🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

This job replaces the worn shock absorbers on your truck to restore ride control, reduce bouncing, and improve braking stability. On your Ram, the shocks are straightforward to access, but you need to support the suspension correctly so the new shocks sit in place without strain.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands before removing any shock bolts.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension while raising or lowering it.
• If your truck has electronic suspension or special towing package components, do not disconnect wiring unless needed.
• Do one side at a time so the axle or control arm stays supported.
• No battery disconnect is required for standard shock replacement.
• Use wheel chocks on the wheels that stay on the ground.

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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
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 18mm wrench
• 21mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the wheels securely.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting if you plan to remove the wheels.
• Replace shocks in pairs on the same axle for even ride quality.
• Spray the bolts early so they soak.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the truck

• Use the floor jack to raise the truck at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• If replacing rear shocks, let the rear axle hang just enough to relieve pressure on the shocks.
• If replacing front shocks, support the lower control arm or axle area lightly so the shock is not loaded.

Step 2: Remove the wheel

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the wheel lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.
• Keep nuts together so none get lost.

Step 3: Loosen the lower shock bolt

• Spray the lower shock bolt with penetrating oil.
• Use the 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to remove the lower shock bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, raise or lower the suspension slightly with the floor jack until the bolt slides out easily.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Spray the upper fastener with penetrating oil.
• Use the 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to remove the upper shock nut or bolt.
• Pull the shock out of the vehicle once both ends are free.

Step 5: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in the same orientation as the old one.
• Start the upper fastener by hand first, then the lower fastener.
• Do not fully tighten the bolts yet.
• Hand-start threads to avoid cross-threading.

Step 6: Tighten the shock fasteners

• Use the torque wrench and 18mm socket to tighten the upper and lower shock fasteners to factory specification.
• Because shock fastener torque can vary by position and hardware style, use the torque value listed on the replacement shock instructions or service data for your exact axle position.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Use the 21mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Lower the truck to the ground and torque the lug nuts to factory wheel-lug specification.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same steps on the opposite side of the same axle.
• Replace shocks in pairs so the truck stays balanced.

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✅ After Repair

• Drive slowly over a rough road and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check both shock bolts again after a short test drive.
• Look for any fluid leaks or loose hardware.
• The truck should feel more controlled with less bouncing.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $120-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $280-$550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3 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.