Replace the rear coil springs on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, requiring suspension disassembly and use of spring compressors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring - driver side × 1 — OEM 68228207AA or equivalent heavy-duty replacement
• Rear coil spring - passenger side × 1 — OEM 68228207AA or equivalent heavy-duty replacement
• Coil spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if damaged or deteriorated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Set parking brake and place transmission in Park.
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential housing or frame rail lift points.
5. Support frame rails with heavy-duty jack stands positioned well forward of rear axle. Vehicle must be high enough to allow axle to drop significantly.
6. Remove both rear wheels completely.
7. Inspect brake lines, ABS sensor wires, and rear axle vent hose for routing and condition. Disconnect or secure any components that may bind when axle is lowered.
8. Spray all shock absorber mounting bolts and U-bolt nuts with penetrating oil. Allow 15-30 minutes to soak.
9. Position a hydraulic transmission jack or suitable support under the center of the rear differential housing.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect rear shock absorbers
   Working on one side at a time, locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the axle bracket. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove the lower shock mounting bolt. Allow shock to hang freely. Repeat for opposite side. Do NOT remove upper shock mounts at this time.
2. 2

   Support and prepare to lower rear axle
   Ensure the transmission jack or support is firmly positioned under the differential housing center section. Raise jack slightly to take up any slack and confirm axle is supported. The jack will control the lowering process. Verify nothing will obstruct the axle as it drops approximately 6-8 inches.
   ⚠️The rear axle assembly weighs several hundred pounds. Ensure your jack or support is rated for this weight and positioned securely on the differential housing.
3. 3

   Lower rear axle to relieve spring tension
   Very slowly and carefully lower the transmission jack, allowing the rear axle to descend. Monitor brake lines, ABS wires, and axle vent hose to ensure they are not pulled tight or binding. Lower the axle until the coil springs are loose and no longer compressed between the frame spring pocket and axle spring seat. This typically requires 6-8 inches of drop. Keep the axle supported at all times.
   ⚠Stop immediately if any brake line, wire, or hose becomes tight. You may need to disconnect additional components or adjust vehicle height.
4. 4

   Remove driver side coil spring
   At the driver side, carefully remove the coil spring from between the frame spring pocket (upper) and axle spring seat (lower). The spring should lift out freely if axle is lowered sufficiently. If any resistance is felt, lower axle further. Remove and inspect upper and lower spring isolator pads. Replace if torn, compressed, or deteriorated. Note the orientation of isolators and any locating tabs.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side coil spring
   Repeat the spring removal process on the passenger side. Remove the coil spring and both isolator pads. Inspect isolators for damage. Keep left and right springs identified if they show uneven wear, though new springs will be installed as a matched pair.
6. 6

   Clean spring seats and inspect components
   With springs removed, use a wire brush to clean the frame spring pockets and axle spring seats, removing all rust, dirt, and debris. Inspect the spring seats for cracks, excessive corrosion, or damage. Check shock absorber condition while accessible. This is an excellent opportunity to inspect U-bolts, track bar, and other rear suspension components for wear or damage.
7. 7

   Install new spring isolator pads
   Install new or inspected lower spring isolator pads on both axle spring seats, ensuring they are properly seated and any locating tabs are engaged. Install upper isolator pads in the frame spring pockets, confirming proper orientation. The isolators prevent spring-to-metal contact and must be correctly positioned.
8. 8

   Install new driver side coil spring
   Position the new driver side coil spring between the frame pocket and axle seat. Ensure the spring end with the closer-spaced coils (if directional) is oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. Verify the spring is centered in the frame pocket and resting on the lower isolator pad. Some rotation of the spring may be needed to align properly.
   ℹ️Some replacement springs are directional with tighter coils at one end. Verify orientation before raising axle.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side coil spring
   Install the new passenger side coil spring in the same manner, ensuring proper orientation and centering between the frame pocket and axle spring seat. Verify both springs are seated correctly on their lower isolator pads and positioned in the frame pockets.
10. 10

    Raise rear axle to compress springs
    Very slowly raise the transmission jack, lifting the rear axle assembly. As the axle rises, the coil springs will compress between the frame and axle. Guide the springs as needed to ensure they remain centered and properly seated. Continue raising until the axle is at normal ride height position. The springs should be fully seated in both upper and lower positions with no binding or misalignment.
    ⚠Monitor spring alignment continuously as axle rises. If a spring shifts or binds, stop immediately, lower axle, and reposition.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorbers
    With axle at ride height, align the lower shock absorber mounts with the axle brackets. Install the lower shock mounting bolts on both sides. Using a 21mm socket and torque wrench, tighten the shock bolts to specification. Ensure washers and bushings are properly positioned.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Remove axle support and verify installation
    Carefully lower and remove the transmission jack from under the differential. The axle should now be fully supported by the new coil springs. Inspect both springs to confirm they are properly seated, centered, and compressed evenly. Check that all brake lines, ABS wires, and vent hoses have proper routing with no tension or kinks.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Perform final torque verification on all wheel lug nuts in star pattern after vehicle is on ground.
2. Remove wheel chocks and test parking brake operation.
3. If vehicle had alignment issues prior to spring replacement, consider alignment inspection, though spring replacement alone typically does not alter alignment.
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper suspension operation and listen for any unusual noises.

Verification

• Measure vehicle ride height on both sides at consistent points (frame to ground). Heights should be equal side-to-side and match manufacturer specifications for unloaded vehicle.
• Visually inspect both coil springs to confirm they are fully seated in frame pockets and on axle seats with no visible gaps or misalignment.
• Check that vehicle sits level front-to-rear and side-to-side with no visible lean or sag.
• Test drive vehicle over various road conditions. Suspension should operate smoothly with no clunking, squeaking, or harsh impacts.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts and inspect spring seating again to ensure nothing has shifted during break-in.
• If vehicle will be used for towing or heavy loads, load vehicle to typical working weight and verify springs compress appropriately without coil binding.

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