The Ram 2500 evolved into something different in 2014. The days of an upper overload on the rear leaf spring pack and higher rated door sticker being the only separation between a 2500 and 3500 are long gone – hell, a 2500 isn’t even straight forward anymore. We live in the age of the internet – long before hitting a dealership, people hit the web in search of their next, new vehicle. Afterall, there’s enough information online from which one could learn all they’d need to know – dealerships are selling a commodity, pricing is really all that sets them apart (think Dave Smith Motors, for example). Bargain shoppers narrowing their truck search by price and available rebates, with no knowledge of the available rear ends and their respective applications, may find themselves purchasing a vehicle 180° from their intended purpose. Conversely, people duped by the allure of “air ride” purchasing the specialty model in starry-eyed remembrance of the childhood cruise in the backseat of grandpa’s 1989 Lincoln Towncar will be sorely disappointed in the lackluster ride of an air-ride HD truck. It aint your grandpa’s Lincoln…
We’ve done a TON with the coil spring rear ends – everything from Fox 2.0″ Shocks (Commuter) for the truck that stays on-road all the way to the 3.0″ Kings front and rear (Dominator) for a truck equally comfortable passing side-by-sides in whoop sections as it is on the tarmac. The only shortcoming of this platform is its ability to haul. A quick search on enthusiast forum reveals inumerable complaints of stock trucks with sagging rear ends and rhythmic sway on the highway when loaded near capacity. Ram must’ve realized the shortcomings of this platform and, in preparation, designed the Air-Ride.
We’re now comfortably versed in this platform. Simply explained, it’s identical to its coil sprung counterpart but swaps the spring for an airbag. Don’t let the simplicity of this change this fool you; this truck is a totally different animal. We tested the truck to capacity – nothing phased it. We hit some hard and fast dirt roads to find there’s nothing magical about these airbags – they ramp up in spring rate very quick like any other; thus, they’re rough in the dirt when compared to the coil spring trucks. Extensive R&D of our 2.5″ and 3.25″ Systems confirmed flawless operation of all air-ride functions with our modifications. As the chassis and geometry is the same, our lifts for the platform are essentially the same up front.
The rear is the same sans rear coil springs, plus airbag riser/spacer, extended sensor position link, and swaps the factory 7/8″ bump spacer for a slightly longer bump stop drop to ensure the airbag cycles correctly. On the 3.25″ systems, we also needed to shorten the travel of the rear shocks by about 1.5″ – from our extended travel design used in the coil spring platform – to keep the airbag in place. Now, we’re getting into the “WHY” we’ve never cared for airbags as a primary means of suspending an HD truck. So, there’s slightly less uptravel and substantially less down travel when compared to the coil spring trucks and they won’t make dirt roads disappear underneath you. The upside, the truck will level any load within its stated capacity and haul it down the highway without ever knowing it’s there. This is something we’ve never experienced in the 2500 platform.
In the coil sprung trucks, we got super creative. We tried to engineer long-travel airbags but the space constraints made it impossible. Going in-board the frame where we normally mount the bags puts us at the coil spring – any more inbound and they’d be worthless, too close to the center for support. Outboard the frame-rail – too close to the tire for the size of the bag needed to support the load of a 2500. Only remaining option, between the axle and frame in place of the factory bump stop. Issue here, the collapsed dimension of an airbag with an internal bump-stop (required as you’re replacing the factory bump) with the mounting brackets exceeds the size of the factory bump stop by several inches. This translates into LOST up-travel. We went outside the box to develop a load-leveling system and ran out of time to devote to it.
I digress… Now that we’ve completed the Air-ride platform, it all makes sense; for those with moderate loads chasing the best on and off-road ride, the coil spring truck is perfect offering the best ride we’ve experienced in an HD truck to date. Those that are not concerned with the softest ride or hard-charging dirt-road performance; those who bought their HD Ram to be consistently hauling while not necessary knowing what will be in the back of the truck or how heavy it will be – the air ride is the truck.
2.5″ Leveling Systems: 2.5″ Front, 1″ Rear
- 2.5″ Leveling Coil Springs
- Front, Adjustable Track Bar
- Fox 2.0″ OR King 2.5″ Shock Package, Air Ride Specific
- 1″ Airbag Spacer
- Extended Rear Sensor Link
- Rear Bump Stop Drop Brackets
As pictured above, this truck has stock, 20″ Laramie wheels with 35×12.5″ Toyo MT tires. The leveling systems are designed for those that want a leveled stance. Changing to larger tire is optional – many leave the factory wheel and tire combo.
