Whether you’re looking to upgrade your suspension to handle some off-roading or just want to replace some worn parts, you can easily find shocks online. Let’s take a look at 5 of the best shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 trucks and then we’ll take a look at how you can figure out which are the best to suit your truck and its unique situation.
Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit for Dodge
If you’re looking to do a full replacement and get some serious ride quality out of your truck, along with a little bit of lift, this kit has you covered. The kit (see full specs) comes with all four of the shocks you’ll need, and you can adjust the front ride to make sure your vehicle is riding things out exactly how you want, whether you prefer the currently in-vogue high front end or just want to keep things level.
Rancho Suspension QuickLIFT Strut and Shock Kit For Dodge Ram 1500
This lift kit will keep your truck supported and riding nice, providing a high-quality ride which is sure to please you. Keep in mind that it won’t fit with air suspension or a mega-cab on your truck, which can make it unsuitable for some of you. They’re highly customizable in their positioning and firmness, allowing you to make sure that you get what you want out of them. If it’s the right fit (see full specs), though, you’ll be able to enjoy your truck in ways that you never thought possible before and it can be a real game changer. These should be on anyone’s list of the best shocks for Dodge Ram 1500.
Monroe 58640 Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shock Absorber (Pack of 2)
While they’re only for rear-wheel drive Rams, these shocks can make all the difference if you’re the type that likes to load up the bed or take on heavy trailers. They’ll keep your rear end from bottoming out, and allow for a smooth ride whether you’re hauling your tools or taking the boat out. They’re highly recommended for those who want to improve their towing performance, but you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re in a 4WD.
Bilstein (24-185783) 5100 Series Shock Absorber
These Bilstein rear shocks are fairly expensive, but they’re definitely worth it for those looking to smooth out the back of their ride. The best part about them is the monotube design, which allows for performance that doesn’t degrade over time like many other forms of shocks do.
The piston is actually velocity-sensitive as well, allowing it to work quickly and easily with road conditions as they change. Paired with the right set of front shocks, you’ll be able to ensure you’ve got the smoothest ride possible.
Choosing the Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 1500
The most important part is to make sure they fit on your truck. The Dodge Ram 1500 comes in a variety of models, but the main thing you’ll need to pay attention to is whether the truck is a 4WD or 2WD. As any owner knows, the usage of these trucks varies quite a bit, and the 4WD will require different shocks.
After that, it’s up to what you use your truck for. Some of these shocks will provide a pretty impressive lift on your truck as well, so keep that in mind as that extra two inches can really make a difference in the ease of getting into and out of your vehicle.
What you’re doing with your truck is another determining factor. Firmer rear shocks are great if you’re seeking to tow or load your bed up with tools, but they’re not so great if you’re just looking for something to smooth out the ride on old, pothole ridden roads in the backwoods. A full suspension kit, on the other hand, will make your off-roading experience a bit less bone jarring and replacing the front shocks can have surprising effects on how smoothly your truck brakes.
Finally you’ll need to decide if you want to replace things all the way around or just in the front or back. Don’t just add one shock, while some are sold singly you’ll need to place them in pairs even if you’re just looking for a replacement. This will keep the ride smooth, and drastically different ones can put you in danger for obvious reasons.
We strongly recommend going all the way around when you replace your shocks. The performance difference will be incredible and you just might fall in love with your Ram all over again. Both of the kits above are for 4WD trucks, which are what people most commonly replace the stock suspension on for off-roading reasons, but you can combine a couple different pairs of shocks for the front and rear end of your truck with a bit of forethought.
In the end, if you’ve never done any work on your suspension before you’re going to be surprised at just how much of a difference it will make. It’s one of the simplest and most drastic changes you’ll be able to achieve in your truck and the results can be simply amazing with a good pick. While it may not result in a drastic performance increase, some people have never experienced just how nice a modified suspension can be. There’s a lot to be said for making the switch, even if you’re satisfied with your ride at the moment.
There’s really no reason to hesitate, even the best stock shocks will pale in comparison to aftermarket suspension and once you have it on you’ll be surprised at the performance enhancement you’ll receive. Better braking, smoother towing, and more fun off the asphalt are all easily within your grasp with a wise purchase of the best shocks for Dodge Ram 1500. Good luck with your truck!
