Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Heavy-duty shock rated for 3500-series truck
• Shock mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if existing hardware is corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front tires
3. If shock hardware appears rusted, spray upper and lower mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
4. Gather all tools and new shock absorbers before starting
5. Inspect new shocks to verify they match OEM configuration and mounting style

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support the rear of the vehicle
   Using a floor jack positioned under the rear axle housing, raise the rear of the vehicle until the tires are approximately 2-3 inches off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame rails near the rear axle. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands while keeping the floor jack under the axle with slight upward pressure to control axle movement. The axle should hang naturally but not be fully extended.
2. 2

   Locate the driver side shock absorber
   From under the vehicle, locate the rear shock absorber on the driver side. It mounts vertically between the frame rail and the axle bracket. Identify the upper mounting bolt that passes through the frame bracket and the lower mounting bolt that passes through the axle bracket.
3. 3

   Remove the upper mounting bolt on driver side
   Using a wrench to hold the nut on the backside and a socket with ratchet on the bolt head (verify exact socket size on your vehicle's hardware), loosen and remove the upper shock mounting bolt. If the bolt spins freely, use two wrenches or apply penetrating oil and allow additional soak time. Remove the bolt, washer, and bushings, noting their orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove the lower mounting bolt on driver side
   Using a wrench on the nut and a socket with ratchet or breaker bar on the bolt head (verify exact socket size on your vehicle's hardware), loosen and remove the lower shock mounting bolt. This bolt may require significant force due to the weight and corrosion. Remove the bolt and any washers or bushings.
5. 5

   Remove the driver side shock absorber
   With both mounting bolts removed, pull the shock absorber away from the mounting points. The shock may compress slightly as you remove it. Inspect the mounting bushings in the shock eyes - if they are damaged or the new shocks do not include bushings, reuse the old ones if in good condition.
6. 6

   Repeat removal process for passenger side
   Locate the passenger side rear shock absorber. Remove the upper mounting bolt using 18mm wrench and socket, then remove the lower mounting bolt using 21mm wrench and socket. Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle. Set both old shocks aside.
7. 7

   Clean mounting areas
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bolt holes in both the frame brackets and axle brackets on both sides. Remove rust, dirt, and debris from the bolt threads and mounting surfaces. This ensures proper fitment and torque values for the new hardware.
8. 8

   Install driver side shock absorber
   Position the new driver side shock absorber between the frame and axle mounts. Install the upper mounting bolt with bushings and washer through the frame bracket and shock eye, threading the nut on by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Install the lower mounting bolt through the axle bracket and shock eye with any required washers, threading the nut on by hand.
9. 9

   Install passenger side shock absorber
   Position the new passenger side shock absorber between the frame and axle mounts. Install the upper mounting bolt with bushings and washer through the frame bracket and shock eye, threading the nut on by hand. Install the lower mounting bolt through the axle bracket and shock eye with any required washers, threading the nut on by hand.
10. 10

    Tighten all mounting hardware
    With all four bolts installed loosely, tighten each mounting bolt while holding the nut with a wrench. Tighten the upper 18mm bolts firmly, then tighten the lower 21mm bolts firmly. Torque the upper mounting nuts to approximately 70 ft-lbs and the lower mounting nuts to approximately 85 ft-lbs, verifying against the factory service manual specifications before final tightening. Do not rely on hand-feel estimation for these fasteners. Apply anti-seize to threads if desired for future service.
11. 11

    Lower the vehicle
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Rock the vehicle side to side gently to settle the suspension and allow the shock absorbers to reach their natural position.

Reassembly

1. Verify all mounting hardware is tight before operating the vehicle
2. Dispose of old shock absorbers according to local regulations
3. Keep all removed hardware for reference if replacement hardware was not required

Verification

• Visually inspect both shock absorbers to ensure they are mounted vertically and all hardware is secure
• Check that shock absorbers are not contacting any brake lines, wiring, or other components
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over small bumps to verify proper shock operation and no unusual noises
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all mounting bolt tightness to ensure nothing has loosened

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