🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

On your Ram, the front and rear shocks are different designs, so the removal and install steps are not the same. The safest way is to replace them axle by axle, and replace shocks in pairs so ride quality stays even.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely with jack stands before removing any shock. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension when lowering or raising an axle.
• If the truck has an electronic parking brake or trailer brake wiring near the rear axle, keep the wiring safe and out of the way.
• Use caution around rusted fasteners; penetrating oil may help, and fasteners can break.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Socket set: 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 21mm
• Combination wrench set: 13mm, 15mm, 18mm, 21mm
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip tool (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Upper shock mounting nuts - Qty: 4
• Lower shock mounting hardware - Qty: 4

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting if you need more working room.
• Raise only one axle at a time.
• Replace shocks in pairs on the same axle for even handling.
• Soak rusty bolts early.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the front or rear of the truck, depending on which shocks you are replacing.
• Set the truck securely on jack stands under the frame.
• Keep the axle supported with the floor jack if needed so the suspension does not drop suddenly.

Step 2: Remove access items if needed

• If a wheel or inner liner blocks access, remove it with the 21mm socket for the lug nuts or the correct socket/ratchet for fasteners.
• Move any brake hose clips or wiring retainers out of the way with the trim clip tool.

Step 3: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use the ratchet and the correct socket and wrench to remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is stuck, use the breaker bar and penetrating oil.
• Support the shock so it does not drop when the bolt comes out.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Use the ratchet and the correct socket or wrench to remove the upper shock nut or bolt.
• Pull the shock out of the mount once both ends are free.
• Keep one hand on the shock.

Step 5: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place by hand.
• Start the upper fastener first, then align the lower mount.
• Use the ratchet and the correct socket/wrench to snug both fasteners.
• Do not fully tighten the bushings until the suspension is at normal ride height.

Step 6: Torque the shock fasteners

• Lower the axle or support it so the suspension sits at normal ride height.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the shock fasteners.
• Torque front upper and lower shock fasteners to 61 Nm (45 ft-lbs).
• Torque rear shock fasteners to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall any clips, liners, and the wheel if removed.
• Lower the truck, then repeat the same process on the opposite shock on that axle.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten lug nuts if the wheel was removed.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly first and listen for clunks or squeaks.
• Check that the truck sits evenly and handles normally.
• Recheck all shock fasteners after the first short drive.
• If the truck still bounces excessively, inspect the remaining shocks and suspension bushings.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $400-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $280-$580 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.