Replacing original shocks need advice

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

dek1581

Junior Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2018
Posts
11
Reaction score
3
Location
merrick, ny
Ram Year
2017
Engine
hemi 5.7
I have 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Extended Cab w/6.5' bed 59k miles. Front end started squeaking a few winters ago approx. 45k miles. Seems noise coming from shock, I was able to re-create noise when bouncing front end as well as spotting fluid leak on shock itself. It seems as though I actually have struts because spring is part of the shock. I have seen members talk about Billsteins for replacements BUT as per their rep they don't make an OEM replacement (4600) with the spring included. I am not getting Mopar because they used some shock brand that I have never heard of and also don't want to re-use old spring as well as deal with added labor cost. What is the general consensus on replacement? I am simply looking for better handling than stock BUT without harsher ride. Is that possible or no?
 

CanuckRam1313

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2022
Posts
3,218
Reaction score
7,928
Location
Ontario Canada
Ram Year
2023 Warlock
Engine
5.7
I have 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Extended Cab w/6.5' bed 59k miles. Front end started squeaking a few winters ago approx. 45k miles. Seems noise coming from shock, I was able to re-create noise when bouncing front end as well as spotting fluid leak on shock itself. It seems as though I actually have struts because spring is part of the shock. I have seen members talk about Billsteins for replacements BUT as per their rep they don't make an OEM replacement (4600) with the spring included. I am not getting Mopar because they used some shock brand that I have never heard of and also don't want to re-use old spring as well as deal with added labor cost. What is the general consensus on replacement? I am simply looking for better handling than stock BUT without harsher ride. Is that possible or no?
For cost effectiveness and application I'd consider going to Bilstein 5100 front struts and setting to 2.1" raised, and their 5100 rear shock, too.

Reuse the front and rear springs, and after installation I'd have a good alignment performed as well.

If you want a full front strut and spring replacement all in one, then look at the Bilstein 6112's and the 5100 shocks for the rear.

best bang for the buck you'll find!!! (IMPO)
 

aszumilo

Senior Member
Navy Badge
Joined
Dec 9, 2023
Posts
419
Reaction score
886
Location
Las Vegas
Ram Year
2011
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I have 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4x4 Extended Cab w/6.5' bed 59k miles. Front end started squeaking a few winters ago approx. 45k miles. Seems noise coming from shock, I was able to re-create noise when bouncing front end as well as spotting fluid leak on shock itself. It seems as though I actually have struts because spring is part of the shock. I have seen members talk about Billsteins for replacements BUT as per their rep they don't make an OEM replacement (4600) with the spring included. I am not getting Mopar because they used some shock brand that I have never heard of and also don't want to re-use old spring as well as deal with added labor cost. What is the general consensus on replacement? I am simply looking for better handling than stock BUT without harsher ride. Is that possible or no?
I bought Bilstein 4600 shocks for my truck. I ordered Moog CC81764 springs from Rock Auto. Cost me about $100 for the pair. They are about $90 for them now. I also got new upper spring seats. KYB SM5580, from Autozone for $52.99 each.

Springs

Seats
 

Jeepwalker

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
4,240
Reaction score
5,357
Location
WI
Ram Year
2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
First off, the squeaking could be a couple things: It could be the lower strut bushing which you should carefully 'inspect' or have inspected to ensure it's in good shape. Or possibly the upper control arm bushings.

The lower shock/strut bushing pretty much carries all the front end weight ...and it's part of the lower control arm, not the sock. When you replace the shock/strut, you won't be replacing the bushing with new like you would on a normal shock replacement. So over time it's going to wear and should be inspected.

Let's talk about the lower shock/strut bushing. The bushing itself is not really as heavy-duty as one might 'think' a bushing of that utility would be given it's severe duty. However, they designed it as sort of a double-bushing ...bushing in a bushing (if you inspect it carefully). My hunch is that beef's it up, increases the amount of load it can support while keeping the bushing fairly small thereby not having to add more aluminum 'beef' to the lower a-arm (reduce cost). Does that mean your truck's bushing is worn out? NO. But it should be inspected before you start the project. The bushing in my truck's lower control arm was 'sketcky' as I inspected it carefully, but mine has 175k miles. But they're all flat highway miles. It was half-starting to go. It wasn't 'gone-gone' but, I determined it was a good idea to replace it since I was replacing everything else and didn't want to be in there again soon. So I pressed out the old bushing ...and another one in (New ball joint too). TRW ...as they were the OEM suppliers and great quality. The new TRW ball joint has a zerk FWIW. It was a bigger job than the 10 min videos on Y/T show. There wasn't enough room to get my bushing removal cups inside the 'curve' of the lower control arm. But I was able to rig a workable substitute.

