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  1. Vehicle Suspension
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RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit
RAS

RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit

Part Number: RAS4617
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$539.00
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2,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway. Great Prices for the best vehicle suspension from RAS. RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit part number RAS4617 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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RAS Vehicle Suspension - RAS4617

  • Leaf Springs
  • Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
  • RAS
  • Standard Duty

2,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway.


Features:

  • Custom kit converts your vehicle's factory leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system
    • Actively strengthens leaf springs for improved ride quality with or without a load
  • All-in-one suspension system improves stability, handling, and control
    • Eliminates axle wrap, wheel hop, and bottoming out
    • Reduces dangerous sway and body roll while cornering
    • Keeps your ride level when towing or hauling a heavy load
    • Improves traction while breaking and accelerating
  • Variable-rated coil tension springs automatically adjust to your vehicle's load
    • Activate immediately to support the extra weight
    • Disengage when unloaded, allowing your leaf springs to perform as intended
  • Customizable coil springs can be adjusted during installation to accommodate your towing or hauling needs
    • Independently adjustable for side-to-side leveling of off-center loads
  • Helps extend the life of leaf springs, shock absorbers, shackles, and even tires
  • Durable, epoxy e-coated steel construction
    • Corrosion-resistant brackets on the ends of each unit have a salt spray rating of more than 800 hours
  • Easy, bolt-on installation - no drilling, cutting, or welding required
    • Unit secures under the leaf spring and around the factory U-bolts
    • Fully assembled kit and hardware are included
  • Maintenance-free - adjustments and monitoring aren't needed once installed
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Weight capacity: 2,000 lbs
    • RoadActive Suspension will not increase your vehicle's weight-carrying capacity
  • 5-Year warranty
  • 30-Day money-back guarantee


All-In-One Suspension System

When towing or hauling a heavy load, you may encounter a number of problems that can make your driving experience difficult or dangerous, such as sway, body roll, or bottoming out. When your vehicle is weighted down, your factory leaf springs can't counteract these problems to the extent that they are supposed to. The weight will overpower the leaf springs and cause them to twist or flatten out. When that happens, they cannot support, level, or stabilize your vehicle effectively. Additionally, because your factory leaf springs are passive, they won't begin to tackle problems such as sway until those problems have already started.


Diagram of RAS Installed

RoadActive Suspension (RAS) kits enhance those passive leaf springs by converting them into a mechanically active, all-in-one suspension system. RAS kits have variable-rated coil tension springs that automatically adjust to your heavy load. Other suspension systems only solve a few problems and usually at the expense of other improvements your factory leaf springs may need. RAS, on the other hand, is a unique kit that provides everything you want in a suspension system without any trade-offs. It eliminates bottoming out like air springs, reduces sway and body roll like sway bars, keeps your ride level like helper springs, and improves traction and braking control like traction bars. This improves your vehicle's stability, handling, and control while you are towing or hauling, as well as when your vehicle is unloaded. RAS also makes your overall driving and towing experience safer and more comfortable, which greatly lessens driver fatigue.


How RAS Works

Close-Up of RAS Tension Spring

Each RAS unit has a powerful variable-rated coil tension spring that converts your passive leaf spring into a mechanically-active system. Once your vehicle is loaded, the tension springs immediately activate to absorb and support the weight. This allows your leaf springs to maintain their bowed position and keeps them from flattening out or flipping over, which greatly hinders their ability to bear a heavy load. The tension springs are variable-rated, which means that the heavier your load is, the more assistance they provide to your leaf springs. Because of this design, RAS reacts instantaneously, whereas hydraulics, air springs, and other suspension systems take time to react. And unlike your factory leaf springs, RAS stops sway and sag before they even start to happen. Additionally, when your vehicle is unloaded, the tension springs disengage, allowing your leaf springs to perform as intended without hardening your ride. RAS won't hinder your leaf springs' movement, nor will it cause any friction between any of the brackets.


Eliminates Axle Wrap and Wheel Hop

RAS Eliminates Axle Wrap

When under a heavy load, leaf springs are especially susceptible to axle wrap, which can cause wheel hop. Wheel hop is when the tires lose their grip on the road, causing a jarring, up-and-down movement. Axle wrap occurs when the circular motion of the tires cause the leaf springs to twist or rotate. If the leaf springs twist far enough, wheel hop can occur. RAS stabilizes your leaf springs by absorbing the force of the load they're trying to support. This eliminates axle wrap and wheel hop, as well as prevents your vehicle from bottoming out. Because of this, less strain is put on your vehicle. And by reducing some of this wear and tear, RAS helps extend the life of your leaf springs, shock absorbers, shackles, and even tires.


