Ram air suspension delete involves removing the factory-installed air suspension system, often due to reliability concerns, maintenance costs, or preference for traditional coil springs. Owners report improved durability and reduced repair expenses. However, this modification may void warranties and alter ride quality. Always consult a mechanic and review local regulations before proceeding.
What suspension gives the best ride?
What Are the Most Common Reasons to Delete Ram Air Suspension?
Owners often delete Ram air suspension to avoid frequent failures in cold climates, eliminate costly repairs (e.g., $1,500+ for compressor replacements), and achieve a more predictable ride. Off-road enthusiasts prefer heavy-duty coil springs for durability. Some also remove it to install lift kits or reduce electronic system complexity.
How Does Deleting Air Suspension Affect Ride Quality and Performance?
Swapping to coil springs typically stiffens the ride, improving load stability but reducing comfort on bumpy roads. Off-road traction may decrease due to loss of adaptive height adjustment. Speed-sensitive handling changes require realignment. Performance impacts vary by kit quality—premium conversions (e.g., Carli or Thuren) minimize trade-offs.
Which Conversion Kits Are Best for Ram Air Suspension Delete?
Top kits include Carli Commuter System (balanced on/off-road use), Thuren Fabrication coils (extreme durability), and ReadyLIFT 2” Kit (budget-friendly). OEM-style coil conversions from Mopar retain factory warranties. Avoid cheap strut-only kits—they often cause premature wear. Always pair with compatible shocks like Fox 2.0 or Bilstein 5100s.
How do I choose the right suspension?
What Legal and Warranty Risks Come with Air Suspension Deletion?
Deleting air suspension voids factory suspension warranties and may breach emissions laws in California (if compressor removal affects OBD-II). Height-altering modifications require DOT certification in some states. Always keep original parts for reinstallation before dealer visits. Insurance claims could be denied if the mod is deemed contributory in accidents.
Seven states including Texas and Florida require suspension height certifications for vehicles altered beyond 3 inches. Modified trucks might fail annual inspections in emissions-regulated zones unless proper documentation is provided. Dealerships often flag VINs in their systems after suspension deletions, potentially complicating future service visits. Some aftermarket warranty providers like CarShield explicitly exclude claims related to suspension modifications.
| State | Height Limit | Inspection Required |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2″ alteration | Yes |
| Texas | 3″ alteration | No |
| New York | 1.5″ alteration | Yes |
How Much Does a Ram Air Suspension Delete Typically Cost?
Costs range from $800 (basic strut/coil kits) to $4,000+ (high-end systems with forged components). Labor adds $500–$1,200. Budget for ancillary parts like brake line extensions ($75) and sway bar links ($120). Post-installation alignments cost $100–$200. Total expenses often reach $2,500–$5,000 for a reliable setup.
Mid-range kits from brands like Hellwig (≈$1,900) include reinforced control arms and progressive-rate springs. Professional installation becomes critical when dealing with electronic components – improper SAS module deactivation can trigger dashboard warnings. Some shops offer package deals; 4 Wheel Parts charges $3,750 including King shocks and a full suspension recalibration. DIYers should budget 12-16 hours for a first-time installation.
| Component | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Coil Springs | $220/pair | $600/pair |
| Shocks | $95 each | $250 each |
| Control Arms | $180 pair | $550 pair |
“While air suspension deletes solve short-term reliability issues, they’re not a one-size-fits-all fix,” says an off-road suspension engineer. “Newer Ram models (2019+) have improved compressor designs—always diagnose root causes first. For heavy towing, aftermarket air helper springs can supplement coils better than full deletions.”
Conclusion
Ram air suspension deletion offers durability and cost benefits but requires careful planning. Prioritize premium kits, legal compliance, and professional installation. Assess your driving needs—while coils excel for hauling, stock air systems provide unmatched adjustability. Always weigh long-term costs against initial savings.
FAQs
- Does deleting air suspension improve Ram reliability?
- Yes—coil springs have fewer failure points than air compressors and bags. However, improper installations can cause new issues like driveline vibration.
- Can I revert to air suspension after deletion?
- Yes, if original components are preserved. Reinstallation costs $1,000–$2,500. Dealerships may charge extra to reprogram suspension modules.
- Is air suspension delete covered by insurance?
- Rarely. Most policies exclude aftermarket suspension modifications. Inform your insurer beforehand to avoid claim denials.