What are the best shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4? First, let’s take a look at our selection.
Your truck’s suspension plays a huge role in how it rides, tows, and tracks. Worn out suspension, and specifically, your shocks will drastically impact your ride quality and drivability.
Shocks and their condition determine your truck’s ability to soak up bumps and road imperfections.
Changing your stock shocks for a set of performance shocks can increase ground clearance, suspension travel, wheel clearance, ride characteristics, off-road capability, and towing performance.
Good quality shocks are important for experiencing hassle-free rides. However, shocks are expensive yet worth investing in, as you can feel a massive difference while driving. So if you are in search of the best shocks, let’s get started for more information!
Below we’ve compiled a list of the eleven Dodge Ram 1500 shocks reviews:
The 11 Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 (4×4 and RWD)
| Image | Model | Years | Front/Rear | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 24-187367 (Top Pick for Front Position) | 09-18 | Front | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24-187374 (Top Pick for Rear Position) | 09-18 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Monroe 58640 | 11-15 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24-185783 | 96-08 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24-186063 | 06-08 | Front | Check Price |
 | Skyjacker H7017 | 02-08 | Front | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24-186087 | 06-08 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Monroe 58637 | 02-08 | Rear | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24-060820 | No Data | Rear | Check Price |
 | Bilstein 24-187367 | 09-14 | Front | Check Price |
 | Rancho 999930 | 09-16 | Front | Check Price |
Bilstein 24-187367 (Editor’s Choice for Front Position)
These are created by keeping high load vehicles in mind as trucks constituting front OE Coilover design suspension. The body has a grooved snap ring that offers different seat positions and 0-2.75” of front lifting, depending on usage. Additionally, this monotube shock’s 46mm digressive piston has a self-adjustable disc valve setting, which increases wheel travel. So when you search for the easiest way to level out an SUV or truck, this is perfect.
Adequate ride height impacts functionality; safety makes the vehicle durable. Therefore, it is always crucial to check the ride height. With these shocks, you can find a massive difference in functionality when off-road as your vehicle is less bouncy with firm wheels on the ground. The installation procedure is not complicated and does not require expertise. This brand is globally known for high-end automobile components. With this eminent leader in the automobile industry, you can get consistent and controlled rides that you have never imagined. Products are tested before market launch so that customers can make a maximum benefit, and your vehicle can go anywhere you want.
Pros
- Adds comfort
- Affordable
- Quick installation
Cons
- Warranty not covered once shocks are installed
Bilstein 24-187374 (Editor’s Choice for Rear Position)
Let’s continue with another high-end shock model created for heavy load carrying trucks and can directly fit into a vehicle. Better performance and functionality are expected after miles of use due to its monotube design. Piston automatically reacts to varying roads, and the velocity-sensitive feature gives an enjoyable and smoother ride.
Installation is a bit tricky, and some people find installing the rear is challenging than the front shocks. Tools, as well as prior installation experience, are also necessary for these shocks. Experience a vast difference as this product makes the ride stiffer, especially when towing. Once you swap previous shocks with these, you can find a noticeable difference in your ride quality. It is made specifically for your truck.
Pros
- Stiffer ride
- Long-lasting
- Durable
Cons
- A bit difficult to install
Monroe 58637
This is a perfect choice for low-weight towing trucks or vehicles carrying varying loads. It contains all-weather fluid for a reduction in friction and provides a smoother reaction of the rod. The shocks have full displaced valving, which is specifically tuned to adjust according to the road conditions, ensuring consistency. A proper seal offers durability and superior control by band piston.
There is a heavy-duty calibrated spring in this product that meets challenging roads requirements and offers additional control. It is crucial to check your shocks as worn-out shocks can result in reduced stability, tire wears out, lesser braking efficiency, and suspension parts damage.
Monroe users were happy when they installed this product on their Dodge Ram. These make the ride smooth, and you can experience the vast difference on tough roads. One more thing that makes these shocks popular is that they are quick to install.
Pros
- Firm yet comfortable ride
- No noise on the bounce
- Straightforward installation
Cons
- None
Bilstein 24-186063
When you search for a direct replacement for superior quality shocks, these are among the best on the market. As a proud owner of an SUV or truck, it becomes mandatory to inspect the vehicle to ensure better ride quality. Quality components are essential for ensuring the better performance of a vehicle. For example, a monotube design makes it reliable and ensures better functionality. A velocity-sensitive piston offers the immediate reaction to varying roads, which upgrades the riding experience, making it enjoyable and hassle-free.
These are specifically tuned for different applications for ensuring adequate functionality. You can also experience better handling and improved ride quality. It adds to comfort. You cannot go wrong with this as the brand is one of the top manufacturers of shocks across the globe. It always delivers high-end good quality shocks. When it comes to serving the customers, Bilstein always fulfills its commitment.
Pros
- Great ride handling
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- None we could find
Bilstein 24-060820
The brand offers another high-performance shock that will take you to the zenith of comfort. You get a stable and smooth ride with these shocks.
