7 Tested Best Struts For Ram 1500 Upgrades 2025

When my Ram 1500 started feeling bouncy on the highway and bottoming out too easily off-road, I knew the suspension was overdue for an upgrade. Finding the right components can be tough, but after hours of research and installing several options, I compiled this list of the best struts for ram 1500. Whether you’re lifting your truck or just restoring that smooth factory ride quality, this guide covers the top contenders for reliable performance and easy installation.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (fits) 2012-2018 Ram…	View on Amazon
	Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 4WD 2009-2018 Dodge…	View on Amazon
	Detroit Axle – 4WD Suspension Kit for 09-10 Dodge Ram…	View on Amazon
	AUTOSAVER88 Front Complete Quick Struts Shock and Spring…	View on Amazon
	Autoround Pair 172292 Front Complete Shock Absorber…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2019-2025…	View on Amazon
	ECCPP 4WD Complete Strut Assembly Shock Absorber for 2009…	View on Amazon

Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (fits) 2012-2018 Ram Truck 1500 4WD Lifted Coil Spring Struts 500028

If you’re looking to level your 2012-2018 Ram 1500 and get superior off-road capability without the hassle of a complex installation, these Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts are a fantastic choice. They arrive fully assembled and pre-loaded, giving you an immediate 2 inches of lift that eliminates the need for separate strut spacers. The struts are nitrogen gas charged, which significantly helps reduce foaming and heat buildup during sustained harsh use, maintaining excellent damping performance.

Key features that stand out:
– Lifted 2″: Eliminates the need for separate strut spacers.
– Pre-Loaded Coil: No strut disassembly required for installation.
– Nitrogen Gas Charged: Improves handling and reduces oil aeration for consistent performance.
– Massive 1 3/8″ Bore: Provides durability and superior sealing properties.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for achieving a 2-inch leveling lift easily.
– Ready to install right out of the box (quick-strut design).
– Dramatically improves off-road stability and handling compared to stock.

Cons:
– Specifically designed for lifted applications, not ideal for keeping a completely stock ride height.

Best for: Off-road enthusiasts and owners looking for an aggressive, lifted stance on 2012-2018 models.

Expert Opinion: This is arguably the best struts for ram 1500 if you want a mild lift for clearance and a nitrogen-charged upgrade for better response. The pre-assembled nature saves significant time and reduces the danger inherent in compressing springs.

Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 4WD 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 [w/o Air Suspension] Complete Struts w/Coil Springs 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Replacement Ready Strut Shocks

Detroit Axle provides reliable, cost-effective solutions for drivers who simply want to restore their Ram 1500’s factory ride feel without breaking the bank. These are complete quick struts designed for 4WD models (without air suspension), meaning everything—the strut, coil spring, and mount—comes assembled. This makes the installation process straightforward, requiring no special tools to compress springs. They focus heavily on quality control, ensuring durability that meets or exceeds OE standards.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete Struts & Spring Assembly: Ready for immediate, bolt-on installation.
– Fitment: Specifically for 4WD 2009-2018 models (excluding air suspension/TRX).
– Quality Tested: Undergoes impact, wear, and fatigue testing for reliability.

Pros:
– Excellent value for money for a pair of front struts.
– True complete quick-strut assembly simplifies installation.
– Reliable performance for restoring factory ride quality.

Cons:
– Ride quality tends to be similar to stock, lacking the performance upgrades of N3 struts.

Best for: Budget-conscious Ram owners needing a quick, reliable replacement for worn-out OEM front struts.

Detroit Axle – 4WD Suspension Kit for 09-10 Dodge Ram 1500, 11-18 Ram 1500, Front Struts & Coil Spring Rear Shock Absorbers 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Replacement – 4pc Set

This Detroit Axle kit takes value a step further by including both front complete struts and two matching rear shock absorbers. If your truck is approaching 100,000 miles, replacing the entire set of shocks and struts dramatically improves overall stability and responsiveness, balancing the truck perfectly. This comprehensive four-piece set ensures uniform damping across the vehicle, which is essential for consistent handling, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Key features that stand out:
– 4-Piece Suspension Kit: Includes 2 front struts and 2 rear shocks.
– Wide Fitment: Covers 2009-2018 models (coil spring rear types).
– 10-Year Warranty: Provides significant long-term peace of mind.
– Ready for Installation: Complete front assemblies mean no spring compression required.

Pros:
– Comprehensive solution; replacing all four corners at once is highly recommended for best results.
– Unbeatable warranty period for budget components.
– Excellent overall value compared to buying components separately.

