2500 Rear Axle Damper

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wetsquirrel

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I had a 2017 RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4X4 with a 6.4 that I purchased new in 2017. This truck came with the rear axle damper installed. I recently traded it in on a new leftover 2018 RAM 2500 Big Horn Mega Cab 4X4 with a 6.4 (I couldn't resist the dealer discounts and incentives on the leftovers and figured it was a good time to upgrade) However I was surprised to see that there is no damper on the new truck. Can anyone tell me why the new truck wouldn't have the damper?
 

muddy12

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Not real sure why they thought an additional damper was needed in the first place.

It looks to be positioned as if it’s trying to control axle wrap, which you shouldn’t have with a link suspension.


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mjf6175

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I had a 2017 RAM 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4X4 with a 6.4 that I purchased new in 2017. This truck came with the rear axle damper installed. I recently traded it in on a new leftover 2018 RAM 2500 Big Horn Mega Cab 4X4 with a 6.4 (I couldn't resist the dealer discounts and incentives on the leftovers and figured it was a good time to upgrade) However I was surprised to see that there is no damper on the new truck. Can anyone tell me why the new truck wouldn't have the damper?

There are only certain model combinations that get the axle damper, not all HD Ram's get one. Dependent on engine, trans, wheelbase. My 2017 Ram regular cab with the 68RFE did NOT come with one either. I installed it after.

Below is a link to a thread on that other forum. It is a little long and "older" so some of the info maybe outdated or superseded. But helpful in any event.

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...7082-installed-powerhop-damper-my-2500-a.html
 
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22hemi13

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Yeah. It’s weird it’s on some truck and not others of same option lol.
 
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wetsquirrel

wetsquirrel

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Both of the vehicles are automatic with 6 speed 66RFE transmission.
 

zeddy

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My 2015 ram 2500 outdoorsman Cc had it. My current mega cab doesn’t.

So no benefits to having the damper?
 

mtnrider

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Not real sure why they thought an additional damper was needed in the first place.

It looks to be positioned as if it’s trying to control axle wrap, which you shouldn’t have with a link suspension.


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^ I agree. Not really sure what they were trying to accomplish with that damper. With a 4 link rear you really don't have axle wrap like you would get with leaf springs?



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wetsquirrel

wetsquirrel

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I haven't had it long enough to see a difference. Only have 100 miles on it and haven't towed my boat yet.
 

2003F350

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My PW has it...I can see it being of benefit when you're trying to crawl over rocks - it would help limit any potential axle wrap, even with how well a 4-link already fights it. Otherwise...it's honestly just taking up space.
 

Srtoombs

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I know this post is pretty well dead but for what it’s worth, I was changing the oil on my 2015 6.4L 4x4 and I noticed mine was blown. I found this while looking up the purpose of the part because, as many of you on here have said, it doesn’t seem necessary given there are no leaf springs. However, as you can see from my pics this part must be under load in some way.

looking into just ordering the part and doing it myself. Looks pretty simple but am wondering if the strut comes extended further and I’ll have to compress it. Also, it doesn’t seem like it needs it, but wondering if I should put a jack under the diff to provide a little support…anyone who has done this job and has any pointers, I’m all ears.
 

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crazy jerry

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i had it off and on several times. just put axle side bolt in hand tight. frame side just use a pry bar against the end of the damper and mounting bracket as it will be extended further than the bolt holes
 

Gr8bawana

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^ I agree. Not really sure what they were trying to accomplish with that damper. With a 4 link rear you really don't have axle wrap like you would get with leaf springs?
It doesn't accomplish anything on our trucks. If you were drag racing and dumped the clutch at 8,000rpm it would help immensely to control wheel-hop.
 

Firebird

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My 2019 with the off road package has it. It is a Bilstein shock like the other 4
 

GsRAM

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My 17 CC 6.4 4x4 Tradesman has one.

It also has the snow chief package that comes with the anti-spin rear diff. I wonder if that is the qualifier for the extra damper?
 

ripping r

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I have the off road package and anti-spin rear diff. and dont have it maybe because i have a long bed?
 

GsRAM

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I have the off road package and anti-spin rear diff. and dont have it maybe because i have a long bed?
Well there goes that theory....lol. thanks for the info...the search continues
 

GsRAM

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Here's another thought....

My understanding is that from 18 on, there was an option on the rear differential. Some were heavier 6500 lb axles like mine....but other 2500s got the lighter 6000 lb rear axle.

Could be that trucks with the heavier axle get the damper? Probably is due to some other reason, but it's a thought anyway.
 

GsRAM

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It doesn't accomplish anything on our trucks. If you were drag racing and dumped the clutch at 8,000rpm it would help immensely to control wheel-hop.

I don't disagree with you in theory, however I would think that they must have benefit and be necessary in certain applications or RAM wouldn't incur the time and expense to install them on the trucks.
 
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