The 2017 Ram 1500 uses shocks, not struts. The front suspension is independent with coil springs and separate shock absorbers, while the rear uses leaf springs paired with shock absorbers.
In more detail, the Ram 1500’s front end relies on coil springs and dampers rather than a MacPherson-style strut assembly. The rear suspension uses traditional leaf springs to support payload and ride height, with shocks mounted to control motion. This configuration favors durability for heavy loads and a stable ride over varying road conditions.
Front suspension
Overview of how the front end is damped and what components it uses.
- Independent front suspension with coil springs
- Gas-charged shock absorbers (not struts)
- No strut assembly in the standard front suspension
The front end employs coil springs for ride height and independent movement, with dedicated shock absorbers providing damping rather than a combined strut assembly.
Does this configuration involve struts?
No. The Ram 1500’s front suspension does not use MacPherson-style struts; damping is accomplished by separate shocks attached to the suspension arms.
Rear suspension
Overview of the rear damping setup and spring type.
- Leaf spring rear suspension
- Shock absorbers to dampen leaf motion
The rear uses leaf springs to support load and wheel articulation, with shocks mounted to dampen motion and maintain stability under varying loads.
Is there anything unusual about the rear dampers?
In standard configurations, the rear shocks complement the leaf springs. While some variants may feature upgraded dampers, struts are not used in the rear leaf-sprung setup.
Summary
The 2017 Ram 1500 does not employ struts. Its front suspension uses independent coil springs with shocks, and its rear suspension uses leaf springs with shocks. This arrangement supports both ride comfort and payload capability without relying on strut assemblies.