Product Description
This air spring is designed for the rear air suspension system of the Dodge Ram 1500 DT chassis (5th generation), 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 the 5th generation representative of Dodge's full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 DT continues the heavy load capacity of the previous generation while optimizing on-road comfort and fuel economy. 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 height, off-road height, towing height, and entry/exit height.
The Dodge Ram 1500 DT chassis was launched in 2019 as the 5th generation Ram pickup, built on a new lightweight platform. 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.
This air spring features a single convolute, closed loop design, with a multi-layer rubber air bag manufactured by Continental ContiTech paired with high impact-resistant resin upper and lower mounts, ensuring stable performance under heavy load conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I tell whether the Dodge Ram 1500 DT 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 DT chassis, air spring leaks commonly occur at the bottom folds of the air bag. 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 DT new model and old model (Classic) rear air springs interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable. The DT chassis (5th generation, 2019 and later) and DS/DJ chassis (4th generation/Classic, 2009-2024) have different rear air spring mounting dimensions, air line connector specifications, and air bag diameters. Parts are not interchangeable. Before purchasing, please confirm that your vehicle is the DT new model (2019-2025), not the 1500 Classic.
Q3: Which vehicles does OE 68248948AA fit?
This product is suitable for the rear left and rear right positions on Dodge Ram 1500 DT chassis (2019-2025). Compatible models include Ram 1500 Laramie, Big Horn, Limited, Rebel, Longhorn and other versions equipped with air suspension. Please note: The Ram 1500 TRX comes factory-equipped with coil spring rear suspension and is not compatible with this product.
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. DT chassis vehicles are relatively newer, but for vehicles frequently used for heavy loads, it is still recommended to inspect the shock absorber core condition. The combination of new and old components will not affect the air spring's operation, but degraded damping from the aged shock absorber core will affect driving stability.
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. The DT chassis compressor dryer typically has a service life of 5-6 years, so it is recommended to inspect it as well.
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 DT chassis factory rear axle tuning has been optimized, so the "stiffer" feel of the new air spring will not be too noticeable. 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 DT chassis. 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 DT chassis rear axle space is relatively tight, 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 DT rear air spring?
Rear axle alignment is recommended. The Ram 1500 DT 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 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: Does the DT rear air spring require a dedicated diagnostic tool for calibration?
Yes. After replacing rear air springs on the DT chassis, a diagnostic tool (such as JSCAN, AlfaOBD, or Dodge factory equipment) is required to perform "height calibration" and "system initialization" on the air suspension system. The DT chassis air suspension system is more complex than the previous generation. Calibration steps include setting reference height, calibrating height sensors, and learning air spring characteristics. Professional installation and calibration are recommended.
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 the DT chassis); 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. 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 DT 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. The DT chassis left and right 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: How can I confirm whether my Ram 1500 DT 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.
Q13: What height modes does the DT air suspension have?
The Ram 1500 DT 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/exit 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.
Q14: How can I distinguish between DT chassis and DS/DJ chassis air springs?
How to distinguish: 1) OE part numbers differ - DT chassis uses 68248948AA/68260938AA/68340155AA series, while DS/DJ old model uses 68069813AA series; 2) Appearance differs - DT air spring features a single convolute closed loop design manufactured by Continental ContiTech, with high impact-resistant resin upper and lower mounts; 3) Mounting dimensions differ - they are not interchangeable. When purchasing, rely on the OE part number.
