You should replace the shock absorbers on your Dodge Ram every 75,000 miles. A new pair of shocks will ensure a smooth ride. The shocks attach to the frame of your Dodge Ram and the axle and absorb the jarring of bumps and uneven road surfaces to allow for a smooth ride. Worn shocks can cause many problems in addition to a bumpy ride, including irregular tire wear and decreased handling and control. Replacement shocks for your Ram can be purchased at any local auto-parts store.
Loosen the lug nuts on the front tire using a lug nut wrench. Do not remove the lug nuts at this time.
Place a hydraulic jack directly under the front axle of your Dodge Ram. Lift the vehicle high enough with the jack so that the tire can be removed from the hub.
Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire from the hub.
Locate the mounting bolt on the axle that attaches the shock body to the axle. The bolts require a 13/16-inch socket and ratchet. Remove the bolt and set it aside; you will re-use it with the new shocks.
Open the hood and locate the spring tower on the inside fender in the engine compartment. Remove the three 12 mm nuts using a ratchet and socket. Remove the 3/4-inch bolt that attaches the shock to the tower using a ratchet. Pull the old shock from the vehicle.
Slide the replacement shock into position. Bolt the shock to the axle by re-using the stock bolt and a ratchet and 13/16-inch socket. Mount the shock to the upper shock tower and mount the tower back into position using the three 13 mm bolts.
Place the tire back onto the hub and tighten the lug nuts using a lug nut wrench. Lower the vehicle to the ground and pull the hydraulic jack away from the vehicle.
Repeat on the opposite side of your Dodge Ram.
Locate the mounting bolt on the rear axle. The shock is held onto the axle with a 13/16-inch nut. Remove the nut and bolt from the bracket. The rear tires do not need to be removed to replace the shocks.
Locate the upper bolt securing the shock. Use a 13/16-inch socket and ratchet to remove the nut. Slide the shock from the brackets.
Place the replacement shock into position. Secure the shock to the rear axle by re-using the stock bolt and nut. Tighten using a ratchet and socket.
Place the bolt into the bracket on the upper shock mount and tighten it with a ratchet and socket.
Repeat the steps on the opposite side of the vehicle.
