Original Article by Jessie Nugent & Bill Doherty Jr. of Nomadder Where Van
Venturing into the wilderness or navigating urban landscapes, your RAM Promaster deserves a suspension upgrade that not only enhances its load-carrying capacity but also maintains its comfort and stability. This guide will walk you through the essentials of upgrading your Promaster’s suspension with SuperSprings and Coil SumoSprings, ensuring your vehicle is as adventure-ready as you are.
Part One: SuperSprings in the Rear
Why Choose SuperSprings?
If you’re considering a suspension upgrade for your RAM Promaster, SuperSprings Helper Springs should be at the foundation of your modifications. They add a preload tension to your existing leaf spring stack, effectively reducing sway and stabilizing your ride, which is crucial for vehicles carrying heavy loads.
Benefits of SuperSprings Helper Springs
- Load Leveling: Adds up to 2000 lbs. of leveling capacity, enhancing your vehicle’s handling under load.
- Reduced Wear: Protects your factory leaf springs from fast wear, especially on rough terrains frequently traversed by van lifers.
- Enhanced Stability: Offers an impressive lift and improved stability, making your drive smoother and safer.
Installation Overview
Installing SuperSprings is straightforward:
- Tools Needed: 3/4″ wrench, socket with ratchet, “C” clamp, and a bottle jack.
- Preparation: Determine the desired pre-tension based on your vehicle’s load.
- Process: Lift the vehicle, remove the existing rollers, place the spacer, install the SuperSpring, adjust for tension, and secure everything in place.
Check out our detailed installation video for a step-by-step guide.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Installing SuperSprings (SSA11) on Your RAM Promaster
Upgrading the suspension of your RAM Promaster with SuperSprings not only enhances load carrying capacity but also improves overall ride quality. This installation guide, featuring the SuperSprings SSA11 model, provides detailed steps to ensure a successful upgrade. Before beginning, determine the necessary pre-tension based on your vehicle’s typical load to optimize performance.
Here are the instructions for the installation of the SuperSprings if you’re into that kind of stuff: SSA11
Preparation:
Setting Pre-Tension: Assess the weight your vehicle usually carries. For lighter loads, a medium tension setting is sufficient, while heavier near-capacity loads might require maximum pre-tension. This adjustment helps tailor the ride to your specific needs, reducing sway and enhancing stability.
We went with a medium load tension because we are under max by say like 800 lbs. Our buddy JC with the 3500 in the video went with max preload tension because he was just under capacity. The amazing thing about these springs is that the adjustments are ridiculously easy to make if you aren’t satisfied with the ride. You can see how easy the adjustments are in the first video.
Now that you’ve figured out the settings you want to roll with here are the steps (It doesn’t matter which side you start with):
Step 1 – Secure the Vehicle
Tools Needed: Bottle Jack
Instructions: Engage the e-brake firmly to stabilize your van. Using a reliable bottle jack, lift your vehicle until the tire is just off the ground. We strongly advise against using the factory-provided jack, as it may not offer the stability and safety required for suspension work.
Step 2 – Remove the Rollers
Tools Needed: 3/4″ wrench and socket with ratchet
Instructions: Prepare your new SuperSprings for installation by removing the rollers. Store them within easy reach for reinstallation.
Step 3 – Position the Spacer
Components Needed: Black spacer from the installation kit
Instructions: Place the spacer precisely over the “U” bolts that secure the factory leaf springs to the axle, ensuring it is perfectly centered.
Step 4 – Place the SuperSpring
Components Needed: SSA11 SuperSpring
Instructions: Lay the SuperSpring on top of the spacer, aligning it meticulously with the factory leaf springs. Adjust the position slightly if necessary to avoid any obstructions, ensuring there is adequate space for movement.
Step 5 – Attach the First Roller
Tools & Components Needed: Roller, hardware from Step 2, 3/4″ wrench, and ratchet
Instructions: Pull the SuperSpring down to align the holes for the roller under the leaf springs. Manually position the roller and secure it with the provided bolts and nuts, based on your predetermined tension setting.
