Air bags
Air springs add adjustable support at the rear axle, so you can level a truck under tongue or pin weight and let air out when empty. Air Lift's own guide says they do not increase load capacity, and NHTSA treats ratings as the manufacturer's.
Dodge Off Road builds air bag kits for 1994-2002 2nd gen trucks and 2003-2012 3rd and 4th gen trucks.
Traction bars and axle wrap
On a leaf-spring rear axle, torque can twist the springs into an S-shape (axle wrap), which shows up as hop under hard launches. Traction bars tie the axle to the frame to resist it. Dodge Off Road makes 2nd gen traction bars and 3rd and 4th gen traction bars.
Before you tow
- Weigh the truck loaded, with the trailer, at a public scale.
- Compare against GVWR, axle ratings and GCWR.
- Set air pressure per the kit maker's instructions, never above their maximum.
Questions
What is axle wrap?
Leaf springs twisting under torque so the axle rotates and hops. Traction bars resist it.
Where this comes from
- Air Lift: User guide AD-938 (air springs do not increase load capacity, PDF)
- NHTSA interpretation 8079: GVWR and vehicle alterations
- Ram Trucks: Towing basics (PDF)
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: your owner's manual and service information come first.