Reduces Sway and Body Roll

RAS eliminates sway and body roll

When driving along a curve while towing or hauling a heavy load, the back end of your vehicle or trailer can start to shift with that weight. If your factory leaf springs have flattened or twisted under this load, they won't be able to prevent it from shifting. Because of this, your trailer will sway away from your vehicle. This makes driving challenging and dangerous, as it increases the risk of body roll, which is when your vehicle drastically leans to one side. This can often cause you to completely lose control of your vehicle. Body roll is especially prevalent with multi-passenger vans and vehicles towing long campers, trailers, or boats. RAS provides a much safer ride by reinforcing your factory leaf springs and stabilizing your load. This helps prevent sway from occurring and reduces the chance of body roll while cornering, turning, and swerving. RAS also lessens the rocking motion that happens during windy conditions or when a semi passes by on the road.


Levels Your Ride and Improves Traction

RAS Levels Your Ride

When your vehicle is overloaded, the bulk of the weight transfers to the rear axle. Your factory leaf springs then become overwhelmed by this weight, as they are not strong enough to support it. This causes the back end of your vehicle to sag and the front end to rise, which means that the front tires have lost some of the grip they need with the road. In addition to loss of traction, it can also cause poor headlight aim, unintentional swerving, and an extremely bumpy and uncomfortable ride. RAS bolsters your factory leaf springs and enables them to provide support for your load without compromising ride quality or comfort. This keeps your ride level from front to back whether you are hauling a load in the bed or towing a boat, trailer, or camper. RAS also ensures that your tires have the traction they require while braking and accelerating, which improves the overall driving experience.


Customizable Coil Tension Springs

Adjusting Spring With Spacer

RAS is also customizable. During installation, the coil tension springs can be adjusted to 2 different tension settings or anywhere in between for improved road handling and support. To do this, rotate the springs while keeping the threaded rod still. As you turn the spring, use one of the 2 included spacers as a gauge to measure the widening gaps between the coils. In order for the RAS units to work as intended, you must tension the coils to a minimum of 25 percent with the 1mm white spacer and no more than 40 percent with the 2mm spacer. The springs can also be independently adjusted to compensate for off-center loads such as a handicap lift.


Easy, Bolt-On Installation

RAS Once Installed

This custom-fit kit comes fully assembled and is easy to install. Each RAS unit simply bolts onto your factory leaf spring with the included hardware, and drilling, welding, and cutting aren't required. First, position the eye hook bracket so that it wraps around the top of the factory leaf spring eye. Then the axle bracket secures under the leaf spring and around the factory U-bolts on the other side of the leaf spring pack. Once the maintenance-free RAS units are fully installed, you won't need to monitor them as you would with air springs.


Corrosion-Resistant Steel Construction

RAS Construction Close-Up

RAS is extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. The units are constructed of high-grade alloy steel, and they have an epoxy e-coat on the coil springs to provide extreme corrosion resistance. The brackets on the ends of each unit resist the effects of water and other elements, and they have a salt spray rating of more than 800 hours.



4617-T RAS Custom Active Suspension System for OEM Leaf Springs - Rear Axle

Installation Details RAS4617 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit - RAS4617

Average Customer Rating:  4.7 out of 5 stars   (773 Customer Reviews)

2,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway.

by:

Sure beats air bags or blocks! My Gmc canyon diesel is a great puller, needed help with suspension hauling load limit. Easy to install and works great. On high setting it raised the truck rear an inch or two even empty but the way gmc set up the suspension I consider it a good thing.With my tandem axle 16' trailer loaded it's a saving grace.



by:

The road active system work very well. The only thing I noticed was the transmission shift pause on rare occasions. I think it has to do with torque on the axel. Nothing that caused problems.



by:
2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Fits perfectly



by:

Very happy with the performance of these springs. Reduced squat when trailer is attached, reduced the up and down oscillation on the road, yet did not adversely stiffen the everyday ride. Well made hardware. Installed on GMC Canyon diesel towing 5K LB Apex TT.

Rocky C. profile picture

Rocky C.