Stable and comfortable ride quality is what you can expect with these shocks. It uses dampening technology and has a patent design that is rigorously tested for a superior result. In addition, these are explicitly tuned for applications ensuring adequate performance. Consistent performance is expected after long miles of use due to its monotube design. As a result, the piston offers an enjoyable and smoother ride.
Installation can be done quickly with little expertise. These shocks increase wheel travel, and vehicle handling is also made better. The brand always delivers high-end and superior quality shocks. When it comes to serving the customers, this brand has always fulfilled its commitment. With this shock, you can find a considerable difference when off-road.
Pros
- Improves ride quality greatly
- Survives all road conditions
- Tested and verified
Cons
- Some people find shocks replacement difficult
Skyjacker H7017
This product meets the requirements of the demanding road conditions as it is highly durable and made of suitable components. These are adequate for every traveling, whether a smooth road or rough or riding gently or hard. Furthermore, manufacturing involves technological innovation, which ensures its durability and adds to the product life.
Noticeable differences in riding can be experienced when you replace factory-installed shocks with this product. Driving enthusiasts keen on a safe and comfortable ride with better handling and stability can choose these shocks. Tires firmly remain in contact with the ground, and thus vehicle remains under control.
Pros
- Comfortable ride experience
- Decent cost
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Bit tricky installation
Bilstein 24-186087
A monotube design offers better functionality of the vehicle and adds to its reliability. A velocity-sensitive piston offers tIn addition, the immediate reaction to varying roads, which upgrades the riding experience, making it enjoyable and hassle-free.
These shocks are specifically tuned for different applications ensuring quality functionality. Proper ride height maintains the vehicle working, making it durable. Therefore, it is always crucial to check the ride height. With this product, you get an opportunity to experience a difference when off-road. It enhances wheel travel as well as improves vehicle handling.
It makes the ride stiffer, especially when towing. It is good to go for vehicle inspection to maintain the vehicle’s health and understand symptoms of wear out of shocks so you can get the new one if required. Better go for vehicle inspection to ensure adequate operating conditions and understand the symptoms of wear out of shocks so you can get the new one if required.
Pros
- It makes your ride comfortable
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- None we could find
Monroe 58640 Load Adjusting Shock Absorber (Editor’s Choice for RWD – NOT for 4×4!)
Monroe is another massive name in suspension components and provides shocks and struts for many OEMs. These Monroe load adjusting shocks are made for Ram 1500s that are RWD. So if you have a 4WD Ram, you might want to look at another kit on our list.
These shocks are intended for the rear and self-adjust for additional loads up to 1,1000 pounds. They maintain ride height when towing and hauling to help keep your truck’s handling characteristics similar to how they are without a heavy load.
These shocks are a direct bolt-on and will not require any modifications to the stock suspension mounting. They replace the factory units and utilize the factory mounting hardware.
Bilstein (24-185783) 5100 Series Shock Absorber
If you drive a 4WD Ram 1500, here is another excellent shock option from Bilstein. These 5100 series shocks are a replacement for the factory rear shocks. Like the other Bilstein shocks on our list, these also come with a lifetime warranty.
If you do a lot of towing or hauling, or you’ve lifted your Ram and find that your stock shocks aren’t cutting it anymore, these 5100 series shocks are what you need. They utilize a unique, velocity-sensitive, digressive piston that reacts to changing road conditions and improves ride quality and handling.
These shocks are a direct bolt-on and will not require any modifications to the stock suspension mounting. They replace the factory units and utilize the factory mounting hardware for a quick and easy install.
Bilstein 24-187367 Shock Kit for Dodge Ram 1500
Bilstein has been making shocks and suspension components for over 100 years, and this 24-187367 Kit is designed to replace both the front and rear shocks of your 2009-2014 Ram 1500 4WD. In addition, this kit comes with a lifetime warranty.
This shock kit includes Front Ride Height Adjustable and matching Rear 5100 Series Shock Absorbers. The front shocks are adjustable from 0 to 2.75 inches of lift, and the rear shocks can accommodate up to 1 inch of lift. The height is adjustable via multiple snap ring grooves to position the spring seat at different heights.
This shock kit is a direct bolt-on and will not require any modifications to the stock suspension mounting. It also reuses all the stock hardware. However, please note that it will not fit Ram 1500’s with the air suspension or the Mega Cab variants.
Rancho Suspension QuickLIFT Loaded Strut and Shock Kit
The same parent company owns Rancho Suspensions as Monroe. It offers this complete shock replacement kit for the 2009-2014 4WD Ram 1500s. This kit also comes with a lifetime warranty.
These 9-position shocks allow the driver to control how soft or firm the ride quality is through the shock’s manual dampening. They provide up to a 400-percent change in vehicle control and response from setting one to nine.
These shocks also feature a larger shock body than stock, which helps the fluid inside stay cooler. It also provides more consistent performance under even the most demanding conditions. The ride height is also adjustable, providing up to 2.75 inches of lift.
This shock kit is a direct bolt-on and will not require any modifications to the stock suspension mounting. It also reuses all the stock hardware. However, please note that it will not fit Ram 1500’s with the air suspension or the Mega Cab variants.
How to Pick the Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4
If you’ve decided it’s time to order some new shocks for your Dodge Ram 1500 4×4, you’re going to want to make sure those shocks fit your needs and goals. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before pulling the trigger on a set of shocks for your truck:
Ride Quality on and off the Pavement
Shocks play a significant role in how your truck rides both on and off-road. Consider how you use your Ram and what kind of ride quality you need for your application. Some shocks are better for off-road use, while others are better for pavement use. Some shocks can adjust to road conditions as they change, working well on and off-road.
Adjustability
Some aftermarket shocks will have loads of adjustability that allow you to fine-tune your shock’s performance, handling characteristics, and ride height. For example, if you want to lift your truck for added ground or tire clearance or towing capability, many high-quality aftermarket shocks will feature ride height adjustability.
This adjustment range can come in handy if you aren’t sure how high you want to lift your truck. Of course, you can constantly re-adjust the shocks down the road for more or less lift.
Additionally, some shocks will have compression and rebound damping adjustments for tuning your truck’s ride characteristics and its ability to soak up bumps and road imperfections.
Fitment
Make sure the shocks you intend to purchase fit your year and model Ram 1500. Some shocks are designed to fit 2-wheel drive models but not 4-wheel drive models and vice versa. Many shocks will fit both 2WD and 4WD variants and years.
You can rarely use shocks from one model for another, even if we’re talking about the same manufacturer. So, for example, even the best shocks for Dodge Dakota don’t fit the Dodge 1500 Ram trucks.
Good Reviews
We have already covered this topic in our article about the best rims for Dodge Charger. Always read up on the shocks you intend to purchase. Since many Ram owners end up replacing their shocks and other suspension components, you should be able to find reviews from other Ram owners detailing their experience with the shocks.
Reading reviews can help you understand how easy the shocks were to install, what hardware was included, how the shocks perform and ride, and other details that the manufacturer might have left out.
Detailed Installation Instructions
A good set of shocks should include detailed instructions on uninstalling the stock shocks and installing the new ones. Detailed instructions can decrease the amount of time your truck spends off the road and reduce hang-ups during installation.
A good set of instructions should include pictures, torque specifications, and measurements. Some shock sets will even include a video from the manufacturer, giving you step-by-step directions for the install.
Hardware
If your aftermarket shocks require additional hardware, make sure they come with it. A set of shocks that includes all the necessary installation hardware can make for a smoother install.
Sourcing hardware can be complicated as many auto parts stores do not stock a large variety of nuts and bolts, especially in the larger sizes that lift kits for trucks often use.
If you do end up purchasing a set of shocks that require you to source your hardware, make sure to use automotive-grade hardware: Grade 8 and above for US standard-sized hardware and Class 10.9 and above for Metric-sized hardware.
How Long Do Dodge Ram 1500 Shocks Last?
Life duration depends on several factors such as distance traveled by the vehicle, type of road on which vehicle is driven for long, and whether it is driven recklessly or gently. These things make it quite impossible to decide the number of years or distance you can expect from your shocks. However, as a general idea, we can predict that shocks can last up to five years when your vehicle has not faced tough road and usage. Some can last for a decade, but when the vehicle has lived on smooth roads.
If a vehicle moves on roads with large cracks, potholes, and sharp ridges, then shocks wear and tear quickly. These conditions bounce your vehicle hard. Carrying large and heavy load also cause wear out of shocks. People who live in colder regions have difficulty driving in snow-covered regions, and this road is covered with salt. However, road salt also minimizes shock life as it leads to corrosion.
Despite this, lots of other culprits can shorten shock life and cause handling and other issues such as noise. Therefore, a complete suspension checkup is necessary to know your vehicle’s condition and replace the parts when required.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Dodge Ram 1500 Shocks?
“$25 to $400” depending on the quality and how much you are willing to invest as there are lots of options to choose from. Moreover, when installation is considered, the cost ranges from $150-$300 as some require installation experts while some you can install yourself.
Verdict: the Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 1500 4×4…?
If you’re looking to improve the ride quality and handling of your Ram 1500 both on and off-road, any kit on our list will do, but if we had to choose a clear winner, it would be the Bilstein 24-187367 shocks.
Shocks may not indicate any visible wear out, but timely vehicle inspection is a must to know about it. We like Bilstein 24-187367 as these come at an affordable cost and ensure good vehicle performance.
We chose this kit as our winner because it features nine adjustability levels for ride quality, height adjustment, and a lifetime warranty. It also replaces both the front and rear shocks, unlike two of the kits on our list that only replace the rear shocks.