I have a 2013 RAM 1500 SLT 2WD and at 2k miles it started making a clanking noise in the right rear, the dealer replaced the shock and fixed the noise. Now at 5k miles the right front is making the same sound, and I just cannot convince the dealer that it needs a shock. Thinking about buying some good aftermarket shocks and fix it myself. Anyone have ideas as to the best kind to still handle well and still ride good, it is a 2WD SLT and I really want a smooth ride.

 

Yeah, stock shocks suck.

Bilstein seem to be liked by many for mostly on road applications. It will be the brand I choose.

 

Indeed they do. I have some new Monroe all around and hate them too. Should have went with the Bs

 

Dunno, I've had decent luck with my stock shocks. Just under 100K and they are about ready to be replaced

 

Maybe you've got underlying issues causing your shocks to wear prematurely?

 

I wasnt referring to the fact they are necessarily lemons, but the fact the ride quality is terrible. Put a set of aftermarket shocks in and you'll wonder why you waited so long. I have to get my truck aligned this summer so I think this is the year to change them out on mine.
Maybe you 2009+ owners have much better shocks/struts than my 2008??

 

2009 owners have coils in the back and a ride that is night and day better than the older trucks.

I also have 17" wheels and tires with sidewalls so it doesn't ride like a lumber wagon

 

I know the 09+ backs are coil... I'm not that far behind with the news.
Also, I have airbags, so my backs are stiffer anyways.

Fronts are not much different than 06-08 I don't think. My front wallows all over on the highway. My friend has Bilsteins and his truck is solid. Smooth over bumps and corners like a car.

My 20's do not ride like a lumbar wagon either. it's the floatyness and wallowing that the stock struts suck.

 

I have an '09 with just over 77K on the odo. This winter was brutal on the roads here in Central NH. Frost heaves so bad I got air on a lot of them. If I have 77,000 miles on the truck I'll bet my suspension is worn to about a 150,000 mile truck by now. So I too am probably going to change out at alignment time. matter of fact I go in for an oil change on Friday and am going to have them take a good hard look at the whole suspension. I should have bought a Baja Truck.

 

I am in a 13 ram 1500 sport with a levelling kit on it.. so far i haven't encountered the front strut issue i had with my 07 ram 1500.... every spring i was replacing one if not both front struts under warranty on the 07... so here i am roughly into spring and front end has held up... am happy with the stock so far... looking to do body/suspension lift still and take my 35's and going bigger rubber in the near future... will be looking for input on which kits out there may be best to deal and do...