10/1/2021

Still happy! No rust and still works great.



by:
2015 Chevrolet Colorado

First I have not installed yet. I did take off the wheels to only find out that you have to take out the bolts to the leafs springs. The videos I have seen did not show that it was misleading. I was prepared for this extra time it takes to do it. It would have been helpful to show the Chevy Colorado in the video. And you did not specify which truck it was on the video.



by:

Great option instead of doing an add-a-leaf. It's a progressive type set up so it is still smooth when unloaded and as you add payload it starts to do it's thing



by:
Chevrolet Colorado

Bought this to beef my 2021 Chev Colorado. Pulled a 26' travel trailer 2,000 miles over a week long trip and experience little sway except for Semi's passing us on the freeway. No porpoising at all. Best bang-for-the-buck in a long time.



by:
2016 Chevrolet Colorado

quality materiel ,, easy install ,, good shipping packaging ,, fast shipping



by:

Easy install and unloaded ride is still great.



by:



by:

I am a competitive shooter and take my camper to all my shoots. I have a cap on my truck and the decked drawer system. I also carry 400 lbs of ammo at any given time. When pulling my camper on the highway or over bumps and railroad tracks it was kinda scary. This system stopped the squat and removed the sag at acceleration. I installed sumo springs as well (without spacer) for added sway control when loaded down with trailer. The RAS was great right from the start. It reminded me of the 80’s then we would put traction bars on old hot rods to stop rear squat on acceleration. Same kind of feel with my truck. Some much nicer. With the trailer it removed 1.5 inches of squat on the rear and got my front and back within 1” of variance and before install it was around 2.5 to 3. Took only fifteen minutes per side to install once the tires were off. Great product….



by:

Received these ahead of schedule and all intact. I watched the video on etrailer.com and youtube, very helpful.
The installation is not difficult if you are handy with tools. Aside from it deciding to rain on me during install it was not bad. Suggest you lay out all your tools and include a couple of adjustable wrenches. First off, unscrew that gold screw alot, when you think there is enough, go more, the first side I was short. I wiped down the truck springs to remove any dirt there and set up then tightened by hand, you can't go far that way but gets you started. On the rod with the 2 nuts that will lock together when done, I gave myself about 3" of thread and locked them together to hold the threaded rod while adjusting, no way to hold the end nut, this worked out well. The one thing I would have done different is the adjusting nut is 14mm, I only have a 6" ratcheting 14mm, doable but at the end it tough, I wish I had a 10" or so, there was space in my install. I set mine to high since I pull a 5th wheel so adjusting was the hard part.
I will not know until spring if this helps with the towing as the camper is now stored but very hopeful from others input. If anything changes I will update.



by:

I bought these after a 1000+ mile trip towing my trailer (~8000# loaded) with my 2013 F-150 (HD Payload & Max Towing Package). Installation was super easy. I did not need to take the tires off. There was plenty of room to get behind the tires and place and adjust the springs. Once installed they definitely give the truck a rake. I didn't measure pre-installation because I didn't expect the lift to be so great. I used the black disc to adjust the springs.
It's not too extreme but you can definitely see a difference compared to stock.
As you can see in the pictures, with the springs the drop with a trailer attached is greatly reduced and the truck sits level. Towing was great. I used a WDH before and being able to with springs only and a sway bar is pretty nice. Drop with trailer attached is only about 2.5 inches (see pics)



by:

Straight-forward installation on a 2007 Pleasure way Excel RV (I did it myself in a few hours) although I did have to modify the air bag mounting bracket with a slot to allow RAS hardware to fit. Great installation instructions. Vehicle height is now correct and could be made level by tension adjustment during install. Handing is improved, I was able to remove aftermarket sway bar which improved ride. I have been considering installation of stiffer rear shocks to soften rebound now that the rear spring rate is increased.



by:

I received this kit in a very timely manner always do from etrailer have some issues with the instructions that come from roadmaster not a trailer the bump stop spacer didn’t say that you need to use the original bolt from the bump stop so it slowed me down greatly on the install however I took it out on a quick run without a load I do feel that this has made the unloaded ride smoother tomorrow I’ll be taking the trailer out for a bit and we’ll see how it works there and I’ll update this rating.



by:

Admitedly, I haven't even rolled my '07 Silverado 2500HD classic out of the garage yet, but I'm already very pleased. I had to go to a neighbor for a 10mm hex key socket and was slowed down by my 7yo kid 'helping', but it was still only 90 minutes my jack stands were in use. Easiest thing to do!
My only small downsides so far:
* needed to find a 10mm hex key that I apparently don't own, not sure why they picked that fastener
* wish I put some loc-tite on; just to make me feel better
* distance to drop the axle so the suspension fully hangs was way further than I expected; barely had my jack stands tall enough to get the job done.

