Recommended Air Springs for 2018 Ram 1500 4WD with Rear Coil Spring Suspension Carrying Cargo Loads

Question:

My 2018 Ram 1500 is a 4x4. I would like a set of rear air bags. I have coil springs in the back, does that matter? I use the truck for work, which is delivering heavy machinery parts that weigh from 500-lbs up to a ton or so. I sometimes have to deliver to remote off-road locations (meaning awful roads) so sometimes I need extra support even with the lighter loads.

asked by: Karl

Expert Reply:

Based on your specific requirements for selective and adjustable rear axle suspension support the kit I recommend for your 4WD Ram 1500 is the AirLift 1000HD Air Helper Spring Kit for Coil Springs, part # AL60818HD. This offers twice the capacity of the standard duty kit # AL60818 that you referenced. You can use these kits so long as your truck does not have the factory air suspension system.

Kit # AL60818HD has a capacity of 2100-lbs so it will be suited to your heavier loads but do note that kits like this do not increase your truck's rated cargo capacity. This USA-made kit will effectively take some of the burden off your OEM suspension components and it includes all the parts needed for installation and manual inflation. The kit can be seen in the photo I linked for you.

However, I do recommend also using tubing cutter tool # AL10530 which lets you make clean and perfectly square cuts for a leak-free installation. Pressure should be maintained at no less than 5-psi at all times but the bags are capable of handling up to 50-psi each.

To let you get the most out of your air springs I suggest adding compressor kit # AL25592. Having an on-board compressor means you can instantly adjust pressure as you drive so you can find the ideal sweet spot for any given cargo load and road surface. The other option is carrying an air tank with you everywhere you go so you can stop, get out of the truck and add air to the springs or you can stop at a service station (when there is one nearby). Its a lot nicer, and it saves time too, to be able to adjust bag pressure from the comfort of your driver's seat.