Choosing Shocks for Your 2002-2005 Dodge Ram 1500
Bilstein - 4600 Factory Replacement
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn’t everyone’s favorite color
KYB - Gas-A-Just
Daily Driver, Tow/Haul
$$$$
KYB’s Gas-a-Just shock is a factory upgrade, utilizing a monotube high pressure gas design that improves handling and other performance factors for your vehicle. These shocks have a better lifespan than most factory-replacement shocks, and provide noticeable ride quality improvements.
Pros
- Increased handling and performance over factory shocks
- Longer lifespan than Excel-G and factory shocks
- Monotube design translates to more consistency
Cons
- More road feedback
Skyjacker - M95
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
Skyjacker’s Monotube M95 shock is a great all around performer, good daily driver comfort mixed with excellent off-road ability in all terrains. The monotube design allows for a more consistent feel under most driving conditions, giving more confidence in handling ability.
Pros
- Monotube design provides great shock life and longevity
- Off-road capable for easy trails, gravel, and slower tough terrain
- Great road manners and comfort for a daily driver
Cons
- Not budget friendly
- Limited application availability
KYB - Monomax
Daily Driver, Tow/Haul
$$$$
The Monomax shock is KYB’s heavy duty shock absorber meant for workhorse trucks or offroad vehicles that see tough terrain. These shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.
Pros
- Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
- Increases handling and performance significantly
- Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
- Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
- Red may not match your vehicle well.
Rancho - RS9000XL
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Skyjacker - M95
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
Skyjacker’s Monotube M95 shock is a great all around performer, good daily driver comfort mixed with excellent off-road ability in all terrains. The monotube design allows for a more consistent feel under most driving conditions, giving more confidence in handling ability.
Pros
- Monotube design provides great shock life and longevity
- Off-road capable for easy trails, gravel, and slower tough terrain
- Great road manners and comfort for a daily driver
Cons
- Not budget friendly
- Limited application availability
Skyjacker - M95
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
Skyjacker’s Monotube M95 shock is a great all around performer, good daily driver comfort mixed with excellent off-road ability in all terrains. The monotube design allows for a more consistent feel under most driving conditions, giving more confidence in handling ability.
Pros
- Monotube design provides great shock life and longevity
- Off-road capable for easy trails, gravel, and slower tough terrain
- Great road manners and comfort for a daily driver
Cons
- Not budget friendly
- Limited application availability
Fox - 2.0 Performance Reservoir
Off-Road, Daily Driver
$$$$
The 2.0 Performance Reservoir shocks are the upgrade you may be looking for in order to smash through those offroad trails and terrain a bit faster. The addition of the reservoir allows for higher offroad speeds with improved heat dissipation, and slightly increased travel in the main shock body.
Pros
- Significantly improved off-road capability
- Improved road handling and bump compliance
- Serviceable and rebuildable
- Custom Tuneable
Cons
- Requires servicing at approximately 50,000 miles
- May be too firm for some drivers
Rancho - RS9000XL
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers