Air Ride suspension aftermarket add

[tnmblair]

Hi all,

So I have a question about adding an aftermarket air ride suspension. I have a 2015 Ram 3500 DRW, and I'm wanting to add the air ride suspension airbags and in-cab controls but cannot find anyone that will install it. I've contacted a few companys in my area (currently around Charleston SC), but no one wants to tackle the project. They tell me quite a lot of drilling and work is required, and it ends up very pricey.

Has anyone had such a system installed in a Ram 3500 somewhere near Charleston, and if so, where? BTW, I'm willing to travel to have it installed, at least within a reasonable distance anyway.

Thanks all.

[clifford j]

@tnmblair, some time ago I installed a system in a F350 26 foot MH. Right rear springs became weak or we had poor weight distribution.The least expensive way to solve the problem was to install air bags. The kit came with all parts needed,bag's, pump, control switches and gauges for the cab ,wiring, and hoses. I don't recall much drilling except to mount the pump and in cab controls. I would get a PDF of the installation procedures and show them to a prospective installer . I think many shops get scared off because the job is an unknown project. I owned an independent auto repair center and would have tackled a job like that ,,,what the heck if I got my time/ expense covered I'd be happy. It's not rocket science. Look for a non chain organization, but a small local shop.

CLIFF

[Cummins12V98]

What are you hauling that you need bags on a DRW RAM?

[Franka548]

tnmblair,
You might want to check out the local spring shop, they will usually tackle something like that. I am assuming that you are talking a full air ride system that replaces the leaf springs with air bags. I did it by myself in 2 nights on my Silverado. There are about 12 holes (give or take a couple) to drill in the frame.
Frank

[tnmblair]

Cummins12V98: I'll be towing a '16 DRV 40KSSB4. We haven't picked it up yet, but I'm thinking that it might cause me to ride nose high. I would have gotten the Ram with the factory air bags, but couldn't find one without ordering it that way.

Franka548: Yep, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I don't have the time to do it myself, as my job keeps me pretty busy out of town.

Thanks for the responses all.

[easdsa]

You have talked to the Dodge dealer where you bought the truck, haven't you? I would think that they could install the factory system, and it would be according to the flat rate manual, so you should be able to get a pretty accurate price quote.

[Dogpatch]

I had the aftermarket airbag kit installed by the same company that did my 5er hitch install.
I didn't do the auto level with compressor, I just did the bags and air nozzles at the bumper.

[wowlites]

tnmblair,
Check these guys out, I've been considering this set up myself. Says it bolts right up to existing mounts,
Auto Flex - Air Ride Suspension System | AutoFlex Air Ride Suspension Systems

Cheers Rick T.

[tnmblair]

Unfortunately I purchased the truck in Virginia (as it was the only dealership with several hundred miles that had what I wanted), and now live in South Carolina which would make that roughly 8 hours one way back to that dealership. There are a few Ram dealers here I plan on asking though, so we'll see.

I've not heard of Auto Flex, so I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the tip.

[Cummins12V98]

I installed a PacBrake complete system including AirHorns on my 11 HO RAM Dually mostly for ride improvement.

Personally I would wait until you have your new MS before doing anything. The rear axle is rated for 9,750# on the 13 and up trucks. If the truck sits level bags are not needed.

[shane wood]

I installed a set of firestone airbags with an on board 200psi viar compressor . it operates the airbags in cab an has air chucks for tires. I run the bags at about 30 psi when towing and it smoothens out the ride. My trailer has 4265 lbs pin weight. The truck sits level without air in the bags but when hitting bridge expansion joints they really help

[Air Lift Company]

Here is a link to our dealer locator which should show everyone in your area that installs. 98% of our kits are bolt on, so install is pretty quick and simple.

https://www.airliftcompany.com/dealer/

[cb1000rider]

I've got the same truck. Towing a 37' 5th wheel, I feel that the rear springs are right. Adding more springs (or bags) - I'm not sure that it would help unless you're experiencing sag and are carrying a lot of weight.

The airbags generally supplement the factory spring rates.

[tnmblair]

Thanks all, for the replies. I appreciate all the info a lot.