How to choose the best leveling kit for a Ram 1500 with air suspension? Prioritize compatibility with your truck’s air suspension system. Opt for kits designed to maintain factory ride quality while achieving a 2-3” front lift. Brands like ReadyLIFT, Rough Country, and BDS offer specialized solutions. Ensure professional installation to avoid damaging air components. Always verify warranty implications and terrain needs.
How much does good air suspension cost?
What Are the Benefits of a Leveling Kit for Ram 1500 with Air Suspension?
A leveling kit eliminates factory rake, improving ground clearance and off-road capability. It enhances aesthetics by creating a balanced stance and allows for larger tires. Unlike full lifts, it preserves air suspension functions like load-leveling and adjustable ride height. This modification also maintains towing capacity while reducing front-end sag under heavy loads.
How Does a Leveling Kit Affect Ram 1500 Air Suspension Performance?
Properly installed kits retain OEM air suspension calibration, ensuring adaptive damping and height adjustments work seamlessly. However, excessive lift (over 3”) may strain air springs, causing premature wear. Alignment must be recalibrated post-installation to prevent uneven tire wear. Some kits integrate with the existing system to maintain automatic leveling during towing or payload changes.
Which Leveling Kits Are Compatible with Ram 1500 Air Suspension?
ReadyLIFT 66-1925 (2” lift), Rough Country 2” Leveling Struts, and BDS 4” Coilover Kit are top choices. These kits use strut spacers or replacement coils that work with factory air springs. Avoid universal kits—opt for models specifically engineered for 2019+ Ram 1500 with air ride. Confirm compatibility using your VIN before purchasing.
Is air suspension better than shocks?
When selecting a kit, consider your driving habits. Off-road enthusiasts should prioritize reinforced steel components, while daily drivers might prefer polyurethane spacers for reduced vibration. Newer models like the 2023 Ram 1500 require updated mounting brackets to accommodate revised air spring geometry. Always cross-reference part numbers with your truck’s build date, as mid-year production changes can affect compatibility.
| Brand | Lift Height | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| ReadyLIFT | 2″ | CNC-machined aluminum |
| Rough Country | 2″ | Nitrogen-charged struts |
| BDS | 4″ | Dual-rate coils |
How Does Tire Size Impact Leveling Kit Selection?
Larger tires (35”+) require higher lifts and may need wheel well modifications. A 2” leveling kit typically accommodates 33” tires without rubbing. Consider offset wheels to avoid clearance issues. Calculate overall gear ratio changes to prevent transmission strain. Always test full steering lock after installation to confirm no contact between tires and fenders.
Tire weight significantly impacts air suspension responsiveness. Heavy 35″ mud-terrain tires may cause the system to overcompensate during automatic leveling, leading to frequent compressor cycles. For optimal performance, pair larger wheels with upgraded upper control arms to maintain proper ball joint angles. Many users find 295/70R18 tires (34.3″ diameter) provide the best balance between clearance and system stability. Remember that increased tire diameter reduces effective torque, requiring recalibration of your truck’s speedometer and transmission shift points.
“Leveling kits for air-suspended Rams demand precision. Even minor misalignment can disrupt the load-leveling algorithm. We recommend forged aluminum spacers over polyurethane for durability. Post-installation, a full suspension recalibration using OEM software is non-negotiable to preserve adaptive damping.” – Senior Off-Road Engineer, Torq Engineering Group
FAQs
- Does a leveling kit improve off-road performance?
- Yes. A 2-3” front lift increases approach angles and reduces undercarriage scraping. However, extreme off-roading still requires a full suspension lift.
- Can I use factory shocks with a leveling kit?
- Only if the kit includes shock extensions. Most kits recommend matched aftermarket struts to maintain damping performance.
- How long does installation take?
- Professional installers typically complete the job in 4-6 hours. DIY attempts may take 8+ hours and risk improper calibration.