Answer: Deleting the air suspension on a 2017 Ram Rebel is often done to eliminate maintenance costs, avoid system failures, and simplify the suspension setup. Owners opt for coil spring or traditional shock conversions to improve durability, reduce repair expenses, and ensure reliable off-road performance. The process involves removing airbags, installing replacement kits, and recalibrating systems.
What Are the Common Reasons to Delete Air Suspension?
Owners delete air suspension due to frequent failures, high repair costs, and complexity. The factory air suspension system in the Ram Rebel is prone to leaks, compressor issues, and electrical malfunctions, especially in harsh conditions. Converting to coil springs reduces long-term maintenance and enhances reliability for off-road or heavy-duty use.
How Does Air Suspension Removal Affect Ride Quality?
Swapping air suspension for coil springs may stiffen the ride slightly but improves load-bearing consistency. Off-road enthusiasts often prefer the predictability of traditional suspensions, while daily drivers might notice minor comfort trade-offs. Properly calibrated replacement kits (e.g., from SDG or Carli Suspension) maintain balanced handling.
Extended Content: The transition from adaptive air suspension to fixed coil springs introduces distinct ride characteristics. On rough terrain, coil springs provide consistent damping without relying on sensors or compressors, which reduces the risk of sudden failures during off-road adventures. However, urban drivers may experience firmer feedback over potholes or speed bumps. For those prioritizing cargo capacity, coil systems eliminate automatic leveling but can handle static loads more reliably. To mitigate comfort loss, some kits include adjustable shocks or progressive-rate springs that soften minor bumps while maintaining stability. Professional installation and post-conversion alignment checks are critical to avoid premature wear on tires or steering components.
Can you use air suspension without a compressor?
| Driving Condition | Air Suspension | Coil Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Road Trails | Adaptive height adjustments | Fixed height, consistent performance |
| Highway Driving | Smoother ride | Slightly firmer feedback |
| Towing Heavy Loads | Auto-leveling | Requires manual adjustments |
Which Conversion Kits Are Best for a 2017 Ram Rebel?
Top kits include SDG Off-Road’s coil conversion ($1,200-$1,800), Carli Suspension’s Backcountry System ($2,500+), and Thuren Fabrication’s components. These kits include heavy-duty springs, shocks, and bracketry. DIY options like Arnott eliminators ($900) offer budget-friendly solutions but may lack durability for extreme use.
Does Deleting Air Suspension Void the Ram Warranty?
Yes, modifying the suspension typically voids the factory warranty. Dealerships may deny claims related to drivetrain, steering, or electrical systems post-conversion. Aftermarket warranties like Mopar MaxCare might still apply if the work is performed by certified technicians. Always confirm with your provider before proceeding.
What Legal Risks Exist When Removing Air Suspension?
In some states, altering suspension height beyond OEM specs violates DOT regulations. For example, Texas and California require minimum ground clearance. Deleting air suspension without proper documentation could also complicate emissions testing or resale. Consult local laws and retain installation receipts for compliance proof.
Extended Content: Legal challenges vary significantly by jurisdiction. In states like Florida and Arizona, lifted trucks face fewer restrictions, while northeastern states often enforce stricter bumper height limits. Removing factory air suspension may also trigger inspection issues if the vehicle’s VIN-linked configuration no longer matches its physical setup. To avoid fines, owners should maintain records of professional installations and verify that replacement components meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Some shops provide compliance certificates for modified suspensions, which streamline registration renewals and insurance claims.
| State | Key Regulation | Compliance Tip |
|---|---|---|
| California | Max 27″ bumper height | Use DOT-approved components |
| Texas | Minimum 4″ ground clearance | Keep suspension within 3″ of OEM |
| New York | Annual safety inspections | Submit modification documentation |
How Does Suspension Deletion Impact Towing Capacity?
Coil conversions reduce payload adaptability but maintain the Rebel’s 7,500-lb towing capacity if components are rated appropriately. Air suspension’s auto-leveling feature is lost, requiring manual weight distribution adjustments. Aftermarket helper springs or airbag assist kits (e.g., Firestone Ride-Rite) can restore load-leveling functionality.
Are There Alternatives to Full Air Suspension Deletion?
Hybrid systems like Air Lift’s WirelessONE allow manual airbag control without factory electronics. Retrofit kits retain partial functionality while bypassing faulty OEM compressors. For intermittent issues, repairing individual components (e.g., replacing air struts) might be more cost-effective than full deletion.
“While deleting air suspension solves immediate reliability concerns, it’s critical to match replacement components to your driving needs. Cheap eliminator kits sacrifice ride quality, but overbuilt systems add unnecessary weight. Always pair suspension changes with alignment checks and ECU recalibrations.” — John Mercer, Off-Road Suspension Specialist
Conclusion
Deleting the 2017 Ram Rebel’s air suspension offers long-term reliability but requires careful kit selection and legal awareness. Prioritize heavy-duty components for off-road use and verify warranty implications. Hybrid solutions balance cost and functionality for drivers needing occasional load-leveling.
FAQs
- Can I reinstall air suspension after deletion?
- Yes, but it requires purchasing new airbags, compressors, and reprogramming the ECU, costing $3,000+.
- How long does a suspension delete take?
- Professional installations take 6-8 hours; DIY projects may require 12+ hours with proper tools.