The heavy-duty RAM 2500 is built for demanding towing and hauling applications. However, even its robust factory rear coil-spring suspension has limits. When you hitch up a heavy horse trailer, fifth-wheel RV, or loaded toy hauler, the added tongue weight can cause noticeable rear-end sag, commonly known as truck squat.
Excessive rear suspension compression can affect steering response, braking stability, headlight alignment, and overall towing control. For RAM 2500 owners who regularly haul heavy loads, installing a vehicle-specific RAM 2500 air suspension kit is an effective way to add adjustable rear suspension support while retaining the factory suspension system.
In this DIY installation guide, we explain how to prepare your truck, install rear air helper springs, route the air lines, and check system pressure. We will use the RETRUE 5,000 lbs Air Suspension Kit for RAM 2500 (RAS2598) as the reference application.
1. Why Upgrade Your RAM 2500 with an Air Suspension Kit?
The 2014–2026 RAM 2500 uses a factory rear coil-spring suspension designed to balance everyday ride comfort with heavy-duty capability. However, carrying substantial payloads or towing heavy trailers can compress the rear springs and change the truck's normal ride height.
A RAM 2500 air bag suspension kit adds adjustable air springs between the vehicle frame and rear axle. The air springs work alongside the factory suspension, providing additional support when the truck is loaded.
Key Benefits of Rear Air Helper Springs
- Reduce Rear-End Sag: Adjustable air pressure provides additional support under heavy tongue weights and cargo loads, helping restore a more level truck stance.
- Improve Towing Stability: Maintaining appropriate rear ride height helps support more consistent vehicle handling and steering response when towing.
- Adjustable Load Support: Air pressure can be increased for heavy hauling and reduced for unloaded driving, allowing you to adapt the suspension to changing load conditions.
- Preserve Factory Suspension: Rear air helper springs supplement the original coil springs rather than replacing the entire factory suspension system.
Why Choose the RETRUE RAS2598?
The RETRUE RAS2598 is designed specifically for 2014–2026 RAM 2500 2WD and 4WD models equipped with factory rear coil springs.
- Up to 5,000 lbs of Load-Leveling Support: Provides additional rear suspension support for towing RVs, horse trailers, campers, and heavy cargo.
- Adjustable 5–100 PSI Operating Range: Allows you to adjust air pressure according to vehicle load and desired ride height.
- No-Drill Bolt-On Brackets: Uses existing factory jounce bumper mounting locations for the main frame brackets.
- Reinforced Rubber Air Springs: Designed for repeated compression and demanding towing applications.
- Powder-Coated Steel Brackets: Provide durable mounting support and protection against road exposure.
Remember that the 5,000 lbs rating represents supplemental load-leveling support, not an increase in your truck's factory payload or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
2. Pre-Installation Preparation: Fitment, Tools, and Safety
Before starting your RAM 2500 air bag installation, confirm that your vehicle is compatible with the kit and prepare all necessary tools. Proper preparation helps prevent installation mistakes and unnecessary modifications.
Check Vehicle Compatibility First
The RETRUE RAS2598 is designed for:
- Vehicle: RAM 2500
- Model Years: 2014–2026
- Drivetrain: 2WD and 4WD
- Rear Suspension: Factory coil-spring suspension
Important fitment restrictions:
- Not compatible with factory air-assist suspension.
- Lowered trucks are not compatible.
- Lifted trucks require compatible spacer blocks, which are not included with the kit.
- If a lifted truck no longer has the factory jounce bumper mounting locations, do not proceed with installation.
- For fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications, verify clearance between the air suspension components and hitch mounting brackets.
Required Tools and Equipment
- Metric socket set and combination wrenches
- Heavy-duty hydraulic floor jack
- High-capacity jack stands rated for your truck
- Torque wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses and protective gloves
- Tube cutter or sharp utility knife
- Wire brush for cleaning mounting areas
- Spray bottle with dish soap and water for leak testing
Important Safety Precautions
Park your RAM 2500 on a flat, solid surface, engage the parking brake, and secure the front wheels with wheel chocks. Disconnect the negative battery cable before installation, as directed in the product manual.
Never rely on a hydraulic jack alone to support your vehicle. Use appropriately rated jack stands at the vehicle manufacturer's designated support points. Wear protective eyewear and keep your hands clear of pinch points during installation.
Before beginning, review the RETRUE RAS2598 Installation Manual for the complete parts list, installation diagrams, and torque specifications.
3. Step-by-Step RAM 2500 Air Suspension Installation
Once the truck is properly supported and the components are organized, you can begin installing the rear air helper springs. The following steps summarize the RAS2598 installation sequence. Always follow the official diagrams and hardware specifications supplied with your kit.
