How to Replace Front Struts 06-08 Dodge Ram 1500

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1A Auto shows you how to repair, install , fix, change or replace your front struts with their loaded struts. This video is applicable the 06, 07, 08 Dodge Ram 1500
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oaaW/1AXAA00013
• Pry Bar 1aau.to/ogD/1AXAA00020
• 15mm Socket 1aau.to/oXr/1AXAA00015
• 21mm Socket 1aau.to/opQ/1AXAA00043
• 35mm Socket 1aau.to/oL/1AAST00005
• 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar 1aau.to/ojx/1AXAA00078
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oacp/1AXAA00016
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oXr/1AXAA00015
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/ots/1AXAA00044
• Bungee Cord
• Assistant
• Center Punch 1aau.to/ocf/1AXAA00055
• Floor Jack 1aau.to/orI/1AXAA00068
• Hammer 1aau.to/ojP/1AXAA00091
• Jack Stands 1aau.to/orV/1AXAA00065
• Pick 1aau.to/ogW/1AXAA00037
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/a3M/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@bmeach4940]

This is a good video with detailed instructions. I think you would have been better off leaving the axle in place and just disconnecting the tie rod from the hub assembly. Then you just move the tie rod up and over the end link. This allows you enough room to remove and install the new strut assembly with the axle left attached. Thanks for posting this video, it was helpful.

[@jordytucker1070]

Nope. U joint keeps getting stuck on axle.

[@garyrichards9680]

I'm surprised you don't have to take the seats out too. Ugh

[@bstmnt82]

This video made me realize that I need more tools of what I expected am leaving this job for my mechanic thanks for the great advices some times I can't do everything

[@itswyattriver7333]

Same conclusion, six minutes into this video.

[@GryphonXCIX]

Thanks for posting this, I need to replace the shocks on my '06 Ram and this will help alot.

[@skipwhiley9860]

This is a great video help a lot. I am an old mechanic been doing my own work for 45 years. Doing this to a Ram 1500. Cant beleive that all of this is required to change a dam shock. I understand they call it a strut. It still a dam shock.an I'm taking a arms loose compressing spirings blah blah blah. Thats BS. It preforms the same job as a shock. It's just 3x more expensive and 5x more work. All the same thanks.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com +Skip Whiley

[@ryhole47]

great video, thanks for giving all the bolt sizes and torque requirements. very informative!!#

[@1AAuto]

+william salisbury Thanks for watching. We also carry the replacement struts shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them if any of our viewers needs to make this repair.www.1aauto.com/2006-08-dodge-ram-1500-truck-strut-and-spring-assembly-pair/i/1assp00427#KZbin&CTA%20Comment&

[@jasonmonn8646]

I tried to remove the bottom bolt on the strut the way they showed. Was doing nothing but fighting with trying to get it out for 30 minutes or more. I undid the upper ball joint and was able to pull the bolt right out. I did mine on the ground with jack stands. Mine had been in there for almost 6 years being in salt and dirt

[@leonardc2234]

I think the brake line was holding more than the bungee cord lol

[@chizzelfingers]

Great video, great explanation. What state is your shop in,very good mechanic work man

[@nicholasgranat2999]

Very good video ,thank you!

[@renahan17]

How similar is this to the 5.7L Jeep Commander? I'm replacing the strut, UCA, and LCA all at the same time.

[@1288stone]

with the exception of the CV axle, is the process the same for a 2wd?

[@EnriqueLopez-pl4gg]

Great video

[@ThePugwashh]

Just a question why load the suspension to tighten up the Shock bolt ?

[@kunk9804]

My bolts were so seized in the lower control arm bushing, that I had to cut the strut and torch out the bushing. Make sure you grease or anti-seize the body of the lower bolt when you reinstall it.

[@slipshaft]

Replacement bushing part#: NAPA part#: 267-3738

[@caseydale4731]

Air tools were a great invention... 😏

[@jefferyprice4593]

I believe this only applies to the four wheel drive 2007 Dodge Ram 1500. My 2WD Dodge Ram 1500 has shocks, not struts.

[@eljefe6758]

My 08 4x has coil overs as well. No struts.

[@azayreyes4917]

Yep, my 07 4wd has this setup

[@JoeJoe-wp1vv]

Yeah I was going to say the same because my '04 has shocks, not struts.

