12 Ways (Easy & Advanced) to Make Your Dodge Ram Ride Smoother

Are you tired of feeling every bump and jolt on the road while driving your Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, or bigger truck? Do you dread going over rough terrain or hitting potholes? 

A smooth ride in your Dodge Ram is not only more comfortable, but it can also improve your driving experience, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, and even increase fuel efficiency.

If you’re wondering how to make your Ram truck ride smoother, you’re in luck! In these coming words and sentences, we’ll share 12 easy and advanced ways that apply to all models in the Ram series. Plus, pointers to keep it running smoother for eternity. 

Whether you’re driving for work or pleasure, these tips will help you achieve a smoother, more enjoyable ride. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

1. Adjust to proper tire pressure

Adjusting tire pressure can significantly make your Dodge Ram smoother. 

If the tire pressure is too low, it can cause the tire to flex more, making the ride feel bumpy and unstable. 

On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, it can make the ride feel stiff and uncomfortable. The ideal tire pressure for your Ram truck is usually found on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, in the owner’s manual, or on the tire itself. 

For most Ram trucks, the Getjerry recommends tire pressure between 35-40 PSI or up to 55 PSI in front and 35 in rear tires. Adjusting the tire pressure to the recommended level can make your ride smoother and more comfortable.

2 Experiment with the load in your truck

Another easy way to make your Dodge Ram ride smoother is experimenting with the load in your truck bed. This less popular hack can significantly impact the smoothness of your Ram truck ride. 

A lighter load will put less strain on the suspension system and make the ride smoother. You will want to ensure that the weight in the truck bed is evenly distributed to avoid putting more stress on one area.

You can test with a small load and gradually add more weight, observing how the truck reacts to each level of added weight.

3. Upgrade your shocks and struts – Advanced

Upgrading the shocks and struts of a Ram truck is a popular way to improve ride quality and handling, especially on rough terrain. 

Shocks and struts are critical components of a vehicle’s suspension system that work together to absorb the impact of bumps and keep the wheels in contact with the road. 

Over time, these components can wear out, leading to a rougher ride and less predictable handling.

There are many options available for upgrading the shocks and struts on a Ram truck, including heavy-duty coil spring replacements, like the ones offered by General Spring KC, which can increase load capacity by up to 50%.

When upgrading shocks and struts, choosing the right size lift kit and lightweight suspension components is crucial. 

Coil springs can be fitted with polyurethane inserts to lower the point where the spring connects to the chassis and evenly distribute the car’s weight. 

Monroe 911506 Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber is a reliable, straightforward replacement for OE shocks on your daily driver light truck.

For more suggestions, we have a complete list of the best shocks for the Ram 1500 4×4 mentioned here.

4. Change your tires

In addition to upgrading the shocks and struts themselves, other less invasive modifications can be made to improve ride quality. 

For example, avoiding bigger wheels can result in a smoother ride, as bigger wheels can lead to a rougher ride. Switching to a smaller wheel and a thicker tire can deliver a smoother ride without significant modifications to the vehicle.

Here are some tips to help you select the right tires for a smoother Ram truck ride.

Firstly, consider the tire size. As a general rule, bigger wheels and low-profile tires may result in a rougher ride, while smaller wheels and thicker tires may give you a smoother ride. 

Remember that changing the tire size may still require modifications to your truck. Hence, it’s best to consult a professional to ensure that the new tires suit your vehicle.

Another vital factor to consider is the type of tire. All-season tires are a good choice if you’re looking for a comfortable ride in various weather conditions. Touring tires are designed for highway use and provide a quiet and smooth ride. 

In contrast, all-terrain tires are a great option if you’re looking for off-road capabilities without sacrificing ride quality.

Bonus tip: If you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions, winter tires are your best bet, as they provide improved traction and handling in cold and slippery conditions. 

On the other hand, if you drive on highways for long distances, touring tires are an excellent choice for their comfort and noise-reduction features.

If you plan to change your tires then you will want to have a look at these best tires for Ram 1500.

5. Use a bed mat – Easy

A bed mat can benefit a Ram truck in achieving a smoother ride. Bed mats are thick, rubber (usually) mats designed to fit in the bed of a truck to protect the bed from scratches and dents. 

However, their benefits go beyond just providing truck bed protection. 

Here are some ways that a bed mat can help make a Ram truck ride smoother:

A bed mat can absorb vibrations and noise when driving on rough or uneven roads. 

This can help reduce the ride’s harshness, making it feel smoother.

Some bed mats have a textured surface that can increase traction. 

