A 2016 Ram 1500 air suspension delete kit replaces the factory air suspension system with conventional coil springs or shocks. This modification addresses common issues like airbag leaks, compressor failures, and costly repairs. Kits typically include springs, shocks, brackets, and hardware, offering a more durable, low-maintenance solution for truck owners seeking improved reliability and reduced long-term costs.
What suspension gives the best ride?
How Does a 2016 Ram 1500 Air Suspension Delete Kit Work?
Air suspension delete kits remove the electronic air springs and replace them with traditional coil or leaf springs. This eliminates dependency on compressors, sensors, and control modules, simplifying the suspension system. Installation involves disconnecting the air lines, removing the airbags, and installing the mechanical components. The process typically requires basic mechanical tools and disables the factory suspension warning lights via reprogramming.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Delete Kit?
Key benefits include reduced repair costs, elimination of air suspension failures, improved off-road durability, and consistent ride height. Delete kits also remove the risk of system leaks and compressor burnout. Owners report enhanced towing stability and reduced susceptibility to temperature-related performance drops. The conversion often increases resale value for buyers seeking traditional suspension systems.
Extended reliability is another major advantage. Unlike air suspensions that require frequent compressor maintenance, coil springs have no moving parts to wear out. This makes them ideal for extreme environments – from desert heat to subzero winters. Heavy-duty kits can increase payload capacity by 8-12% compared to worn factory air systems. For commercial users, this translates to fewer downtime incidents and more consistent load management.
Can you use air suspension without a compressor?
| Maintenance Aspect | Air Suspension | Delete Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance Cost | $320-$600 | $40-$80 |
| Component Lifespan | 50k-70k miles | 100k+ miles |
| Extreme Temp Tolerance | Limited | Full |
Which Components Are Included in Quality Delete Kits?
Premium kits include: heavy-duty coil springs, nitrogen-charged shocks, upper/lower spring seats, bump stops, and hardware kits. Some include rear spacer blocks for maintaining factory ride height. Top brands like Arnott and Supreme Suspensions provide detailed installation manuals and vehicle-specific bracketry. Avoid kits missing Grade 8 hardware or those using generic spring rates not calibrated for Ram 1500 weight distribution.
High-end kits feature powder-coated components resistant to road salt corrosion. The best packages include specific adapters for preserving factory electronic systems like ABS and stability control. Look for kits offering multiple spring rate options – a 2016 Ram 1500 with plow equipment needs 30% higher spring rates than standard models. Professional-grade kits often include vibration dampeners and anti-squeak isolators missing in budget options.
| Component | Purpose | Premium Features |
|---|---|---|
| Coil Springs | Weight support | Variable rate design |
| Shock Absorbers | Vibration control | Nitrogen-charged |
| Isolators | Noise reduction | Triple-layer rubber |
Why Do Ram 1500 Owners Choose Suspension Deletion?
Primary motivations include avoiding $1,200+ air compressor replacements and $600+ per-bag repairs. Off-road enthusiasts delete air suspension to prevent component damage on rough terrain. Cold-climate users eliminate freeze-related air line ruptures. Commercial users prefer the predictability of mechanical systems for heavy payloads. 78% of delete kit buyers report previous suspension failures within 75,000 miles.
How to Install a 2016 Ram 1500 Air Suspension Delete Kit?
1. Disconnect battery and relieve air system pressure
2. Remove wheels and factory air springs
3. Install coil springs using provided isolators
4. Mount new shocks and reassemble suspension
5. Disable air suspension via OBD-II reprogramming
6. Test drive and check for alignment issues
Professional installation takes 4-6 hours; DIYers typically require 8-10 hours. Always recalibrate headlights after altering ride height.
What Are the Legal Implications of Suspension Modifications?
Air suspension deletion is legal in all 50 states but may void parts of your factory warranty. Some states require maintaining original ride height within 2 inches. Commercial vehicles must comply with Federal Bridge Law gross weight limits. Always keep removed components for potential reinstallation before resale. Notify insurance providers about modifications to ensure coverage validity.
“The 2014-2018 Ram air suspension has a 62% failure rate before 100k miles. Delete kits solve chronic reliability issues while maintaining payload capacity. We recommend using brand-specific spring rate calculators—a 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel needs 15% stiffer springs than a Tradesman model due to weight differences.”
– Michael Torres, Suspension Engineer at Trucksprings LLC
A 2016 Ram 1500 air suspension delete kit offers a practical solution for owners facing recurring maintenance costs. By converting to traditional suspension components, users gain reliability and cost predictability without sacrificing performance. Always verify kit compatibility with your trim level and consult professionals for electrical system modifications.
FAQs
- Does deleting air suspension affect towing capacity?
- Properly installed delete kits maintain factory towing ratings. Some heavy-duty kits increase capacity by 300-500 lbs through upgraded springs.
- Can I revert to air suspension after deletion?
- Yes, but reinstalling requires purchasing new air springs (≈$800) and compressor if components were damaged prior to removal. Save all original parts for easier reversal.
- Will my ride quality change after installation?
- Coil springs typically provide a firmer ride than air suspension in Comfort mode but smoother than Sport setting. Loaded vehicles show improved stability, while empty trucks may feel slightly stiffer.