2014 Ram 1500 Replacement of stock struts and shocks

Hattan · Oct 11, 2022

Hey, guys well it's time to replace the shocks and struts on my 2014 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi SLT. I want to replace them with shocks and struts that are for a smooth ride and not increase or decrease the height of the truck if it makes sense. I use it to commute to work and I would like to keep it as comfortable as possible. Any advice and recommendation will be very helpful and the links being provided will be much appreciated. thank you.

Jeepwalker · Oct 11, 2022

Are the current shocks worn, leaky, bouncy? I mean, my 2012 still has the original shocks on them (172k mi), and they're good. Granted it's mostly a highway cruiser.

If you like the current ride (or the ride it had before), OEM Mopar shocks would be a safe bet. They're engineered to match the spring rates of your truck (and mfgrs spend a lot of time on shocks/spring rates. They'll cost more than the Monroe/Gabriel options, but you won't have to buy 3x Monroe's for each Mopar shock either, LOL. There should be a sticker with a barcode and part number on each of your truck's shocks so you can match up exactly what you have. One more set of OEM's may be the last shocks your truck will need. RockAuto has probably the best prices on them.

Be careful if you buy aftermarket shocks with aftermarket springs ...what grade and how good are they. This is often overlooked. There was a youtube video where they tested a bunch of aftermarket springs (that came on replacement struts). Most, the wire thickness was 'off' and spring rates tested vastly different than the OEM springs. That could leave your truck bouncy or different driving dynamics. Once they're installed, then yer kind of up a creek. I would personally re-use your springs unless you're looking to stiffen it up.

Otherwise there are any number of other aftermarket options out there. I don't recommend Monroe/Gabriels, I've had too many leaks and shocks go bad in short order. If you want to go with something a schootch stiffer, Bilsteins would be a good choice.

Hattan · Oct 12, 2022

Jeepwalker said:
Are the current shocks worn, leaky, bouncy? I mean, my 2012 still has the original shocks on them (172k mi), and they're good. Granted it's mostly a highway cruiser.

If you like the current ride (or the ride it had before), OEM Mopar shocks would be a safe bet. They're engineered to match the spring rates of your truck (and mfgrs spend a lot of time on shocks/spring rates. They'll cost more than the Monroe/Gabriel options, but you won't have to buy 3x Monroe's for each Mopar shock either, LOL. There should be a sticker with a barcode and part number on each of your truck's shocks so you can match up exactly what you have. One more set of OEM's may be the last shocks your truck will need. RockAuto has probably the best prices on them.

Be careful if you buy aftermarket shocks with aftermarket springs ...what grade and how good are they. This is often overlooked. There was a youtube video where they tested a bunch of aftermarket springs (that came on replacement struts). Most, the wire thickness was 'off' and spring rates tested vastly different than the OEM springs. That could leave your truck bouncy or different driving dynamics. Once they're installed, then yer kind of up a creek. I would personally re-use your springs unless you're looking to stiffen it up.

Otherwise there are any number of other aftermarket options out there. I don't recommend Monroe/Gabriels, I've had too many leaks and shocks go bad in short order. If you want to go with something a schootch stiffer, Bilsteins would be a good choice.

The current shocks and struts are worn and my stepdad confirmed to me that it's better if I replace them. Also prior to asking his opinion, I noticed it was bouncy it's not comfortable on most bumps like before and the right strut is leaking last I checked. I am nowhere near your experience I am still learning as I go so correct me if I'm wrong but when I turn the wheel I do hear a thud of some sort and it was the same when one of my previous cars that had bad struts it sounded quite similar to it. They weren't in great condition when I bought the truck but the roads in my part of Ohio definitely are rough on suspensions. I was thinking of getting the OEM shocks but I also saw these which are more expensive than the Mopar ones I read reviews about how good they were and I would like to know your opinion and ill attach a screenshot of the Mopar parts if I added to cart the right ones.

