RAM 2500 Suspension Upgrades- Little Changes for Better Comfort

The RAM 2500 is nothing short of an excellent heavy-duty pickup truck. Its stunning array of engines, offroad capabilities, and beautiful interior make it the obvious choice for anyone with practicality and enjoyment on the top of their priority list. However, the RAM 2500 does fall short in one key area- comfort.

Suspension anomalies highlights

• Level of importance:medium
• Common reasons:all kinds of suspension problems
• DIY inspection:possible but complicated
• DIY repair:impossible
• Average price in shops:$250 - $800
• Average time:1 - 8 hours
• If ignored:suspension fatal failure, no-drive

What suspension does the RAM 2500 use?

Standard RAM 2500's come equipped with multilink coil spring rear suspension, whilst top models are equipped with auto-leveling rear air suspension. Both these models are excellent for off-roading and towing, allowing the RAM 2500 to traverse even the steepest of terrain. However, on the highway, multilink coil suspension can feel on the firm side, and you'll be able to feel every bump on the road. The air suspension does a much better job at soaking up the road's punishment, but you can still make it even better with a few simple upgrades.

It's a good idea to check which suspension your RAM 2500 has before you look to modify it for better comfort, as each suspension type will require different upgrades.

Pros of the RAM 2500's suspension

• Excellent offroad capability:The RAM 2500 is renowned for its offroad capability, largely thanks to its suspension. No matter which suspension kit you choose, you'll be able to traverse the toughest terrain imaginable.
• Durable and reliable:The RAM 2500's suspension can also withstand a great deal of abuse.

Cons of the RAM 2500's suspension

• Comfort:the RAM 2500 is one of the most uncomfortable trucks on the market, largely due to its suspension

Upgrades for multilink coil spring rear suspension

If your RAM 2500 features coil rear suspension, check out these upgrades:

• Lift Kit:Many people assume that lifting kits should only be used if you want to enhance your truck's offroad capabilities. However, this couldn't be further from the truth, and a lift kit can seriously improve your ride comfort. Simply find a lift kit that won't change handling by maintaining the OEM steering geometry and install it onto your truck. Now for the secret- use the extra room to install some bigger and wider tires. These tires will help to absorb the road's punishment even more efficiently and the increased surface area of the tires will minimize bumps in the road.
• Comfort Ride Kit:Perhaps the best comfort upgrade for your Ram 2500's suspension is the Daystar comfort ride lift and leveling kit. Not only is this kit incredibly cheap and easy to install, but it's also unbelievably effective. The kit will allow you to lift or level your rear suspension, depending on your goals, and there's a great amount of customizability to this lift. You'll receive coil spacers to enhance the suspension as well as bumper stops. For the price, this kit is one of the best options to make your RAM 2500 more comfortable.
• Replace the Dampers:the RAM 2500's stock dampers are pretty stiff. This does allow for better performance, but at the cost of comfort. So, if you don't mind decreasing your RAM's ability for a more comfortable ride, swap the stock dampers for softer ones. The difference will be surprisingly noticeable.
• Replace the Shock Absorbers:The shock absorbers, unsurprisingly, absorb the road's bumps and potholes. So, if you're looking for a more comfortable ride, a shock absorber upgrade is one of the best modifications to make. We recommend Gabriel ultra-shocks for the most impact. These shock absorbers are easy to install, come with a lifetime warranty, and won't decrease your truck's performance.
• Change the Tyre Pressure:If you're looking for a quick and cheap way to improve your RAM 2500's suspension and ride comfort, all you need to do is change the tire pressure. Lower your pressure to the bottom end of the stated range, and you should instantly be able to feel changes for the better. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective, and this method really proves this!
• Air Suspension Upgrade:Perhaps the best, and most expensive, upgrade to coil suspension is to replace it entirely in favor of air suspension. Ultimately, air suspension is better all-round than old-fashioned coils, and if you want the most comfortable ride, this is the way to go.
• Adjustable Track Bar:A track bar serves both a suspension and steering function. When damaged, the track bar produces a wobbling in the cabin, which can be very unpleasant to drive with. Luckily, you can purchase an adjustable track bar, which is much more durable and less susceptible to damage. Installing this will stop any wobbling in the cabin, ultimately leading to a more comfortable and refined ride.

Air Suspension Upgrades

Whilst air suspension is undoubtedly the most comfortable suspension to use, and an all-around excellent system, you can still modify it for better comfort. Here are some of the best upgrades to consider:

• Air Lift Levelling Kit:An airlift leveling kit will enhance your air suspension in a few ways. Firstly, it'll give you more control over your suspension, allowing you to choose when to inflate or deflate the airbags, whilst you're towing some cargo, for example. Secondly, a leveling kit will maximize your comfort by providing extra support to your suspension whilst it's under stress, such as when you're off-roading or towing a heavy load. This will make your suspension comfortable even in uncomfortable situations.
• Air suspension enhancement system:Another great upgrade is an air suspension enhancement system. This will improve your ride comfort when you're carrying heavy loads by reducing uneven road handling and minimizing the effects of an uneven load on your suspension. So, if you often have a large amount of cargo to carry, an air suspension enhancement system is a great option.
• Air Shock Absorbers:If you're looking to seriously enhance the comfort of your air suspension, consider upgrading the air shock absorbers. We recommend the 'Gabriel HiJackers'. These air shocks will keep you comfy when towing heavy loads and are easy to use, as well as incredibly durable. They're another great choice if you plan on towing heavy loads on a regular basis but want to maintain the comfort that air suspension provides.

Safety Tips

When conducting any work on your RAM 2500, it's important that you do so safely. Here are some top safety tips to consider:

• Wear the Correct safety equipment:The last thing you want when upgrading your RAM's suspension is to injure yourself. So, make sure you're wearing long trousers, proper shoes, gloves, and goggles as a minimum. This gear will protect you should anything go wrong.
• Consult a Mechanic:If, at any point, you feel out of your depth when altering your truck's suspension, stop what you're doing and let a professional take over. This will both keep you safe and ensure that any upgrades are installed efficiently and most importantly, correctly.
• Refer to your owner's guide:Before conducting any DIY on your truck, make sure all the parts you are going to install are compatible with your RAM 2500. The last thing you want to do is install an upgrade that will make your RAM 2500 worse than before!

Is it a Bad Idea to Change a Vehicle's suspension?

Many people have doubts in their minds when it comes to modifying their truck's suspension. They believe that doing so will almost always lead to more damage than good, and thus suspension should just be left alone. Whilst these concerns are understandable, they're simply not correct.

The only way that a suspension modification can be harmful to your vehicle is if it's conducted poorly. This most commonly occurs when individuals attempt to lower their car for the cheapest price, resulting in increased wear and tear on other parts of the car's internals and therefore damage.

However, as long as you purchase upgrade kits that are compatible with your RAM 2500, and install them properly, you will not damage your vehicle. You may even extend the life of certain parts of your truck, as many suspension upgrades relieve strain on fragile components. It may be scary, but if you do your research and install the upgrades correctly, you'll have nothing to worry about!

Concluding Thoughts

Ultimately, upgrading your RAM 2500's suspension isn't as tricky as it first may seem, and these upgrades can have an amazing effect on the comfort of your truck. If you don't have air suspension, installing this should be your priority, as air suspension is greatly superior to a coil model. Once you've done this, work on making your air suspension even better by upgrading its ability to cope under strain and pressure. And, before you know it, your RAM 2500 will be unrecognizable, and you'll finally be able to relax behind the wheel!