Product Description
This air spring is designed for the rear air suspension system of the Dodge Ram 1500 DS/DJ chassis, with the same part number fitting both rear left and rear right positions. This product is an air spring only and does not include a shock absorber core. It is suitable for repair scenarios where the original rear shock absorber core is still fully functional but the air spring has aged, cracked, or failed.
As a representative of Dodge's full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 balances heavy load capacity with on-road comfort in its rear air suspension design. The rear air spring handles load-bearing and height adjustment tasks at the rear of the vehicle, maintaining body level, filtering road impacts transmitted through the rear wheels, and supporting automatic self-leveling when towing.
Constructed with high-strength rubber composite material and aluminum alloy upper/lower mounts, this air spring works in coordination with the rear shock absorber core, stabilizer bar and height sensor to form the rear portion of the Dodge air suspension system. This product features automatic self-leveling functionality, offering multiple height adjustments including normal ride height and off-road/towing height.
The Dodge Ram 1500 DS/DJ was produced between 2013 and 2019 as the first generation of Ram pickups equipped with rear air suspension. Rear air spring failure is a common repair item on this model, especially as vehicles accumulate higher mileage or undergo frequent heavy load towing.
This product is manufactured to original equipment structural dimensions, with air bag diameter, upper and lower mounting hole positions, air line connector specifications, and seal ring dimensions all consistent with original factory specifications, allowing direct replacement of the old air spring without any modifications. The same part fits both left and right sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I tell whether the Dodge Ram 1500 rear air spring is already damaged?
Common signs of damage include: the rear axle noticeably sinking after the vehicle sits overnight (one side or both), the air compressor running frequently after starting (every few minutes), a "hissing" noise from the rear wheels when going over bumps, and an "Air Suspension Fault" or "Service Air Suspension Immediately" warning on the dashboard. On the Ram pickup, air spring leaks commonly occur at the bottom folds of the air bag, especially on vehicles that frequently haul heavy loads or tow trailers, where rubber fatigue is more common. A simple self-check method: after stopping the vehicle and turning off the engine, spray soapy water on the air spring surface and observe if bubbles appear.
Q2: Are the Ram 1500 rear left and rear right air springs interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable. The Ram 1500 DS/DJ chassis rear air spring is designed to be completely symmetrical for left and right sides, with the same part fitting both rear left and rear right positions - no need to distinguish direction. One part fits either side. If replacing both sides simultaneously, simply purchase two of the same part.
Q3: Which model years does OE 68069813AA fit?
This product is suitable for 2013-2019 Dodge Ram 1500 (DS/DJ chassis) as well as 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Classic. It fits 3.0L diesel, 3.6L, 5.7L and other powertrain versions. Before purchasing, please confirm that your vehicle is equipped with factory air suspension (identifiable by the ride height adjustment switch in the cabin).
Q4: Is it acceptable to replace only the air spring and keep the old shock absorber core?
Yes, they can be used together, but two conditions must be met: First, the original shock absorber core must be in good condition - no oil leakage, no damping degradation, no abnormal noise. Second, the shock absorber core should generally have no more than 100,000 km of service. Ram pickups are frequently used for heavy loads and towing, so the rear shock absorber core experiences greater stress and may wear faster than on regular SUVs. It is recommended to inspect the shock absorber core condition when replacing the air spring.
Q5: What accessories are recommended to replace at the same time as the rear air spring?
It is recommended to replace the following accessories simultaneously: the air spring upper cap seal ring (may deform after removal), the air line connector clamp (original clamp loses clamping force after removal), and the buffer pad between the air spring and shock absorber core (may harden after long-term compression). In addition, check the rear axle height sensor link for integrity, check whether the compressor dryer is saturated, and check whether the distribution valve is functioning properly. Ram pickups frequently drive through water or in dusty construction sites, so it is also recommended to check the compressor air intake for blockages.
Q6: After replacing the air spring, the rear axle feels stiffer or bumpier than before. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. Old air springs may have hardened rubber and reduced elasticity even before leaking. New air springs restore factory elasticity, which may initially feel firmer as the filtering effect improves. The Ram pickup factory rear axle tuning is biased toward heavy load support, so it may feel firmer when unloaded. The "stiffer" feel of the new air spring will not be too pronounced. Typically, after driving 300-500 km, the air spring will gradually adapt to the vehicle load and the ride feel will become normal. If the rear axle still feels noticeably bumpy after more than 800 km, check whether the installation is correct or whether the correct model was matched.
