizes Axle Wrap/Wheel Hop
  • Reduces Payload 15% From Stock 2500
  • Capable of 15" of Suspension Travel

Carrier Bearing Drop

• CS-PITMAN6-09 - 09+ Drop Pitman Arm
  • Forged Pitman Arm For Use with 6" Front Suspension Lift
  • Must be combined with a track bar bracket of equal Drop
  • Fitment: 09-13 Ram 2500. 09-12 Ram 3500, 03-08 Ram 2500 with Larger Mopar Box

Carrier Bearing Drop

• CS-CARRIERDROP-D - Carrier Bearing Drop
  • Drop Bracket for 2-Piece Driveshafts
  • Adjustable for different cab and bed configurations
  • Easy to install, bolts on in seconds