1998.5-2002 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Towing Air Bags

Air springs on the 1998.5-2002 Ram 5.9L Cummins

Air springs add rear support you can adjust with air pressure. Add air when the bed is loaded or a trailer is hooked up and the truck sits level; let it out when you are running empty. Air bags are on the standard short list of towing upgrades for a diesel pickup, and they are a common recommendation for controlling sag on these Rams. In this generation the 24-valve 5.9L Cummins came only in the Ram 2500 and 3500, so make sure anything that bolts to the truck is listed for those models, not a 1500.

Why a second-gen Ram needs the help

Heavy tongue or pin weight on a high-mileage truck with a tired track bar and bushings shows up as rear sag and wander that gets worse when towing. Air springs keep the truck level under that load. They do not fix a worn track bar or bushings, so if the truck wanders, check the front end too. Air also does not change the rear axle's rating: the Dana 70 in 2500 automatics is rated around 7,500 lb GAWR, and the Dana 80 under the 3500 and 2500 manuals is rated up to 11,000 lb, often derated.

What we carry

Everything on this page is from Air Lift. For on-board air there are WirelessONE compressor systems in standard and EZ Mount versions, WirelessONE tank upgrade kits, WirelessAIR compressor systems and tanks with EZ Mount, and a replacement on-board air compressor for a system you already run. For control there is the Single Load Controller II and the Heavy Duty Dual Load Controller. For the springs themselves there is the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus stainless steel upgrade, plus 2-inch and 4-inch air spring spacers. If you need a complete bag kit for your truck, call and we will help match one.

Choosing a setup

Start with how often your load changes. If you set pressure once before a trip, a basic fill setup can be enough. If you hook and unhook often or haul different loads, an on-board compressor lets you adjust without hunting for an air hose. The tank kits add stored air to a compressor system. A dual controller makes sense when you want to set each side on its own; a single controller keeps it simple. Spacers are for installs that need extra height at the bag mount.

Fitment notes

Compressors, tanks and controllers connect to air springs already on the truck, so check that the kit suits your bag setup and has room to mount. The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus upgrade is for trucks running that LoadLifter system. Use the fitment checker on each product page and verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a compressor, or can I fill the bags by hand?

Manual-fill air springs are a common setup on these Rams, and you can fill them at the valve with any air source. A compressor system such as WirelessONE or WirelessAIR lets you adjust without an outside air source, which helps if your load changes often.

What is the difference between the single and dual load controllers?

A single controller inflates both air springs together. A dual controller lets you set each side separately, which helps when the load is not centered. Choose the dual if you haul uneven loads, and the single if you want the simplest setup.

Will air bags raise my towing capacity?

No. Air springs keep a loaded truck level and let you adjust spring rate, but they do not change the axle rating or anything on the door-jamb label. Stay inside the GAWR of your Dana 70 or Dana 80 and the truck's posted ratings.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.