Cons:
– Rear shock absorbers must be matched to coil spring rear setups, not leaf or air suspensions.

Best for: Owners seeking maximum value by overhauling their entire 4WD suspension system at once, prioritizing consistency and warranty.

AUTOSAVER88 Front Complete Quick Struts Shock and Spring Coil Assembly Compatible with 2009-2011 Dodge Ram 1500, 2011-2021 Ram 1500, 2019-2023 Ram 1500 Classic 4WD

The AUTOSAVER88 quick struts are built for simplicity and broad compatibility, making them a strong contender if you drive a Ram 1500 Classic (2019-2023) or an older generation. These are designed as direct OE replacements and are feature-packed, including the strut, spring, mount, boot, and bumper kit. They emphasize easy, safe installation, utilizing buckle holes that align perfectly with the factory mounting points. This minimizes downtime and avoids the high cost of professional spring compression services.

Key features that stand out:
– Broad Compatibility: Fits both older 4th Gen and newer 5th Gen Classic models.
– Safe & Simple Installation: Direct bolt-on replacement, no disassembly needed.
– Complete Package: Meets performance requirements with all necessary components included.

Pros:
– Supports a very wide range of model years, simplifying purchasing.
– Excellent components provided for a complete restoration of the strut assembly.
– Designed to solve common signs of failing struts (leakage, abnormal sounds).

Cons:
– Performance focuses strictly on restoring stock feel, not enhancing handling.

Best for: Owners of the Ram 1500 Classic or drivers who need a reliable, widely compatible, quick-install replacement.

Autoround Pair 172292 Front Complete Shock Absorber Compatible with Ram 1500 2011-2018, Dodge Ram 1500 2009-2010, Ram 1500 Classic 2019-2023, Left & Right Struts with Coil Spring Assembly

Autoround focuses on manufacturing quality components under strict OE specifications, but what really sets their quick struts apart is the emphasis on longevity. They use an upgraded corrosion protection finish, which is crucial for trucks that operate in wet, snowy, or salted road environments. Manufactured in their own factory, they offer a very competitive price point by eliminating typical retail middlemen while still ensuring the high-strength steel body provides stability during operation.

Key features that stand out:
– Upgraded Corrosion Protection: Designed for a longer service life than original equipment.
– Quality Certified: Manufactured to OE specifications and ISO standards.
– Amazing Price: Direct factory sales lead to cost savings for the consumer.

Pros:
– High focus on durability and anti-corrosion features.
– Very affordable solution for restoring handling.
– Compatible with a wide range of popular Ram years.

Cons:
– Requires professional testing after installation to ensure optimal road use.

Best for: Drivers seeking reliable OE-spec replacements with improved resistance to rust and road grime.

Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2019-2025 Ram 1500-501061

Unlike the first Rough Country product listed, this specific N3 Loaded Strut (part number 501061) is engineered for the newer generation 2019-2025 Ram 1500. This is the best struts for ram 1500 if you own the 5th generation and want the benefits of a leveled stance and improved dampening. Like its predecessor, it offers a 2-inch lift straight out of the box, maintaining a factory-like, smooth ride while delivering better tire contact with the road for enhanced stability, especially under heavier loads.

Key features that stand out:
– New Generation Fitment: Specifically for 2019-2025 Ram 1500 models.
– Loaded N3 Performance: Nitrogen gas charged and features a massive 1 3/8″ bore.
– Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty: Strong commitment to product quality.

Pros:
– One of the few performance leveling kits available specifically for the newest Ram generation.
– Eliminates the need for traditional strut spacers and disassembly.
– Greatly improved handling and stability over rough terrain.

Cons:
– Only provides leveling lift, not a full suspension lift.

Best for: Owners of the 2019+ Ram 1500 seeking a leveling lift combined with enhanced performance shocks.

ECCPP 4WD Complete Strut Assembly Shock Absorber for 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 for Dodge for Ram 1500,2011 2012 2013 2014 for Ram 1500 Front Pair

ECCPP offers a premium-quality quick strut designed to meet high standards, verified by ISO/TS16949 certification. This means the construction and materials, including the SAE9254 spring steel, are specifically chosen to be highly tolerant of vibration and extreme temperature fluctuations. This assembly includes every part necessary—from the strut mount and bearing to the isolator and boot—ensuring a genuinely trouble-free and time-saving installation process focused on restoring ride comfort and vehicle stability.

