Answer: A 2015 Ram 1500 air suspension delete kit replaces the factory air suspension system with traditional coil springs or leaf springs. This conversion eliminates common air suspension failures, reduces maintenance costs, and improves reliability for off-road or heavy-duty use. Kits include components like springs, shocks, brackets, and hardware, with installation taking 4-8 hours for experienced mechanics.
Why Should You Consider Deleting the Air Suspension on a 2015 Ram 1500?
The factory air suspension in the 2015 Ram 1500 is prone to leaks, compressor failures, and sensor malfunctions, particularly in extreme temperatures or heavy payload conditions. Deleting it eliminates $1,200+ repair bills for airbag replacements and prevents system sagging. Owners report improved towing stability and reduced “limp mode” incidents after conversion.
Extended Content: Beyond immediate cost savings, the conversion enhances compatibility with aftermarket accessories like snow plows or slide-in campers that require static suspension heights. Mechanics note that air suspension failures often cluster around the 80,000-mile mark, with compressor motors wearing out from constant adjustments. In cold climates, moisture buildup in air lines leads to frozen valves – a non-issue with coil springs. Off-road enthusiasts particularly benefit from eliminating the risk of punctured airbags on rocky trails. Recent surveys show 78% of converted trucks require only basic spring inspections versus 6+ annual diagnostics for active air systems.
| Repair Type | Air Suspension Cost | Coil Spring Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Component Replacement | $900-$2,200 | $0 (No active parts) |
| Annual Maintenance | $300-$500 | $50 (Lubrication only) |
What Components Are Included in a Quality Air Suspension Delete Kit?
Premium kits include: 1) Cold-rolled steel spring perches 2) Quad-rate coil springs (OE-spec 680 lb/in load capacity) 3) Nitrogen-charged shock absorbers 4) Grade 8 hardware 5) Bushing kits for differential alignment. Top brands like Arnott and Supreme Suspensions include vehicle-specific bracketry to maintain proper driveline angles and ABS sensor functionality.
Can you use air suspension without a compressor?
Extended Content: Advanced kits now feature laser-cut alignment tabs that simplify installation without requiring special tools. The best coil springs use shot-peened surfaces to resist corrosion, crucial for trucks in salt belt states. Recent innovations include integrated bump stop plates that protect the frame during suspension compression. Shocks with digressive valving help maintain ride quality by providing variable damping rates – firm during highway driving yet compliant on rough terrain. Kits for crew cab models typically include reinforced trailing arm brackets to handle the 14% longer wheelbase stresses.
How Does the Conversion Process Impact Vehicle Electronics?
Post-installation, the ECU may trigger error codes (C149C, C1510) due to missing air suspension components. Professional kits include resistor-based emulators that simulate air pressure sensors, preventing dash warnings without requiring dealership reprogramming. Some users report improved transmission shift patterns after eliminating erratic suspension height adjustments.
Which Tools Are Required for a DIY Air Suspension Delete Installation?
Essential tools: 1) 3-ton jack stands 2) Ball joint separator 3) 21mm socket for control arm bolts 4) Torque wrench (150 ft-lb capacity) 5) Angle finder for pinion alignment. Safety tip: Disconnect battery and depressurize air system (through OBD-II port using a bi-directional scanner) before disconnecting air lines to prevent accidental deployment.
What Are the Long-Term Durability Differences Between Systems?
Coil spring conversions typically last 100,000+ miles versus 50,000-70,000 miles for factory air springs. Steel components resist UV degradation and road salt better than rubber airbags. However, delete kits transfer more vibration to the frame – polyurethane bushings (durometer 80A) are recommended over rubber to absorb harmonics without compromising payload capacity.
How Does Ride Quality Compare After Air Suspension Removal?
Unloaded ride stiffness increases by 18-22% with coil springs, while loaded ride quality improves with 30% less body roll during cornering. The delete reduces “floaty” highway feel but maintains 85% of factory articulation for off-road use. Adjustable shock absorbers (like Bilstein 5100 series) can restore some comfort while keeping the reliability benefits.
Expert Views
“Modern Ram delete kits have evolved beyond basic spring swaps. The best systems now integrate with the CAN bus to maintain trailer sway control and hill-descent features that rely on suspension data. We’re seeing 93% fewer comebacks when using emulator-equipped kits versus basic mechanical conversions.”
– John Masterson, Certified Ram Suspension Specialist (15 years experience)
Conclusion
Converting the 2015 Ram 1500’s air suspension to coil springs provides durable, cost-effective solutions for owners facing repeated repairs. While sacrificing some load-leveling convenience, the mechanical simplicity and reduced maintenance make this conversion particularly valuable for high-mileage trucks or those used in extreme conditions. Always verify kit compatibility with your cab configuration (Crew vs Quad) and differential type (3.55 vs 3.92 ratios).
FAQs
- Will deleting air suspension void my Ram’s warranty?
- Modifications only affect suspension-related components under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Powertrain and emissions warranties remain intact unless damage is directly caused by improper installation.
- Can I retain my factory ride height after conversion?
- Quality kits maintain stock ride height within ±0.5″. Some offer optional preload spacers for 1-2″ lifts without changing spring rates.
- How often should converted suspension components be inspected?
- Check spring perches and U-bolts at 500-mile intervals post-installation, then annually. Retorque fasteners to 125 ft-lbs after initial settling (typically 1,000 miles).