What kind of suspension does a Ram 1500 have?

The Ram 1500 uses an independent front suspension and a rear coil-spring, multi-link suspension, with an optional air suspension available on higher trims to adjust ride height and load leveling.

How the suspension is laid out for the Ram 1500

The Ram 1500’s suspension is designed to prioritise ride comfort and capability. The front suspension is independent, helping to smooth out bumps and maintain better tire contact. The rear suspension is a coil-spring, multi-link (often referred to as a five-link) design, which replaces the traditional leaf springs on newer models to improve ride quality and load handling. Since 2019, Ram has offered an Active-Level Rear Air Suspension on many trims to adjust height for loading, highway cruising, and off-road use.

Key configuration points by generation explain how the setup evolved and what it means for drivers today.

• Front suspension: Independent layout (typically a double-wishbone/multi-link design) with coil springs for better ride comfort and tire contact.


• Rear suspension: Five-link coil-spring independent design, replacing older leaf-spring setups on the modern Ram 1500 for smoother ride and improved load handling.


• Air suspension option: Active-Level Rear Air Suspension available on many trims, allowing automatic leveling and adjustable ride height for loading, towing, or off-road use.

Overall, these choices deliver a smoother ride, more refined highway behavior, and greater versatility when carrying payloads or tackling uneven terrain.

Current options and practical implications

Today’s Ram 1500 maintains the independent front and coil-spring rear arrangement, with the notable addition of an available air suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle to suit conditions. This combination is common across most trims, with some variants offering upgraded dampers or tuning to tailor ride characteristics for specific applications, such as off-road or luxury-focused models.

• Active-Level Rear Air Suspension: Provides adjustable ride height and automatic leveling, enhancing ease of loading and off-road capability (availability varies by trim and package).


• Standard front independent suspension: Continues to deliver responsive handling and compliant ride across everyday driving and highway cruising.


• Rear coil-spring multi-link with optional performance dampers: Some trims or packages include upgraded shocks to improve handling and articulation, especially in off-road-oriented models.

In summary, the Ram 1500’s suspension architecture blends independent front and rear coil-spring design with optional adaptive air suspension, delivering a balance of ride comfort, payload capacity, and versatility for a full-size pickup.

Summary

The Ram 1500 employs an independent front suspension and a rear multi-link coil-spring setup, with an available Active-Level Rear Air Suspension on many trims. This configuration marks a shift away from traditional leaf springs toward a more refined ride and better load management, while the optional air system adds height adjustment for loading, towing, and off-road use.

What type of suspension does a Dodge Ram 1500 have?

RAM 1500 Suspension System Explained
The RAM 1500 comes standard with a coil-spring rear suspension, which sets it apart from many competitors that use leaf springs. On higher trims, you'll find the Class-Exclusive Active-Level Four Corner Air Suspension.

Do all Ram 1500 have air suspension?

No, not all Ram 1500 trucks come with air suspension; it is an available option on specific trims, like the Laramie, Limited, and Rebel. This system is not standard on all models and is most common on higher-end or off-road-focused configurations.
 

• It's an optional feature: The air suspension is a feature that must be selected when purchasing the truck. It is not automatically included on every model or trim level. 
• Availability: You will find the air suspension available as an option on certain Crew Cab trims, especially those that emphasize luxury or off-road capability. 
• Benefits: When equipped, the air suspension provides benefits like a smoother ride and load-leveling capabilities. It can also be used to automatically lower the truck for better aerodynamics and fuel efficiency during highway driving. 

How do I make my Ram 1500 ride smoother?

To make a RAM 1500 ride smoother, consider upgrading your shocks and struts, installing softer or more appropriate leaf springs, or choosing tires with a smaller sidewall and softer compound. Other options include installing an air suspension system for a significant improvement, or adding a lighter-rate sway bar to reduce body roll. For a less expensive fix, ensure your suspension components are in good condition and check if your truck is riding too low, which could indicate a damaged suspension.
 
This video demonstrates budget-friendly upgrades to improve a RAM's ride quality: 58sCJC Off RoadYouTube · Jul 11, 2025
Suspension and handling upgrades

• Replace shocks and struts: Worn-out shocks and struts can significantly worsen ride quality. Upgrading to a quality set designed for a smoother ride can make a big difference. 
• Install new leaf or coil springs: Leaf springs wear out over time. Replacing them with new, appropriate-for-your-needs springs will improve comfort and support. Similarly, upgrading the coil springs can provide a better ride. 
• Upgrade to an air suspension system: This is a more expensive modification but can dramatically improve ride quality, potentially making it feel like a luxury sedan. 
• Replace the sway bar: A lighter-rate sway bar can help reduce the jarring movement you feel when one wheel hits a bump, smoothing out the ride, especially when pulling into a driveway or gas station. 

Tire and wheel upgrades

• Choose different tires: Opt for tires with a softer rubber compound and smaller sidewall height. This can make a significant difference in comfort, especially over bumps. 

Other solutions

• Check for existing issues: Make sure your suspension components are in good working order. A truck riding too low could have a damaged suspension component that is negatively impacting the ride. 
• Consider leveling kits: A suspension leveling kit can help balance the weight between the front and back of the truck, which provides a more stable and even ride. 
• Investigate adaptive damping systems: If your truck is a newer model, it may already have an adaptive damping system that adjusts stiffness. If yours does, ensure it is functioning correctly. 

What year ram 1500 5.7 to avoid?

Years to avoid for the 5.7L Hemi Ram 1500 include 2011-2012, primarily for "Hemi tick" and lifter issues, and 2014, due to reports of catastrophic steering failures. Other years to approach with caution are 2018-2019, due to electrical and infotainment system problems, and 2004 and 2013-2015, which have documented issues with engine stalling and transmission failures, respectively.
 
Years to be cautious of

• 2011-2012: Notorious for "Hemi tick" from failed lifters or other engine issues. 2011 also had reports of engine failure, MDS issues, and water pump failures. 
• 2013-2015: Documented severe transmission failures, particularly in 2013 and 2015 models. 2015 also had numerous recalls and problems with its electrical, transmission, engine, and fuel systems. 
• 2014: Several complaints have logged total steering loss, sometimes at highway speeds. 
• 2018-2019: Reports of issues with electrical and infotainment systems are more common. 
• 2004: Engine stalling issues persisted, and there were power train concerns. 

What to look for in a reliable Hemi Ram 1500

• 2010: Generally has better engine reliability, though it was known for a weak engine combined with poor fuel economy. 
• 2018 and newer: The 5.7L Hemi V-8 is considered more reliable in these years. 
• 2020 and newer: Models have fewer issues than late 2010s versions. 
• Ram 1500 Classic models: These are also reported to do well, having fewer complex systems than the redesigned 2019 and newer models.