5 Best Shocks For 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4

As an owner of a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4, you understand that your truck is built for capability and comfort. However, over time, even the most robust vehicles need attention to maintain their optimal performance.

This is particularly true for your truck’s suspension system, where the shocks play a critical role. When your shocks begin to wear out, you will notice a significant decline in your ride quality, handling, and even safety. Investing in new shocks is not just about comfort; it is about ensuring your truck handles predictably, especially when towing, hauling, or navigating rough terrain. A healthy suspension means better control, reduced wear on other components, and a significantly smoother, more enjoyable ride for you and your passengers.

By understanding the best options available, you can make an informed decision that enhances your driving experience and extends the life of your valuable vehicle. We are here to help you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit for your Ram 1500.

Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Shocks

When selecting the best shocks for your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4, we focused on several key factors to ensure you get a product that truly benefits your driving experience. First and foremost, we verified compatibility with your specific vehicle model and 4×4 drivetrain, as incorrect fitment can lead to poor performance and safety issues.

We prioritized shocks that promise to restore or enhance your truck’s ride quality, providing a comfortable and stable journey whether you are on the highway or off-road. Durability was another critical aspect. You want shocks that are built to last, capable of withstanding various driving conditions and the demands of a heavy-duty truck.

We also considered the ease of installation, recognizing that many truck owners prefer DIY solutions or want to minimize labor costs at a shop. Finally, we meticulously reviewed customer feedback and brand reputation to ensure that the products we recommend have a proven track record of performance and reliability. Your safety and satisfaction are paramount in our selection process.

Detroit Axle 4WD Suspension Kit

When you are looking to refresh your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500’s ride, this Detroit Axle 4WD Suspension Kit is a great option to consider. It is a comprehensive 4-piece set, meaning you get everything you need for both the front (struts with coil springs) and the rear (shock absorbers). This kit aims to provide that smooth, stable feel you want, whether you are cruising down the highway or tackling some light off-road adventures.

It is built to be a direct replacement, so it should fit your truck nicely without a lot of fuss. Think of it as giving your Ram a fresh pair of comfortable shoes that can handle whatever you throw at them, improving both your ride comfort and handling.

What People Say

From what folks are saying, this kit really delivers on its promises. Many users appreciate that the parts arrive exactly as described, which is always a relief when you are working on your truck. Plus, there is a good vibe about the initial quality, with comments about the components feeling ‘heavy duty’.

It sounds like you will be getting solid parts that feel well-built.

Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly Positive

Getting Them On Your Ram

Where You’ll Use Them

These shocks and struts are built for the real world, ready to handle all sorts of outdoor driving conditions. Whether you are commuting on paved roads, hauling gear, or venturing onto light dirt trails, they are designed to help your Ram absorb bumps and maintain stability.

Key Benefits For You

• Complete 4-piece kit for front struts and rear shocks
• Pre-assembled for straightforward installation
• Rigorously tested for durability and performance
• Backed by a confident 10-year warranty
• Designed for OE-level fit and quality

Rating: 4.7 (total: 26+)

Buy Now

AUTOMUTO Shock Absorbers for Ram 1500

Thinking about upgrading the ride on your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500? These AUTOMUTO shock absorbers might be just what your truck needs. This set of four is specifically designed for your Ram, whether it’s a 2009-2010 or 2011-2015 model, ensuring a direct fit for both front and rear without any major headaches.

They are built to help smooth out your ride, giving you better stability and a more comfortable feel on the road. Imagine tackling those bumps and rough patches with more confidence, whether you are just commuting or heading out for a weekend adventure.

These shocks aim to bring back that solid, reliable feel to your truck’s suspension.

What People Say

When you look at what stands out about these shocks, it really comes down to how well they fit and how much they improve your ride. People seem to appreciate that these are designed for a direct replacement, which makes getting them on your truck a lot simpler. Plus, the overall vibe is that they deliver on stability and comfort, giving you a more enjoyable driving experience. They are also crafted from alloy steel, suggesting they are built to last, which is always good news for your Ram.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Getting Them On Your Ram

Where You’ll Use Them

These shocks are ready for anything your 2012 Ram 1500 throws at them, whether you are sticking to the pavement for your daily commute or venturing off-road for some light adventures. They are designed to absorb road imperfections, giving you a smoother, more controlled ride no matter the terrain. So, go ahead and load up your truck, hit the highway, or explore a dirt trail — these shocks are built to handle it.