A-Arm Bushings: Depending on your truck's mileage, and other factors, ...either way, the upper A-arm bushings should be looked at carefully. The arms are actually not difficult to remove. The bushings in mine looked 'good' on the truck, until I removed the UCA's where I could put my eye on them. The bushings were in tact, but the rubber had been 'slipping' in the bushing housing. Loose rubber. I replaced them (and all steering/suspension parts). Loose bushings could definitely cause a 'squeak' ....for sure. So when looking for a squeak, check them also.

AFAIK TRW was the supplier on those UCA's. TRW is part of the ZF conglomerate ...they're a major OEM supplier. But they also sell direct off their website. And for what it's worth, TRW sells lower control arms off their website which appear to be kissing cousins to the originals ...if your truck needs replacements. Reasonably priced. But their shipping is a little slower ...but as long as a guy wasn't in a major hurry he'd be ok.

Have your suspension inspected before buying parts.


:waytogo:
 
Last edited:

Jeepwalker

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
4,240
Reaction score
5,357
Location
WI
Ram Year
2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
While you are in there doing the shock absorbers, check your truck's lower ball joints. After 175k miles most of the suspension and steering joints were still good on my truck ...except the lower ball joints were shot. So it's worth a look at them. You almost need to pull the stud off the knuckle to 'really' check them. A simple puller (which you can rent at a parts store) makes removal a piece of cake. No beating or swearing.

If your truck has plenty of miles on it, and needs B-J's... you might as well buy new lower control arms. It's a LOT of work to replace B-J's and bushings. You have to *want* to do it.

New ball joints & shock/strut bushing:
 

Attachments

  • Ball joint Removal_1.jpg
    Ball joint Removal_1.jpg
    145.6 KB · Views: 0
  • New Ball Joint_Bushing.jpg
    New Ball Joint_Bushing.jpg
    93.7 KB · Views: 0
Last edited:

Jeepwalker

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
4,240
Reaction score
5,357
Location
WI
Ram Year
2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Shocks:
As I've read, the original shock absorber supplier for Ram 1500 pickups was Tenneco. Tenneco is the parent company of Monroe shock absorbers. They also own Rancho off-road shocks. So... you could put a Monroe OE-spec shock on the truck which 'should' in theory be close to OEM ...if not exact same as OEM in a different box. I haven't used them so I can't say.

Costs: Monroe front shocks for your truck are $81 off RockAuto. Mopar shocks are $181. Hundred bucks different. So now you have a decision to make. If you are a stickler and want a guaranteed factory ride, and not pinching pennies, and don't want to do the job twice if the ride (with brand Y shocks) isn't what you want ...why not spend the extra & go with the OEM Mopar shock? Chances are you'll never have to change them again. Maybe it's worth investing in and not having to worry. That's one way to look at it. OTOH, if cash is more of an issue, consider going with the Monroe shock option ...that's another way to look at it.

Most Bilstein shocks are monotube and a bit rougher just by design. So if you don't mind that, then they're a great option. Be warned ...it's plenty of work to go through the 10 steps to remove the shock/strut assembly, compress the coil spring and then reverse and put it all back together. It's not a job you want to do twice!! Unless you are paying a shop to do it. So, if you don't want to risk a ride which might not be what you want, then OEM is the safe way to go. If you don't mind a slightly choppier firmer ride, then the Bilisteins. Or another. My truck's shocks have 175k miles and are still GOOD! That's long-lasting! But Monroes might be a good second choice. You could try calling or texting Monroe's tech line and pose that question to them. Find out which model Monroe shock closely matches the OE Tenneco shock if not the EXACT same thing. Or do some googling ...I'm sure you'll come up with an exact answer.

Or you could look at a 3rd option ....and look at, say, Sach's shocks. They're owned by the ZF Group (TRW, ZF, et al). German shock. Great product. I have a set on another vehicle and love them. I would expect them to be very close to OE ride. Worth a google search on what other Ram owners think of them.

Best of luck! Let us know what you ended up doing and what you like/don't like about what you put on ....when that day comes.

:cheers:
 
Last edited:

Daw14

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2017
Posts
3,422
Reaction score
5,459
Location
South Florida
Ram Year
2014
Engine
5.7 hemi
My old 04 squeaked like that , annoying as it could be.
Turned out to be ball joints, right at 75,000 miles.

I would soak them with penetrating oil and it would quit down for a week or so , then back to noise.
 

Nick@GotExhaust

Senior Member
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Aug 1, 2017
Posts
7,694
Reaction score
6,668
Location
SC
Ram Year
2017
Engine
6.4
Another option is the Eibach struts and shocks. They are a little softer than the 5100's. To better help me make a recommendation, how do you use your truck? Do you tow, if so how heavy and how often? Do you off road, if so what terrain and speeds?

feel free to message me for more info and a quote on anything
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
211,039
Posts
3,061,299
Members
171,094
Latest member
alphaprojects
Back
Top