This can help to prevent items from sliding around in the bed of the truck and can also help to prevent the truck from sliding on wet or slippery roads.

The thickness and durability of a bed mat can also help to prevent cargo from getting damaged while in transit. 

This can help avoid costly repairs or replacements, which can ultimately help save money in the long run.

Bonus tip: When choosing a bed mat, consider factors such as thickness, texture, and durability to ensure that it is the right fit for the truck and the specific use case.

6 Adjust your suspension

The suspension system of a Ram pickup truck consists of several components, including springs, shocks, and struts. 

These components absorb bumps and vibrations on the road, providing a smoother ride. 

Adjusting the suspension of a Ram truck involves modifying the settings of these components to achieve the desired ride quality, which can help achieve smoother ride quality.

One way to do this is by installing a leaf spring suspension system or upgrading to an Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension system. 

Upgrading to a coil-spring and multi-link rear suspension can also provide increased control and maneuverability, resulting in a smoother ride.

Ensuring that the suspension system and tires work together in perfect sync is also essential for a smooth ride.

The first step in adjusting the suspension is determining the truck’s current ride height. This can be done by measuring the distance between the centre of the wheel and the top of the fender. 

Once the ride height is determined, the suspension can be adjusted. It’s best to take the help of a professional if you don’t have the needed knowledge in this domain.

Usually, it involves the following methods:

1. Adjusting the shocks
2. Adjusting the torsion bar
3. Upgrading to heavy-duty shocks.

7 Upgrading to rear coils

Upgrading to rear coils can provide a smoother ride with a Ram truck, especially when the bed is empty. 

The stock rear suspension of the Ram truck features leaf springs, which can result in a harsh and bumpy ride when the bed is not loaded. 

Rear coil springs offer a more comfortable and smooth ride, making your daily commute or long road trips more enjoyable. 

The installation process for rear coil springs can be simple and significantly affect the truck’s ride quality. 

However, it’s important to note that upgrading to rear coils may affect the truck’s payload capacity, so it’s essential to do your research and choose a reputable manufacturer to ensure the upgrade is safe and effective.

8. Install a steering stabilizer – Advanced

Another thing you can do is install a steering stabilizer, as it is known to improve the driving experience of a Ram truck. 

Steering stabilizers are designed to reduce the vibrations and bumps that can cause the steering wheel to shake or wobble, especially when driving over rough terrain or at high speeds. (If your truck is shaking excessively then this guide will be more helpful)

It provides an additional dampening effect to the steering system, which reduces the impact of shocks and vibrations that can affect the steering wheel.

Here are a few pointers for selecting a steering stabilizer for a Ram truck. 

First, choosing a stabilizer compatible with your truck’s make and model is vital, as those are usually designed for specific vehicle models.

Another critical factor to consider is the type of stabilizer that is a good fit for your needs. 

There are two main types of stabilizers: single and dual. Single stabilizers are designed for trucks with light to moderate suspension upgrades. In contrast, dual stabilizers are recommended for trucks with heavier suspension upgrades. 

Dual stabilizers are more effective in reducing the amount of steering wobble, but they can also be more expensive.

Top of all, consider the quality of the steering stabilizer. Higher-quality stabilizers will typically last longer and be more effective in reducing the amount of steering wobble. 

Some of the top brands of steering stabilizers for Ram trucks include Skyjacker, Rough Country, and Fox Shox.

9. Replace your bushings

Worn-out bushings in a Ram truck’s suspension can significantly impact the quality of the ride. Bushings are responsible for reducing friction and absorbing shocks while allowing controlled movement between two metal components in the suspension system. Over time, these components wear out due to constant exposure to stress, heat, and moisture. 

Unaddressed, worn-out bushings can result in a harsh ride, uneven tire wear, increased noise and vibration, and poor handling.

To determine if the bushings need to be replaced, check for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, tears, or gaps in the rubber material. 

A squeaking or creaking noise when going over bumps is also a sign of worn-out bushings. In some cases, the worn-out bushings can cause the wheels to move out of alignment, leading to premature tire wear.

When replacing bushings in a Ram truck, it is essential to select high-quality components that are designed to fit and perform well with your specific model and year of Ram truck. 

Bushings can come in various materials, including polyurethane, rubber, and metal. Polyurethane bushings are generally stiffer than rubber bushings, providing better handling and response, but can increase road noise and vibration. 

Rubber bushings are more pliable and provide a smoother ride but may wear out faster than polyurethane. Metal bushings are the most durable but can also be the harshest.