Americantrucks links:https://www.americantrucks.com/roug...stock-replacement-front-n3-struts-501097.html and https://www.americantrucks.com/roug...be-rear-shocks-0-to-3-inch-lift-760738-k.html

Jeepwalker · Oct 12, 2022

I haven't use the R/C's. Hopefully others here can provide feedback on them. Rough Country has been around for a long time. The V2 rears are mono-tube which can be a bit stiffer ..just by the difference in technology. Mono-tube's do last a long time though and are great for off-road. On longer drives, a stiff shock can be fatiguing. Make sure whatever you order, the new shocks are for stock-height (not for a 'lifted' Ram), unless yours is lifted or raised.

All shock companies claim their particular product will improve the stock ride, is superior technology, heavy-duty, and a bunch of other buzz words. It's easy to get caught up in different company's marketing claims. It's virtually impossible to get a good sense how a particular shock will ride compared to another company's shock absorber or even from one user to the other. One guy may have soft side-wall tires, another may have 10-ply tires with high air pressure. That's the frustrating thing about buying new shocks. So hopefully you can get other feedback.

As for the 'clunk' you're hearing, that's another story. Clunks aren't good to hear. You might want to take it to a shop for an inspection. Or you could grab each shock and wiggle it really hard ..maybe the shock bushing is worn and gone. If that's the case, the new shocks will have new bushings anyway. But rule it out. Maybe you have another issue (ball joint, bushing, etc).

CanuckRam1313 · Oct 12, 2022

My $0.02 - step up to OEM replacements with the Bilstein B8 5100 Series front and rear suspension, or their B6 4600 Series front and rear suspension.

The quality is spot on and the fitment is perfect. I've got their B8 5100 Series and set the fronts at 2.1" raised so I still maintain a little rake, and the handling was night and day compared to the stock factory ones they replaced.

I replaced them a year after purchasing my truck as I wanted to properly raise the front up a little bit but still maintain some rake, and wanted to use OEM premium replacement quality as Bilstein is what comes stock on vehicles like the SRT's, etc.

Hattan · Oct 13, 2022

Jeepwalker said:
I haven't use the R/C's. Hopefully others here can provide feedback on them. Rough Country has been around for a long time. The V2 rears are mono-tube which can be a bit stiffer ..just by the difference in technology. Mono-tube's do last a long time though and are great for off-road. On longer drives, a stiff shock can be fatiguing. Make sure whatever you order, the new shocks are for stock-height (not for a 'lifted' Ram), unless yours is lifted or raised.

All shock companies claim their particular product will improve the stock ride, is superior technology, heavy-duty, and a bunch of other buzz words. It's easy to get caught up in different company's marketing claims. It's virtually impossible to get a good sense how a particular shock will ride compared to another company's shock absorber or even from one user to the other. One guy may have soft side-wall tires, another may have 10-ply tires with high air pressure. That's the frustrating thing about buying new shocks. So hopefully you can get other feedback.

As for the 'clunk' you're hearing, that's another story. Clunks aren't good to hear. You might want to take it to a shop for an inspection. Or you could grab each shock and wiggle it really hard ..maybe the shock bushing is worn and gone. If that's the case, the new shocks will have new bushings anyway. But rule it out. Maybe you have another issue (ball joint, bushing, etc).

Well I’m glad I asked because I do not want any stiffness as I commute to work on a long drive. So your advice to just get comfort and quality is to just stick with the mopar shocks and struts ? And are the ones I showed you the correct ones? Also I did check on the ball joint and bushing and ask my stepdad to confirm with me that they’re fine since he had more knowledge in these things than I did and he tried few things and told me they’re good and he still thinks it’s the struts that’s bad especially that it’s leaking on the right side. My truck is stock as I looked at the struts they have the mopar sticker. I only would like to make them comfortable and replaced before winter too. These are all new to me so sorry if im saying things wrong or making it seem harder than it seems to pick the right part.

crash68 · Oct 13, 2022

@Hatta whichever shocks you go with, pick yourself up a set of these to make changing the rear shocks easier:

