If your 2014 dodge ram 1500 suspension is starting to feel more like a pogo stay than a clean ride, it's most likely time to take a closer look at what's taking place under the steering wheel wells. Most of us bought these types of trucks because they will were famous for having the best ride in the particular full-size segment, mainly because of that rear coil-spring setup that replaced the old-school leaf springs. Yet your best setups wear out, and by now, a 2014 model has likely seen its fair share of potholes, dirt roads, and heavy trailers.
Whether you're dealing with a loose rear end, irritating front-end clunks, or even you just want to obtain rid of that factory rake, knowing how this unique year's suspension works will be the first stage to getting your truck back in order to its former glory—or making it even better.
The Change to Rear Coils
Back in 2014, the Ram 1500 was nevertheless making waves since it didn't ride like a traditional work truck. While Ford and Chevy were still sticking with leaf spring suspensions, Ram went with a multi-link back suspension with coil springs. If you've ever driven an old truck, you understand they tend in order to jump around once the bed is clear. The 2014 dodge ram 1500 suspension changed that. It's a great deal more planted and car-like, which is great for daily traveling, but it furthermore means there are more bushings and links that will can eventually need replacing.
The trade-off for that convenience is the fact that when the particular coils begin to wheel out, the rear of the truck can begin to sag, especially if you're frequently hauling heavy loads. If you notice your headlights are pointing at the particular trees when a person have a couple of dirt bikes in the back again, your rear springs might be shedding their tension.
The Love-Hate Romantic relationship with Air Suspension
If your own 2014 Ram arrived with the optional four-corner air suspension, you probably possess a complicated relationship with your pickup truck. When it works, it's honestly incredible. Having the ability to lower the particular truck for easy entry or increase up for 4x4 clearance with the particular push of a button feels like magic. Plus, it automatically levels the fill, which is a lifesaver with regard to towing.
Nevertheless, as these trucks age group, the air system may become a problem, especially if you live somewhere cold. The device is a "closed-loop" nitrogen setup, yet moisture can nevertheless get in. As soon as things start freezing, the valves stick, or the atmosphere bags develop small cracks. You may walk out to your driveway in the particular morning and discover your truck "squatting" on a single side.
Fixing the particular air suspension can get pricey quick. A lot of owners eventually obtain tired of the particular "Service Air Suspension" light and just swap the whole thing out regarding a conventional coil-over conversion kit. It's the bit of a bummer to drop the adjustability, yet the peace associated with mind of understanding your truck won't be sitting on its bump halts in a food store parking lot is worth it for many.
Dealing with the Infamous Front-End Clunk
If you're hearing a rhythmic thud or even clunk each time you hit a small bundle, you're likely looking at a worn-out component in the entrance 2014 dodge ram 1500 suspension . The particular most common causes are the sway bar end links or the tie rod ends. These components have a beating every single time you convert the wheel or even hit a drop in the road.
Luckily, these are relatively cheap and easy to fix. Yet if you disregard them, that stoß can start to consume away at your tires. Ram trucks will also be known intended for having ball joints that wear away across the 100, 000-mile mark. If you're feeling some "slop" within the steering or the truck seems like it's wandering on the road, definitely get individuals ball joints examined out before they will decide to give up on a person at 70 with.
Leveling Kits: The Most Popular Upgrade
Let's talk about the way the truck looks. In the factory, the 2014 Ram 1500 has a pretty significant "rake, " meaning front side sits a few of inches lower than the back again. It's designed that will way so the truck levels out whenever you put lots in the bed, however it doesn't always look the best.
A ranking up kit is normally the first thing individuals do to their 2014 dodge ram 1500 suspension . A person have two main ways to do this: spacers or adjustable shocks. Spacers are the cheap way out—they're simply pucks that sit on top of your factory struts. They work, but these people can sometimes make the ride a small stiffer.
The particular better method to do it is with something similar to the Bilstein 5100 series adjustable shocks. These permit you to utilize the shock itself to lift the front end. It will keep the ride high quality high and doesn't stress the CURRICULUM VITAE axles as very much as a substantial spacer would. Plus, you get a much better shock absorber in the process.
Why A person Should Consider New Shocks
Talking of shocks, if you're still running the original factory shocks on a 2014, these are nearly certainly dead. Shocks don't always drip when they fail; sometimes the inner valving just gets tired. In case your pickup truck feels "floaty" or takes 2 or 3 bounces to settle down after a speed bump, your shocks are done.
Upgrading to the high-quality aftermarket surprise can honestly create the truck feel better than the day time it rolled away from the lot. Brands like Fox, Icon, or even the higher-end Rancho units can transform the particular handling. You'll notice less body move within the corners and a lot more controlled sense when you're upon the highway. It's one of these maintenance items which in fact feels like a performance upgrade.
Don't Forget the particular Upper Control Hands
If a person do decide in order to level or lift your 2014 dodge ram 1500 suspension , monitor your top control arms (UCAs). The factory UCAs on these vehicles are constructed with stamped steel, and the ball joints are pressed within a way that doesn't love being at extreme perspectives.
If you go higher than two ins of lift within the front, the particular ball joint can actually pop out from the arm because associated with the increased pressure. If you're preparing a lift, it's a smart shift to plan for the set of heavy-duty aftermarket upper handle arms. They possess a better position for the ball joint and are much beefier compared to the stock units. It's one of those "do this once, get it done right" kind of issues.
Maintenance Methods for Longevity
To help keep your suspension from squeaking and groaning, you've got to remain on top of the small things. Whenever you're below there changing the particular oil, take a look at the particular rubber bushings on the control arms and the sway bars. When they look cracked or even "crusty, " they're going to start making noise soon.
A very little bit of silicone spray on the particular rubber bits may help keep them from drying away, but eventually, rubber just ages. In case you live in the rust belt, the mounting points for your rear coils may also get pretty nasty. Keeping the underside of the pickup truck clean—especially following a salty winter—will save you the massive headache in order to eventually comes time to swap out components.
Final Ideas within the 2014 Set up
At the end of the particular day, the 2014 dodge ram 1500 suspension is a fantastic system that simply needs a little love as this gets older. It provides a level associated with comfort that most other trucks through that era just can't match. Whether you're keeping it stock for a soft commute, upgrading this for some weekend break off-roading, or changing a troublesome air system back to coils, there are usually plenty of choices around.
Remember the suspension is what connects you to the street. In the event that the truck feels "off, " this probably is. Investing a little little bit of time and money into the shock, springs, and bushing will make your Ram feel such as a brand-new machine and keep it upon the road another decade. Plus, there's nothing quite like the feeling of a freshly leveled vehicle sitting perfectly upon a new set of tires.