DodgeForum.com

Dodge Ram 1994-2001: Shock Absorber Reviews

Shock absorbers dissipate the rebound created by the spring's movement from transferring through the truck's body. Shocks vary by design; some are better suited for everyday driving, while others eliminate a lot of the harshness associated with off-roading. Once you notice excessive body roll and poor ride quality characteristics, it's probably time to change your shocks.

By Weston Chadwick - July 6, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

Shock absorbers compress oil (and sometimes gas) in a sealed chamber to create the dampening effect. As the truck moves up and down, the oil is forced through orifices in a piston, which create fluid pressure inside of the shock. Shocks are designed with varying orifice sizes to calibrate the stiffness level.

Shocks wear over time, and the oil inside begins to break down once it becomes overheated. As the temperature rises, air bubbles form inside of the fluid. This reduces the dampening effect and creates a bouncy ride. Fluid leaking from a shock absorber indicates it's time for replacement.

Shock Absorbers

Bilstein Heavy Duty and 5100
Rancho 9000 and RS5000
Monroe Sensatrac
Skyjacker Hydro
ProComp ES9000
Price

HD: $70

5100: $70

9000: $100

RS5000: $50

 $55 $40 $45
Adjustable
 No

9000: Yes

RS5000: No

 No No No
Ride Quality

HD: Balanced

5100: Firm

 Balanced to Firm Soft Balanced Balanced
Warranty
 Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime
Best Quality: Rancho 9000

Best Value: ProComp ES9000

Bilstein Heavy Duty and 5100

Price – Heavy Duty: $70; 5100: $70

Adjustable – No

Ride Quality – Heavy Duty are balanced; 5100 are firm

Warranty – Limited lifetime

Bilstein is known throughout the world for their quality products. Their first option for the Dodge Ram is the Heavy Duty shock. This shock is suited well for towing and hauling with some balance for street driving as well. This shock is compressed with nitrogen to keep fluid temperatures down and increase performance. It's recommended for those that want increased stiffness and strength over their stock shocks with the quality backed by the Bilstein name.

The 5100 is a shock widely used with owners of aftermarket lift kits. It is designed to perform in an off-road environment, while still providing the needed dampening for a comfortable ride. It's recommended for owners that want a high quality shock absorber with great off-road performance.

Rancho 9000 and RS5000

Price – The 9000 averages $100, while the RS5000 averages $50

Adjustable – The 9000 is adjustable; RS5000 is not adjustable

Ride Quality – The 9000 offers a balanced ride; the RS5000 has a firmer ride

Warranty – Limited lifetime

Rancho is a division of Tenneco, one of the world's most technological and recognizable leading brands. Rancho was the first to create an "intelligent" shock absorber, and they continue to innovate in the market.

There 9000 series shock is a nitrogen gas charged shock that is nine way adjustable. Rancho has even developed a wireless controller to adjust the shock from inside of the truck. The shock is recommended for those wanting total control over their Ram's dampening level.

The RS5000 series shock is a fully hydraulic shock that mixes effective use for both the highway and off-road. Owners looking to purchase this shock will notice its difference in firmness over the factory shocks. These shocks are recommended for those looking for reliable off-road performance that do not mind a stiffer than factory ride quality.

Monroe Sensatrac


Price – $55

Adjustable – No

Ride Quality – Soft

Warranty – Limited lifetime

Monroe is also a division of Tenneco, and was awarded the 2007 to 2008 Technicians' Choice Award for best aftermarket shocks and struts. The Sensa-Trac shock was developed as a direct replacement over your original equipment shock, and designed to provide an exceptional level of handling precision as well as control. This shock is recommended for those who want a ride quality similar to stock and a high level of reliability.

Skyjacker Hydro

Price – $40

Adjustable – No

Ride Quality – Balanced

Warranty – Limited lifetime

Skyjacker offers a shock with good value and a wide array of uses. They engineer their shocks using "velocity sensing valving," making the shock instantly adjust to any road environment. These shocks are recommended for those looking for a lower priced shock that can be used for everyday use.

ProComp ES9000


Price – $45

Adjustable – No

Ride quality – Balanced

Warranty – Limited lifetime

ProComp offers a range of products to the aftermarket industry, including tires, lift kits, and lighting. Their shock absorbers are constructed of a twin tube design and ten-way velocity sensing valving. They perform well is all uses, including highway, off-road, and towing. These shocks are recommended for those looking for a well rounded shock with good off-road capabilities.

Related Discussions