2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Shock Nut Set

Upgrade your rear shock mounting with Thuren Fabrication's custom wrench set. Avoid wasted time and frustration - our laser-cut wrench fits perfectly, making OEM nut removal effortless. Includes 2 new nuts with tabs for hassle-free rear shock servicing. #ThurenFabrication #ShockMounting #WrenchSet

www.thurenfabrication.com

Hattan · Oct 13, 2022

crash68 said:
@Hatta whichever shocks you go with, pick yourself up a set of these to make changing the rear shocks easier:

2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Shock Nut Set

Upgrade your rear shock mounting with Thuren Fabrication's custom wrench set. Avoid wasted time and frustration - our laser-cut wrench fits perfectly, making OEM nut removal effortless. Includes 2 new nuts with tabs for hassle-free rear shock servicing. #ThurenFabrication #ShockMounting #WrenchSet

www.thurenfabrication.com

Hey I really appreciate that tip! These type of tools saved me a lot of headache many times before like changing the spark plug on the truck the special socket helped me on those hard to reach plugs. I’ll make sure to order these first thing!

Hattan · Oct 16, 2022

Jeepwalker said:
Are the current shocks worn, leaky, bouncy? I mean, my 2012 still has the original shocks on them (172k mi), and they're good. Granted it's mostly a highway cruiser.

If you like the current ride (or the ride it had before), OEM Mopar shocks would be a safe bet. They're engineered to match the spring rates of your truck (and mfgrs spend a lot of time on shocks/spring rates. They'll cost more than the Monroe/Gabriel options, but you won't have to buy 3x Monroe's for each Mopar shock either, LOL. There should be a sticker with a barcode and part number on each of your truck's shocks so you can match up exactly what you have. One more set of OEM's may be the last shocks your truck will need. RockAuto has probably the best prices on them.

Be careful if you buy aftermarket shocks with aftermarket springs ...what grade and how good are they. This is often overlooked. There was a youtube video where they tested a bunch of aftermarket springs (that came on replacement struts). Most, the wire thickness was 'off' and spring rates tested vastly different than the OEM springs. That could leave your truck bouncy or different driving dynamics. Once they're installed, then yer kind of up a creek. I would personally re-use your springs unless you're looking to stiffen it up.

Otherwise there are any number of other aftermarket options out there. I don't recommend Monroe/Gabriels, I've had too many leaks and shocks go bad in short order. If you want to go with something a schootch stiffer, Bilsteins would be a good choice.

I have searched with the barcode number on my shocks and struts. For the rear shock absorber on my truck, I got this barcode number: 52855791AC. I found only one on rockauto and for the struts barcode: 05168508AC I can't find any part in rockauto matching it. Does anyone have an idea of what should I do? it is my first time using the part number to order so I'm sorry if it is a dumb question.

IDSandman · Oct 16, 2022

CanuckRam1313 said:
My $0.02 - step up to OEM replacements with the Bilstein B8 5100 Series front and rear suspension, or their B6 4600 Series front and rear suspension.

The quality is spot on and the fitment is perfect. I've got their B8 5100 Series and set the fronts at 2.1" raised so I still maintain a little rake, and the handling was night and day compared to the stock factory ones they replaced.

I replaced them a year after purchasing my truck as I wanted to properly raise the front up a little bit but still maintain some rake, and wanted to use OEM premium replacement quality as Bilstein is what comes stock on vehicles like the SRT's, etc.

I agree with this. The Bilstein shocks give a much better ride experience than the standard stock shocks. It’s night and day.

ram1500rsm · Oct 16, 2022

Hattan said:
I have searched with the barcode number on my shocks and struts. For the rear shock absorber on my truck, I got this barcode number: 52855791AC. I found only one on rockauto and for the struts barcode: 05168508AC I can't find any part in rockauto matching it. Does anyone have an idea of what should I do? it is my first time using the part number to order so I'm sorry if it is a dumb question.

