Replace the rear coil springs on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. This procedure requires lifting the rear axle assembly to relieve spring tension and safely remove and install the coil springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 4WD Cummins diesel
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 4WD Cummins diesel
• Spring isolator pad (upper) × 2 — Replace if damaged or worn
• Spring isolator pad (lower) × 2 — Replace if damaged or worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle differential center
5. Place jack stands under frame rails at manufacturer-specified lift points, ensuring adequate clearance for axle to drop
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all shock absorber mounting bolts and spring retaining hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position hydraulic transmission jack or axle jack under the center of the rear axle differential. Raise jack until it just makes contact and slightly supports the axle weight, but does not lift the vehicle. The axle should be able to move down when suspension is disconnected. Ensure jack is centered and stable.
   ⚠️The axle jack must remain in position throughout the entire procedure. Never allow the axle to hang unsupported or drop suddenly.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorbers (lower mounts)
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolts on both sides of the axle. Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the lower shock mounting bolts. Allow the shock absorbers to hang from their upper mounts. This provides clearance for axle drop and spring removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar links (if equipped)
   If vehicle is equipped with a rear sway bar, disconnect the sway bar end links from the axle mounts on both sides. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the nuts. This allows greater axle drop and prevents binding during spring removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower axle to relieve spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the hydraulic jack supporting the axle. Monitor both sides as the axle drops. Lower the axle until the coil springs are completely unloaded and have visible separation from their upper or lower seats. The axle may need to drop 6-8 inches. Ensure brake hoses, ABS wiring, and axle vent hose have adequate slack and are not stretched or damaged.
   ⚠️Lower the axle very slowly and evenly. Watch for any binding or hung components. If resistance is felt, stop and investigate before proceeding.
   ⚠Do not allow brake hoses or ABS wiring to become stretched. If tension is excessive, the axle has been lowered too far or components need disconnection.
5. 5

   Remove driver side coil spring
   Once tension is fully relieved, locate the driver side coil spring. Use hands or a pry bar to carefully work the spring out of its upper and lower seats. The spring should be loose enough to remove by hand. Note the orientation of upper and lower isolator pads. If pads are damaged, deteriorated, or missing, replace them. Remove and inspect isolator pads.
   ⚠Even when unloaded, springs are heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique to avoid back injury.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side coil spring
   Repeat the spring removal process on the passenger side. Remove the coil spring from its seats and inspect the upper and lower isolator pads. Set the old spring aside and keep left and right sides identified if springs have different ratings or wear patterns.
7. 7

   Clean spring seats and inspect components
   With springs removed, use a wire brush to clean the upper spring seats on the frame and lower spring seats on the axle. Remove all rust, dirt, and old rubber residue. Inspect spring seats for cracks, damage, or excessive corrosion. Inspect shock absorbers, control arm bushings, and axle U-bolts for wear or damage. Replace any worn components now while disassembled.
8. 8

   Install new isolator pads
   Install new or reusable isolator pads on both the upper frame spring seats and lower axle spring seats. Ensure pads are properly seated and oriented according to their design. Some pads have alignment tabs or directional features.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side coil spring
   Position the new passenger side coil spring between the upper and lower seats. Ensure the spring end coils are properly positioned in the isolator pad pockets. The spring may need to be angled or rotated to align properly. Verify correct orientation with the spring's top and bottom ends in their respective seats.
   ⚠Verify spring part numbers match the correct rating for your vehicle. Cummins diesel models require heavy-duty springs. Installing incorrect springs can cause handling problems or overload failure.
10. 10

    Install new driver side coil spring
    Repeat the installation process for the driver side coil spring. Position the spring correctly between upper and lower seats with proper isolator pad engagement. Ensure both springs are correctly seated before raising the axle.
11. 11

    Raise axle to compress springs
    Slowly and carefully raise the hydraulic jack under the axle. As the axle rises, the coil springs will compress between their seats. Verify both springs are seating properly and not cocking sideways or binding. Continue raising until the axle is at normal ride height and shock absorber mounting holes align. This may require an assistant to guide the springs.
    ⚠️Raise the axle very slowly. Watch both springs to ensure they seat correctly and do not slip out of position. Keep hands and body clear of springs during compression.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorbers
    With the axle at ride height, align the lower shock absorber mounting points with their axle brackets. Install the lower shock mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Use a torque wrench to tighten shock bolts to the appropriate specification. Note: If specific shock bolt torque is not provided in the database, tighten firmly (typically 80-100 lb-ft for this application) and verify with service manual.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar links (if equipped)
    If sway bar links were disconnected, reconnect them to the axle mounts. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and tighten the nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove jack stands from under the frame. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the suspension, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove wheel chocks and hydraulic jack from under vehicle
2. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation and listen for any unusual noises
3. Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
4. Schedule professional wheel alignment within one week or 100 miles

Verification

• Verify rear ride height appears correct and even side-to-side
• Bounce rear of vehicle and verify springs compress and rebound smoothly without binding or noise
• Inspect for any contact between springs and frame or axle components
• Verify shock absorbers and sway bar links are properly secured
• Test drive vehicle and verify proper handling, no unusual noises, and even tire wear pattern after alignment
• Check that brake hoses and ABS wiring have adequate slack and show no signs of stretching or damage

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