Step 1: Remove the Factory Jounce Bumpers
Begin on the driver's side of the truck. Locate the factory rubber jounce bumper underneath the frame rail and remove its mounting hardware.
Remove the original jounce bumper and clean the mounting area. Check the factory mounting holes for corrosion, dirt, or damage before installing the new frame bracket.
Repeat the preparation on the passenger side.
Step 2: Pre-Assemble the Air Spring Assemblies
Move the air springs and mounting hardware to a clean workbench. Prepare the driver-side and passenger-side assemblies separately using their corresponding upper brackets.
Attach the appropriate upper bracket to each reinforced rubber air spring. Install the lower bracket and air fitting according to the supplied diagrams.
Make sure the air fitting faces toward the inside of the corresponding upper bracket to provide access for the air line. Hand-tighten the lower bracket hardware at this stage rather than fully tightening it before final alignment.
Step 3: Install the Frame Brackets
Position the frame bracket against the factory mounting locations previously used by the jounce bumper.
Use the supplied M10 mounting bolts to secure the frame bracket through the existing factory holes. Pay attention to the orientation shown in the installation diagram, including the direction of the bracket's longer end.
Repeat the process on the opposite side.
Step 4: Position the Air Spring Assemblies
Guide the pre-assembled air spring into the space between the truck frame and rear axle.
Align the upper bracket with the installed frame bracket. The taller side of the upper bracket should face the outside of the vehicle frame, following the manufacturer's installation diagram.
Check that the mounting holes align correctly and that the air spring is positioned without twisting or interference from nearby suspension components.
Step 5: Secure the Upper Brackets
Insert the supplied 3/8-inch mounting bolts through the aligned upper bracket and frame bracket holes.
Install the corresponding flange lock nuts and tighten the hardware according to the torque specifications in the RAS2598 manual.
Do not substitute arbitrary torque values. Different fasteners in the kit have different torque requirements.
Step 6: Install and Align the Lower Brackets
Position the lower bracket assembly over the designated rear axle mounting area.
Follow the manufacturer's dry-fit procedure and mark the alignment positions before removing and repositioning the assembly. Secure the bracket using the supplied bracket straps, carriage bolts, and locking nuts.
Check the air spring's vertical alignment and ensure that it does not twist or contact surrounding components. Fully tighten the lower air spring fastener as instructed in the installation manual.
Repeat the complete installation procedure on the passenger side using its corresponding upper bracket.
Step 7: Install the Inflation Valves
The RAS2598 includes separate inflation valves for the two air springs, allowing individual pressure adjustment.
For a no-drill installation, use the supplied inflation valve bracket and secure it in a protected, accessible location. The installation manual also provides an alternative mounting method using drilled valve holes when appropriate.
Make sure the inflation valves remain accessible for an air chuck and are protected from road debris and potential damage.
Step 8: Cut and Connect the Air Lines
Measure the required air line lengths and divide the supplied tubing into two sections, one for each air spring.
Use a tube cutter or sharp utility knife to make clean, square 90-degree cuts. Avoid angled cuts, crushed tubing, or kinked air lines, as these can cause leaks or restrict airflow.
Push each air line firmly into its corresponding air fitting until fully seated. Gently pull the tubing afterward to verify that the connection is secure.
Step 9: Route and Secure the Air Lines
Route the air lines along a protected path from the air springs to the inflation valves near the rear of the truck.
- Keep the tubing away from sharp edges and moving suspension components.
- Avoid unnecessary bends, kinks, and excessive tubing length.
- Secure the air lines using the supplied nylon ties.
- Protect the tubing from road debris and abrasion.
- Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance from heat sources. Use the supplied thermal sleeves wherever the air lines must pass within 6 inches of a heat source.
Proper air line routing is essential for long-term reliability. A damaged or overheated air line can result in pressure loss and reduced suspension support.
4. System Testing: Air Pressure, Clearance, and Leak Inspection
After completing the mechanical installation, inspect the entire system before driving. Correct air pressure and sufficient clearance are essential for preventing premature wear and ensuring reliable RAM 2500 air suspension performance.
Initial Inflation and Clearance Test
Using an external air source or a compatible onboard compressor, inflate both air springs to approximately 75–90 PSI for the initial installation inspection, following the manufacturer's manual.
Check that each air spring has at least 1/2 inch of clearance from surrounding components, including:
- Frame rails
- Rear tires
- Brake components and cables
- Shock absorbers
- Other suspension hardware
Also verify that the air springs and air lines maintain the required clearance from exhaust and other heat sources.
