How to replace the rear shocks 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500

Chapter 1:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/4

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/4

Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the rear wheels.

Chapter 1:

Step 3/4

Lift the rear of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 1:

Step 4/4

Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 2:

Remove the mudguard

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 2:

Step 2/2

You can now see the shock absorber on your car.

Chapter 3:

Unscrew the shock absorber heads

Step 1/3

To remove the shock’s upper retaining bolt, you need to hold the bolt using a ratchet and a 21 mm socket.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/3

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.

Chapter 3:

Step 3/3

Loosen the shock’s upper retaining nut. Then, remove the bolt.

Chapter 4:

Unscrew the shock absorber foot

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 4:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 4:

Step 3/3

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

Chapter 5:

Remove the shock absorber

Step 1/2

You can now take extract the shock.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/2

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

Chapter 6:

Prepare the new shock absorber

Step 1/2

Take the new shock.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/2

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.

Chapter 7:

Install the new shock absorber

Step 1/5

Position the shock and put the upper retaining bolt in place.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/5

Insert the shock into its lower slot.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/5

Then, install the lower retaining bolt.

Chapter 7:

Step 4/5

Next, screw back on the nut until it’s tight.

Chapter 7:

Step 5/5

Do the same with the upper bolt.

Chapter 8:

Tightening tips

Step 1/3

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

Chapter 8:

Step 2/3

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

Chapter 8:

Step 3/3

Finish the tightening of the bolts with a torque wrench.

Chapter 9:

Passenger side

Step 1/1

You can now repeat the same process on the other side.

Chapter 10:

Put the mudguard back in

Step 1/2

Replace the mudguard.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/2

Then, retighten all the screws.

Chapter 11:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/3

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

Put your vehicle back on the ground before properly fixing the wheels in place.

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

Operation complete.