Answer: A 2016 Ram 1500 air suspension leveling kit raises the front end to eliminate factory rake, improving ground clearance and aesthetics. Compatible kits like ReadyLIFT 2.0″ or Supreme Suspensions 2.5″ use spacers or strut extensions without compromising the air suspension’s adaptive functions. Installation typically takes 3-5 hours and requires alignment adjustments to maintain ride quality and tire wear patterns.
How Does Air Suspension Affect Leveling Kit Installation?
Ram 1500’s factory air suspension complicates leveling due to its adaptive dampers and load-leveling sensors. Unlike traditional coilovers, leveling kits for air suspension require spacers that sit above the strut assembly, preserving OEM height sensors. Incorrect installation can trigger error codes or disable ride-height adjustments. Professional calibration of air pressure sensors is recommended post-installation.
The air suspension system relies on precise pressure readings to adjust ride height dynamically. If spacers are improperly aligned, the system may misinterpret data, leading to uneven leveling or excessive strain on components. For instance, overextending the front struts without recalibrating the rear sensors can cause the truck to pitch forward during automatic adjustments. Using manufacturer-approved tools like the WiTech diagnostic software ensures sensor data remains accurate. Additionally, technicians should verify that the air lines remain unobstructed after spacer installation to prevent leaks or restricted airflow.
What Are the Benefits of Leveling a 2016 Ram 1500?
Leveling improves approach angles for off-roading by 2-3 degrees, reduces front-end sag when towing, and allows larger tire sizes (up to 35” with 2.5” lift). It also enhances headlight alignment and provides a more aggressive stance without sacrificing the air suspension’s automatic leveling feature during payload changes.
Is air suspension better than shocks?
Beyond aesthetics, leveling optimizes weight distribution when hauling heavy loads. The factory rake (rear height exceeding front) shifts weight backward, which can reduce steering responsiveness. A leveled setup balances this, improving traction on uneven terrain. Owners also gain flexibility in tire choices—larger all-terrain or mud-terrain tires become viable without requiring extensive fender modifications. However, upgrading tires may necessitate adjusting the speedometer calibration via the vehicle’s onboard computer to maintain accuracy.
Which Leveling Kits Work Best With Ram 1500 Air Suspension?
| Kit | Lift Height | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ReadyLIFT 2.0” SST | 2.0″ | CNC-machined aluminum spacers, no-drill design |
| Supreme Suspensions 2.5” | 2.5″ | Includes bump stop extensions and sway bar links |
| Rough Country 2” Leveling Struts | 2.0″ | Pre-assembled struts for simplified installation |
Does a Leveling Kit Void the Ram 1500 Warranty?
Modifications only void warranty if directly linked to a failure. Mopar’s “Magnuson Moss Warranty Act” compliant kits (like Mopar 2” Lift) preserve factory coverage. Aftermarket kits may affect suspension-related warranties. Dealerships often require proof of professional installation and alignment specs within ±0.5° of OEM camber/toe settings.
Can You Install a Leveling Kit Without Modifying Air Lines?
Yes—quality kits maintain factory air line routing. The 2016 Ram’s air suspension uses dual-path air springs that compress during lifting. Spacer-based kits like Top Gun Customz 2” don’t require line extensions but may need sensor recalibration using the OEM WiTech diagnostic tool to prevent “Service Air Suspension” warnings.
What Maintenance Is Required After Installing a Leveling Kit?
Post-installation, monitor air compressor duty cycles—leveled trucks may experience 10-15% faster compressor wear during frequent height adjustments. Lubricate air spring sleeves quarterly with silicone spray to prevent dry rot. Check spacer torque specs every 5,000 miles (85-100 ft-lbs) and realign tires if uneven wear exceeds 2/32” depth variance.
Extended use of leveled suspension increases stress on CV joints and wheel bearings. Inspect these components during routine maintenance for signs of premature wear, such as clicking noises during turns or play in the wheels. Additionally, recalibrate the headlights after leveling to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Most modern Ram 1500 models feature automatic headlight leveling sensors, which may need manual adjustment via the infotainment system if the vehicle’s pitch angle changes significantly.
Expert Views
“The 2016 Ram’s air suspension is more sensitive than traditional setups. We recommend using ISO 9001-certified leveling kits with extended bump stops to prevent over-compression. Always reset the ride height calibration post-install—otherwise, the system will overcompensate during automatic adjustments, leading to premature ball joint wear.”
— Jake Torrence, Lead Engineer at Rocky Mountain Suspensions
Conclusion
Leveling a 2016 Ram 1500 with air suspension requires kit compatibility, precise installation, and post-lift calibration. While enhancing functionality and style, proper maintenance ensures long-term reliability of both the leveling components and OEM air system.
FAQs
- How much ground clearance does a 2” leveling kit add?
- Approximately 1.8” at the front axle, increasing approach angle from 20.9° to 23.1°.
- Can you tow with a leveled Ram 1500?
- Yes, but payload capacity decreases by ~150 lbs due to altered front/rear weight distribution.
- Do leveling kits affect ride quality?
- Spacer-based kits maintain OEM ride feel; strut replacements may stiffen compression damping by 10-15%.