Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear coil springs on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid concrete surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
4. Spray all rear suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for at least 30 minutes
5. Ensure you have adequate working space around the vehicle and proper lighting
6. Identify which side requires spring replacement and gather all tools and parts

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack at the frame rail, raise the rear of the vehicle until the wheels are off the ground. Place heavy-duty jack stands under the frame rails on both sides, positioned well forward of the rear axle. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability. Remove the rear wheel(s) on the side being serviced.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack or transmission jack under the rear axle differential housing near the side being serviced. Raise the jack just enough to make contact and slightly support the axle weight, but do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. The axle must be able to move downward during this procedure.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear shock absorber
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on the side being serviced. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut using a socket and wrench. Push the shock absorber upward and secure it out of the way with wire or a bungee cord. Note: The upper shock mount does not need to be removed.
4. 4

   Relieve axle weight and lower axle
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle. As the axle drops, the coil spring will begin to extend. Lower the axle enough to access the spring but maintain control. Stop when approximately 3-4 inches of travel has occurred. Monitor the spring and brake lines to ensure nothing is binding or overstretched.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   With the axle partially lowered, install a coil spring compressor tool onto the spring. Follow the compressor manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. Install compression hooks on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they are seated in the coils. Alternate tightening the compressor evenly to compress the spring sufficiently for removal.
6. 6

   Remove coil spring
   With the spring compressed, carefully lower the axle further if needed. Remove the compressed spring from between the axle spring seat and the frame spring pocket. Tilt and maneuver the spring as necessary to clear the axle and frame. Place the spring in a safe location and do not release the compressor yet.
7. 7

   Inspect spring seats and isolators
   Inspect the upper spring pocket in the frame and the lower spring seat on the axle. Clean both surfaces with a wire brush. Inspect the rubber spring isolator pads (upper and lower). Replace if torn, compressed, or deteriorated. The upper isolator sits in the frame pocket; the lower isolator sits on the axle spring perch.
8. 8

   Prepare new spring
   If installing a new spring, transfer the spring compressor to the new spring, or compress the new spring with the compressor. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was when removed. Install new isolator pads in the frame pocket (upper) and on the axle spring seat (lower) if removed.
9. 9

   Install new coil spring
   Carefully maneuver the compressed new spring into position between the frame spring pocket and axle spring seat. Ensure the upper isolator is properly seated in the frame pocket and the spring end is correctly positioned. Align the lower end of the spring with the axle spring seat and verify the lower isolator is in place.
10. 10

    Raise axle and release spring
    Using the floor jack, slowly raise the rear axle. As the axle rises, it will begin to load the spring. Continue raising until the spring is partially loaded. Carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressor tool, allowing the spring to expand into its natural position. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower positions. Remove the spring compressor completely once the spring is fully seated.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Continue raising the axle with the floor jack until the shock absorber lower mounting hole aligns with the axle bracket. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Tighten the shock mounting hardware securely. Tighten the lower shock mounting bolt to the factory specification of approximately 65 ft-lbs; verify the exact value in the service manual before final torque.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread the lug nuts by hand. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands, then remove the jack stands. Carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (approximately 145 ft-lbs for this vehicle, but verify with the factory service manual specifications).

Reassembly

1. Torque wheel lug nuts to proper specification in a star pattern after vehicle is on the ground
2. Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle
3. Verify no components were left disconnected or improperly installed

Verification

• Visually inspect that the coil spring is properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats with no gaps
• Verify both spring isolators are in place and not displaced
• Confirm shock absorber is properly attached at lower mount
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side when viewed from rear
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify normal handling with no unusual noises from rear suspension
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect spring installation and re-torque all suspension fasteners
• Consider having alignment checked if handling seems abnormal, though spring replacement alone typically does not require alignment

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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