Why You’ll Like These

• Direct fit for Ram 1500 models (2009-2015)
• Promotes stability and a comfortable driving experience
• Built with durable alloy steel for long life
• Designed for straightforward, direct replacement installation
• Features mono-tube design for efficient heat dissipation

Rating: 4.4 (total: 120++)

Buy Now

ECCPP Front Strut Assembly

So, you’re looking to refresh your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500’s suspension? The ECCPP complete front strut assembly could be exactly what you need.

These are designed as a quick, direct replacement for your truck, fitting models from 2009 all the way to 2015. You get a fully pre-assembled unit, which means less hassle and more time back in your day when it comes to installation.

What you’ll notice is a real improvement in ride comfort. These struts are built to soak up road vibrations, giving you a smoother, more controlled feel behind the wheel.

They use quality materials like SAE9254 spring steel, which suggests they’re made to handle whatever the road throws at them, providing a sturdy and reliable foundation for your Ram’s front end.

What People Say

Folks who’ve tried these struts often highlight how straightforward they are to install, especially since they come pre-assembled, saving you time and effort. Many have praised the immediate improvement in ride quality, noticing a much smoother and more comfortable experience.

There’s a general sense that you’re getting a good quality part that feels solid and performs reliably on your Ram.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Getting Them Installed

Where They Shine

These struts are designed to improve your Ram’s ride whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating less-than-perfect roads. They excel at dampening vibrations, which means a more comfortable experience on daily commutes and for light off-road adventures. Your truck will feel more composed and less bouncy, giving you better control and a smoother feel on a variety of surfaces.

Key Advantages

• Direct fit for 2009-2015 Ram 1500 models
• Enhances ride comfort by reducing vehicle vibration
• Constructed with ISO/TS16949 premium quality and SAE9254 steel
• Offers excellent strength, toughness, and anti-corrosion properties
• Comes pre-assembled for straightforward installation

Rating: 4.5 (total: 23+)

Buy Now

Detroit Axle Front Struts with Sway Bars

If you’re looking to give your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 a significant suspension upgrade, these Detroit Axle front struts and sway bars are definitely worth considering. This isn’t just a set of individual parts; you get a complete assembly with coil springs and sway bar links, making the whole replacement process much smoother.

They’re specifically designed for 4WD Ram 1500 models from 2009-2018, just make sure you don’t have air suspension or the TRX package. What’s cool is they’re built to be a direct fit, meaning you won’t need any special tools or extra work to get them in.

The brand mentions they put these through impact, wear, and fatigue testing, which gives you a good feeling about their durability. So, if you want your truck to feel more planted, comfortable, and responsive, especially on those daily drives or when hitting some bumpy roads, these could be a great choice to refresh your front end.

What People Say

People often rave about how well these Detroit Axle struts fit, making the installation process surprisingly straightforward. You’ll hear a lot of folks saying their truck feels significantly smoother and more responsive afterward, almost like a new vehicle.

There’s a strong sense of satisfaction with the overall quality and how these parts bring back a confident, comfortable ride.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Getting Them Installed

Where They Shine

These struts are truly versatile. Whether you’re navigating your daily commute through city streets or heading off the beaten path on light trails, they’re built to handle it. They do a great job of soaking up bumps and uneven surfaces, giving your Ram a more stable and less bouncy feel. This means you get a more composed ride, no matter if you’re on smooth asphalt or tackling some rougher terrain.

Key Advantages

• Complete kit with struts, coil springs, and sway bar links
• Direct fit for simpler replacement
• Tested for quality, wear, and durability
• Compatible with 2009-2018 4WD Ram 1500 models (no air suspension/TRX)
• Comes with a 10-year warranty

Rating: 4.5 (total: 125+)

Buy Now

Detroit Axle Front Struts with Coil Springs

Thinking about upgrading your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4’s front suspension? These Detroit Axle complete struts with coil springs might be just what you’re looking for. You’re not just getting a bare strut; this is a full assembly, including the coil springs, which makes replacing your old shocks a much simpler job.

They’re designed specifically for 4WD Ram 1500s from 2009 to 2018, so if you don’t have air suspension, you’re good to go. The best part is how user-friendly they are to install – you won’t need any special tools or extra work, as they come ready to bolt on.

Detroit Axle mentions their products undergo rigorous testing for impact, wear, and fatigue, which speaks volumes about their build quality. So, whether you’re cruising around town or tackling a bit of light off-roading, these struts aim to give you a smoother, more stable, and overall improved ride experience.

What People Say

You’ll often hear how straightforward the installation is with these Detroit Axle struts, as they’re a perfect fit for many Ram owners. People are really happy with the improved ride, noting that their trucks feel much smoother and more stable on the road.

The general consensus is that these struts deliver on quality and provide a noticeable upgrade to your driving experience.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Getting Them Installed

Where They Shine

These struts are quite versatile for your Ram. Whether you’re sticking to paved roads for your daily commute or venturing onto unpaved paths and light trails, they’re built to absorb the impacts.

You can expect a more stable and comfortable ride, as they help smooth out bumps and dips, keeping your truck feeling composed. They’re really about enhancing your driving comfort and control in a variety of conditions.

Key Advantages

• Complete Strut and Coil Spring Assembly
• Ready for Direct Bolt-On Installation
• Rigorous Testing for Durability and Wear
• Specifically Designed for 2009-2018 4WD Ram 1500 (No Air Suspension/TRX)
• Backed by a 10-Year Warranty

Rating: 4.5 (total: 339+)

Buy Now

FAQ

How Do I Ensure These Shocks Are Compatible With My 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4?

When looking for new shocks for your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4, it’s very important to check the specific fitment details. Most aftermarket shocks are designed for models without air suspension, so if your truck has an air ride system, these might not be the right choice for you.

Always verify the manufacturer’s notes regarding the exact year, model, and trim level compatibility. You should also confirm if they are for 4WD models, as some shocks are specific to 2WD.

Comparing the OEM part numbers or checking your vehicle’s specifications will help ensure a perfect match for a smooth installation and proper function.

What Improvements Can I Expect in My Truck’s Ride After Installing New Shocks?

Installing new shocks on your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 can significantly transform your driving experience. You’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in ride comfort, as new shocks are designed to absorb bumps and road imperfections much more effectively. Your truck’s handling and stability will also be enhanced, especially when cornering or driving on uneven terrain, reducing body roll and improving tire contact with the road. This leads to a safer and more enjoyable ride, giving you better control and confidence behind the wheel.

If your old shocks were worn, you might also experience reduced nose-dive during braking and less squat during acceleration.

Is Replacing Shocks a DIY Project, or Should I Seek Professional Installation?

Replacing shocks can range from a moderately challenging DIY project to something best left to professionals, depending on your experience and the type of shocks you purchase. If you’re considering complete strut assemblies, like many options available, they are generally easier to install because the spring and shock come pre-assembled, eliminating the need for dangerous spring compressors. However, you’ll still need proper tools, a safe working environment, and a good understanding of automotive suspension.

For standard shock absorbers that require transferring existing springs, a spring compressor is necessary, which can be hazardous without proper training. If you’re not comfortable, or if you lack the specialized tools, having a qualified mechanic install them ensures safety and proper alignment afterwards, which is crucial for your truck’s handling.

Which Shock For You?

So, which shock is right for your Ram 1500? If youre aiming for a complete suspension refresh with everything in one box, the Detroit Axle kit is a top contender.

But if easy installation for just your front end is key, youll lean towards the ECCPP strut assembly, whereas AUTOMUTO shock absorbers are perfect for a straightforward, ride-focused replacement.

Wrapping Up

Upgrading the shocks on your 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4×4 is a proactive step that yields substantial benefits for your vehicle and your driving experience. By choosing quality replacement shocks, you are not only restoring your truck’s original performance but often enhancing it significantly. You will immediately notice a smoother ride, improved handling and stability, and increased confidence behind the wheel, especially during diverse driving conditions. This investment safeguards other crucial components of your truck, reducing wear and tear that can result from a compromised suspension.

Ultimately, this leads to long-term savings on potential repairs and maintains the value of your Ram 1500. We encourage you to consider these top picks and make a choice that will revitalize your truck’s performance, ensuring many more miles of comfortable and controlled driving for you.

Product	Image	Rating	Item Weight	Product Dimensions	Material
Detroit Axle – 4WD Suspension Kit		4.7/5 (26 reviews)	50 pounds	24 x 8 x 18 inches	N/A
4x Struts AUTOMUTO Shock Absorbers		N/A	27.8 pounds	20.47 x 9.45 x 8.66 inches	Alloy Steel
ECCPP 4WD Complete Strut Assembly Shock Absorber		4.5/5 (23 reviews)	44.7 pounds	25.98 x 14.02 x 7.01 inches	Alloy Steel
Detroit Axle – 4WD Front Struts Sway Bars		4.5/5 (125 reviews)	42.6 pounds	19 x 24 x 7 inches	N/A
Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 4WD		4.5/5 (339 reviews)	22 pounds	10 x 7 x 5 inches	Alloy Steel

This Roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.