Have you been going through bumpy rides, unstable steering, or braking problems lately? These might be the signs of worn-out shocks that need immediate replacements. Well, it’s not like you can’t drive without new shocks. But why take the risk of further damaging your vehicle, leading to unforeseen dangers?
Worn out shocks result in noises over bumps, excessive body leaning in turns, or a sharp diving of the front end of the vehicle while hard braking, and so on. All these problems will get omitted from the moment you install new shocks.
Whether you tow, haul or hit off-road trails, the most-valued shocks will help your dodge ram ride smooth as new, even with tons of loads. Here’s a couple of tips and tricks to get the best shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4.
Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 in Town
Here are a bunch of top picks from our experts so that you don’t end up purchasing the wrong fit or one that will wear out soon. These include high-end shocks for both Dodge Ram 1500 and 3500, along with the analysis of their respective upsides and flaws.
1. Sensen Shocks & Struts 2240-RS
Aspects of Interest
The 2240-RS will definitely put you at awe with its ability to fit directly to your Dodge Ram 1500. Speaking of fitting, if you own a Dodge Ram 1500 of the third generation (2002-2008) model, it will be an excellent fit with the suspension.
Moving on to performance, it will give you utmost control and smooth handling experience while driving because of a unique twin-tube design. This design, when added to the nitrogen gas-charged construction, will help you restore the original ride height with total ease.
What makes this product so praiseworthy is that it has been tested to meet the OE standards, which means it will easily eat up all the shocks on your way. No matter how many challenges the road has to offer, you won’t even feel a thing while sitting at the steering wheel.
On top of that, the struts are visually inspected and quality certified by the ISO9001:2000 and ISO/TS 16949:2002, leaving no issues with their safety. Lastly, you won’t have to think about any replacements soon, as it has a durable build and is likely to last the lifetime of your Ram.
Pitfalls
- No major drawbacks
2. Bilstein 24-187367 5100 Series
Aspects of Interest
Bilstein 24-187367 comes with a distinctive 46mm monotube design that sets it apart from the other shock absorbers out there. Such a design will ensure consistent and fade-free performance in every condition, even while driving off-road.
Due to Bilstein’s upside-down technology, these struts have excellent damping power and provide you marvelous handling experience in poor driving conditions. Also, finding the optimum mounting position becomes easy as pie with these.
Furthermore, you’ll find this shock remarkably affordable and a perfect alternative to coil spring spacers. For making easy and quick adjustments to your vehicle’s ride height, it features multiple OEM specified snap ring grooves. As a result, you can lift the front end of your car up to 2.75 inches.
As far as compatibility goes, the B8 5100 shock is an immediate fit for the 1994-2001 and 2006-2008 versions of Dodge RAM 1500 4WD. On the other hand, you can use it on several F-250 super duty Cabela’s and Lariats from Ford.
Finally, when it comes to durability, you will be more than satisfied with this product because of a special zinc coating. This coating protects it from getting damaged and therefore ensures service for an extended period.
Pitfalls
- The package comes with a single shock
- It doesn’t contain its boots.
3. Monroe 58640
Aspects of Interest
Monroe has been well known for its highly versatile shock absorbers, and the 58640 is no different from that. And by versatility, we mean that these absorbers can adjust rapidly to the changing roads and weight conditions.
The most amazing fact about this product is how effectively it reduces friction and thereby ensures a smoother rod reaction for increased comfort. Such functionality becomes possible due to a special modifier it contains known as all-weather fluid.
On top of that, the 58640 comes with a heavy gauge calibrated spring that will provide you extra control while operating conditions get more demanding. Further control is ensured by a unique band that provides consistent sealing between the piston and the pressure tube.
Once you install this shock, it will easily maintain the ride height of your vehicle even when carrying 1100 pounds of additional load. Moreover, it features a full displaced valving that adjusts automatically according to the road. This system consistently delivers enhanced control and utmost comfort during riding.
Good news if you currently have a Dodge Ram 1500 among the 2002-2008 2WD models parked in your garage. Because the Monroe 58640 is a perfect fit for rear shocks of these crew cab and standard cab pickups.
