Coil Spring - Front

Replacement of front coil springs on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with 5.9L Cummins diesel, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket rated for 3500-series
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket rated for 3500-series
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if worn or cracked
• Shock absorber mounting hardware × 1 — Replace if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Apply penetrating oil to all visible suspension fasteners and allow to soak
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame rail
6. Place jack stands under frame rails behind front axle on both sides
7. Remove front wheels completely
8. Verify vehicle is stable on jack stands before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the front axle housing near the coil spring seat. Raise jack until it firmly supports the axle. This will support the axle during disassembly and allow controlled lowering to release coil spring tension.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout the procedure to control suspension travel and spring tension.
2. 2

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Using a socket and wrench to hold the backside nut, remove the lower shock bolt completely. Push shock upward out of the way or support with wire to prevent interference.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Remove the sway bar end link bolt from the axle bracket. The end link connects the sway bar to the front axle. Use a wrench on the ball stud while turning the nut to prevent spinning. Set hardware aside for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Separate upper ball joint
   Ball joint separation is NOT required for coil spring replacement on this solid-axle truck. Instead, disconnect the shock absorbers and, if necessary, the track bar to allow the axle to be lowered enough to release the coil springs. Do not separate the steering knuckle ball joints for this procedure.
   ⚠Ball joints are under tension. Use proper separator tools and keep hands clear of pinch points when joint separates.
5. 5

   Lower control arm to release spring tension
   Very slowly lower the floor jack supporting the front axle housing. As you lower, the coil spring will extend and unload. Lower the axle enough that the spring becomes free at the frame perch and can be removed. Monitor the spring position throughout this process.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and steadily. Sudden release can cause spring to dislodge violently. Keep all body parts clear of the spring.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   A coil spring compressor is generally NOT required on this solid-axle truck. Once the axle housing is lowered sufficiently, the coil spring is fully unloaded and can be removed from its upper frame perch and lower axle seat by hand. Only use a compressor if the spring remains under residual load.
   ⚠️Use only heavy-duty spring compressors rated for truck coil springs. Light-duty compressors can fail catastrophically. Ensure jaws are fully engaged in coils before applying pressure.
7. 7

   Compress spring sufficiently
   Continue tightening spring compressor(s) until spring is compressed enough to be loose in its mounts. Spring should be free from contact with upper and lower spring seats when fully compressed. Verify compression is even and compressor remains properly seated throughout process.
8. 8

   Remove spring assembly
   With spring fully compressed and secure in compressor, carefully remove spring from vehicle by maneuvering it out from between control arms. Note orientation of upper and lower spring isolator pads. Remove and inspect isolator pads for wear, cracking, or deterioration.
9. 9

   Transfer compressor to new spring
   If reusing spring compressor, carefully release tension from old spring in a controlled manner and remove compressor. Install new upper and lower spring isolator pads on new spring in same orientation as original. Install spring compressor on new spring and compress to same length as old spring was compressed.
   ⚠️When releasing old spring, do so in a safe area with spring secured. Release tension gradually and evenly to prevent sudden release.
10. 10

    Install new spring assembly
    Position compressed new spring between upper and lower control arms, ensuring spring isolator pads are correctly oriented. Lower isolator seats in lower control arm pocket, upper isolator seats against frame spring perch. Verify spring end positioning matches original orientation (end of coil should match witness marks or factory position).
11. 11

    Raise control arm and seat spring
    Using floor jack under lower control arm, slowly raise control arm. As you raise, guide spring into proper seating in both upper and lower spring seats. Continue raising until control arm is approaching normal ride height position and spring is fully seated in both locations.
    ⚠Ensure spring remains properly positioned during raising. Misaligned springs can slip from seats when tension is applied.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    With control arm raised and spring seated, carefully and slowly release tension on spring compressor. Release evenly, checking frequently that spring remains properly seated. Once all compressor tension is released, remove compressor tools from spring.
    ⚠️Release compressor tension very slowly. If spring is not properly seated, it can shift violently when tension is released.
13. 13

    Reconnect upper ball joint
    Raise the front axle with the floor jack, guiding the coil springs into their upper frame perches and lower axle seats. Continue until the axle is at ride height and the springs are fully seated. Reconnect the track bar if it was removed and torque to factory specification.
14. 14

    Reinstall sway bar end link
    Reconnect sway bar end link to lower control arm. Install mounting bolt and tighten securely. Use wrench to hold ball stud while tightening nut to prevent spinning and damage to ball socket.
15. 15

    Reinstall shock absorber
    Position shock absorber lower mount into the axle-mounted shock bracket. Install lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Tighten to proper specification (consult factory service manual). Ensure shock is not twisted and moves freely through its travel range.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both springs
2. Install wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (consult owner's manual, typically 135-145 ft-lb for this vehicle)
5. Clean all tools and properly store spring compressor for future use

Verification

• Bounce front end of vehicle several times to settle suspension into normal position
• Verify both front corners sit at equal height with no sagging
• Check that all fasteners are tight and properly torqued
• Verify shock absorbers move freely without binding
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Schedule professional alignment immediately - coil spring replacement WILL affect alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all suspension fastener torque values

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