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.
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 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.
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