We do not need to deep dive the base kit components, they’ve been sufficiently covered in our other articles covering the coil-spring trucks. Same goes for the shocks, we’ve spent PLENTY of time detailing our tuning process to hone the ride of these HD trucks – the same applies here as these shock packages are all air-ride specific tuning we developed during this R&D cycle.
So let’s look into the airbag spacers. For the leveling system, this required some engineering as you can’t just throw a 1″ spacer on; the length of the factory stud doesn’t facilitate this. We designed a 2-peice spacer. Half bolts to the bag, half bolts to the axle – in between, chromoly spacers to support the load, then it all bolts together.
It installs seamlessly. The whole assembly snaps together like an ultra-satisfying adult lego set. The pins pressed into the upper half of the bracket mark the rear and provide a failsafe for the airbag.
The links; what’s to say about the links? The factory links are cheesy polimer ends. This part sees no real load but polimer isn’t our style. We machined exact length rods for the 2.5″ Systems and 3.25″ Systems from aluminum rod then thread the ends to accept our zinc-steel ends. The ends snap into position with authority and are provided with a spring clip keeper for insurance.
Lastly, the bump stop drops. Nothing much to detail here. The Leveling Systems will be provided with a 1-7/8″ Bump Stop Drop. These bolt in place of the factory 7/8″ bumps providing a 1″ total drop over stock to compliment the 1″ airbag spacer provided. The bags bump out exactly as they do factory and are essentially shifted down 1″. The rear shocks provided with the leveling system maintains the stock rear travel.
37s are doable on the Leveling Systems. They require a wheel no more than 9″ wide, +12 to +18mm offset with minimal trimming. These 37″ x 12.5″ Nitto Ridge Grapplers were mounted once the truck was completed.
3.25″ Lift Systems: 3.25″ Front, 2″ Rear
- 3.25″ Leveling Coil Springs
- Front, Adjustable Track Bar
- Front Bump Stop Drop Brackets
- Radius Arm Drop Brackets
- Choice of Torsion Sway Bar or Drop Brackets for the Factory Sway Bar
- Fox 2.0″ IFP, Fox 2.0″ Remote Reservoir OR King 2.5″ Shock Package, Air Ride Specific
- Rear Track Bar Drop Bracket
- Rear Extended Sway Bar End Links
- 2″ Airbag Spacer
- Extended Rear Sensor Link
- Rear Bump Stop Drop Brackets
This truck is running aftermarket Raceline Wheels wrapped in 37×12.5″ Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires. The 3.25″ Systems are designed for those that want a leveled stanceand up to a 37×13.5″ tire on a wheel no more than 9″ wide, +12 to +18mm offset with minimal trimming.
The detailing on the leveling systems above describes the air-ride specific components in about as much detail as they can be described. The link construction for the 3.25″ Systems is the same as the Leveling, just a different length. Same goes for the bump stop drops. The spacer construction is simpler on the 3.25″ system as we’re able to utilize the factory stud on the airbag to mount it to the spacer AND bolt the spacer to the axle without the two fasteners interfering.
Fun fact: Ram only uses one nut to secure the airbag to the axle on the Driver’s side – there are two studs on the bag and there’s sufficient room for a nut but neither truck on which we designed these lifts came with a nut on the front stud of the driver’s side. For good measure, we’re going to provide one.
Conclusion
We will be offering these systems for the DIESEL ONLY!
The air-ride Platform is amazing in its own right. For the HD truck owner who prioritizing hauling over all else, it’s the clear choice. Both lift height we developed maintain perfect functionality of the air suspension (load leveling and alt. trailer height) so the end user is only left deciding which lift height better suits their application.
The 3.25″ System offers better front and rear geometry with less yaw (lateral suspension movement) all while boasting more front suspension travel. The Leveling system offers a more budget minded solution designed to squeeze the maximum performance of which the factory geometry is capable.
I have a 2021 Ram 2500 with rear air. Would it be possible to convert to rear coils so I can run the Dominator kit? I do not tow so the rear air does nothing for me.