Step 6 – Install the Second Roller
Tools & Components Needed: Second roller, big “C” clamp, 3/4″ wrench, and ratchet
Instructions: Position the clamp around the SuperSpring and your vehicle’s springs. Tighten the clamp to lower the assembly to the desired pre-tension level, then secure the second roller.
Step 7 – Lower the Vehicle
Instructions: Carefully lower your van, ensuring the newly installed components remain secure and do not interfere with any vehicle parts, such as the trailer hitch.
Step 8 – Repeat for the Opposite Side
This is a rinse and repeat of all the steps for the second side. At this point you’re going to be a pro at this, so, have fun with the second side. For shits and giggles you could time yourself, too. You’ll be surprised at how fast and easy these are to install.
Enjoy Your Upgraded Suspension
Congratulations on successfully upgrading your RAM Promaster’s suspension with SuperSprings. This enhancement not only improves your vehicle’s load-handling abilities but also ensures a smoother ride across various terrains.
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Part Two: Coil SumoSprings in the Front
Why Coil SumoSprings?
For those looking to further enhance their RAM Promaster’s suspension, Coil SumoSprings in the front can reduce spring compression by 30%, significantly prolonging the life of your front suspension system.
Installation Simplified
Coil SumoSprings are incredibly easy to install:
- Tools Needed: Just your hands and a bottle jack.
- Installation Steps: Jack up the vehicle, work the Coil SumoSpring into the spring, and lower the vehicle back down.
This can be done in minutes, drastically improving your vehicle’s performance without the need for extensive tools or professional help.
Step-by-Step Installation of Coil SumoSprings on Your RAM Promaster
Here we go! Brace Yourself!!!
Step 1 – Preparing Your Vehicle
Lifting the Vehicle: Use a high-quality bottle jack to lift your van. Position the jack securely and raise the vehicle until the tire is just off the ground. Avoid using the factory jack, as it may not provide the stability or reliability needed for safe modifications. For added security, acquiring a robust bottle jack from a reliable retailer like Walmart is recommended.
Safety First: Engage the electronic parking brake to ensure your vehicle remains stationary.
Step 2 – Installing the Coil SumoSpring
Tools Needed:
You will need your hands and the Coil SumoSpring.
Installation Process:
Start by aligning the SumoSpring with your vehicle’s existing spring. Carefully insert the top end of the SumoSpring into the spring coil, then gently work the bottom end in, rotating as necessary to ensure a snug fit.
Step 3 – Lowering the Vehicle
Careful Monitoring: Slowly lower the jack, keeping a close watch to ensure that the SumoSprings remain securely in place and are not dislodged during the process.
Step 4 – Repeat for the Opposite Side
Replication of Steps: Follow the same steps for the other side of the vehicle. This repetition will become more straightforward as you familiarize yourself with the process. If you’re feeling adventurous, time this installation to gauge your efficiency—many find it quicker and easier the second time around!
Check out the installation video here!
Congratulations!
Once both sides are equipped with the new Coil SumoSprings, your vehicle is ready to offer a significantly improved ride with enhanced suspension stability, especially under load. These simple yet effective upgrades are an excellent way to enhance your RAM Promaster’s performance for any off-road and heavy-duty applications.
ABOUT JESSIE, BILLY & SEDONA OF NOMATTER WHERE VAN
Hi! We are Billy and Jessie, a full-time #VanLife couple, along with our pup Sedona. We have been living in our self-converted Promaster since May 2019 & see no end in sight. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, the open road has called to us for a very long time. As Adventurers through & through, we enjoy everything from hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and cra making. If you see us while traveling, come and say hello! We love meeting fellow Adventurers. See you down the road. Follow their travels and van life journey on YouTube and Instagram @NomadderWhereVan.
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