23/02/2026 12:00AM 0 Comment(s)

Special Builds CTO Industries RAM 2500 GVM Upgrade FOX 2.5 Performance Elite

RAM 2500 wanting a smoother ride

When you own a RAM 2500, you already know you’re driving one of the toughest American heavy-duty utes on Australian roads.

Massive torque. Serious towing capability. Proper presence.

But here’s the thing — from factory, they’re built for American highways and broad load expectations. Once you start towing caravans, loading trays, adding accessories, and actually using the truck the way Aussies do… that’s when you realise it can be better.

That’s exactly why this Ram 2500 came into CTO Industries.

The brief was simple:

✔️ Better ride comfort

✔️ More control

✔️ Increased legal carrying capacity

✔️ Keep it practical — not overbuilt or uncomfortable

No gimmicks. No unnecessary lift. No turning it into something it isn’t.

Just a Ram done properly.

The Problem: Heavy-Duty Doesn’t Always Mean Comfortable

The Ram 2500 is designed as a serious tow vehicle. But once you add:

A loaded canopy or tray setup
Touring gear
Fridge systems
Dual battery setups
Recovery gear
A caravan or large trailer

The factory suspension can quickly feel:

Floaty on the highway
Harsh over sharp bumps
Under-controlled when loaded
Limited in legal payload

That’s where a properly engineered suspension and GVM solution makes all the difference.

Step 1: FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Remote Reservoir Shocks

We fitted FOX 2.5 Performance Elite remote reservoir shocks — and this is where the real transformation begins.

Why FOX 2.5?

The 2.5-inch body diameter provides:

Greater oil capacity
Improved heat dissipation
Consistent damping under load
Better control over corrugations and highway undulations

The remote reservoirs allow for increased fluid volume and cooling — which is critical when towing heavy loads across long distances.

The Result:

Noticeably smoother ride over sharp bumps
Reduced body roll
Improved steering feel
More planted under braking
Controlled performance when loaded

This isn’t just about “lift.” It’s about ride quality and control.

Image: This is the image of a RAM 2500 GVM upgrade build with Method wheels and Yokohama tyres by CTO Industries side profile

Step 2: Raised Front & Rear Springs

A shock absorber can only do so much if the spring rate isn’t correct.

We installed raised front and rear springs matched to the FOX setup, designed specifically for:

Improved ride height
Better load carrying support
Balanced suspension geometry

The key here was not overdoing it.

We didn’t want a sky-high Ram. We wanted:

Functional height
Load support
Ride comfort
Proper driveline angles

When you match the correct spring rate to the vehicle’s intended use, you eliminate sag while maintaining compliance.

That’s the difference between a “lift kit” and a properly engineered suspension system.

Step 3: Certified GVM Upgrade

One of the most important parts of this build was the GVM upgrade.

If you’re adding:

Accessories
Bull bars
Winches
Roof racks
Heavy wheels and tyres
Towing equipment

You’re adding weight.

And if you exceed your factory GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), you’re technically:

Illegal
Uninsured
Potentially unsafe

We completed a certified GVM upgrade, increasing the vehicle’s legal carrying capacity while maintaining compliance.

Why This Matters

A GVM upgrade ensures:

You can legally carry your touring gear
You can tow without exceeding limits
You remain insured
You stay roadworthy

It’s one of the smartest upgrades a Ram 2500 owner can do — especially if touring or towing regularly.

Step 4: Custom Extended Handbrake Cable

Small detail. Big importance.

When suspension geometry changes, components like handbrake cables can become:

Too tight
Overstretched
Poorly routed

We installed a custom extended handbrake cable to ensure:

Correct tension
Proper routing
Long-term reliability

It’s these details that separate rushed installs from professional builds.

Step 5: Wheel Alignment & Road Test

Every suspension upgrade at CTO Industries finishes the same way:

Precision wheel alignment
Full road test

No vehicle leaves without being properly dialled in.

A wheel alignment after suspension work ensures:

Correct tyre wear
Proper steering feel
Highway stability
Reduced wandering

Especially important on a vehicle the size of a Ram 2500.

Step 6: Wheels & Tyres – Strength Meets Function

This Ram now sits on:

Method MR305 NV HD 18x9 – Matte Black

Image: This is the image of a RAM 2500 with FOX suspension upgrade and bullbar setup by CTO Industries from front angle

From Method Race Wheels, the MR305 NV HD is purpose-built for heavy-duty applications.

Why these wheels?

Rated for heavy loads
Strong construction
Clean, aggressive design
Suits the Ram platform perfectly

Heavy-duty trucks require wheels that can actually handle weight — not just look tough.

Yokohama Geolandar X-AT G016 – 295/70R18

Image: This is the image of a RAM 2500 FOX 2.5 remote reservoir suspension and raised springs upgrade by CTO Industries

Tyres matter just as much as suspension.

We fitted Yokohama Geolandar X-AT G016 in 295/70R18.

The X-AT strikes the perfect balance between:

Highway comfort
Off-road grip
Load rating
Durability

For touring Ram owners, it’s an ideal hybrid tyre:

Quiet enough for daily driving
Strong enough for off-road work
Tough enough for towing

Combined with the suspension setup, the truck now feels planted and composed.

The Outcome: Tough Stance, Solid Under Load, Still a Pleasure to Drive

Image: This is the image of a RAM 2500 with FOX suspension upgrade and bullbar setup by CTO Industries from front angle

This build wasn’t about turning the Ram into a show truck.

It was about making it:

More capable
More controlled
Legally compliant
Comfortable to drive

On the Road

Reduced float and bounce
Better steering response
More confidence at highway speeds

Under Load

No sag
Stable towing
Controlled braking
Predictable handling

Off Road

Improved damping
Better shock performance over corrugations
Increased durability

This is how a Ram 2500 should feel.

Image: This is the image of a RAM 2500 with heavy duty canopy setup and GVM upgrade by CTO Industries showing rear angle stance

Why Proper Suspension Matters on a Ram 2500

Heavy-duty American trucks are different from typical dual-cab utes.

They:

Weigh more
Carry more
Tow more
Have different geometry

You can’t just throw in a generic lift kit.

You need:

Correct spring rates
Matched shock valving
Proper load calculations
Legal certification
Experienced installation

That’s where CTO Industries comes in.

CTO Industries – Build Your Adventure

At CTO Industries, we specialise in:

GVM upgrades
Suspension systems
Heavy-duty wheels and tyres
Touring setups
American truck builds
Silverado, Ram and F-Series upgrades

We don’t build cookie-cutter setups.

We build vehicles around how you actually use them.

Whether you:

Tow a large van
Tour remote Australia
Carry work equipment
Want better daily drive comfort

We design the solution to suit your goals.

Is Your Ram 2500 Riding Rough or Feeling Unsettled?

You might need:

Suspension matched to your load
A certified GVM upgrade
Proper wheel and tyre selection
A full geometry correction

If your Ram feels:

Bouncy
Floaty
Harsh
Unstable under load
Sagging in the rear

It’s time to do it properly.

Ready to Upgrade Your Ram?

Looking for a quote? Or just want to know what’s possible?

☎️ 1300 647 547
sales@ctoindustries.com.au
Or DM CTO Industries directly

Build Your Adventure.

Because a Ram 2500 should feel tough — without beating you up every time you drive it.