Pitfalls
- The installation process is a bit tricky.
4. TRQ SBA60204
Aspects of Interest
While most of the manufacturers try combining a lot of applications to their shock absorbers, TRQ keeps it pretty simple. As a result, the SBA60204 from them results in precise fit and functions correctly instead of giving birth to poor response and misfit issues like others.
What helps this shock absorber stand out is its gas-charged construction that will help you easily restore the ride height of your vehicle. That means you’ll enjoy a better handling experience even at the roughest of paths. Moreover, all parts of this product are perfectly matched for better interactions, ensuring smooth rides.
Apart from that, you won’t find a better strut than this at such a price, as it is built from top-class materials. Hence it will serve for years before you finally notice single damage. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty for further assurance.
The TRQ SBA60204 can work as front and rear shocks for the 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 (excluding SRT-10) rear-wheel drive and the 2006-08 Dodge Ram 1500 (excluding SRT-10 & Mega Cab) rear-wheel drive as well.
Pitfalls
- It works strictly for highway driving only
- Won’t hold on for longer while riding off-road.
5. Bilstein 24-164870
Aspects of Interest
Here comes another product from the Bilstein B8 5100 series that is made for the Dodge Ram 2500-3500 4WD, unlike the previous one. The 24-164870 steering damper comes with the same 46mm monotube design from the 5100 series, which enables efficient operation by eliminating cavitation and foaming.
Most amazingly, these steering dampers can dampen any minute movements in the steering and thereby reduce steering vibrations. Besides, their patented digressive valving can quickly react to changing road conditions, offering you the maximum comfort on and off the road.
On top of that, they have the largest available piston diameter so that you get a superior handling experience while driving at rough routes. Moreover, they come with a triple C process zinc finish on the surface that will protect from corrosion and make them last longer than average.
If your vehicle is among the 2003-2007 versions of Dodge Ram 3500 4WD, including ST, SLT, Laramie, sport, and power wagon, you won’t face any issues regarding the fitting of these.
Pitfalls
- The nut coming with some units proved to be a bit problematic
6. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set
Aspects of Interest
Rancho brings you a unique shock absorber that features a patented rebound valving system, the RS5000X. This proprietary process has been specially engineered for elevating the overall performance of your vehicle on and off-road.
When hitting a pothole, trail obstacle, or similar activity, the early flow of fluid is allowed by its valving. It helps to reduce strong initial impacts and controls the flow of fluid progressively, providing you smooth riding.
Besides, you’ll enjoy more control over your vehicle due to its large body with a diameter of 2.25 inches. Even at varying speeds, this structure enables increased fluid capacity so that it works cooler and ensures better handling. Its all-weather fluid helps it to withstand temperature from -40 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit
Furthermore, minimizing air-to-oil mixture as well as reducing foaming and shock fade is the advantage of its gas-pressurized twin-tube technology. Each RS5000X is gas pressurized to 150 PSI that provides a boost of spring rate for total comfort.
Speaking of compatibility, this wonderful shock from Rancho will fit perfectly into the front of your vehicle if it belongs to the range of 2003-2012 versions of Dodge Ram 3500 4WD.
Pitfalls
- Vehicles with large loads may experience a little stiff riding.
7. Bilstein 5100
Aspects of Interest
Bilstein 5100 is a set of four shocks that comes with included shock boots for better fitment with your Dodge Ram 4WD. As far as fitment goes, unlike other shocks, these come with all the necessary nuts, bushings, and washers so that you can skip all the hassles of finding them during installation.
Once you’re done with installing them, Bilstein’s unique gas-charged monotube technology will make sure they withstand all the challenges on and off-road. This construction eliminates cavitation and foaming so that you gain maximum control over your vehicle on rough tracks.
Apart from that, Bilstein has given them a durable built along with a unique zinc coating for maximum protection against corrosion. As a result, you won’t find a single scratch on them through the lifetime of your Ram. Besides, they provide a limited lifetime warranty for premature failure as well.