[@madhatter8996]

can you do a video for 2011 ram 3500?

[@adrianrodriguez1725]

Do the 2003 and 2006 use the same suspension set up? NON 4x4 ?

[@itproton]

Be aware!!!! The strut's bolt on this video looks so easy to remove with the wrenches stacked up and everything but I wasn't able to get them out. Ended up cuting the struts and replacing the lower control arm bushings, and those are after market only. The dealer will tell you that the bushings are not serviceable and to replace the entire lower control arm. Other than that the video is relatively accurate.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the feedback! +Gus Lara

[@karlkunkle9233]

Exactly, I have a 2008, and had to cut and torch the lower bolts out. They were completely seized in the bushing. The dealer won’t sell the lower bushing. I found out what Gus wrote the hard way. Make sure you grease or never-seize that lower bolt so it doesn’t seize in the lower bushing.

[@JA-wp6cj]

Looks fun

[@mendeztom]

Great video. Any idea if much changes for an '09? Same basic geometry at the '08 and older?

[@1AAuto]

+Thomas Mendez It may be a different procedure on your application. We currently do not have an auto repair video for this particular year, make and model. Thank you for asking. 1aauto.com

[@NoJoeThatsNotYou]

Who knew the lugs were gonna be the hardest part of the process

[@slipshaft]

Not for me. The bolt through the strut and lower control arm will not budge!!

[@angelofdeathballs]

@@slipshaft mine won't move either, did you end up getting it out?

[@lindseyanderson4907]

So can the that whole thing be purchased and if so from where cause I’m finding the coil separately

[@craigseever6517]

Thanks!

[@moneymikeabildgaard419]

Just use an impact wrench on the bottom strut bolt to get it out

[@durangodave]

lugs at 135 wow is that correct, my third party manual says 90 to 100, which is correct?

[@R1Kyle]

Do I have to get those parts from 1A auto or do other people sell them!

[@handyman8494]

maybe a longer breaker bar would work better or a pipe about 30" long..

[@IIPOLOII]

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab, stock 4x4 suspension. Struts just went out and want to level it with the rear. Any suggestions on brand and size of new struts?

[@1AAuto]

+DECO graff Here is a link to the rear shocks that we carry for your 2006 Ram. Hope this helps you out goo.gl/Za45eh

[@jeremyu3773]

How much load are you supposed to put on the struts for torquing the bottom bolt? I will be doing this on jackstands

[@accouswk]

Full vehicle weight I was told , have to put the wheel on and then torque , a PITA

[@stephenlepek3516]

I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L V8. My truck doesn't have CV axles so will the shock/spring installation be about the same as the Hemi Dodge in this video?

[@1AAuto]

+Stephen Lepek Thank you for checking us out. The replacement should be very similar to the vehicle in this video, with the exception of the CV axles and possibly sizing of hardware. 1aauto.com

[@bigtimelsu]

Tryna get that lower bracket back on the lower ctrl arm is a pain in the @$$!

[@deadlifeinc]

I have a 06 dodge ram 1500 big horn rwd. front struts leaking need to replace. i want to keep the original ride height. when i look at them on the truck now it looks to be the coiled spring strut assembly like in this video, but when i look up replacement shocks/struts all i see on many websites is the straight shock absorber without the coil? my truck definitely has spring coils in the front so im confused as to what i should order. If I get the assembly like in the video will I have issues. Are the suspension components different for the big horn edition rams? When I put my info in most places it just give me the straight shock absorber for rwd. And the assembly like in the vid is 4wd sort of confusing

[@brownandproud55]

Were you able to figure out the difference am in the same boat except mine is 2wd quad cab?

[@shannonroach8258]

What can be done if the bottom bolt will not come out no matter how hard its hit? Im guessing the bushing in the lower are is holding it.

[@slipshaft]

No kidding! I was able to loosen the nut and get it off. I left it flush with the end of the bolt like he said. Then I placed a 4ft section of iron pipe on the nut, rested it on a couple jackstands so it was pointing out from under the front of the truck. I then hit it with a SLEDGEHAMMER and it still didnt budge!! This was after heating it with acetylene torch and pounding on it literally for HOURS!! WTF!!!

