How to Replace Rear Shocks: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to replace the rear shocks on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Rear Shocks on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Shocks
• Penetrating oil

Tightening Torques

• Shock absorber upper holding nut: 100 Ft-lbs
• Shock absorber lower holding nut: 100 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Multi-bit screwdriver
• Two ratchets
• 8mm socket
• 2 21mm sockets
• 2 extenders
• 21mm wrench
• Wire brush
• Torque wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off your engine and set the parking brake.

Step 2: Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the rear wheels.

Step 3: Lift the rear of your vehicle. Refer to the video on “How to jack your RAM 1500 safely” for guidance.

Step 4: Place the vehicle on jack stands.

Step 5: In order to change the rear shocks, you will need to take off the wheels to have full access.

Step 6: Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle.

Step 7: To access the shock absorber mounting bolts, remove the rear mudguard.

Step 8: Using a multi-bit screwdriver and an 8 mm socket, unscrew the mudguard retaining screws. Then, remove it.

Step 9: You can now see the shock absorber on your car. To remove the shock’s upper retaining bolt, you need to hold the bolt using a ratchet and a 21 mm socket.

Step 10: To unscrew the nut, which is difficult to access on the vehicle, you need to use a ratchet, two long extenders, and a 21 mm socket.

Step 11: Loosen the shock’s upper retaining nut.

Step 12: Then, remove the bolt.

Step 13: Brush off the shock’s lower retaining bolt, then spray it with penetrating oil.

Step 14: Then, using a 21 mm wrench, loosen the shock’s lower retaining nut.

Step 15: Hold the bolt using a ratchet and a 21 mm socket. Then, remove the bolt.

Step 16: You can now extract the shock.

Step 17: Using a wire brush, brush off the location of the shock absorber to make it easier to install.

Step 18: Take the new shock.

Step 19: Before installing the new shocks, it is necessary to prime them by pressing the shock vertically, so that the gas and hydraulic fluid are separated.

Step 20: Position the shock and put the upper retaining bolt in place.

Step 21: Insert the shock into its lower slot. Then, install the lower retaining bolt.

Step 22: Next, screw back on the nut until it’s tight. Do the same with the upper bolt.

Step 23: In order not to damage, it is necessary to tighten the holding bolts with the rear axle in the “vehicle on the ground” position.

Step 24: Presently, the jack stands are positioned on the rear axle, so the shock is in the right operating position.

Step 25: Finish tightening the bolts with a torque wrench.

Step 26: You can now repeat the same process on the other side.

Step 27: Replace the mudguard.

Step 28: Then, retighten all the screws.

Step 29: Put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Step 30: Lower the vehicle to the ground before properly fixing the wheels in place.

Step 31: The operation is now complete.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

• Before installing the new shock abosrbers, it is necessary to prime them by pressing the shock vertically, so that the gas and hydraulic fluid are separated.
• The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.
• In order not to damage the silent blocks, it is necessary to tighten the holding screws with the rear axle in the “vehicle on the ground” position.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.