
The stock suspension of the Ram 1500 is enough for regular driving and carrying a moderate load. But you may want to upgrade the system if you need to carry a higher load, go regular off-roading, or improve handling.
You can upgrade the performance of your Ram’s suspension system in many ways. Installing a better shock is one of them. Also, you can add lift kits, replace sway bars, have bigger tiers, or reinforce springs. You have many options.
But the most common way of doing this is by adding lift/leveling kits or replacing the stock shocks with a better aftermarket one.
I know you’re looking for the best suspension upgrade for Ram 1500. If this is the situation, I think I can help you.
I, along with my team, have researched several options for upgrading your stock suspension system and have come up with a few options you can utilize. My expert team handles the whole process, which contains people experienced in the automotive industry. So, you can rely on our suggestions.
We’ve included shocks, lift kits, and air suspension, so you have multiple options to pick from. We’re sure that you’ll love our suggestions.
So, let’s start.
Who Requires Suspension Upgrade?
Typically, regular drivers don’t need suspension upgrades. If you’re into heavy towing, upgrading the suspension is a must. A Good suspension system helps you handle heavier loads easily and safely.
Also, regular off-roading requires an upgraded suspension, as stock shocks can’t handle extreme off-roading situations long. In this case, you should go for an aftermarket shock or any other suspension upgrade you like.
A suspension upgrade is also crucial if you want to improve the overall handling of your vehicle. A better suspension offers better balance, which helps you handle the vehicle easily.
Also, if any part of your suspension system is broken, torn, or worn, the performance drops immediately, which makes it tough to drive smoothly. In this case, you may want to replace that specific part or improve the other parts of it.
Our Recommended Top 3 Products Comparison
- Rear Shock Absorber
- Designed for off-roading
- Improves stability
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- For 2010-1017 Ram 1500
- Front Lift Kit
- Designed for better riding quality
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Improves overall stability
- For 2006-2023 Ram 1500 4WD
- Rear Air Suspension
- Designed for heavier towing
- Improves carrying ability
- A lifetime warranty
- For 2019-2021 Ram 1500
AutoExpro is reader-supported. When you buy through links, we may earn an affiliate commission. There is no additional cost to you.
Top 5 Best Suspension Upgrades for RAM 1500 Review
Bilstein B8 5100 Rear Shock Absorber: Shock for Off-roading
Bilstein is a name you can’t avoid when it comes to shocks. It is known for offering high-quality shock absorbers at affordable rates. Thus, it is no surprise that one of our picks is a Bilstein B8 5100 shock. It is an all-rounder shock fit for all driving conditions.
It is designed based on the long experience and expertise in designing, developing, and testing many shock absorbers. So, you can trust it on both on and off roads. It offers a perfect mixture of off-road safety and on-road hauling. You’ll love the experience.
46mm monotube design with a zinc coat that protects it against harsh elements ensures a consistent and smooth performance all year round for a long time. So you can count on it.
The thing I like most about it is the response to minor damages on the roads. It comes with Bilstein’s patented degressive valving design that reacts immediately to any change in the road condition. Thus, you’ll feel minimum vibration in such cases. Therefore, it ensures comfort for both driver and passenger.
The vulcanized bushing of neoprene rubber also works great to reduce vibration.
Its build quality is premium. Each component is placed perfectly to offer a smooth performance.
I love how it sits in its place quickly, fitting the OE components. Installing it is not that tough.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Bilstein B8 5100
The main reason behind picking this is its build quality. You won’t see tears or wear soon. Also, it is equipped with multiple technologies using a long R&D experience. Thus, it offers better performance than most other shocks available.
Another reason to pick it is the price. You won’t have to spend a huge amount to get them installed in your Ram 1500. Experts and enthusiasts love and recommend it.
2. MotoFab Lifts DR-2.5 Front Leveling Lift Kit: Better Driving Experience

If you want to add some space to your front suspension system, this lift kit from MotoFab is the one you should try. I’ve installed a lot of lift kits, but nothing has performed like this one.
MotoFab builds these high-quality leveling kits from aluminum billet to prevent breaking or tears. CNC machine is used in the process to keep it smooth and in precise dimensions. Then, it is coated with black powder to ensure a cool look and match the color of the factory suspension.
As a mechanic, I love how easy it is to install. The installation process may take some time, but it is super simple. While installing it, you just need to reach the suspension system. Disassembling the strut or other major parts is not necessary. So, you can do it easily.
If you have a 2WD, it’s not for you. The kits are compatible with 2006-2023 Dodge Ram 4WD only. However, you can check the MotoFab store to search for one if you have a different model.
