94-02 DODGE RAM 2wd front shocks replacement

Improve your ride with new front shocks- here's how to replace them, with some helpful tips along the way. Setup on a 2wd is different than a 4wd. Link for the premium front 3/4 ton shocks can be found here- advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/c/2...
Regular / heavy duty shocks here- advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/c/2...
Foldable LED shop light I use- www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

[@SidJohnson]

Well done bud. 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 5.2L 2W drive here. Your post is much appreciated. Straight forward, to the point, without a lot of chatter.

[@Smittyschannel]

thanks. I always catch myself wanting to add extra advice, & have to guard it

[@nicksaulsberry87]

This is the type of video I wished every tech made. I regret not taking videos of all the repairs I've made (knowing full well that someone had to deal with the same) that being said I'm glad there's still some doing it. Great video brother. Everything I needed. 🎉

[@bowtiedone2784]

Its amazing what a little bit of penetrating oil on those threads can do. It's much easier

[@tipperobrien1140]

Had the same issue with that 10mm top nut. Didn't think of the pipe wrench...will try that out tomorrow. Thanks.

[@ForestxWalker06]

I need to replace my shocks as well so thank you for posting this

[@Smittyschannel]

thanks for watching!

[@DarianYelton]

Thank you for this video man I’ll be doing a replacement on my shocks soon and you showed everything step by step ! Great job man !

[@Smittyschannel]

thank you

[@georgenassa2564]

Thank you for your time and information.

[@TadGhostal]

Don’t cross thread the bottom bolt like I did. Bolt part number: 6507654AA Hitch nut part number: 6502817

[@deannaguin8096]

Thank you for the Video , Everyone else shows doing 4x4's ........

[@davidcaudillo7415]

You are the best real clear video lovet I lot

[@davidcaudillo7415]

Lo megor video amigo gracias you seve m 400

[@geraldcundiff6522]

I used a pair of Locking pliers (Channel Lock) chain type pliers to hold the upper shock sleeve. It crushes the sleeve but it held for a strong arm just fine. I tried the Lisle stud tool and a wrench but it didn't hold and rounded the stud. The socket portion on Lisle's tool set is 9/16"? Dodge is 3/4" as you know. The Kastar shock tool set just snapped, made of aluminum? I used it with Harbor Freight pass through socket set and the 3/4" extension. The Harbor Freight set is all 3/4". A wrench will fit on it and the ratchet is 3/4". The bottom of the extension will work on a 3/4" nut.

[@chrisrichards280]

Nice video, I drive a 2002 dodge ram 2500 2wd cummins I put a 2 inch leveling kit on my truck and i need to replace my shocks as well

[@Smittyschannel]

thanks for watching

[@Helloiammyles]

No one posts 2wd 12v Cummins, so thanks a ton

[@Smittyschannel]

you bet- I have other videos working on the same truck, so be sure to check them out!

[@cindyoneal139]

Thanks 96 5.9 1500 but no coil overs was confused why is my shock behind the coil lol this makes sense

[@dillonpierce7599]

Finally the 2wd video I was looking for..... mines not 2500 or diesel tho ur winning a lil bit. 😅 edit god almighty bro those look horrible. Lil bit of snow if ur area yea? 😳

[@Smittyschannel]

yep- I live in the snow belt

[@dillonpierce7599]

@@Smittyschannel welp I'm in dfw texas. Hopefully thisll solve my boat ride problem 👍 probly need a full rebuild under there but the ac and trans arent perfect either 😅 priorities....

[@chidvon5064]

Great video helped me with my 98 1500 2 wd . Did you have the spacers to save money on tires ?

[@Smittyschannel]

No I bought them so I could run the 2001 aluminum wheels on it like you see on the video. They don't fit on 94-98 trucks without added clearance

[@chidvon5064]

Okay brother thank you your video was much helpful. Thank you for your feedback also .

[@kennethhuff7158]

Great job but I am thinking once you put all your bushings on the reason you appear to have no threads left is because you need that squeeze factor on the bushings for the top part to be installed correctly.

[@Smittyschannel]

I ended up using all the bushings; once you tighten them you have plenty of threads showing

[@happyhomesteading9933]

I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. 2 WD. My front shocks look nothing like that! Mine only had 2 attachmet points and were easy to replace.

[@Smittyschannel]

might be the difference between the 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton

[@erickessler6709]

Hey man, so I was feeling around behind the wheel where the top of the shocks meets the upper control arm and I noticed that where the top bolt is, it is partially covered by the top of the upper control arm and I’m Not sure how I’d be able to fit a socket in there. Any tips? Thanks!

[@Smittyschannel]

If you can't get a socket in there, put a combination wrench in there (box end), & use the socket on the bottom

[@erickessler6709]

@@Smittyschannel ok thanks. I have an endless supply of those wrenches so I’ll probably be good, I’ll give that a try. Great to see that you’re still replying to comments on a video so long ago!

[@johnpoche8366]

Can you take the top bolt off first to keep it from spinning

[@Smittyschannel]

possibly; sometimes it holds, & other times it will just spin

[@tigerboy60]

What's the torque on the bottom bolt? How did the truck drive when you finished?

[@Smittyschannel]

Most sources say 100 ft lbs for the lower nuts & bolts. Truck drives better- not a magical amount, but it's noticeable, with less rebound & bouncing. Well worth doing

[@75hz31]

are the 99 and 2000 suspensions the same? thanks!

[@Smittyschannel]

they should be; they differ between 2wd & 4wd though

[@waiting4aliens]

sway bar link kit

[@johnnymac1061]

What brand of light is that?

[@Smittyschannel]

Braun- one of the best lights I've used over the years, Here's a link- www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B9FVBVP?ie=UTF8&tag=smittysyoutub-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B07B9FVBVP

[@bradstilwell7750]

Tools used? Sizes please

[@Smittyschannel]

You should already have them in your toolbox- I think the ones I used were 9/16 up to 13/16

[@smokeythehuman3596]

No need to break lugs loose if your impact has enough balls to do it that is

[@Smittyschannel]

Agreed; this video is for those who don't have an impact (like I was for years)

[@smokeythehuman3596]

@@Smittyschannel that's true I didn't have an impact for the longest time either until I saw a deal as a hardware store that I couldn't pass up

[@aaronjarvis4147]

​@@Smittyschannel appreciate the tip about moving the jack stand to allow the arm to come down. mine is pretty rusted and not enough room from the top to get the leverage I need. i did have a quick question, would it be safe to do this with a broken coil spring? it looks like everything moves together so I can't see why not? I'm having the shop do the springs but I'm trying to save some money and do these myself. the back ones went pretty smooth but the clearance was easier to work with.

[@kennethhuff7158]

Penetrating oil is your friend.