[@jenniferespiritu1065]

2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L: I need the lower bushings. Do you carry them at 1A Auto?? I had picked some up from Oriely's but they do NOT fit. binds up about 1/2 way. It appears to me that it's slightly tapered. I could be wrong.

[@1AAuto]

+Jennifer Espiritu We carry the correct bushings on our website. Here is a link to them. Hope this helps you out www.1aauto.com/2007-dodge-ram-1500-truck-front-control-arms/y-mo-c/2007-1463-119?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@davidstoneking5768]

How different is this procedure for 2WD 2007 Ram since it only uses shocks not struts?

[@1AAuto]

+David Stoneking This should still be a very similar installation.

[@harvo6]

Did you have to change the control arm out or the ball joints.....since you have a leveling kit ..

[@1AAuto]

+Harvey & Briella Sorrell Hello, all our parts are made to OEM specifications and are not designed for leveling kits. If you are replacing the strut and spring assemblies you are not required to change out the control arms and ball joints. Thank you! 1aauto.com

[@Bugsalot31]

I have a shock going through a spring on front of 08 dodge ram 1500 but it looks nothing like the ones on here are there different type of struts

[@1AAuto]

+Jason Echols The particular parts in this vehicle are for Crew Cab 4 Wheel Drive models. If you have a different cab or drivetrain, the repair may be different than the one shown in this vehicle.

[@appletv2511]

What is the torque applied to the bottom of the sway bar link ? It does not mention it in the video when doing the reassembly ?

[@accouswk]

75 ft-lbs for the bottom link but only 16 ft-lbs for upper (per one of their other videos)

[@BD-tn5um]

I've been looking for the whole assembly and it's hard to verify weather it's only for 4wd or it will also work with 2wd.

[@BD-tn5um]

2006 dodge ram 1500 3.7L 2wd

[@brownandproud55]

Where you able to figure out?

[@johngeiger176]

when you said the torque spec for these is 45 ft lbs and you dont have a socket wouldn't a crows foot and torque wrench do?

[@FLIguy317]

Do you have to replace the rubber bushing in the lower control arm for the shock? The repair shop telling me I need to order the full kit to replace everything!

[@1AAuto]

+Lawrence Brunson It really depends on the condition of the bushing. For the vehicle in our video it was not needed for the repair. Any other viewers interested in purchasing these parts for their repair please click the link! www.1aauto.com/2006-08-dodge-ram-1500-truck-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1assp00427?KZbin&CTA+Comment&Q-hpPJ-Q

[@FLIguy317]

okay thanks. I was just making sure I didn't need to order the lower control arms of I did need too. just may end up repair it myself

[@slipshaft]

@@FLIguy317 No, you can order just the bushing. DONT let the dealer sell you an entirely new lower control arm! Check this forum: www.ramforumz.com/threads/lower-strut-bushing-cannot-be-replaced.135724/

[@gregk9805]

What about unlocking the shock?

[@ambrosebessette100]

Why crack the axle nut? I’ve been hammering lower control arm bolt not budging, any suggestions before acetylene torch comes out?

[@rachelhowsen8941]

I'd be careful with acetylene torches. Mix it with oil residue, and start a fire from pure oxygen.

[@slipshaft]

@@rachelhowsen8941 No kidding! Most of all, you have to block the heat from getting to the CV boot. If you melt that rubber you will have to replace that too. I took an aluminum sign (or an old license plate would work), and cut and bent it so that it would fit between the strut mount and the boot, thus block the heat from hitting the boot. Then I wet some cloth and put it just under the boot and above the cut piece of aluminum for further protection. I also plan to spread some fluid film all over the suspension and chassis to protect it from further rusting. I was still not able to pound out the bolt after heating it so I'm going to have to cut off the shock and replace the bushing. Here's a link to my nightmare: www.ramforumz.com/threads/lower-strut-bushing-cannot-be-replaced.135724/

[@canchola137]

Do I need to bleed my breaks after I finished installing the need shocks?

[@1AAuto]

+Cristian Canchola Thanks for watching! Unless you open the bleeder screw by mistake then there should be no reason to bleed the brakes for this job!

[@biggpapao]

where can i buy that leveling bracket u added to the new struts?