Key features that stand out:
– Certified Quality: Meets rigorous ISO / TS16949 quality standards.
– Complete Assembly: Includes all components for a Trouble-Free Install.
– Special Surface Treatment: Enhances anti-corrosion properties.
– One Year Warranty: Assurance of quality and fitment.

Pros:
– High-quality components designed for harsh environments.
– Excellent choice for improving ride comfort by speeding up vibration attenuation.
– Very straightforward installation process.

Cons:
– Warranty is shorter than some competitor budget options.

Best for: Drivers prioritizing certified, high-standard materials and a focus on immediate ride comfort restoration.

Ram 1500 Strut Comparison Insights

Choosing the right components depends heavily on your goals: lift or stock replacement.

For those simply looking to restore their Ram’s factory ride height and smoothness, Detroit Axle, Autoround, and ECCPP provide phenomenal value and the convenience of a quick-strut design, meaning they are ready to bolt on. Detroit Axle’s 4-piece kit is unmatched for overall value if you need to replace rear shocks simultaneously.

If performance and lift are your priority, the Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts are the clear winner. Be extremely careful to match the model year: the 500028 fits the older 2012-2018 Rams, while the 501061 is for the 2019+ generation. These N3 struts use gas charging and larger bores to offer significantly better stability and handling when the road gets rough.

Finally, for owners of the newer 2019+ Ram 1500 looking for an affordable OEM-style fix, AUTOSAVER88 offers the broadest compatibility, fitting both the older model years and the Ram 1500 Classic reliably.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Struts for Your Truck

Determining the absolute best struts for ram 1500 hinges entirely on what you use your truck for. Here is a simplified breakdown of our top picks by category:

| Category | Recommended Product | Why We Chose It |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Best Leveling Strut (2012-2018) | Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (500028) | Superior off-road performance and lift with easy installation. |
| Best OEM Restoration Value | Detroit Axle – 4WD Suspension Kit (4pc) | Unbeatable combination of front struts and rear shocks with a 10-year warranty. |
| Best Performance Leveling (2019+) | Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts (501061) | The definitive choice for enhancing stability and ride height on the newest generation. |
| Best Budget Quick Install | Autoround Pair 172292 Front Complete Shock Absorber | Excellent price point with crucial upgraded corrosion protection for long life. |

Best Struts For Ram 1500 FAQ

What are quick struts and why are they recommended for the Ram 1500?

A quick strut (or complete strut assembly) includes the strut, coil spring, strut mount, bearing, and isolator all pre-assembled. They are recommended because they are a direct bolt-on replacement, eliminating the hazardous and difficult step of compressing the old coil spring and transferring components. This significantly reduces installation time and makes replacing the best struts for ram 1500 much safer for a DIY mechanic.

How do I know if my Ram 1500 struts need replacing?

Common symptoms of worn-out struts include excessive bouncing or wallowing after hitting bumps, the front end “diving” severely when braking, abnormal noises (clunking or rattling) from the suspension, noticeable fluid leakage from the strut body, and uneven or rapid tire wear. If your truck feels less stable on the highway or dips when carrying light loads, it’s definitely time to look for new components.

Should I replace my front struts and rear shocks at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. While the front struts often wear out faster due to bearing movement and heavier loads, replacing just the fronts and keeping old rear shocks can lead to an imbalance in damping performance. For consistent handling, optimal ride quality, and maximum stability (especially when towing), it is strongly recommended to replace the entire set, which is why kits like the Detroit Axle 4-piece option offer such a good solution.

Can replacing struts give my Ram 1500 a lift or leveling effect?

Yes. Many of the best struts for ram 1500, particularly performance options like the Rough Country N3 models, are specifically engineered to provide a 2-inch lift. This levels the stance of the truck by raising the front end to match the rear, providing improved ground clearance and allowing for slightly larger tires without needing separate leveling pucks.

What is the difference between a gas-charged strut (N3) and a standard hydraulic strut?

Gas-charged struts (like the Rough Country N3) are typically filled with nitrogen gas under pressure. This gas prevents the hydraulic fluid inside the strut from foaming (aeration) when the shock heats up during rapid compression cycles. This results in more consistent damping force and better performance, especially under aggressive driving conditions or on rough terrain, compared to standard hydraulic units.

Are these replacement struts compatible with Ram 1500 models that have air suspension?

No. The quick struts listed for the Ram 1500 are designed specifically for models equipped with traditional coil spring suspension. Ram trucks equipped with the factory active-level four-corner air suspension require specialized air suspension components and are not compatible with standard coil spring strut assemblies. Always double-check your truck’s suspension type before purchasing replacement parts.