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The Pathfinder system is designed for Ram owners who prioritize smooth on-road driving while still being capable of handling light to moderate off-road conditions. Positioned between the Backcountry and Pintop models, it provides a controlled and reliable ride for mild off-road use, though it may not offer the same stability as the Pintop on aggressive, high-speed terrain. On paved roads, the Pathfinder truly shines—effortlessly smoothing out small to medium bumps to deliver a comfortable ride without needing a bold driving approach. It’s an excellent choice for those who want everyday comfort with suspension ready to perform off-road.
The Details:
This system includes Carli-SPEC 2.5” aluminum-bodied shocks with a hard-anodized finish that offers excellent resistance to corrosion and scratches. All billet parts are black-anodized for a sleek, premium appearance—an upgrade that once cost over $1,200 in custom coloring on our King kits. With 55% more piston surface area than 2.0” shocks, these provide better heat dissipation and longer rebuild intervals. Using high-performance red shock oil, the system resists heat and fade during spirited driving, ensuring consistent damping and durability. Developed over a year of tuning, the Pathfinder delivers exceptional on-road comfort and control, offering a premium, affordable 2.5” shock package designed for heavy-duty off-road use without compromising ride quality.
Your truck will be raised 3” to 3.5” in the front (depending on cab configuration) with 50% more suspension travel than stock, thanks to taller, lighter-rate coil springs. The rear lift ranges from 2” to 3”, achieved through your choice of a Progressive Add-A-Pack and Block combination or a Full Progressive Leaf Pack. The Add-A-Pack/Block setup preserves load capacity by replacing the factory overload with a 5-leaf progressive pack that improves traction and stability. The Full Progressive Leaf Pack replaces the entire leaf spring assembly, offering greater travel and significantly enhanced comfort, though with a 15% reduction in payload compared to a standard 2500.
With the increased down-travel and taller ride height, the factory front sway bar position must be adjusted. To address this, we provide two options: Billet Sway Bar Drop Brackets or a replacement Torsion Sway Bar. The Billet Drop Blocks lower and move the sway bar forward, allowing the factory end links to function correctly throughout the extended travel range. Alternatively, Carli’s Torsion sway bar replaces the entire factory setup with a torsion bar supported by custom drop brackets and durable delrin bushings. Fabricated sway bar arms and dual 5/8” FK heim end links complete this upgrade, offering one of the best improvements in ride quality from Carli Suspension.
Lifting the front of a straight axle truck causes the axle to shift off-center unless the proper linkages are adjusted. With a 3-inch front lift, the axle moves about ¾” toward the driver’s side, and for radius arm-equipped Rams, this results in reduced caster and a slight rearward axle shift. This system includes an Adjustable Track Bar that realigns the axle toward the passenger side, providing a stronger, more stable connection with less deflection for the lifted setup. Radius Arm Drop Brackets are also included to restore proper caster and move the axle forward to its new center. Everything needed for smooth operation is provided.
