DodgeForum.com

Dodge Ram 2009-Present: Shock Absorber Reviews

Changing your shocks when they are due will make your Dodge Ram feel like a whole new ride.

By Jeffrey Smith - July 16, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

For the Ram truck owner who is looking to improve the ride and suspension performance, a good set of shocks is a necessity. There are a myriad of brands from which to choose, so how do you know which shock is right for you? There are various handling qualities of each brand and model, and knowing what kind of ride experience you are looking for is paramount to determining which brand of shock you should spend your hard earned money on. The ease or difficulty of installation shouldn't be of much concern to you. Each brand has a make specifically for your truck, and they pretty much bolt right in, unless you are looking to also lift or lower your ride. Here are a few brands to compare based upon handling characteristics, price, looks, etc. to help make your purchasing decision a little easier.

Shock Absorbers
Bilstein 5100
Monroe Sensa-Trac
Rancho 9000 XL
Price
 $250 $200 $350
Height
 Adjustable, 2.25" max up front Adjustable Standard, same as stock
Stiffness
 Much stiffer than stock Slightly stiffer than stock, less still than Bilsteins Adjustable from stiff to soft
Ride Characteristics
 Firm and controlled Very smooth, not bouncy Extremely smooth, touring quality at soft setting
Warranty
 Lifetime Limited lifetime Limited lifetime
Best Quality: Bilstein 5100

Best Value: Monroe Sensa-Trac

Bilstein 5100

Price –$250

Height – Height adjustable; 2.25" max up front allows perfect leveling of your truck

Stiffness – Much stiffer than stock

Ride Characteristics – Firm and controlled

Warranty – Lifetime

The Bilstein 5100 shocks are by far the most popular choice among Ram owners and for good reason. They have been proven to be a high quality and very reliable product. The maximum lift up front is 2.25 inches, as anything above that creates shakes in 4WD at high speeds and a clunking noise at low speed. While these shocks are a lot stiffer than the OEM shocks, the ride doesn't feel too stiff. These shocks are recommended for those who want to level out their ride and feel securely planted on the road.

Monroe Sensa-Trac

Price – $200

Height – Adjustable; Ride height creates rake unless a raising kit is used

Stiffness – Slightly stiffer than stock; Smooth touring rider

Ride Characteristics – Very smooth, not bouncy

Warranty – Limited lifetime

The Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks are a cheaper alternative to the Bilstein but without the stiffness. They flatten out the ride and stop the bouncing that is often present with the OEM shocks. Recommended for the daily driver who wants a ride similar to a sedan.

Rancho 9000XL

Price –$350

Height – Standard

Stiffness – From stiff to soft; Variable based upon user setting

Ride Characteristics – Extremely smooth, touring quality at soft setting

Warranty – Limited lifetime

The Rancho shocks are possibly the best high-end shocks that you can buy. Their ride characteristics vary based upon the user's preferred settings. These shocks are excellent for highway driving. Recommended for the daily driver who rides on highways most often.

Related Discussions and Site