MotoFab claims this kit to be the strongest lift kit available in the market. Well, I don’t think the claim is wrong. I haven’t seen them breaking. You may have to spend more on it than regular ones, but it offers the best value for your money.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Choose MotoFab Lifts DR-2.5
The lift kit is a good investment in suspension improvement. So, we were looking to add some lift kits to the list. The name that stuck in my head right after is MotoFab. We’ve picked this for the quality it offers. Also, I haven’t seen anyone complaining about its durability or strength. Besides, experts suggest it often.
3. Air Lift 60828HD 1000 Air Springs: Air Bag for Towing

Air springs came into the market with a boom, and the hype is still alive. The reason is maybe this rear air spring set from Air Lift. It is designed to support 2019-2021 Ram 1500 in towing, ensuring better handling.
I haven’t used it directly, but I installed it several times. Installation is easy. Someone with minimum experience with suspension systems can set it up perfectly. There were some complaints about some minor issues, but the overall review was pretty good.
It is made of high-quality materials. So, the risk of tear or wear is low. It is designed and made strong to support heavy towing. If other suspension parts are okay, it can handle up to 2100 lbs. weight.
A good thing about air lift kits is you can adjust the pressure for road type and load. The one we’re discussing allows us to adjust pressure in the 5-50 PSI range.
Air Spring is pretty confident about it. They offer a lifetime warranty for this set. Also, you’ll be able to return if you’re unsatisfied with the ride quality. Air Lift’s 60-day ride satisfaction guarantee comes with this product.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Air Lift 60828HD
One of the primary reasons to pick this air bag kit is you can depend on it for towing. It offers improved handling with a huge weight. Another reason is its quality. I’ve installed it a few times and never heard a bad review.
This is most probably the best air spring available in the market. At least I haven’t heard of any kit better than this. Most users have loved and reviewed it positively on Amazon and other marketplaces. So, you can try it at least once.
4. Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber and Coil Spring: Shock for Towing

If your focus is on towing, you must pick this set from Monroe. It minimizes sagging under load and offers better control over your vehicle, even when driving at a good speed. Let me discuss its offerings and limitations.
This rear shock set is made of high-quality material to ensure maximum strength. It can handle around 1,200 lbs. load if other suspension parts support it. Being specifically designed for towing, it offers you superior control over the load you’re carrying.
But I love its constancy the most. It offers consistent performance in extreme weather too. Thanks to the all-weather fluid and fluid modifiers it comes with. Also, the PTFE-banded piston keeps the temperature lower as much as possible by minimizing friction. This feature also aids in consistency.
It comes with a self-lubricating fluid seal. The seal decreases excessive friction and doesn’t allow gas to come out. Thus, it prevents premature wear or tear, which results in a long life. Monroe has its back with a limited lifetime warranty. So, you can trust it.
Installing it was straightforward. Though the instruction was a bit complex, managing it was easy.
If you’re looking for a smooth ride with heavy loads, trying Monroe is our suggestion. It comes at a reasonable price range and ensures value for the money spent.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Monroe 58640
When it comes to towing, we haven’t found many shocks better than this one from Monroe. This is the reason we’ve picked it.
Another reason to select it is its consistency. Most shocks don’t last long when used for towing. But this is a bit different. It is designed to handle load carefully and minimize the impact on your driving experience and the shock itself.
Users love this shock, and experts suggest it.
5. Dynofit 3” Front and 2” Rear Lift Kits: Budget Upgrade

This lift kit set will help you lift both the front and rear sides of different models and makes of Ram 1500. Dynofit has made it to ensure maximum strength and durability that satisfy the users. Let’s know more about it.
Aircraft-grade T6 aluminum billet is used to build these kits. The CNC-machined process turns the billets into précised lift kits. Then it is coated with an anodized black surface to ensure corrosion resistance and a premium look. 10.9-12.9 grade bolts come with the kit. So, you can expect excellent support from it.
Installation may take some time, but it is not complex. You can get it installed with common hand tools. So, you don’t have to search for specialized tools. However, a spring compressor can make installation easier. Expert installation is highly recommended.
The best thing is you’ll get only front or rear kit if you want.
It offers the value you pay for. Also, it comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer. So, you can change them if you find any issues.
Pros
Cons
Reasons to Pick Dynofit Lift Kits
We’ve picked this lift kit set because it offers better quality than most other complete sets. So, it is the best pick for an overall lift. It is an all-rounder that offers quality, performance, and durability.
You may have to spend a few more bucks on it than regular lift kits. But the outcome of the investment will be great.
So, just like us, you can consider this too.
Monroe 5840 Vs Dynofit – Which One to Choose?
If you want to improve your towing ability by adding a new shock, picking the shock from Monroe has no alternative. It allows you to carry a huge load of around 1200 lbs. It is built well to last long. Thus, investing in it won’t disappoint you anyway.
