Understanding the 2017 Ram 1500 Air Suspension Delete Kit
A 2017 Ram 1500 air suspension delete kit is designed to convert your truck's factory-installed air ride system to a conventional coil spring or strut setup. This modification bypasses the air springs, compressors, and air lines, replacing them with robust, passive suspension components. It's a popular choice for owners seeking greater reliability or simpler maintenance over the OEM air system.
- Replaces air springs with traditional coils for simplicity.
- Addresses common air suspension failure points.
- Can offer lower long-term repair costs.
- Alters ride characteristics and height adjustability.
The original air suspension on your 2017 Ram 1500 provides adjustable ride height and a plush feel. However, components like air springs, sensors, and the air compressor are prone to leaks, electrical faults, and eventual wear. When these issues arise, repair costs can be substantial, often leading owners to consider a permanent conversion. This kit provides a direct replacement path, ensuring your truck remains functional and road-ready without the complexity of the original system.
Understanding this principle is fundamental for any owner facing air suspension issues. The kit's primary function is to eliminate the air-dependent components entirely, substituting them with tried-and-true mechanical parts. This mechanism is critical for achieving a stable, predictable ride without the system's inherent vulnerabilities.
The core benefit is moving from complex, failure-prone technology to a simpler, more robust mechanical setup.
Key Components Replaced
When you install an air suspension delete kit, you're essentially removing:
- Air springs (front and rear, depending on the system)
- Air compressor and its associated lines
- Height sensors and control modules related to the air system
- Any solenoid blocks or valves specific to air management
These are then replaced by new coil springs, shocks or struts, and mounting hardware specific to the kit. The goal is a straightforward conversion that restores the truck's ability to support its own weight and absorb road impacts reliably.
The Advantages of Converting: Pros of a Delete Kit
Why do so many Ram 1500 owners opt for an air suspension delete kit? The advantages often outweigh the perceived loss of features. Primarily, the move is driven by a desire for enhanced reliability and reduced long-term ownership costs, especially when facing recurring air suspension problems. Unlike specialized systems, traditional coil spring setups are widely understood by most mechanics, making repairs more accessible and affordable.
If you're experiencing constant leaks, error codes, or an uneven ride height, a delete kit offers a definitive solution. It eliminates the complex electronics and pneumatic components that are often the source of these expensive and frustrating issues. This is a critical consideration for fleet vehicles or daily drivers where downtime is unacceptable.
Enhanced Durability and Simplicity
The mechanical components used in these kits, like heavy-duty coil springs and robust shock absorbers, are built for longevity and resilience. They don't rely on intricate seals or electrical signals that can degrade over time. This inherent simplicity translates directly into fewer potential points of failure. Understanding this principle is fundamental to appreciating the kit's value proposition for daily use.
Install your delete kit on a level surface and ensure all new components are securely fastened before lowering the vehicle. Torque specifications are critical for suspension safety.
Cost Savings
While the initial purchase and installation of a delete kit represent an upfront cost, the long-term savings are significant. Replacing worn air springs can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, not to mention the labor. The delete kit offers a one-time fix that prevents future air-related repair bills. This mechanism is critical for keeping your truck operational without surprise expenses.
Our analysis indicates that for vehicles approaching higher mileage, the cost-benefit of a delete kit becomes increasingly favorable. The primary consideration involves weighing potential repair costs against the kit's price. Such precision is paramount when budgeting for vehicle maintenance.
Predictable Ride and Load Capacity
While you lose the adjustable ride height feature, you gain a consistent, predictable ride. The load capacity remains stable, and the truck will no longer sag under load due to air leaks. This offers a familiar driving experience, similar to many other trucks not equipped with air suspension, making it easier to adapt to.
The conversion to a coil spring system eliminates the unpredictable nature of aging air suspension, providing a reliable baseline for your truck's performance.
The elimination of air-related failures is the single biggest advantage for most owners.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations: Cons of a Delete Kit
What compromises are you making when you decide to delete your Ram 1500's air suspension? The most obvious loss is the adjustable ride height. This feature is useful for tasks like leveling the truck for towing, lowering it for easier entry and loading, or increasing ground clearance for off-road excursions. A delete kit typically sets the truck at a static ride height, usually equivalent to the 'normal' or 'highway' setting of the original air suspension.
This loss of adjustability means you'll need to plan for tasks that previously relied on raising or lowering the vehicle. For instance, if you regularly tow a trailer that requires the truck to be leveled, you might need to consider a traditional hitch adjustment or a different suspension setup altogether. Understanding this principle is fundamental.
Loss of Comfort Features
The plush, isolating ride quality that air suspension is known for might also be diminished. While modern coil springs and shocks are engineered for comfort, they generally don't absorb road imperfections quite as effectively as a well-functioning air system. The ride may feel firmer or more direct, which some drivers prefer, but others may find less luxurious. Our analysis indicates a noticeable difference in road feel for most drivers.
The sacrifice of adjustable ride height and potentially some ride comfort is the primary trade-off.
Potential for Altered Handling Dynamics
Depending on the specific kit and the springs/shocks it includes, the handling characteristics of your Ram 1500 might change. Some kits are designed to mimic the original feel, while others might be more performance-oriented or simply use generic components. It's imperative to acknowledge that the truck's center of gravity and weight distribution could be affected, subtly altering its cornering behavior and stability, particularly at higher speeds.
Research the specific spring rates and shock valving included in the delete kit you're considering. Ensure they align with your typical driving conditions and payload needs.
Installation Complexity and Vehicle Fitment
While the concept is simple, the actual installation of a delete kit requires mechanical aptitude. It involves safely lifting the vehicle, disconnecting the old system, and installing new, often heavy, components. Ensuring correct alignment and securing all parts is crucial for safety and performance. If you're not comfortable with major suspension work, professional installation is recommended. The primary consideration involves safely supporting the vehicle's weight.
It's also crucial to verify that the kit is designed specifically for the 2017 Ram 1500 and any specific sub-model or towing packages you might have, as fitment can vary. This precise fitment is paramount for a successful conversion.
FAQ Section
Q: Will deleting my air suspension affect my truck's towing capacity?
A: Typically, no. The coil spring setup will maintain or restore the truck's original load-carrying capabilities, often exceeding the reduced capacity seen when an air spring develops a leak. Always check your specific truck's GVWR.
Q: Can I still use my existing wheels and tires after installing a delete kit?
A: Yes, absolutely. A delete kit does not alter the wheel bolt pattern or tire mounting points. You can continue to use your current wheel and tire setup without issue.
Q: Is a 2017 Ram 1500 air suspension delete kit reversible?
A: While technically possible to reverse by reinstalling the original air suspension components, it's often impractical and costly. Most owners choose this conversion for its permanence and reliability benefits.