Shock/Strut Upgrade - Ride Quality

[Dad_Jokes]

Did a little bit of research and want to get some input on upgrading my shocks/struts. Running a 2" sapcer level kit and have no plans to go any bigger. Upgrading to a stiffer sidewall tire has made highway speed drives a bit less comfortable so looking to find an upgrade that will smooth out the ride again with some better damping capabilities. Again not a hardcore offroader, just looking for a more comfortable highway ride again.

Thus far it seems Bils 6112s are the ones that come up the most on the threads for the fronts and then maybe fox 2.0s for the rears? Not sure I have the funds or the need for the 2.5s and remote rez shocks. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Quick_Shifter]

Did a little bit of research and want to get some input on upgrading my shocks/struts. Running a 2" sapcer level kit and have no plans to go any bigger. Upgrading to a stiffer sidewall tire has made highway speed drives a bit less comfortable so looking to find an upgrade that will smooth out the ride again with some better damping capabilities. Again not a hardcore offroader, just looking for a more comfortable highway ride again.

Thus far it seems Bils 6112s are the ones that come up the most on the threads for the fronts and then maybe fox 2.0s for the rears? Not sure I have the funds or the need for the 2.5s and remote rez shocks. Any advice would be appreciated.

The Bilstein 6112’s are going to be the best ride for the money without going to a full coil over. The rears I’d recommend the 5160’s or fox 2.0 they pair the best. you did good research make sure you get everything from @Nick@GotExhaust for the best deal

 

[kurek]

The 6112's biggest benefit is in handling the heat of constant rough use (washboards, etc) and major impacts which it sounds like won't even come into play for you... so you might be best served with 5100's and just don't use the top 2.8" spring setting.

Tons of people running 5100's and very few seem to complain about them. Race spec stuff is cool I'm sure if you go hard or run really heavy on rough terrain or if you're financially comfortable enough that a few hundred bucks are inconsequential - but if that's not you it's probably just wasted money.

 

[Quick_Shifter]

There are a lot more benefits from the 6112’s than handling heat. @Dad_Jokes bought thick sidewall tires which significantly impacted his ride. He is now looking for options to improve the ride. 5100’s are stock replacements with height adjustments. Arguably the 5100’s are superior to oem, they are not a ride improvement when looking for something softer.

 

[kurek]

Man I guess I must have imagined the difference then.

 

[ram1500rsm]

I like the added value that shock surplus is now offering selling you a complete fully built kits with 6112's for example. Save time and money if you're paying a shop to do this and more importantly you keep your factory struts fully assembled so going back to stock is simple or you get more money for those parts if your selling them. Tell them how much lift you want from your struts and they'll set them up and ship them to you.

If you're going to be offroading hard the 6112's can be a nice basic entry level strut kit. Toyota used to run them in their TRD Pro package as a factory option. What I don't like about them you're spending a good chunk and you can't have them valved to your needs. It's whatever Bilstein build them to specs when they need to be serviced, and only Bilsten service those here in Poway CA so you have to send them to them. Bilstein says you need to service them when they leak. Theyre not race shocks but a good option none the less when you don't need that level of peformance yet you're gaining big with them when it comes to the value you get for your money. Designed with longevity and inroad manners.

https://www.shocksurplus.com/pages/bilstein-6112-complete-assemblies


For example 6112's with 5100
https://shock-surplus.myshopify.com...b8-5100-shocks-set-for-2009-2018-ram-1500-4wd

6112's with 5160's
https://shock-surplus.myshopify.com...servoir-shocks-set-for-2009-2018-ram-1500-4wd

If you are not going to be offroading with that extra performance I'll do a set of Rancho QL struts and set them to #3 or #4
https://shock-surplus.myshopify.com...eling-strut-front-pair-2009-2018-ram-1500-4wd

Matching Rancho 9000 rear shocks so you can adjust your rear the same.

https://shock-surplus.myshopify.com...ocks-rear-pair-for-2011-2018-ram-1500-4wd-rwd

Here you have a comparison from Shock surplus

 

[Quick_Shifter]

Did a little bit of research and want to get some input on upgrading my shocks/struts. Running a 2" sapcer level kit and have no plans to go any bigger. Upgrading to a stiffer sidewall tire has made highway speed drives a bit less comfortable so looking to find an upgrade that will smooth out the ride again with some better damping capabilities. Again not a hardcore offroader, just looking for a more comfortable highway ride again.

Thus far it seems Bils 6112s are the ones that come up the most on the threads for the fronts and then maybe fox 2.0s for the rears? Not sure I have the funds or the need for the 2.5s and remote rez shocks. Any advice would be appreciated.

What tire pressure are you running?

 

[MAJ_Charlie]

I actually did Bilstein 5100s all the way around on mine about a year and a half ago with the adjustables up front set at 2.8. While I was at it I also upgraded the front UCAs to JBA, the sway bar links to Suspension MAXX, new MOPAR front springs, and on the rear went with all CORE 4x4 (UCA, LCA, trackbar, and links), and TUFTRUCK TTC 1211 springs. Handles far superior to the stock stuff...IMHO. I do mostly highway driving so road comfort is a must for me. I just went to Nitto Ridge Grappler 35x12.5 after putting over 60k miles on my Toyo ATIIs (305/55/20). Here's how she sat with the 305s and how she sits now. I chose the 5100 setup for the ability to "level" my truck and give it a modest lift.






