How to Install New Shocks on a Truck! (First Gen Dodge Ram, Ramcharger)

Welcome to the first episode in "The Old Dodge" series! Today I'll show you how easy it is to install shock absorbers on a truck. Mine is a 1987 Dodge Ram D150, but the process is similar on almost any other pickup.
Front Shocks: KYB KG5403 Gas-A-Just Shock
amzn.to/2qsZ5Q0 (paid link)
Rear Shocks: KYB KG5423 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock
amzn.to/367ojCw (paid link)
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[@maxdec3960]

Hey man I got a first gen with a Cummins engine (250) and even though these cars have different engines it really helps to watch these videos and work on mine

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Max... I love these old trucks.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I wanted to highlight the ChrisFix channel. His videos are really useful and helped me do this job and others!

[@wyattadams8831]

Could you do a video about removing rust from underneath the truck?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Wyatt Adams not a bad idea. That is something I wanted to do this spring... along with doing a roll in bed liner. I’m going to be doing some videos about remodeling a bathroom next, but I’ll be back working on the truck soon. Probably the next truck video will be replacing all the dash lights with LEDs.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

And for the time being here's a video about that exact topic that's pretty good. I would maybe use some primer on some of the painted surfaces along with undercoating, but still a good video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6S6fqqmp6aKq5Y

[@vr4787]

This takes me back, reminds me of my grandpa’s 86’ D150 with the saddle blanket and silver and red paint. That went over 300,000 with the old 318, it was the best like my grandpa in his own quiet hard working manner.

[@buffalomitch7088]

Thanks to this video, I was able to install new shocks on my 1984 D150 2WD today! For those who decide to tackle the project, the rear shocks use 3/4" bolts tightened to 60 ft lbs. The fronts use 1/2" bolts on the bottom tightened to 17 ft lbs and the top uses a 9/16th bolt tightened to 25 ft lbs. However, I couldn't get the torque wrench on the top of the fronts, so tightened it as much as I could with a wrench. It took me about 5 hours total and was the first time I've ever tacked installing shocks. Naturally, the first one of each pair took a bit longer. Thanks for the great video!

[@thomshere]

Thanks for the video! I have a rust free 1985 D150 with 25K original miles on it here in the deep south and plan on keeping it and eventually handing it over to my son so your videos will help!

[@harding83frank]

Nice truck. Can't beat an old one. I have a 93 Dakota and do most of the work my self.

[@sarahdell4042]

Thanks. I’ve had mine for ten years or so, and it’s just used to haul little stuff around or when people need to borrow a truck. Finally putting a couple bucks into it. This was helpful!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Sarah Dell You’re very welcome.

[@Indianagunslinger]

This is nice I have a 84 dodge with a slant 6 keep on truckin bro

[@wadeduvall7026]

Found one I missed! Love the bit where it cuts from you putting on the ratchet wrench to you using an impact driver. Probably done for expediency but feels like a comedy edit (5:36).

[@JasonExplainsThings]

LOL. Yeah that was on purpose.

[@ricardobenavides5599]

Interesting method for to know when the shock is good or bad

[@rcnelson]

Great idea, showing how to fix older Dodges. I notice that my 4wd '89 is a little different.

[@LeSquishy]

THANK YOU!!!! I've got a 93 D150 and I'm about to start replacing things this weekend

[@JasonExplainsThings]

You’re welcome Sir!

[@LeSquishy]

Jason Explains Things! The downside is my trucks a whole lot rustier!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

HA! I've been there.

[@AstralVibez]

This is a great vid although old i plan to start by doing shocks front n back and then the more expensive which is leaf springs all around, truck a 77 w200. This helps a ton

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks. If you're doing any more front end work I did a video last year rebuilding the front suspension entirely.

[@jobuda10]

I would love to see all bushings replaced. I own a 88 D150 LE and love your video.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yep... that is probably a future video.

