Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2008 Suspension Specifications
Explore detailed suspension specifications for the 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and stabilizer bars. Ideal for maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades.
Overview Specifications
This document provides detailed specifications and technical information about the suspension system of the 2002-2008 Dodge RAM-1500. It is designed to assist mechanics, enthusiasts, and owners in understanding the suspension components, configurations, and maintenance requirements. Use the search and navigation instructions to quickly find relevant information or explore the sections for a comprehensive understanding of the suspension system.
How to Use
Use the search bar to enter keywords related to suspension components, such as 'shock absorbers' or 'leaf springs'. The search results will highlight relevant sections and subsections for quick access.
Scroll through the document or use the table of contents to jump to specific sections. Each section is organized into subsections with detailed technical points for easy reference.
Key Specifications
Front Suspension Type
Independent coil spring
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf spring
Shock Absorber Type
Gas-charged twin-tube
Axle Ratio
3.55:1 or 3.92:1
Turning Radius
42 feet
Available Specifications
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 2002-2008 Dodge RAM-1500 is designed for durability and performance. This section covers the key components, including the coil springs, shock absorbers, and control arms, along with their specifications and maintenance tips.
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 2002-2008 Dodge RAM-1500 is designed for durability and performance. This section covers the key components, including the coil springs, shock absorbers, and control arms, along with their specifications and maintenance tips.
Coil Springs
- Material: High-strength steel
- Spring rate: 450 lbs/in
- Diameter: 0.625 inches
- Length: 12 inches (uncompressed)
- Designed for heavy-duty load capacity
Shock Absorbers
- Type: Gas-charged twin-tube
- Travel length: 8 inches
- Diameter: 2 inches
- Mounting: Eyelet and stud design
- Designed for off-road and towing stability
Control Arms
- Material: Forged steel
- Bushings: Rubber with steel sleeves
- Length: 18 inches (upper), 22 inches (lower)
- Designed for precise wheel alignment
- Replacement interval: 100,000 miles
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension system of the Dodge RAM-1500 features a robust leaf spring setup, ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity. This section provides details on the leaf springs, shock absorbers, and axle configurations.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension system of the Dodge RAM-1500 features a robust leaf spring setup, ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity. This section provides details on the leaf springs, shock absorbers, and axle configurations.
Leaf Springs
- Number of leaves: 3-5 (depending on trim)
- Material: Heat-treated steel
- Length: 56 inches
- Load capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs
- Designed for smooth ride and heavy loads
Shock Absorbers
- Type: Hydraulic twin-tube
- Travel length: 10 inches
- Diameter: 1.75 inches
- Mounting: Eyelet and loop design
- Designed for enhanced damping
Axle Configuration
- Type: Solid rear axle
- Axle ratio: 3.55:1 or 3.92:1 (optional)
- Differential: Limited-slip or open
- Designed for off-road and towing performance
Steering and Alignment
This section covers the steering components and alignment specifications for the Dodge RAM-1500, ensuring optimal handling and tire wear. It includes details on the steering gear, tie rods, and alignment angles.
Steering and Alignment
This section covers the steering components and alignment specifications for the Dodge RAM-1500, ensuring optimal handling and tire wear. It includes details on the steering gear, tie rods, and alignment angles.
Steering Gear
- Type: Recirculating ball
- Ratio: 16:1
- Turning radius: 42 feet
- Designed for precise control
- Fluid type: Power steering fluid
Tie Rods
- Material: Steel with ball joints
- Length: Adjustable
- Diameter: 1 inch
- Designed for durability and easy adjustment
Alignment Angles
- Camber: 0.5 degrees (positive)
- Caster: 3.5 degrees (positive)
- Toe-in: 0.1 inches
- Designed for even tire wear and stability
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Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Independent front suspension with solid rear axle
- Configuration
- Front: Coil spring, Rear: Leaf spring
- Platform
- Truck/SUV
- Material
- High-strength steel and aluminum components
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Front Spring Length
- 22.5 inches (571.5 mm)
- Rear Leaf Spring Length
- 52 inches (1320.8 mm)
- Shock ABSorber Length
- 24 inches (609.6 mm)
- Track Width
- 68.3 inches (1734.8 mm)
- Ground Clearance
- 8.1 inches (205.7 mm)
- Spring Rate Front
- 450 lbs/in (78.8 N/mm)
- Spring Rate Rear
- 1200 lbs/in (210.1 N/mm)
Materials
- Springs
- High-carbon steel
- Shock ABSorbers
- Steel body with hydraulic fluid
- Control Arms
- Forged steel
- Bushings
- Polyurethane and rubber composite
- Stabilizer Bar
- Heat-treated steel
Features
- Durability
-
- Heavy-duty leaf springs
- Reinforced control arms
- Corrosion-resistant coatings
- Performance
-
- Tuned shock absorbers
- Stabilizer bar for reduced body roll
- Optimized spring rates for load capacity
- Adjustability
-
- Height-adjustable front coil springs
- Rear leaf spring overload option
- Adjustable shock damping
- Load Capacity
-
- Up to 2000 lbs payload capacity
- Heavy-duty rear leaf springs
- Reinforced axle mounts
- Off Road
-
- Increased ground clearance
- Skid plate compatibility
- Heavy-duty shock absorbers
Safety Features
- Structural integrity
-
- Reinforced suspension mounts
- High-strength steel components
- Stability
-
- Electronic stability control integration
- Anti-roll bar system
- Load Management
-
- Overload protection springs
- Load-leveling shock absorbers
