What Are the Benefits of Deleting Air Suspension on a Ram 1500?
Deleting the air suspension eliminates frequent failures common in factory systems, reduces repair costs, and provides a more predictable ride quality. It also removes reliance on complex electronics, making the vehicle better suited for off-road or heavy-duty use. Owners often report increased reliability and reduced long-term maintenance expenses after the conversion.
What suspension gives the best ride?
Beyond these core advantages, converting to coil springs significantly improves cold-weather performance. Factory air suspensions often suffer from frozen air lines or compressor failures in subzero temperatures, leaving vehicles sagging or unbalanced. Mechanical suspensions avoid these temperature-sensitive issues entirely. Additionally, owners gain customization flexibility – aftermarket coil kits allow precise tuning of ride height and stiffness for specific needs like hauling trailers or navigating rocky terrain. Some kits even incorporate progressive-rate springs that automatically adjust firmness based on load weight.
| Component | Air Suspension | Coil Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | 50,000-80,000 miles | 100,000+ miles |
| Typical Repair Cost | $900-$2,200 | $300-$800 |
How Does Air Suspension Delete Impact Off-Road Performance?
Coil conversions enhance off-road reliability by eliminating airbag vulnerability to punctures. However, they sacrifice adjustable ride height, which can limit obstacle clearance. Many off-road enthusiasts pair delete kits with lifted coil springs and upgraded shocks to balance durability and trail capability.
When tackling extreme angles, fixed-height coil systems require careful line selection compared to air suspension‘s on-demand lift. However, the elimination of complex sensors prevents sudden height changes during water crossings or mud immersion. Rock crawlers particularly benefit from the delete – one Arizona-based Ram owner reported a 40% reduction in trailside repairs after switching to coils. For desert runners, the consistent suspension geometry improves high-speed stability over whoops and washboard surfaces. Modern coil kits address clearance limitations through innovative designs like Thuren Fabrication’s 3-inch lift coils that maintain factory CV axle angles while adding 1.5 inches of uptravel.
Is air suspension better than shocks?
How Much Does an Air Suspension Delete Cost for a Ram 1500?
A full air suspension delete kit for a Ram 1500 costs between $800 and $2,500, depending on component quality. Labor adds $500–$1,200 if done professionally. DIY installations reduce costs but require mechanical expertise. Key expenses include coil springs, shocks, brackets, and reprogramming tools to disable suspension error codes.
| Cost Factor | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Kit (Parts Only) | $800-$1,400 |
| Premium Kit w/ Shocks | $1,800-$2,500 |
| Professional Labor | $500-$1,200 |
Expert Views
“Air suspension deletes are a double-edged sword. While they solve chronic reliability issues, they remove the load-leveling benefits that make Ram’s air suspension ideal for towing. Always match the replacement suspension to your primary use case—coils for simplicity, upgraded air systems for heavy hauling.”
— John Mercer, Off-Road Suspension Specialist
FAQ
- Q: Will an air suspension delete void my Ram 1500 warranty?
- A: Yes, if the delete directly causes a failure in related components. Dealerships may deny claims on suspension, drivetrain, or electrical systems post-conversion.
- Q: How long does an air suspension delete take?
- A: Professional installations require 6–8 hours. DIY projects may take 12–16 hours, depending on mechanical skill and tool availability.
- Q: Can I revert to air suspension after a delete?
- A: Yes, but reinstalling factory components costs $3,000–$5,000. Most delete kits allow reversal, but damaged parts may require replacement.