When did Ram switch to coil springs?
Ram shifted its light-duty pickup lineup to a coil-spring rear suspension with the 2013 model year, marking a major departure from the traditional leaf springs used in earlier Ram 1500 generations. The heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500 continued to rely on leaf springs for several years.
To understand the change, it’s helpful to place it in the context of Ram’s lineup and engineering goals. The 2013 overhaul of the Ram 1500 introduced a five-link rear suspension using coil springs, designed to improve ride quality, handling, and overall refinement without sacrificing payload capability. While the lighter-duty Ram 1500 embraced this new setup, Ram’s heavier-duty models—still built for serious towing and payload—kept leaf springs for a longer period, highlighting a split strategy between comfort-focused and durability-focused variants. Over time, the 1500’s coil-spring design became a defining characteristic of Ram’s approach to the light-duty truck segment.
Timeline of the switch
Key milestones outlining when Ram adopted coil springs in its lineup and how the transition unfolded across models.
- 2013: Ram unveils the all-new Ram 1500 with a five-link coil-spring rear suspension, replacing the long-used leaf-spring setup on the light-duty pickup.
- 2013–2018: The Ram 1500 generation continues with the coil-spring rear suspension; Ram’s heavy-duty 2500/3500 lines remain primarily leaf-sprung for their duties.
- Late 2010s onward: The coil-spring rear suspension on the 1500 becomes the standard configuration across subsequent updates, with optional features (such as adjustable ride height) offered on certain trims.
In short, the defining shift occurred with the 2013 Ram 1500, while the heavier-duty models kept leaf springs for longer, until Ram gradually aligned more of its lineup with the coil-spring approach on light-duty trucks.
What changed in the suspension
Before examining the specifics, note how the switch altered the chassis, ride, and overall feel of the truck. The following points summarize the core changes and their implications.
- Rear suspension moved from leaf springs to a five-link coil-spring arrangement, improving ride quality and road isolation.
- Increased wheel travel and better ride comfort on varied road surfaces, contributing to a smoother highway experience.
- Maintenance of towing and payload capabilities on the 1500, while offering a more refined ride than the previous leaf-sprung setup.
- Continued use of leaf springs in Ram’s heavy-duty 2500/3500 models for extended durability in demanding workhorse duties.
The shift to coil springs on the Ram 1500 became a defining feature of the brand’s modern ride philosophy, pairing comfort with practical capability in the light-duty segment.
Current status and takeaways
Today, Ram’s light-duty Ram 1500 continues to rely on coil-spring rear suspension across contemporary generations, following the 2013 redesign. The heavy-duty Ram 2500/3500 lines have retained leaf-spring rear suspensions for their weight-handling and durability demands, though Ram has complemented its lineup with modern features like air suspension options on some 1500 models to further enhance leveling and ride quality. This split remains a hallmark of Ram’s strategy to balance comfort in everyday driving with tough-duty capability where it’s needed most.
Summary
Ram’s switch to coil springs occurred with the 2013 Ram 1500, introducing a five-link coil-spring rear suspension that transformed ride quality for the light-duty pickup. While the 1500 moved to coil springs, Ram’s heavier-duty 2500/3500 models stayed with leaf springs for longer. Today, the 1500’s coil-spring setup is standard, reflecting Ram’s emphasis on a smoother, more controlled ride in its popular light-duty truck, while the heavy-duty lineup maintains its traditional suspension philosophy.