Perform the Soapy Water Leak Test
Spray a mixture of dish soap and water onto all air fittings, tubing connections, and inflation points. Observe each connection for expanding bubbles, which indicate an air leak.
If bubbles appear, correct the connection or tubing installation before proceeding. Repeat the inspection until all connections are airtight.
Verify All Mounting Hardware
Use a torque wrench to double-check all fasteners against the torque table in the official installation manual. Inspect the upper and lower brackets to ensure that the assemblies remain properly aligned.
Complete a Road Test
Once the clearance, leak, and fastener inspections are complete, reinstall any removed wheels and torque the lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
Restore the vehicle to its normal operating condition, remove the jack stands and wheel chocks safely, and reconnect the negative battery cable.
Set the air springs to an appropriate driving pressure, then perform a cautious road test. After approximately 10 miles, recheck air pressure, bracket clearance, fasteners, and potential leaks.
5. Air Pressure Management and Long-Term Maintenance
Installing an air bag suspension kit for RAM 2500 is only the first step. Proper pressure management and routine inspections help maintain the performance and service life of the air springs.
Follow the 5–100 PSI Operating Range
The RETRUE RAS2598 has an adjustable operating range of 5–100 PSI.
- Minimum Pressure: 5 PSI. Maintain at least 5 PSI even when the truck is unloaded to help prevent the air spring from losing its shape or becoming pinched.
- Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI. Never exceed the manufacturer's specified maximum pressure.
- Load-Based Adjustment: Increase pressure as needed to support heavier loads and restore a more level vehicle stance.
- Unloaded Driving: Reduce pressure when carrying little or no cargo while maintaining the required minimum pressure.
Always adjust pressure according to actual load conditions and vehicle ride height. The objective is to level the truck appropriately, not to inflate the air springs to maximum pressure unnecessarily.
Consider an Onboard Air Compressor
Manually inflating air springs can become inconvenient if you frequently switch between unloaded driving and heavy towing. An onboard compressor makes pressure adjustments more convenient and allows you to manage your suspension without repeatedly searching for an external air source.
The RETRUE Universal 100 PSI Onboard Air Compressor Kit (RACS001) is designed for compatible aftermarket truck air suspension systems. It features a dashboard-mounted pressure gauge and inflate/deflate controls for convenient air pressure management.
Note that this compressor provides simultaneous control of connected air springs rather than independent left-and-right pressure adjustment. If you want to retain individual side-to-side adjustment, consider how the air lines and inflation controls will be configured before choosing an onboard system.
Routine Air Spring Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect Air Lines: Check for abrasion, cracks, loose fittings, and damage caused by road debris.
- Check Air Pressure: Monitor pressure regularly and maintain the recommended operating range.
- Inspect Mounting Brackets: Look for loose fasteners, corrosion, or signs of shifting after demanding towing trips.
- Clean the Air Springs: Remove accumulated mud, road salt, and dirt to help prevent premature rubber wear.
- Check for Clearance: Ensure the air springs do not contact tires, brake components, frame rails, or other suspension parts during operation.
6. Explore More RAM Air Suspension Options
The RAS2598 is designed for 2014–2026 RAM 2500 trucks with factory rear coil springs. If you own a different RAM generation or are comparing other rear suspension configurations, choosing a vehicle-specific system is essential.
Explore the RETRUE RAM Air Suspension Kit Collection to compare available options for compatible RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 applications.
You can also browse the complete RETRUE Air Suspension Kit Collection for additional truck-specific air bag suspension solutions for Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, and other compatible vehicles.
Conclusion: Upgrade Your RAM 2500 with Adjustable Air Support
A properly installed RAM 2500 air suspension kit can make a meaningful difference when towing heavy trailers or carrying substantial cargo. By adding adjustable rear air springs, you can reduce excessive suspension sag, maintain a more level ride height, and improve vehicle control under changing load conditions.
With the RETRUE RAS2598, RAM 2500 owners get vehicle-specific mounting brackets, reinforced rubber air springs, up to 5,000 lbs of supplemental load-leveling support, and an adjustable 5–100 PSI operating range.
Whether you are installing the system yourself or working with a professional mechanic, correct fitment, careful installation, proper air line routing, and regular maintenance are essential.
Stop letting heavy loads compromise your truck's stance. Equip your RAM 2500 with dependable rear suspension support and get more control out of every towing and hauling trip.
Ready to upgrade your truck? Choose the right air suspension solution for your RAM 2500 and experience the benefits of adjustable load support.
