A 2015 Ram 1500 uses shocks, not struts, in its suspension. The front suspension is coil-sprung and independent with separate shock absorbers, while the rear uses coil springs with a multi‑link setup and shocks. There are no MacPherson struts on the front end.
Front suspension: shocks, not struts
The Ram 1500’s front suspension relies on independent geometry with coil springs and separate dampers, rather than a MacPherson strut design where the spring and shock are combined into a single strut assembly.
Key front-suspension components
- Independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms
- Coil springs supporting the spring load
- Separate shock absorbers (not integrated with the spring in a strut)
- Steering knuckle and anti-roll (stabilizer) components as needed for handling
In this configuration, the front shocks are dedicated dampers that work independently of the coil springs, contributing to ride comfort and steering feel.
Rear suspension: coils with shocks
The rear of the 2015 Ram 1500 uses a coil-sprung, multi-link arrangement with separate dampers to manage wheel travel and load transfer, rather than the traditional leaf springs that powered many older pickups.
Key rear-suspension components
- Coil springs supporting the rear axle and body
- Multi-link rear suspension layout for improved ride and articulation
- Shock absorbers mounted to dampen vertical motion of the axle
- Stabilizer bars or other links as required by trim and configuration
The rear shocks play a central role in controlling bounce and assuring stable handling across varying loads and road surfaces.
Why this matters for drivers and maintenance
Understanding that both the front and rear of the 2015 Ram 1500 rely on separate shocks (not struts) helps with diagnosing suspension noises, planning replacements, and choosing compatible components during maintenance or upgrades. It also explains why service procedures for replacing shocks differ from those that involve strut assemblies on other vehicles.
Summary
In short, the 2015 Ram 1500 uses shocks in both the front and rear suspension, with a coil-sprung independent front setup and a coil-sprung, multi-link rear setup. There are no MacPherson struts on this model’s front end, making shocks the primary dampers throughout the suspension system.