On the other hand, if you require a budget pick to improve the overall appearance and handling of your Ram 1500, going for the Dynofit lift kits, in our suggestion, is what you should do. We’ve selected it because it offers better handling within a budget. Besides, it offers an improved appearance.
Features | Monroe 58640 | Dynofit Lift Kits |
Type: | Shock absorber | Lift kit |
Best for: | Best for towing | Best for overall balancing |
Budget: | Comes within lower-mid budget range | Comes within lower budget range |
Installation: | Easy installation | Installing is a bit tricky |
Position: | Rear side of the vehicle | Both front and rear |
Reasons to Believe in Our Reviews
Our team has some experienced individuals who have been working with and handling automotive for a long time. Thus, most of the products we review are directly experienced and analyzed by us.
Before suggesting any product to you, we pick a number of the most bought products in that category and research them. Our research is conducted based on our hands-on experiences, user reviews, expert suggestions, product specifications, ability to meet specific demands, and many more criteria.
From the selections, we pick the top products and use them, if possible, for a better idea. Also, we discuss with our clients who have used them to know their experience with the products.
After this step, we review and rank them based on our experience, direct user review, and product information.
Thus, we come up with the reviews after thoroughly researching, experiencing, and discussing them. So, you can count on our reviews.
How We’ve Picked the Suspension Upgrades
We’ve focused on several factors while picking the best options. These are the features you need to focus on too.
Type of Upgrade
As suspensions can be upgraded in different ways, we’ve selected the specific types of upgrades we want to focus on. While picking the right type of upgrade, you must focus on availability, budget, output, and effort you need to put on.
Compatibility
Any upgrade you choose must be compatible with your vehicle. Otherwise, it’ll be an unsuitable investment. We’ve focused on picking only the shocks and lift/leveling kits designed for Ram 1500. While going for one, you must check if it is for 2WD or 4WD.
Purpose
Knowing the purpose of the upgrade and aligning it to the product is a must. If you want one for towing but buy one designed for off-roading, you can’t achieve the expected result. We’ve discussed upgrades for both purposes, as we don’t know exactly what you want.
Additional Changes
The suspension system contains a lot of components. Thus, a change may lead to some additional changes.
When you’re looking for an upgrade in the system, consider additional changes too. Try picking one that doesn’t require much modification.
Price
Price shouldn’t be a primary restriction as you’re improving the suspension to improve performance. However, we’ve picked and discussed the reasonably priced upgrades. If you have a huge budget, you can go for more premium options.
Also, you must have a decent budget to improve the suspension.
Installation
The installation process should have some impact on your buying decision. We’ve tried to share the options that are easier to install. However, as it is not a primary criterion, you may find one or two that require expertise to install.
Where To Buy Suspension Upgrade Kits?
You can visit your nearby mechanic shop for the performance upgrade kit. There you can buy them directly.
However, if you love online shopping, here’s the great news- all the products we’ve reviewed are available on Amazon. Retail chains like Walmart and others also have these performance upgrade products.
Also, you can get them from online shops dedicated to automotive needs, for example- AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc.
For a more authentic supply, you can try the products’ official websites. But the problem is- many of them don’t sell products directly. In such cases, you’ll have to find nearby dealers from their site and communicate with them to get your expected part.
FAQs About Suspension Upgrades
What is the best type of suspension upgrade?
Lift kits and aftermarket shocks are two of the most common suspension upgrades enthusiasts focus on. But there is no particular pick in this case.
The best upgrade depends on the reason behind the decision. If you want better towing performance, shock and lift kits are good picks. But for better off-roading, it is best to choose an aftermarket shock. Enhancing the vehicle spring may be the best decision if you’re looking for the cheapest way.
What is the one recommendation about upgrading the suspension?
When upgrading your vehicle’s suspension system, ensure you don’t run for the costliest option. A higher price doesn’t guarantee the best product. There are many factors to consider, and the price is just one.
Focus on what users have said about the options. Also, check the points I’ve recommended before making a buying decision. They’ll show you the path.
Read the basic do’s and don’ts of suspension upgrade for a more informative answer.
Does a suspension upgrade change the alignment?
Yes, it does. The alignment is affected whenever you add, remove, or change components in the suspension system. So, experts suggest having your vehicle aligned after the upgrade. Otherwise, you’ll face trouble while driving.
How to Install Suspension Upgrades on RAM
Final Verdict
It was not easy to find the best suspension upgrades as they can be upgraded in many ways, and the market is full of products. But we’ve gone far to present you with the most suitable RAM suspension upgrades for you.
Now, it is your decision. I prefer upgrading the shocks as I think good aftermarket shocks are worth the money and effort spent on them. But you may have different preferences. That’s why I’ve included other options too.
Pick the one you think best goes with your preference.
Leave a Reply