Moving on to compatibility, you’ll find them as the perfect fit for 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD. And because of their unique build, they will strongly hold up and give up to 2.5 inches lift to the ride height of your vehicle.
Pitfalls
- Performance under heavy load is a bit bland despite the price.
Spotting the Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4
Now that the factory shocks for your Ram 1500 truck are coming along with your vehicle being damaged, how do you know what makes a top-class shock? The answer lies in this section of the article, where we’ve gathered the key factors that determine whether to select a particular product or not.
Types of Shocks
You’ll find two basic types of shocks for Dodge Ram 1500, either a twin-tube or a monotube.
Twin-tube
In a twin-tube shock absorber, there are two cylinders instead of one, which brings ease in stopping friction. They are quite durable and offer a more comfortable ride by keeping the gas pressure low. If you’re low on budget, twin-tube shocks are the ones to pick.
Monotube
These feature only one tube and are easy to install, unlike their counterparts. They are also less prone to cavitation, and due to large capacity, have a stable damping force. However, the advantages of monotube shocks make them a bit pricey.
There are also some variations on these two themes, including gas-charged, position sensitive damping, and acceleration sensitive damping. However, gas-charged ones are preferred to others for your truck.
Absorbing Mechanism
Manufacturers usually use the pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism in shock absorbers. Pneumatic ones are pretty hassle-free when compared to the hydraulic shocks since they use gas instead of oil or liquid. So, you should go for the pneumatic shock absorbers that also feature a patented rebound valving system.
Vehicle Fitment
Make sure the shocks fit with the specific brand and model of your vehicle. Suppose a shock that fits with Ford F-150 will not fit with a Dodge Ram 1500. The same goes for different versions of a particular vehicle. For example, a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 doesn’t have the same suspension as a 2012 one.
Protective Coatings
Try to look for coatings such as a triple C process zinc finish on the surface. Such a coating will keep the shock safe from corrosion and help it last for an extended period. So, you won’t have to search for replacements soon.
Safety Standards and Warranty
It is recommended to check if the shock absorbers you install meet OE standards or are ISO certified. Otherwise, if such information is not provided, you should check if it has a warranty. Top-class manufacturers usually offer a limited lifetime warranty over their shocks.
Adjustability and Lift Height
Shock absorbers that come with different options for adjustments are a bit complex, and therefore the non-adjustable ones are preferred to them. And when it comes to lifting height, select the front shocks that offer anywhere between 2.5 to 3 inches of lift to the ride height.
Driving Conditions
Some shocks are better for off-road driving while some only serve for casual highway tracks. Remember the fact that gas-charged monotube shocks have some advantages over twin-tubes for towing and off-road driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the lifespan of the shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4?
Ans: Actually, there isn’t any fixed lifespan of such products since it depends on your driving habits and the route. However, it will be wise to keep your wallet ready for a replacement of shocks after anywhere between 50k and 100k miles of use.
Q: Can I replace one shock at a time, or does it have to be four of them?
Ans: There will be an adverse effect in handling if you install a new front shock and leave the old one on the other side. The same goes for the rear shocks. Since a new shock has a different damping ability than the old, replace both at the same time.
Q: Do I need an alignment after replacing the rear shocks?
Ans: Changing your rear shocks doesn’t need an alignment as the front shocks do.
Bottom Line
Not to mention the uncomfortable rides and sometimes dangerous outcomes like accidents happening due to damaged shocks. We hope that the above portions of this post have already helped you to find the best shocks for the Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 that you own.
However, if you’re still confused, our experts would recommend the Bilstein 24-187367 for your Dodge Ram 4wd because of its excellent monotube design. Another product worth considering is the 58640 from Monroe since it offers maximum control even while carrying heavy loads.
On the other hand, feel free to go for the Bilstein 5100 if you own a Dodge Ram 3500. Also, Rancho RS5000X bringing utmost comfort and control at such a low price can be an ideal choice for ram 3500 unless you’re willing to spend a lot.
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