Hi James – I have heard of customers doing this but we’ve not done one in house to know what factory parts are needed nor are we familiar with the process by which you’d bypass the electronic control system for the bags.
On one of the above reply’s you stated:
” Yes, the ride quality difference is noticeable across all platforms, the Pintop is the largest improvement of all of them”
Can you expand on how the different truck platforms ride in comparison to the stock ride ?
Thanks.
Hey Tracy – Please give us a call as that’s a LOT to outline here. 888-992-2754
Hello, its my understanding that on the 2022 RAM 2500 (and maybe others) the suspension setup is the same for 2wd vs 4wd. So would this system fit a 2wd truck with factory rear air suspension? Thanks
Hey John – Although they both have similar suspensions, they’re not interchangeable, unfortunately.
I just purchased a 22 3500 with factory rear air. Is there somewhere I can purchase only the rear spacer? The dealer installed a front 2.5” level- they will cover under warranty- the only reason I had them do it, but the front is 3/4” higher than the factory rear. Said they are hoping the front suspension settles, but I don’t think it will that far.
Hi Matt – Unfortunately not. We put a ton of R&D into this platform and we’re the only company to do it. For this reason, we elected to only sell our rear system with the complete suspension. Frankly, we didn’t want to be the company that figured out all the nuances of the rear spacers/links only to have people purchase a couple parts from us to use with their lifts – we did it to sell lifts. That said, our systems will not affect the truck’s warranty, either!
I love the ride dodge 1500 . would a 2500 HD ride as good with this air ride system. 80% of my driving is on the road but occasions will need 2500 // what do you suggest…Thank you Harlan Koch
The new 2500s with the link suspension rear ride very similar to their 1500 counterparts with our system. 20% offroad is a LOT of offroad miles. If you’re running 15,000 miles per year, that’s 3,000 miles in the dirt. I would recommend the Pintop System, for sure. This system can be viewed HERE.
I already have a lift kit. My question is can I buy just the rear bag spacer. Mine is a 3” and I want to change it to a 2” to level my truck
Hey Sammy – given the R&D we did to be able to sell complete systems for these trucks, we’ve elected to not sell the air-ride parts individually.
I just ordered the commuter kit for my 2021 power wagon is this the biggest lift I can get for it ? I was told by the dealer it was ? I initially wanted a 6 inch lift . I know the power wagon comes with a 2 inch lift from the factory so since I got the commuter kit plus 18×9 12.50 wheels and 37 inch ridge grapplers what would be the total height all together roughly 4 or 5 inches ? waiting on the kit heard there was a specific part on back order ?
Thank you ‘
Hi Mike – That is, indeed, the tallest lift we make for them!
I have a 2017 2500 mega cab with your 2.5 in. front coils and the fox 2.0 shocks on all 4 corners. Can I get your bags with out repurchasing the front? Also will there be an onboard air compressor system?
Thanks,
Hi John – these are factory airbags, not ours. The truck is equipped, from Ram, with on-board air.
Can I purchase the 1″ Airbag spacers and Link Kit separate from the front?
Hey Cory – unfortunately not. We put a ton of work into these kits to be able to sell them and don’t plan to sell the rear components separately. We did all this to sell kits, not small components. That said, if you have an existing Carli leveling system, we’ll make an exception with proof or purchase.
Will you guys be making reverse leveling rods for the ram air suspension??
We will not; sorry.
Thank you Dan I will check it out
Do you have a level kit(spring-shock) for 2012 2500 so I can replace my 2” spacer?I’m seeing mostly 2013+
Thx
Tom
Hey Tom, You can view the 2010-12 Leveling system HERE
I’m strongly considering pulling the trigger on a RAM 3500 so I can get the Aisin & HO Cummins. I don’t need the load capacity and terrible ride of the 3500, however. Can you put convert the 3500 leafs to Carli 2500 coils in the rear?
No, this would not be a swap that’s anything short of extensive fabrication. If you’re looking for the best possible ride from a 3500 and have no load capacity concerns, our suspension systems with the optional full progressive leaf spring packs would be your best option as they’ll significantly soften the ride over the factory leaf springs.
In the manufacturer comments it mentions that the 3.25/2 system sets up the front geometry better than the 2.5/1. Are there limitations in the 2.5/1 that I should be concerned or aware of? Thanks!