[@ModernMillwright]

Whenever you add a lubricant to a fastener you have changed its specified torque value unless the torque value is based on a lubricated fastener. Probably not a big deal here but on smaller bolts it can cause them to be drastically over torqued.

[@taylormason547]

Is that the same intro song as OffTheRanch? Supper cool!! Love ALL of your videos!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Royalty free music from KZbin. :-) Thanks man! Glad you like the videos.

[@horaciocenteno4419]

I looks very easy I am going to do it 👍👍👍👍

[@michaelketchelos9308]

Now I just need to fix the horn

[@BCarborist]

thanks for the vid bud

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks for watching and commenting man! Helps keep this sucker alive and kicking.

[@BCarborist]

@@JasonExplainsThings that's good. I enjoy your vids, you remind me of the guys I work with , your hilarious good vibes.

[@kikoinvents]

Nice truck dude i like your video i have a 83 d150 with the 225 slant six and 340000 in the odo

[@juanmr4008]

I have a 1982 d150 360 !!!! Dodge👍👍👍

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nice! I just shot another “Old Dodge” video a few days ago. Should be published in about 2 weeks.

[@juanmr4008]

@@JasonExplainsThings thanks for all you do !!! IT help me know my truck better!!!

[@dennisperusse3837]

Great channel. Cool be beetle under wraps. :)

[@JasonExplainsThings]

dennis perusse Thanks! There are several videos about the Beetle on the channel too. Hope you like them.

[@patrickmoore2810]

I need to fine the lower U-Bolt plates that these rear shocks bolt to. Anyone have somewhere I can get them online?

[@jobuda10]

Great video!!!

[@jameshoosier7928]

I am working on getting my 1984 D150 that my dad bought new going. I was wondering how this is done because I am pretty sure the shocks on it are probably the original or at least very old.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

James Hoosier have fun working on it!

[@slotheraptor]

Is the torque on the bottom bolts for the front shocks also 60 foot lbs? I'm currently using this video to do my shocks and i've already snapped 2 bolts for the front

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I don't remember. I'd suggest checking a repair manual.

[@FuelThumper]

No, that’s way too much torque. 2x4 trucks: Upper bushing retaining nut is 25ft/lbs or 34 newton-meters (if you use new world order measurements). Lower mounting bolts are 200 INCH pounds or 23 Newton-meters for new world order. 200 INCH pounds is around 17ft/lbs, not 60. Reference: Chrysler Motors service manual, rear wheel-drive truck, D&W 150-350 & Ramcharger, 1989.

[@helenfinchsewwrite]

Hello great videos ,just about to replace the shocks on our sons 1992 D250 on Rockautos it mentions heavy duty front axle ? does that mean four wheel drive. Only as were in the UK dont want to order the wrong ones Regard

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I believe so yes... no front axle on 2WD. :-)

[@helenfinchsewwrite]

Thank you for replying so quickly have a nice day from sunny England.

[@Saleens718]

Hey are you using a Chilton's manual when your refer to "directions" ?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Haynes :-)

[@Saleens718]

@@JasonExplainsThings ok appreciate it! Been wanting to get one for my 92 D150 but didn't know if one was better than the other... thanks! What's the best thing I can do on it to improve my overall performance?

[@pointfighter4620]

Hey I just bought and 86 d100, the man i bought it from took the dodge emblems off when he painted it. He left the hood ornament on though. How do you reapply the emblems? He left the hood ornament on though, luckily.

[@briangriffith989]

I used epoxy putty on mine when I had to replace the emblem and fender on mine when a deer decided it would be a good idea to ram into it...

[@WieDrDerJonge]

Non gas charged shocks don't go up by them self so your statement is not thrue about being bad.😉

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Derp! My bad.

[@hobbyavenue6740]

Hey Jason! About to do shocks on my d150 club cab :) just wondering how you've been enjoying the KYB gas a just ? I was debating these or the slightly cheaper yellow Monroe or the slightly more expensive rancho shocks.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

They’ve held up great. Highly recommend them.