These aren't really bad on the product, just notes for future customers. We're towing the 5er about an hour an a half this coming week, hopefully it steadies up a lot!



by:

I had the airbags in the back for years. These far out way them. This is the best thing I ever did!!



by:

I own a 2020 F150 raptor, it lacks spring rate in the rear to hold up a lot of weight, other than that it’s a beast Pulling trailers.
Investigated air ride and I discovered It didn’t have the articulation that I needed.
The springs are the fastest way to have additional lift.
I can install them and uninstall them in minutes .
Great product.



by:

Overall, very happy with the product. GMC didn't have any way to improve the truck from squatting when I hooked up my trailer. This kit didn't stop the squatting but significantly reduced the bounce on bad dips in roads, bridge/road transitions and bad railroad crossings.



by:

I Have had this suspension on multiple trucks and i love it . It takes the sway out of the truck when entering a exit ramp and taking sharp turns with a trailer or without, also reduces wheel hop and increases payload in the bed of the truck.I would recommend for all trucks pulling trailers.



by:

I bought this last summer (2022) for my 2020 F150 to haul the travel trailer (summer) and to have the quad in the box (fall) during the hunting season. I mainly used it during the weekends as I work from home during the weekdays. I adjusted the tension just before the winter because I haven't haul anything during winter. As it is now spring, I wanted to adjust back the tension for the rv season and I found everything rusted out (I am.in Canada and use the truck only 2-3 times a week).

I was pleased to use the product back last summer but because of all the rust I found this spring, I'm having a hard time adjusting them and I am also quite scared for next seasons as rust is making adjustments hard.

By having this for less than a year, I am now dissapointed in the product. Before buying this, I looked a lot into airlift a lot but because of reviews, I changed my mind to go with RAS.

Rust is now found on the main threaded rod locking nuts the bolt/tube underneat locking the device was rusted and seized.



by:

This product has worked well for me. I have used this on previous trucks towing a camper. It helps level out the load on the truck. This product does not work on trucks with top overload springs. Unless you remove the top overload springs. If your vehicle is still under warranty taking off the top overload spring may be a problem. But this product has worked well for me on a half ton truck.



by:

Definitely stiffens up the leaf spring suspension not impacting the ride. Just feels like a lot more support.



by:

Works great at leveling my truck with my travel trailer.



by:

absolutely did not take 45 minutes to install and still missing a locknut that was not contained in a sealed bag with cardboard box container causing lost parts. Now i have to locate special threaded nut.


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See what our Experts say about this RAS Vehicle Suspension

  • Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs on 2019 GMC Canyon With 3-1/2 Lift
    The Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs, # AL59533 are confirmed to fit the 2019 GMC Canyon but cannot be used on a lifted vehicle. I suggest the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit, # RAS4617 as long as you still have the factory leaf springs in place. It has been confirmed to fit the factory springs, may or may not work with aftermarket springs, has not been tested.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Suspension and Sway Control Help When Towing with 2019 Chevy Colorado
    In order to help your 2019 Chevrolet Colorado when towing I recommend adding the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit part # RAS4617. The RAS will do a great job of helping to prevent sag which reduces issues like poor braking, irregular tire wear, and improper headlight aim. It also works to reduce rear end sway on the truck to help you feel more in control while towing. If you have issues with trailer sway and it has brakes then you can use a device like the Tuson...
    view full answer...
  • What are the 4 Plates in the RAS Kit RAS4617 for a 2023 Chevy Colorado?
    Those plates replace the factory shackles on your 2023 Chevy Colorado. Step 1-3 in the instructions for the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit item # RAS4617 cover their use. I have linked the installation instructions below so you can take a look at them.
    view full answer...
  • Rear Helper Springs/Suspension Enhancement for a 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Diesel
    For your 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Diesel I recommend RoadActive Suspension # RAS4617. This system will provide extra support when towing and/or carrying loads in the truck bed as well as help with overall stability all without affecting the unloaded ride quality of the truck. The kit comes assembled and ready to install so you will have more time for your adventures!
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  • Will RAS Work with Timbrens On a 2018 GMC Canyon
    The RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit part # RAS4617 which is a fit for a 2018 GMC Canyon works on both 2WD and 4WD models. The kit will replace Timbrens if present, they cannot both be used due to where they are mounted but the RAS kit is the better option due to its adjustability which makes for a better ride.
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  • RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Kit for a 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71 Diesel w/ Long Bed
    I would be happy to help clear up the confusion. The RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit item # RAS4617 fits all models of the 2016 Chevy Colorado including the Diesel Z71 Long Bed.
    view full answer...
  • Correct RAS Leaf Spring Kit for a 2021 Chevy Colorado
    The correct RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit for a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is part # RAS4617. It's the same as the 2020 model.
    view full answer...
  • Will RoadActive RAS Work on 2015 GMC Canyon Towing Apex 253RLS with Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution
    Yes. The RoadActive Suspension System # RAS4617 will help enhance the suspension on your 2015 GMC Canyon, which will increase stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway. The RoadActive RAS is compatible with and will work in conjunction with your Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch to help reduce some of the rear end sag that may occur with towing your Apex 253rls travel trailer and since both of these products reduce sway-they'll work great together. This...
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  • Best Towing Suspension Enhancement for 2016 Chevy Colorado that Does Off-Roading
    You'll want something that does not prevent your suspension from fully extending so that it does not affect your off-roading so that would rule out any air bag kits. The best overall option for suspension enhancement that fits your 2016 Chevy Colorado is the RoadActive Suspension kit part # RAS4617 which gives you adjustable support that won't hurt off-roading, and unlike other options actually improves ride quality and stability whereas most negatively affect it.
    view full answer...
  • Will the RoadActive Suspension Kit Fit a 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2
    I spoke with RoadActive Suspension and confirmed that the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit part # RAS4617 is indeed a fit for a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. In regards to fitment, RoadActive was not aware of any shock clearance issues but they did state that you would have to change out the shackles which are included so no worries here. That said, there are adjustment that can be made during installation which should then alleviate any clearance issues. As noted,...
    view full answer...
  • Will the RoadActive Suspension RAS4617 Affect Off-Road Performance?
    The RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit # RAS4617 will definitely help with the sagging you are experiencing while towing. These can also be used when travelling basic back roads and light off-roading situations, but will affect the articulation in more severe situations. With that being said, after the initial install that will require the included replacement spring shackles, these take about 30 minutes to detach. This will require jacks that attach to the frame...
    view full answer...
  • Will the RAS Kit Work With Off-Center Loads on a 2016 Chevy Colorado
    I do have some options for you but all of our suspension enhancements are designed for a suspension in working order, within specs of the manufacturer. That said, if off-center loads are causing the wear on one side then adding suspension enhancements can help remedy this. The RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit part # RAS4617 can be adjusted independently meaning one side can provide more support than the other.
    view full answer...
  • Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for 2015 Chevy Colorado with Lift Kit
    I have a suspension enhancement setup that will work great on your 2015 Chevy Colorado but there isn't an air bag kit that will fit your truck due to the lift kit. Instead I would highly recommend the RoadActive Suspension kit part # RAS4617 which will give you the adjustable support you are looking for and will work great with the lift you have. Many report this improves ride quality as well so you have that to look forward to as well.
    view full answer...
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  • How Much Trailer Can a 2018 Chevy Colorado Tow
    If the max towing capacity of the vehicle exceeds the weight of the loaded trailer and you are within the payload capacity then you'll be good to go. The payload capacity will need to factor in both the weight of the cargo as well as the tongue weight of the trailer. That is the best advice we can offer as a company from a legal standpoint but there are many forums online which would be able to better assist with personal experiences towing with this vehicle. Please note, if you'll be...
    view full answer...
  • Does the Hellwig Swaybar Work with the RoadActive Suspension Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit?
    I just spoke with my rep at RoadActive, this sounds like a common question for him, and they have had no issues with the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit Item # RAS4617 being compatible with the Hellwig Swaybar. The active suspension kit sits above the leaf springs and attaches at the forward ubolt. and the Hellwig swaybar attaches to the frame and the axle.
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Mary K
Written by:
Mary K
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Noah M
Updated by:
Noah M

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