Mopar part numbers for the same items will change over the years. i think the part# for the front strut is now 68170199AC, while the rear shock is 68216985AC. Call the dealer to confirm with your vin number. Also we have a Mopar vendor in the forum as well https://www.ramforum.com/forums/all-mopar-parts.133/
He goes by Benny and he can check what you have with your vin number as well and get you factory parts at a better price that if you walked into a dealer.

Also If you want OE replacements non mopar, Gabriel, KYB and Monroe have quick struts and rear shocks as well. Lot of people swear by KYB.

DILLIGAF · Oct 16, 2022

Bills hands down over OEM

Douglas Walouke · Oct 17, 2022

So I have a 2014 1500 Laramie Longhorn. Just last week replaced all of mine plus needed a new compressor. Thank God that my warranty covered the whole thing. Otherwise $5k at the dealer.

caltx01 · Oct 17, 2022

CanuckRam1313 said:
My $0.02 - step up to OEM replacements with the Bilstein B8 5100 Series front and rear suspension, or their B6 4600 Series front and rear suspension.

The quality is spot on and the fitment is perfect. I've got their B8 5100 Series and set the fronts at 2.1" raised so I still maintain a little rake, and the handling was night and day compared to the stock factory ones they replaced.

I replaced them a year after purchasing my truck as I wanted to properly raise the front up a little bit but still maintain some rake, and wanted to use OEM premium replacement quality as Bilstein is what comes stock on vehicles like the SRT's, etc.

I second this opinion. I replaced my shocks on my '14 RAM 1500 with Bilsteins about a year and a half ago and I have been extremely pleased with them. Handling was improved over OEM shocks.

Greg Dean · Oct 17, 2022

I just recently put KYB excel struts and KYB monomax shocks on my 2014 Ram 1500 Tradesman and I love them. They handle and ride way better then the factory stuff that came on the truck, when I bought it.

jmc921 · Oct 17, 2022

I also have a 2014 1500 (Express) with the 5.7 & 8 speed. About 2 years ago, I had Falcon Sport Tow/Haul shocks installed. Like one of the previous posters, I wanted to take some of the rake out so I used the middle setting on the fronts (about 1.5" raised). Before, the back end would do a pretty nasty hop going over interstate bridges, especially if the approach was at an angle. With the Falcons, all of that is gone. They maybe do ride slightly stiffer but I think I was comparing that to worn out stock shocks. I just came back from driving to OKC and back (SE PA about 1, 300 miles each way) and the ride, to me, was perfect. Really good control giving a smooth ride. The Tow/Hauls also allow you to stiffen the rear shocks (3 settings) if your hauling a heavier load or towing. Link https://www.falconshocks.com/2009-ram-1500-classic . They are somewhat expensive (they have gone up about $250 since I bought them in 2020) but worth it in my opinion. Install cost was about $650 including wheel alignment and headlight re-aim which you need with pretty much any shock install.

Jeepwalker · Oct 17, 2022

Well of course new shocks would handle better than the trucks previous OEM (but worn) shocks ... lol

Hattan · Oct 17, 2022

Lol, I'm honestly confused about what to order right now. Maybe if I share what I am looking for it’ll help with the recommendations. I am looking to have my truck ride comfortably especially on long drives since my drive to work is a long drive. I have zero ideas about suspension stuff or rake lol but ill attach a picture of my truck and you guys will hopefully know what I am needing and recommend me the right ones to order soon. to me, my truck looks level from the front and back and I like to keep it this way if possible. I've seen some struts and shocks mention 4WD or RWD my truck is a 2014 Ram 1500 SLT 5.7 Hemi 4WD.

Hilltop Ram · Oct 17, 2022

I replaced my OME shocks when my truck (2017 Ram 1500 4x4 HEMI) only had around 12 or 14000 miles on it. Replaced with bilsteins in order to lift the front end and have a stiffer ride. I still have all 4 of the original ones. They are not hurt and I only drove on the highway with them. Would you be interested?

Gero · Oct 17, 2022

+1 Bilstein. They make great products and limited lifetime warranty.

2014 Ram 1500 Replacement of stock struts and shocks

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