[@1AAuto]

+biggpapao That came on the stock strut assembly that we on the vehicle. You may be able to get one from the dealer. Hope this helps you out 1aauto.com

[@morganhowell8476]

Would this be the same process for a 2011 ram ?

[@1AAuto]

+Morgan howell It may be a different procedure on your application. We currently do not have an auto repair video for this particular year, make and model. Thank you for asking. 1aauto.com

[@travissmith3554]

did you replace the isolator?

[@1AAuto]

+Travis Smith The complete strut assemblies were replaced, and the old leveling spacer was swapped over to the new struts. Any other viewers interested in purchasing these parts please visit the link below. www.1aauto.com/2006-08-dodge-ram-1500-truck-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1assp00427?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&

[@lanyabuddy]

do you need to do any alignment after changing the struts?

[@1AAuto]

+lanyabuddy Yes. You should get an alignment any time you work on your steering or suspension. Hope this helps you out. Thanks for checking out our videos! If any of our viewers need to make this repair, we carry the part shown in this video on our website. Here's a link to them. We also offer free shipping on all orders in the US. www.1aauto.com/2006-08-dodge-ram-1500-truck-strut-and-spring-assembly-front-pair/i/1assp00427?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@adventureswithw.o.t.canada1204]

The smallest breaker bar I've ever seen

[@kaitan8824]

Looks like it's so hard to remove the bottom bolt. I wonder if it is because the strut still has tension on it, you can see the strut popped after he removed the bolt. Maybe he should first release the upper control arm, just my thought.

[@1AAuto]

+Kai Tan Thanks for the tip!

[@tonyortiz8986]

Do theses struts work for 2wd as well?

[@1AAuto]

+@tonyortiz8986 The parts in this vehicle only fit 4WD models. Please feel free to check out our website for the parts you need!

[@mauikawi4290]

yeah buddy i got 6 wrenches

[@danielts365]

Do you have a video for 2009?

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not. You may be able to apply some of the steps taken in this video to your 2009. Here's a link to the struts for your 2009 on our website, if you would like to see what we have to offer. Hope this helps you out goo.gl/uuW13t

[@mdarvy7804]

I cannot get the lower strut mount bolt to break loose from the bushing? the nut is free, but the bolt is rusted into the bushing. now what?

[@1AAuto]

+M Darvy Thank you for watching. In this case where the bolt is stuck to the bushing it may be seized. We recommend using PB Blast or something similar and keep working on trying to remove it. If needed and there is enough room, you may use a rubber mallet to give extra force to break free from the rusted area. 1aauto.com

[@leehancock2782]

I didn't realize they had been using strut assemblies on pickups this long.

[@treydogg77]

Damn that Sob is stout, that breaker bar is the same size as my ratchet! 🤣

[@ebodaman]

Dang. If my truck was just one year older it would have been two bolts and swap out the shock!

[@nateprusia9158]

What if upper strut mount is out of position

[@1AAuto]

+Nate Prusia It can be turned to allow alignment. Thanks for checking us out!

[@dianekoslovich9527]

what size is axel nut

[@GScotty56]

Diane Koslovich should be 35mm

[@nateprusia9158]

What if you beat the hell outta the lower bolt yet it won't budge?

[@jonveazey943]

I am stuck on this right now. Did you ever have any luck? Please send help

[@ijw7801]

I don’t have that many wrenches. I gotta figure something else out.

[@eljefe6758]

I didn't know the Ram had struts?

[@fredrodgers1953]

Dude....half inch cordless impact.....

[@tomclark3592]

one missed step. Torque the axle nut bolt?

[@bigworm92035]

Do you know the specs?

[@bigworm92035]

Actually he torqued it down I just didn't see it.

[@mikeglutek3903]

185 ft/#

[@salvadorzambrano3542]

I have 2wd it is more easy

[@superbeebaby1]

And theres about 3 unnecessary steps you don't even need to do! No need to pull the axle. If u would have disconnected the tie rod you could have achieved more articulation than pulling the axle.. 🙄

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the feedback! +Matthew Buhler

[@hectorportillo1906]

😂 "45 foot pounds on these nuts as well"

[@JThought320]

“45 foot pounds on Deese Nutz as well”

[@Modestmetalhead]

That’s the worst breaker bar I’ve ever seen

[@anarchyamp]

Wow what a pain in the ass to replace a shock 🤦🏻‍♂️