As with other solid axle rear trucks I have owned, the rear end of my 2005 Ram 1500QC hops out left or right when hitting bumps at speed. I don't recall if there is a fix for this, perhaps a Hellwig anti-sway bar? Or can nothing be done?

 

I had rear end hopping issues, i replaced the shocks and the issue is gone. But i have a 1500, your issue may be different.

 

The stock shocks are known for it, replace them with a better quality shock...

 

That is why i did mine. People kept telling me that it would eliminate all the hop and the truck would ride much nicer. I doubted them for a long time and thought they were exxagerating. Then i changed the shocks. Night and day difference.

 

I replaced mine around 36k as I hated the stock shock feel. First I went with Monroe Sensatrac out back. Then swapped for all for shocks(struts up front) with Monroe Reflex units.


I also installed Sulastic hangers out back. Big difference over stock. Truck ride is a touch firm, but controlled.

 

I searched the forum to get ideas on shocks, looks like the top picks are Bilstein's (not sure if they are 5100's or HD's), Rancho 5000's, and Monroe Reflex's. I like a softer controlled ride, I'd be concerned the Bilsteins are too harsh, though everyone likes the control they provide. Rancho (5000's?) seem to provide a softer ride, Monroe's seem to do the same. What would you all recommend as the top shock for soft ride but good road control. I drive 95% on road, the other 5% is towing a travel trailer to go camping. Truck is a 2005 1500QC all stock.

 

I just had the shocks done and asked for Reflexes all around but was told Monroe does not offer Reflex struts for my truck so they put Sensatrack Struts in up front with Reflex shocks in the back. I said fine and that is what they installed. But i checked the website and it shows they offer the Reflexes for both front and rear. The truck handles fine so i am not complaining. And i did get new front axles no charge when they tore both axle boots during the strut install, so i made out on the deal.

 

I had Bilstein's on my Silverado and they road pretty darn nice....even on a 2500.

I wish my ride was a little less ripply, but I know my 20 inch rims feel more than 17 or 18" rims. I ran 18" wheels for a bit, then sold them. Miss the ride !

You'll gain control with any of them. More plush might be Sensatrac or something like them. Thing is, you tow too.

 

You're the first person I've ever heard say that Rancho 5000s are a soft ride. Great mid-priced shock, but they will make a truck feel like a truck without a doubt...

Stick to a Hydrogen filled shock for a softer ride, Nitrogen is better for for towing/hauling and off-road, but for road manners, go with the less dense gas...

 

Hey Hammer, thought I read a few posts where some used Bilsteins then switched to Ranchos and said the ride was softer. Based on my application, what shock would you recommend? Bilstein? Monroe? Other?