Well the shocks that came with your Ram have finally reached the end of their life.
Now, if you are looking for the best shocks for Ram 1500 4×4, which will provide you with excellent control, handling, stability, and overall performance then you have come to the right place.
I have compiled a detailed list of the outstanding shocks available on the market that provide superior performance and have a better lifespan than the pre-installed ones.
Table of Contents
8 Top Rated Ram 4×4 Replacement Shocks Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
BEST BUDGET  | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 7.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit
It should not be a surprise that the number one shocks are the 5100s Series Shock Kit by Bilstein.
The manufacturer itself has a reputation in the international market for making some of the finest shocks available for almost every vehicle type.
Their shocks not only provide unparalleled performance, but they also have great durability so that you can take them anywhere, on any terrain, and performing satisfactorily will be a piece of cake for them.
These shocks implement a monotube design better in every aspect than twin-tube shocks or other designs out there.
This design helps increase smoothness and stability, which are key factors that work simultaneously in a vehicle to give you a pleasant experience.
I found that the design also allows efficient heat dissipation, which means it can be used for more extended periods without the risk of them failing on you.
Bilstein also implemented their own patented digressive valving, allowing quick adjustment to changing road conditions. This is possible thanks to a curved piston instead of a flat one.
These shocks are covered by a limited lifetime warranty, which is applicable for as long as the vehicle in which the shocks were installed is still owned by the person who bought those shocks.
You can use these shocks with the peace of mind that they will be replaced free of cost if there is any manufacturing defect at any period of its usage.
- Fast adjustment
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Excellent shock absorption
- Relatively inexpensive
- Heating issues
All in all, the Bilstein shocks give you a memorable experience which you will enjoy for as long as they last, and that is a lot more than the stock ones.
2. Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber
When you buy parts from manufacturers globally regarded as one of the best, you can’t go wrong with your decision.
Such is the case with the 58640 Shock Absorber by Monroe, a piece of art in the world of shocks, providing you with top of the line performance, including better control, stability, handling, and much more.
These shocks also use a monotube design, which means it has better and quicker dampening capability than other shock designs.
Like Bilstein, Monroe uses their very own Positive Sensitive Damping (PSD) technology, which can only be found in their shocks.
This feature integrates into the shocks are very specifically calibrated coil springs that allow the vehicle to give unmatched comfort, even at high speeds.
This is also possible due to the use of an all-weather fluid, which can be used in any temperature condition ranging from -40°C to 60°C.
It also reduces friction, which is helpful when the shock has to adjust to road conditions quickly.
Like the Bilstein shocks, these come with a limited lifetime warranty, which can be claimed and valid for as long as you own the vehicle in which the shocks were installed.
It applies only to you. If you sell it, the warranty ends at that point. But until that point, you are fully covered from any manufacturing defects that may come to light during your usage.
- Monotube design
- Limited lifetime warranty
- All-weather fluid
- Expensive
- Lifts the vehicle
Summing it up, these shocks have excellent performance and a great feature set, which for the price should be expected.
Some inches, they do raise the truck, which may be liked or disliked by some, but it is a personal preference.
3. Rancho RS9000XL Shock Absorbers
When it comes to getting the awesome off-roading experience, then there is no brand better than Rancho in these regards.
The RS9000XL Shock Absorbers is an off-roading beast that can provide you with more than double the control, stability, and stock shocks’ performance.
They will leave you proud with your decision when you drive them, even for a short while.
These Rancho shocks are manufactured to be used in complex and rough terrains where the conditions change now and then.
Stock shocks are not meant for such use, and they cannot keep up with the varying road conditions.
They have an adjustable dampening system that can have 9 levels of changes. You can choose how your truck drives, ranging from soft to hard, whatever your preference maybe.
This feature can only be found in Rancho shocks, a game-changer for people who travel long distances to change terrains.
The shocks have a larger oil storage capacity than most shocks available on the market, which reduces the shock fade and increases heat dissipation, which is a reason for many shocks failing prematurely.
The larger oil capacity is possible thanks to the twin-tube design, which also reduces friction. Rancho is also the only manufacturer that provides a 90-day risk-free trial.
So, if you are not satisfied with your shocks’ quality, you can get a full refund within 90 days of the purchase, no questions asked.
This is beneficial for people who are confused over which shocks to buy.
The shocks also come with a limited lifetime warranty, which guarantees a free replacement if any manufacturing defect arises due to subpar workmanship.