The 3.25″ Systems are better as they include the radius arm drop brackets – include these with the 2.5″ systems and they’re on par with the 3.25″, only lower!
I just ordered a 2021 Ram 3500 SRW mega cab with rear air. Does the 2.5 leveling kit work on the 2500 and 3500? I have the Dominator on my 04 and love it but my new Ram will be my daily driver.
Hey Bart – It does not. The only system we offer for the 3500 with the rear air can be seen HERE. We tried entry level systems to no avail to get the ride quality up to snuff – it took the full-kill kit to coax a decent ride quality from this platform.
Hello,
Can I get the 3.25 for a 2500 Tradesman Crew 2 wd with an eight foot bed and air system?
Sorry, Jose – we do not make anything for the 2wd Rams.
Is it possible to convert the rear auto leveling back to coils or are the brackets no compatible?
We’ve not attempted this. There have been customer reports that all you need is our kit and a factory rear coil upper isolator to complete the swap PLUS whatever electronic cancelling devices eliminate the “service air suspension” error message. We’ve not done this in house to confirm.
When can we order the 3.25” pintop?
Working on getting it up on the website now!
Hello Dan and team. What is the latest on the 3.5’ Pintop?
We’re working on pricing as we speak!
Great, thanks for the update! Eager to install with a set of bumpers I have coming in.
Will the 3.25” Pintop system provide a noticeable difference in the ride of my 2020 Ram 2500 6.7 with Ram Air suspension? I will be putting a Plow on this truck as well as hauling toys accross Alaska.
Yes, the ride quality difference is noticeable across all platforms, the Pintop is the largest improvement of all of them.
Hi I’m wondering what the bed rail height is over the rear Axle with the 3.25 commuter kit with 37s? Wondering what it is due to my 5th wheel. Also any idea when this kit is going to be available?
Hi Ryan – It should increase the rail height by about 3″. We’re working on it but it won’t likely be until mid 2021 the way Fox is currently looking.
Dan
I am looking for the 2.5 leveling kit with the rear air ride
Hi Kris – We’re working on it! The way Fox is looking, we’re anticipating mid 2021 on these systems!
Do you just sell the 1” rear spacers and the new leveler rods
We do not, sorry.
Hi Kris – We do not… We put a ton of R&D in this to be able to sell our full systems. This will not be sold as a rear kit to accommodate other manufacturer’s leveling systems. If you have a Carli leveling system with proof of purchase, we’ll make an exception.
The day the Pintop is available, they are going on my truck. Been waiting on this kit for a while. Getting Dixie 4×4 in St. George,UT to do the build.
Can I get the 2.5″ leveling kit with everything except the Fox shocks since they are the hold up?
Hi Brent – Unfortunately not as the rest of the parts are still in costing, not production at this time.
The white truck in the picture with stock 20 on 35″ tires. What is the overall height of that truck with the lift??
Hi Anthony – This trucks sits about 3″ higher at the roof line than a stock Ram on stock wheels and tires.
Did I read correctly that this will only work on a diesel? If so, will there be a kit for the gas 6.4? What are my options?
That is correct, we’ll only be making this system for the Diesel Trucks.
What do you recommend for a 3500 dually with factory air bags? I want to run 22” wheels with 35” tires
We only have one system for the Factory Air 3500 – it can be viewed here: If your Truck is a 2019 or newer: 2019+ System If your Truck is a 2013-18: 2013-18 System
Will the Dominator shocks also be available for the Rear Air Ram?
They will not be as the the rear air-bags will not allow you to take advantage of the benefits of the 3.0″ shocks for the reasons listed in the article.
Hello, will the 3.25 Rear Air suspension also be able to lower (via factory switch) to the transport ride height? (I’m not sure this is what it’s called as I’m not in my truck, but this setting basically drops all the air out of the bags and the truck sits on the bump stops).
Yes, the alternate trailer height function is maintained when installing both 2.5″ and 3.25″ Systems!
Hi will you take My info so I can be put on the waiting list for the 3.25?
Hello Ryan, we do not sell direct so there’s no waiting list, per-se – our stocking retailers keep lists, their contact information can be found HERE. You can also put your name on our email list in the top, right hand corner of the media section of our site as that’ll be the first place we announce that we’re accepting pre-orders and shipping systems!