Comfort Features
- Ride Quality
-
- Tuned coil springs
- Hydraulic shock absorbers
- Rubber-isolated mounts
- Noise Reduction
-
- Polyurethane bushings
- Sound-dampening materials
- Isolated suspension components
- Vibration Control
-
- Dual-stage shock absorbers
- Rubberized spring mounts
- Balanced suspension geometry
Accessories
- Upgrades
-
- Lift kits
- Heavy-duty shocks
- Air suspension systems
- Protection
-
- Skid plates
- Suspension guards
- Bushing protectors
- Maintenance
-
- Grease fittings
- Replacement bushings
- Shock absorber rebuild kits
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
- Service Items
-
- Inspect shock absorbers
- Check bushings and mounts
- Lubricate suspension components
- Inspect leaf springs
- Check alignment
- Maintenance Notes
- Regularly inspect for rust and wear, especially in harsh conditions
Warranty
- Basic
- Miles: 36,000Years: 3Coverage: Defects in materials and workmanship
- Powertrain
- Miles: 60,000Years: 5Coverage: Suspension components excluding wear items
- Corrosion
- Miles: 100,000Years: 5Coverage: Perforation corrosion only
- Wear Items
- Miles: 12,000Years: 1Coverage: Bushings, shock absorbers, and springs
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Dodge
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Forging of steel components
- Heat treatment of springs
- Robotic assembly
- Quality testing under load
- Quality Control
- Testing: Load capacity tests, Durability simulations, Vibration analysisStandards: ISO 9001 certified, SAE compliance, DOT regulations
- Sustainability
-
- Recycled steel usage
- Energy-efficient manufacturing
- Waste reduction programs
- Production Metrics
- Units Per Day: 500Defect Rate: 0.5%Lead Time: 2 weeks
Service Information for suspension Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect shock absorbers for leaks
- Check bushings for wear
- Lubricate suspension joints
- Inspect leaf springs for cracks
- Check alignment and adjust if necessary
Ensure proper torque on all suspension bolts
- Replace shock absorbers if needed
- Inspect and replace worn bushings
- Check control arm integrity
- Test suspension under load
- Inspect for rust and corrosion
Use manufacturer-recommended replacement parts
- Replace all bushings and mounts
- Inspect and replace leaf springs if necessary
- Check and replace stabilizer bar links
- Perform full suspension alignment
- Test ride quality and adjust as needed
Consider upgrading to heavy-duty components if used for towing
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What suspension components are compatible with a 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
What suspension components are compatible with a 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
The 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 is compatible with a variety of suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and sway bars. Ensure compatibility by checking part numbers and specifications for 2WD or 4WD models. Popular brands like Bilstein, KYB, and Moog offer direct-fit replacements. Always verify fitment using your VIN or vehicle details to avoid mismatched parts.
Q2 What maintenance is required for the suspension system of a 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
What maintenance is required for the suspension system of a 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
Regular maintenance for the suspension system includes inspecting shocks and struts for leaks or wear every 12,000 miles, checking ball joints and bushings for looseness or damage, and ensuring proper alignment. Lubricate suspension components as needed and replace worn parts promptly. Rotate tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to prevent uneven wear caused by suspension issues.
Q3 How do I replace the front suspension shocks on a 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
How do I replace the front suspension shocks on a 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
To replace front shocks, lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheel and locate the shock absorber. Unbolt the upper and lower shock mounts using appropriate tools. Compress the new shock slightly to fit it into place, then secure it with bolts. Torque bolts to manufacturer specifications, reinstall the wheel, and lower the vehicle. Test drive to ensure proper installation.
Q4 What should I do if my 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 suspension feels unstable?
What should I do if my 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 suspension feels unstable?
If the suspension feels unstable, inspect for worn shocks, loose or damaged ball joints, or broken springs. Check tire pressure and alignment. Test drive the vehicle to identify specific issues like bouncing or drifting. Replace worn components and ensure all bolts are properly torqued. If problems persist, consult a professional mechanic for a thorough diagnosis.
Q5 How can I optimize the suspension performance of my 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
How can I optimize the suspension performance of my 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500?
To optimize suspension performance, upgrade to high-quality shocks and struts, such as Bilstein or Fox, for better handling and durability. Install a leveling kit to improve ride height and balance. Regularly inspect and maintain suspension components, and ensure proper alignment and tire pressure. Consider adding a sway bar for enhanced stability during cornering.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive guide covering suspension system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 models.
Technical Service Bulletin: Suspension Noise Fix
Coming SoonTSB addressing common suspension noise issues in 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500 models, including recommended repairs and part updates.
Dodge RAM 1500 Suspension Parts Catalog
Coming SoonCatalog listing OEM and aftermarket suspension parts for 2002-2008 Dodge RAM 1500, including part numbers and compatibility details.
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