[@hobbyavenue6740]

@@JasonExplainsThings thanks Jason I had them in my rockauto cart when I sent this message. I just ready this and completed my order ! I should have them soon :)

[@buffalomitch7088]

Does it make sense to add anti-sieze on the new bolts too?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Definitely.

[@quasidragon07]

how do you get the spring out if youre changing that too?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Check out my Front Suspension Rebuild video and it will show you the process.

[@intigori]

Hi Jason, I've noticed that you don't have a front stabilizer bar, am I correct? The reason I'm saying this it's because I have one on my D150 1988 that is connected with brackets directly to the strut rods and both are broken (the brackets). I wish to fix it but I can't find the brackets anywhere online... Should I worry about that stabilizer bar you think? Did you remove yours? Thanks, and great video btw!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Are you talking about the front sway bar? Yeah mine hasn't ever had one. Just has the strut rods. I'm actually planning a full front suspension rebuild and plan to make a video about it.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I have seen aftermarket front sway bars for sale online that come with hardware. Maybe go that route? I'm interested in adding one.

[@intigori]

@@JasonExplainsThings cool dude, can't wait to see it. Are you the first owner? Maybe the previous guy removed it, or maybe yours is sway-barless factory-born! Anyways, take it slow in the curves ;)

[@intigori]

@@JasonExplainsThings Thanks, do you still have the link? Got my parts repaired by a welder, did a great job, I think it's even more solid now lol. Hope you get yours dude. Cheers.

[@bignasty344]

Was 700 bucks a good buy for a d150 prospector.?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

If it runs and drives I'd say so.

[@bignasty344]

@@JasonExplainsThings what if it runs out of gas when you put a full take 14 mins ago and drives like running threw snow.?

[@erwin643]

Please, I beg you!!! Change your tune!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Video is 5.5 years old man! I’m powerless to grant your request unless you have some sort of Time Machine.

[@erwin643]

@@JasonExplainsThings LOL!

[@vinceplunkett1104]

Great video - Thanks. Maybe mention bolt/nut wrench sizes in future videos for reference.

[@LaTechDawgs450]

Thanks for making this video. Just put new shocks on my 1989 Dodge Ramcharger. Your video gave me the encouragement to do it.

[@taylorcountry3]

Just FYI... only gas charged shocks will extend by them selves, a regular non gas charged shock will not.

[@austin5657]

Question, I have an 89 d150 and am crossed between doing standard heavy duty shocks or coil over shocks. It’s more a work truck and I do want to be able to handle heavy loads, without going over the Gross vehicle weight of course, without it squatting a ton. What are your thoughts?

[@kevinFJ]

You do a great job with your videos. My son just bought a 1983 Dodge d150 manual and we are having a blast working on it together. With the help of your videos it makes it much easier to do. Thank you for your help. Take care.

[@pointfighter4620]

Hey I just bought and 86 d100, the man i bought it from took the dodge emblems off when he painted it. He left the hood ornament on though. How do you reapply the emblems? He left the hood ornament on though, luckily.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Usually they use some sort of double sided tape.

[@lifeoncars5345]

Hey up! Love your truck. What's the song you play in your intro?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's from the KZbin music library. I like to think of it as the truck's theme song. :-)

[@DaffyOP]

nice vid, should have more views

[@MAViz270]

Nice vídeo well done got a 1989 dodge d 150 ! Doing the front and back shocks were did you buy them and model ?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Hi Marco, thanks man. I got them at Amazon. I just updated the video description with links to everything but I'll copy that in this comment. Front Shocks: KYB Gas-A-Just KG5403 Shock Absorber amzn.to/2SjImH8 Rear Shocks: KYB KG5423 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock amzn.to/2Q7J1yQ

[@sergiodeleon7896]

Love watching your videos, i have a d-250 1986 and i need to get some parts for it. Where will it be the best place for it? Thank you

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I've had good luck with RockAuto.com.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

In some videos I also have Amazon links to specific parts. I get a small commission if you use those… but Rock Auto seems to be the best place online.

[@bignasty344]

Kick ass