Q7: There is a "creaking" or "squeaking" noise from the rear wheel area while driving after air spring replacement. What is the cause?
This type of noise requires careful diagnosis on the Ram pickup. Common causes include: 1) The bolts connecting the air spring upper cap to the body are not tightened to the specified torque; 2) The buffer pad between the air spring and shock absorber core is installed incorrectly or missing; 3) The rear stabilizer bar link ball joint is aged, producing noise when working with the new air spring; 4) The height sensor link was bent or stuck during installation; 5) The parking brake cable is pinched between the air spring and the body during installation. The Ram pickup has a solid rear axle with long suspension travel, so extra attention should be paid to accessory positioning during installation. It is recommended to first check bolt torque and the buffer pad, then inspect other accessories if the noise persists.
Q8: Is a wheel alignment (chassis angle calibration) necessary after replacing the Ram 1500 rear air spring?
Rear axle alignment is recommended. The Ram 1500 rear suspension is a five-link solid axle design. Replacing the air spring involves changes in rear axle ride height, and the installation process may involve disconnecting the lower control arm from the subframe, which can affect rear wheel toe and camber after installation. Common consequences of skipping wheel alignment include: uneven rear tire wear (which occurs faster on the Ram pickup) and unstable rear end at high speeds. It is recommended to drive 30-50 km after replacement to allow the suspension to settle naturally before performing a rear wheel alignment.
Q9: Is the Ram 1500 rear air spring suitable for heavy-duty versions (Ram 2500/3500)?
No, it is not suitable. Ram 2500/3500 are heavy-duty pickups with different rear suspension structures (mostly leaf springs). The air spring mounting dimensions and load capacity are different from the Ram 1500. Parts are not interchangeable. Before purchasing, please confirm that your vehicle is a Ram 1500 (half-ton pickup), not a 2500/3500.
Q10: Why does the air compressor run frequently after replacing the rear air spring?
If the air compressor still runs frequently after installing a new air spring, possible causes include: 1) Height calibration has not been performed, and the system is still operating based on the old air spring height parameters; 2) The compressor dryer is saturated, affecting inflation efficiency (a common issue on Ram pickups); 3) The compressor itself is aged, slowing down inflation speed; 4) The air spring still has a leak after installation (air line connector or seal ring issue); 5) The distribution valve has an internal leak; 6) The compressor air intake is blocked. It is recommended to first perform height calibration using a diagnostic tool. If the problem persists, check the compressor dryer and distribution valve condition.
Q11: Should the Ram 1500 rear air springs be replaced as a pair?
Replacing as a pair is recommended. Although it is possible to replace only the damaged side, both air springs have been in service for the same number of years and have similar rubber aging. Failure on one side often indicates the other side is also near the end of its service life. Ram pickups frequently carry heavy loads, so the left and right rear air springs experience similar loading conditions. Replacing as a pair avoids the other side failing in the short term and ensures balanced left-right suspension support. If you plan to keep the vehicle for more than 2 years, replacing as a pair is a more economical choice.
Q12: What height modes does the Ram 1500 air suspension have?
The Ram 1500 air suspension system offers the following height modes: 1) Normal height (standard driving height); 2) Off-road height (raises approximately 25-30mm for unpaved roads); 3) Trailer height (lowers the rear axle for easier trailer connection); 4) Entry height (lowers approximately 20mm for easier entry and exit). After replacing the air spring, system calibration is required to ensure all height modes function properly. This air spring product supports all of the above height modes.
Q13: How can I confirm whether my Ram 1500 is equipped with air suspension?
Check using these methods: 1) Look for a ride height adjustment knob (with up/down arrows) on the center console or dashboard; 2) Look near the rear axle shock absorber - there should be a rubber air bag (black convoluted bellows); 3) Listen for the air compressor running after vehicle startup; 4) Check the owner's manual or verify original vehicle configuration via VIN code. If none of these are present, your vehicle has conventional coil spring suspension and this product is not suitable.
Q14: What other OE numbers correspond to 68069813AA?
68069813AA is the original OE part number. Associated numbers include 4877136AB, 68248948AA, etc. These part numbers correspond to air springs with identical specifications and are interchangeable. When purchasing, use 68069813AA as the primary reference. If there is a discrepancy with your original OE number, it is recommended to verify by inspecting the actual part.