How hard is it to install new shocks on an 03 Ram? Any write ups for it? Thanks.

 

Shouldn't be too bad. I've not done it on my Ram, but I've done a few. In the past, I haven't even raised the front end or removed the wheels. From looking at my Ram, I may have to do this, but after changing the tranny fluid, this should be a piece of cake. What shocks are you considering? I'm leaning toward Monroe Reflex, but it's early in my research. Not sure what I'll get. It's probably not time yet...only 87K miles.

 

I changed all 4 on my 05 with relative ease. Just use a floor jack. I bought my Shocks from Advanced Auto. I forget the brand, i will look in the morning and post it. They came fully extended which made it interesting. It is simple. The truck will be held up by the suspension. Shocks are only to keep it from bouncing. I jacked up the BODY so the shock was fully extended but not lifting the truck... (pump slowly and wait for the shock to stop expanding then lower it back down slightly maybe 1/8th inch to make sure all tension on the shock is removed.) I then removed the top bolt then the bottom one. The new shocks were fully extended so I simply attached the lower bolt and lifted the body slowly so the bolt holes on the top would match up. I tightened everything up and moved onto the next. Total of 1 and a half hours work time. I had an air ratchet so it speed up the work a little. The fronts were a little more difficult as they are inside thespring. Same concept used though.I'm waiting for my airbags to arrive as i will be putting them on the rear next. I'm sure the 03 is not much different than the 05... I had to change mine because i ended up blowing one out the other day. (change one... change them all...)

Side note... the 1500 was not designed totow much more than 8500lbs. I exceeded that by a little too much on my last trip fromAZ to FL and my suspension paid for it. (and my wallet). Had the truck checked out everything is fine, just messed up the shocks... Luckily. sad part is.... I have just over 36000 miles on the truck. What canI say other than I'm young and dumb andI lived and learned. Such is the way of life.

EDIT: I lied...I check tonight becauseI was wondering whatI actually had. Thename and PNis from my receipt. I looked up the discription online.

Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shock Absorber

Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shock Absorber: Rear;Two Wheel Drive (4x2); For Towing And Hauling; Pair Packed/Priced
P/N: 58637

Monroe Shock Absorber: Sensa-Trac

Sensa-Trac Truck Shock Absorber: Front; Two Wheel Drive (4x2); 2 Required Per Vehicle
P/N: 37206

 

I'm leaning towards Bilsteins. I was also looking at the Rancho 9000X. My truck is 2WD and driven only on the street, so a better ride is what I am really after. Seems to be a lot of good comments on the Bilsteins.

I've heard 60,000 is a good time to change them...

 

I ended up going with the Bilsteins. Definitely improved the ride. I'd say it took me about 3 hours to do all 4 shocks, with hand tools. The top bolts on the back were the hardest to get to.

 

bilsteinds are a great shock not exactly cheap but ive only heard good things about them im gonna be gettin shocks down the road... prolly cheap ones though...

 

Bilsteins are a gas Presuurized Shock mount the top eye bolt Or Stud first you dont have to install the nut yet just put the shock on the top mount THEN cut the Nylon Strap The shock will start to extend as it extends install the botem mount if you add a little grease on the mounting studs this also helps it to slid on to the mounts.

You can recompress the shock if you miss the mount studs but it not easy .