- Adjustable Levels
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Perfect For Off-Roading
- 90 Days Risk-Free Trial
- Small Adjustment Knob
Rancho makes shocks that have unique features that you didn’t know you needed.
The adjustable dampening levels and excellent performance in all aspects and at a reasonable price make it a must-buy for people who like to venture out into the unknown.
4. Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
Coming in at fourth place are the Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks.
The first version by the manufacturer became famous throughout the world due to its excellent performance and off-roading capabilities.
So, version 2 would improve in all aspects of the already seemingly perfect set of shocks for your Ram 1500.
The Fox shocks have one of the outstanding dampening capabilities out of all the shocks listed here, and all of them are performance beasts.
They have incredible dampening in complex terrains such as Rocky Mountains and muddy roads and these have excellent heat dissipation, thanks to the aluminum build.
It is common knowledge that metal excels at conducting heat quickly and efficiently.
Fox used this knowledge and implemented it onto their shocks, creating one of the finest shocks available on the market that excels in heat dissipation, allowing for intense usage for longer durations.
Moreover, monotube design is used in these which automatically make them perfect for all driving conditions.
- Monotube design
- Aluminum build
- Excellent off-roading capability
- One year warranty
- Very expensive
Summing everything up, these shocks provide excellent off-roading performance and have the best heat dissipation out of all the shocks mentioned here.
But they do come with a very high price tag.
5. Detroit Axle Front Shock Absorbers
At fifth place are the Detroit Axle Front Shock Absorbers, a renowned manufacturer that makes quality suspension systems for all types of vehicles.
They provide outstanding performance in all aspects, such as smoothness, control, and even fuel consumption.
They are built to absorb any shocks that may disrupt your otherwise pleasant drive.
Another thing that sets these shocks apart is that they have been built with exact OEM specifications, making them easy to install and have the exact dimensions, which means they can be bought tension free, as they will fit your vehicle perfectly.
Due to OEM dimensions, these will not lift your vehicle, which is the case with many aftermarket shocks.
The manufacturer also provides a 10-year warranty, which is a lot but cannot challenge other manufacturers’ lifetime warranties.
During this period, the shocks will be replaced free of cost if any manufacturing defects arise and they do not perform up to the mark.
- Exact OEM specifications
- Reliable dampening
- 10-year warranty
- Expensive
I always aim to search for at least one shock that has been built with OEM specifications while providing better than stock performance.
And for the Ram, the Detroit Axle shocks are the ones if you want an easy installation with excellent performance.
But this does come with a high price tag, which may not be appealing for some.
6. Bilstein 24-187367 B8 Shock Absorbers
Bilstein is a much regarded manufacturer throughout the world. They make exceptional quality shocks.
Their shocks are so good that they have taken another spot, which has been curated to display only the top quality shocks.
So, for me, that is very impressive, and it also tells you about the manufacturer’s level of commitment when it comes to serving their customers.
The Bilstein 24-187367 B8 Shock Absorbers implements a monotube design that enables quick adaptation to varying road conditions, no matter what your speed may be.
The B8 series has been developed for people who like to travel at high speeds or use their vehicle for sports. The truck’s height is reduced for better handling and control.
Because these shocks are sports-oriented, they use an all-gas design, unlike the 5100s that use an oil-gas design.
This is because of the response time difference in both the technologies. An all gas design has a quicker response to changing road conditions.
It also adapts quicker while taking sharp turns, so the driver has complete control over his vehicle.
The oil-gas design is aimed towards people who want the most comfort out of their vehicle.
Bilstein has tested these shocks for durability and high-temperature resistance.
They are proud of this pair of shocks because they can handle demanding tasks successfully. They can handle prolonged usage under rough conditions without failing on the user.
Just like the 5100s, these shocks come with a limited lifetime warranty, which can be claimed whenever a manufacturing defect arises.
It is valid until the owner of these shocks sells or transfers ownership of the truck in which they were installed.
- Excellent for racing
- All gas design
- Good heat dissipation
- Rigorously tested
- One height adjustment level
If you have a Ram and you like the thrill of high speed, then you should buy these shocks without any second thought. They will transform the way your truck drives.
7. DTA 70004 Strut And Spring Set
You, a Ram owner, should know that after 2006, Dodge stopped making the Ram with shocks, and it solely now depends on the strut system for absorbing shock impulses.
So, coming in at the 7th position is the DTA 70004 Strut And Spring Set, made for Ram 1500 models dating from 2006-2008.
The set contains two struts for the front and two shocks for the back, which will completely renew your suspension system.
The struts use nitrogen gas, which is highly compressed and uses an all-weather fluid to survive most temperature conditions.
Although they are not OEM certified, this set has the exact dimensions, so they are easy to install.
The rear shocks are advertised to survive all-terrain conditions, so you can take your Ram anywhere and be confident that the shocks will provide you with more than satisfactory performance at a very reasonable price.
DTA also provides their shocks a limited lifetime warranty, during which the shocks and struts are covered and can be fully replaced for free if any manufacturing defect arises.
The warranty is valid for as long as you own the vehicle in which the shocks were installed.
- Excellent handling
- Full suspension set
- Can survive all terrain conditions
- No spacers included
All in all, these shocks perform very decently, and the complete set makes it possible for post-2006 models to change their suspension systems completely.
8. KYB KG54342 Gas Shocks
Like many other manufacturers listed in this article, KYB is another popular brand that manufactures top of the line quality shocks and suspension systems which are known worldwide for being superior to stock shocks.
The KYB KG54342 Gas Shocks uses a monotube design which allows for better heat dissipation and better control than most shock designs on the market.
They have two chambers which are separated with a perfect seal that is self-lubricated.
One chamber contains nitrogen gas stored at a high pressure, while the other chamber has ahydraulic piston which allows for quick response to changing road conditions.
Another major positive thing about these shocks is that they are OEM certified, like all shocks manufactured by KYB.
They can be bolted on due to them being of the exactly same specifications of the stock ones.
This makes the installation process very easy. They also do not alter the height of the truck in any way.
- Nitrogen powered
- Monotube design
- Quick adjustment
- OEM certified
- Durability issues
All in all, these shocks have decent performance in all aspects. They provide better control, handling and performance while being OEM certified which makes them easy to install.
There are durability issues in some units but this problem has a very less chance of occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Do Ram 1500 Shocks Last?
In trucks such as the Ram, the shocks can survive up to 50000 miles only, after which they cannot provide adequate impulse absorption.
If the truck starts vibrating on smooth roads and if the brakes start becoming stiff, that is an indication that the shocks need replacement.
This goes for all shocks, whether stock or aftermarket. Aftermarket shocks last for more than 75000 miles, which is the case for all the ones listed above.
They can even cross the 100000-mile limit, but that solely depends on how rough they are used and which terrain the truck is driven upon.
Q2. Does A Ram Have Shocks Or Struts?
All Dodge Rams predating 2006 had shocks instead of struts. But after 2006, Dodge decided to ship their trucks with struts only.
Not only is this a less efficient way of absorbing impulses, but it is also very expensive when it comes to getting replacements.
If the struts need replacement, that decision cannot be postponed because they are an integral part of the suspension system, without which a vehicle cannot be driven properly.
Q3. Are 4WD And 2WD Shocks The Same?
Both types of shocks are the same and are also interchangeable. The main difference is the ride height, which is considerably higher if you use 4WD shocks on 2WD trucks.
The stock shocks can be interchanged for the Ram, but the same cannot be said for all aftermarket shock manufacturers due to the difference in build and dimensions.
OEM certified shocks are also interchangeable because they have the exact specifications of the stock ones.
Q4. Are Bilstein Shocks Better?
The answer to this question varies when compared with different shocks and when comparing specific features.
If you want shocks that provide excellent performance throughout, then the Bilstein ones take a huge lead.
But when it comes to off-roading, the shocks are good, but there are better alternatives to them.
The Rancho shocks are far more durable and have better off-roading capabilities than the Bilstein ones.
In the sporting category, there are no shocks better than the B8s, which are also manufactured by Bilstein.
Q5. Do I Need Special Shocks If My Truck Is Lifted?
If you are one of those who like to use lift kits to raise your vehicle’s height for better off-roading capabilities, then this question must be of paramount importance before you go and buy shocks that may not be compatible later.
If the lift kit has raised the vehicle’s height more than three inches, then the stock shocks cannot be reused.
Luckily for those people, all the shocks mentioned above come in another pair, which has been designed for lifted trucks.
As I said before, the article has been very carefully curated for the outstanding experience.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article for the best shocks for Ram 1500 4×4, and if you managed to read everything, you must know that all of the shocks listed have almost or more than double the stock performance.
If it was my preference, I would have chosen the number one shocks, the Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit, due to their superior design, patented digressive valving, and lifetime warranty.
The decision lies upon you, and let me clarify, whichever shock set you to choose, you will not go wrong with your decision.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