Taken December 2019



November 2020

 

[Quick_Shifter]

I actually did Bilstein 5100s all the way around on mine about a year and a half ago with the adjustables up front set at 2.8. While I was at it I also upgraded the front UCAs to JBA, the sway bar links to Suspension MAXX, new MOPAR front springs, and on the rear went with all CORE 4x4 (UCA, LCA, trackbar, and links), and TUFTRUCK TTC 1211 springs. Handles far superior to the stock stuff...IMHO. I do mostly highway driving so road comfort is a must for me. I just went to Nitto Ridge Grappler 35x12.5 after putting over 60k miles on my Toyo ATIIs (305/55/20). Here's how she sat with the 305s and how she sits now. I chose the 5100 setup for the ability to "level" my truck and give it a modest lift.






Taken December 2019



November 2020

Add a hellwig rear sway bar to that setup and you’ll be even happier. Nice choices in tires too. Good job, your truck looks great

 

[MAJ_Charlie]

Add a hellwig rear sway bar to that setup and you’ll be even happier. Nice choices in tires too. Good job, your truck looks great

Thanks. After having to fight it a few days ago changing the driver's side lower ball joint (previously had the Moog problem causer) which didn't want to come off. Had to MacGyver a ball joint tool so I could release it. Passenger side was still fine according to my tire shop, but since the weather will be nice tomorrow I'll be changing the passenger side anyway. Pretty sure it's still the original.

Anyway, to the OP...depends on your preferences. I had Icons on my Titan then went to Ranchos and was much happier. Decided against them on my RAM when I went with the Bils because I didn't have the ability to adjust the height up front. I've noticed some new RAMs at my local dealership are being modified with a 3" lift at the dealership and using Fox shocks, but everything else is still MOPAR parts (UCAs, LCAs, links, etc). The $$$$ on the Fox and Icon were another issue for me where I was able to get what I wanted with the Bils and had $$$$ for other stuff. I've gotten about 50k miles on my truck since I've done the upgrades. No issues from my suspension upgrades. Just my old stuff now exceeding its service life!

 

[VelocityC6Z]

I would go with rancho, like @ram1500rsm said. The Bilstein 5100's are stiff, and you're looking to get a softer ride. I imagine the 6112's would be okay though.

You could always reach out to Carli or accutune if you want to get something that will really make the ride plush. You'll end up spending a little more, but it's very worth it so you don't buy something twice... always wanting a little more lol.

 

[Gary2]

5100's are ok but are not anything special with OE Ram springs even down on 1.4 setting compared to using Eibach springs . I highly recommend the Eibach springs with the 5100s. You don't get the exaggerated rebound ( as some call it) when you hit a rather small dip like OE springs and 5100's produce. That statement was so you understand what it does better when I say it rides better. 3, of my gen 4 rams had the same effect with OE springs so it was not a fluke

 

[kurek]

Unfortunately without published spring rates and shock dyno graphs.... literally 100% of all conversation about ride quality is just going to be guesswork subjective opinions.

I like how mine rides, but I'm some guy on the internet with no instrumentation more calibrated than my own butt cheeks.

 

[ISellRams22]

I’ve had the rancho, fox’s and bills both 51 and 61’s on my 17 ram and also my wrangler. I now have fox 2.0’s on my 5th gen. I Personally believe with the heavy tires and your setup form my own liking which who knows exactly what you prefer, that the fox front and rear are the best bet. The front 2.0 adjustable fox and the rear 2.0 fox ride a bit stiff but have great rebound feel and they feel more planted to the road in corners than the bills. I would toll go Fox.

 

[Eclipse Aries]

The OP said he's using tires with stiffer side walls, and spacers. Are you doing a lot of towing? It's possible the tires + spacers are creating a compounding effect of ride stiffness.

I can't say enough about the Eibach struts and coils. Swapped the blown out OEMs for those and it's been great. I tow a modest TT on the regular and the improvement under load is phenomenal. I'd consider removing the spacers if possible.

 

[roadrnnr]

Damn that is a Great Looking Ram

 

[clint440]

I have factory air suspension so not exactly a fair comparison but used eibach sport shocks in the rear. Huge improvement in ride and damping. Factory shocks were shot at 55k, compress too easily and very slow rebound back.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

There are a few different ways to go here but I for the front I like either the 6112's or Eibach coils and shocks. 5100's are a firm ride and if you couple that with the ride you already have I think it may become a bit harsh. So I wouldnt recommend the 5100's for the front. Depending on what you go for on the front and if you plan to off road at all will dictate what I recommend in the rear.

 

[JS4024]

Slow down a little and save your money. Stock shocks are fine unless u plan on trashing your daily driver. Years back a guy on here did a comparison, got kicked off because there are a lot of snake oil sellers on here. Turned out the stock shocks held up damn well compared to the expensive replacement shocks. NOTE: didn’t say they were not a quality product but you don’t really “need” it for a daily driver being taking out in a back road that is a bit bumpy.

 

[ram1500rsm]

Slow down a little and save your money. Stock shocks are fine unless u plan on trashing your daily driver. Years back a guy on here did a comparison, got kicked off because there are a lot of snake oil sellers on here. Turned out the stock shocks held up damn well compared to the expensive replacement shocks. NOTE: didn’t say they were not a quality product but you don’t really “need” it for a daily driver being taking out in a back road that is a bit bumpy.

Do you have a link to the comparison ?