10. Add a rear sway bar

A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, connects the suspension’s left and right sides together and helps minimize body roll during turns. This results in a smoother and more stable ride, particularly when cornering or driving on uneven terrain.

One of the primary benefits of installing a rear sway bar is improved handling. With less body roll, the vehicle is more responsive to driver input and can be driven with more precision.

This can be particularly beneficial for drivers who frequently take their Ram truck on winding roads or off-road trails. Additionally, a sway bar can help to reduce tire wear and improve overall safety by minimizing the risk of a rollover.

When selecting a rear sway bar for a Ram truck, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the sway bar and the stiffness of its bushings will impact how the vehicle handles. 

A larger sway bar will generally provide more stability but may make the ride stiffer. Similarly, stiffer bushings will provide a more responsive ride but may also increase road noise and vibration.

11. Install sound-deadening material – Easy

Road noises can be annoying, especially when you have been driving long distances all day long. So you deserve some silence. 

To reduce road noise and vibration in your Dodge Ram truck, installing sound-deadening material can be a great solution. 

You can enjoy a smoother and quieter ride by reducing the amount of external noise entering your truck’s cabin.

To select the correct sound-deadening material for your Dodge Ram, you should consider the material’s thickness, composition, and coverage area.

Thicker materials are generally more effective at reducing noise and vibration but may also be more expensive and difficult to install. The most common sound-deadening materials include butyl rubber, asphalt-based mats, and foam insulation.

When it comes to installation, you will need to clean and prep the surface where you apply the sound-deadening material. 

This typically involves removing dirt or debris and wiping the surface with a cleaning solution. 

Once the surface is clean and dry, you can cut the sound-deadening material to the appropriate size and shape and apply it to the desired area. 

This process may require some trial and error to get the material to fit perfectly.

12. Balance your wheels and tires

Adjusting and upgrading suspension is excellent, but it will work even better when clubbed with well-balanced wheels. 

Wheel and tire balancing refers to equalizing the weight of the tire and wheel assembly so that it spins smoothly at high speeds. Besides, it also improves the MPG of your Ram pickup.

Here is an overview of how balancing your wheels and tires can help improve the ride quality of your Ram truck:

1. It helps reduce the vibration in your Ram truck, which can improve overall ride comfort. Poorly balanced Wheels and tires can cause the steering wheel to shake or vibrate at certain speeds – rendering an annoying and uncomfortable experience for the driver and passengers.
2. Besides, your wheels and tires can help prolong your tires’ life. 
3. Balanced wheels and tires will also improve the handling of your Ram truck, which can enhance safety on the road.

To balance your wheels and tires, you can take your Ram truck to a professional tire shop, where they will use specialized equipment to measure and balance the weight of your wheels and tires. The process involves attaching small weights to the wheel’s rim to offset any weight imbalances. [Don’t ignore these signs that require immediate wheel and tire balancing of your Ram truck.]

Keeping that truck riding smoother

Making your ride smoother can be a lot of work (and expensive), so it is worth doing all you can to keep it in that buttery smooth condition. After all, an American professional truck driver spends roughly 11 years of their life driving. Plus, it’s also crucial for safety. 

Here are some quick and easy ways to keep your Dodge Ram riding smoothly:

1. Check your shocks: Shock absorbers are designed to dampen the suspension, which controls the bounce of the vehicle. Fix it as soon as an issue arises.
2. Lower tire pressure: Airing down your front tires to 55 psi and rear tires to 45 psi (this number can be different for your truck) when not towing or carrying anything heavy in the truck bed can help dramatically improve the ride quality of your truck.
3. Reduce unsprung mass: Reducing the weight of components in the suspension system can help improve the ride quality of your truck. This can be achieved by upgrading lighter-weight components, such as aluminium control arms or a carbon fibre driveshaft.
4. Avoid rough terrains and potholes: It’s prominent that I will leave it to it, but yes, avoid those rough roads unless you are a fan of those (even if you have to take a few miles longer).

Over to you!

Long story short, who doesn’t want to have a truck riding smoother? I haven’t met a person liking that bumpy experience yet. We discussed 12 ways to make your truck smoother, including easy and advanced methods. From changing your wheel and tire size to balancing your wheels and tires and softening your suspension system, there are many ways to improve your ride quality. 

It’s equally important to pay attention to the signs that your truck needs maintenance, such as uneven tire wear or shaking steering, and to seek professional help. 

Implementing some of these tips allows you to enjoy a smoother ride and a more comfortable driving experience. So why not try these tips and see the difference they can make in your Dodge Ram ride? 

Do share what you think about it in the comment below and share your experience. I would love to hear from you!