The Tough Dog Adjustable Front Struts for Dodge Ram 1500 deliver fully adjustable nitrogen gas damping technology, allowing you to fine-tune ride quality and handling for any load condition — from empty daily driving to fully loaded towing and touring. Engineered specifically for the Ram 1500 platform and tested across Australian outback conditions, these premium shock absorbers provide the perfect balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. Available as a pair, backed by Toughdog's comprehensive warranty, and ready for fast dispatch from Australian stock.
Browse all compatible suspension parts for your Front Struts Suits - Dodge Ram 1500 using our parts finder.
| Make | Model | Series | Years | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge | Ram 1500 | DT Series | 2009-2018 | 4x4 & 4x2 |
| RAM | 1500 | DS Series | 2019-Current | 4x4 & 4x2 |
Not sure if this fits your vehicle? Use our Dodge Ram parts finder or contact our suspension experts for personalised fitment advice.
When ordering these adjustable struts, selecting the correct spring rate is critical for optimal performance and ride quality. Always base your spring selection on constant load only — the weight of accessories and equipment permanently fitted to your Ram 1500. Common front-end accessories that affect spring selection include steel bullbars, aluminium trays, winches, long-range fuel tanks, dual battery systems, and heavy-duty tow points. Occasional loads such as camping gear, passengers, and intermittent towing should NOT be factored into your spring rate choice, as oversized springs will result in harsh ride quality and potential damage to other suspension components. If you regularly tow heavy loads, consider pairing these struts with airbag suspension for variable load support without compromising unladen ride comfort.
Professional installation by a qualified suspension specialist is strongly recommended for these adjustable front struts to ensure correct fitment, torque specifications, and initial setup. A full four-wheel alignment is mandatory after installation to restore factory steering geometry and prevent premature tyre wear. Allow a 500-kilometre break-in period before making final damping adjustments, as the struts will settle and seals will bed in during initial use. For vehicles with significant lift or modified front suspension geometry, upgrading to aftermarket control arms will restore correct caster angles and maintain safe steering response.
Toughdog has earned a reputation as one of Australia's most trusted suspension brands, with decades of engineering experience focused specifically on Australian conditions — from red dust outback tracks to coastal salt exposure and extreme temperature variations. Every Toughdog product undergoes rigorous real-world testing across the harshest Australian terrain, ensuring proven durability and performance for tourers, tradespeople, and 4WD enthusiasts. Backed by comprehensive warranty coverage and a nationwide network of authorised dealers and installers, the complete Toughdog suspension range delivers unmatched value and reliability for Australian 4WD owners.
These adjustable front struts are ideal for Dodge Ram 1500 owners who demand versatility — tradespeople who need firm damping for loaded work vehicles during the week but comfortable highway cruising on weekends, touring families who want adjustability for varying camping loads, and caravan towers requiring enhanced stability and control under heavy tongue weight. If you frequently switch between light daily driving and heavy towing or touring configurations, the dial-adjustable damping allows you to optimise performance for any scenario without compromising comfort or safety. For those carrying extreme variable loads, consider supplementing these struts with airbag suspension systems for maximum load-carrying capability and adjustability.
Ready to transform your Dodge Ram 1500's ride quality and load-carrying performance? These Tough Dog adjustable front struts are in stock now at 4WD Suspension Australia with fast dispatch to all Australian locations. Our suspension experts are available to answer fitment questions and help you select the perfect spring rates for your specific setup. Explore our complete range of 4WD lift kits and suspension components to build the ultimate Ram 1500 touring or work setup.
These Tough Dog adjustable front struts are designed to fit Dodge Ram 1500 models from the DT series (2009-2018) and DS series (2019-current) in both 4x4 and 4x2 configurations. They're engineered specifically for the Ram 1500 suspension geometry and mounting points. To confirm exact fitment for your specific year, trim level, and any existing modifications, we recommend using our online parts finder or contacting our team with your VIN number. Different model years may have slight variations in mounting hardware requirements.
These are adjustable dampers (shock absorbers/struts) only and do not provide lift height on their own — lift is determined by the coil springs you pair them with. The adjustable feature refers to damping firmness, not ride height. If you're looking to increase your Ram 1500's ride height, you'll need to select appropriately rated lifted coil springs to work with these struts. The adjustability allows you to fine-tune the ride quality and handling characteristics to match your spring choice and load conditions. Our team can help you select the correct spring rates to achieve your desired lift height while maintaining optimal ride quality.
This kit includes a pair (left and right) of Tough Dog adjustable front struts with nitrogen gas pressurisation, built-in multi-stage adjustability mechanisms, protective dust boots, bump stops, and necessary mounting hardware. Each strut features a large bore monotube design with hardened chrome piston rods and heavy-duty seals. The kit includes detailed installation instructions and an adjustment guide to help you dial in the perfect damping setting. Note that coil springs, top mounts, and other suspension components are sold separately and must be ordered based on your specific load requirements and desired ride height.
Yes, these adjustable front struts are excellent for towing applications as they allow you to increase damping firmness when hitched to a caravan, trailer, or boat. The adjustable compression damping helps control front-end dive caused by tongue weight, maintaining safer steering geometry and more predictable braking performance. You can set the struts to a firmer setting when towing, then dial them back to a softer, more comfortable setting for unladen driving. For maximum towing capability and load support, consider pairing these front struts with upgraded rear leaf springs or airbag suspension to handle the additional weight at the rear axle.
Control arm upgrades are not mandatory when installing these adjustable struts if you're maintaining factory ride height or only adding a modest lift (up to 50mm). However, if you're planning a significant lift with taller coil springs, aftermarket control arms can help restore correct suspension geometry, maintain proper caster angles, and prevent premature wear on ball joints and bushings. Upgraded control arms also provide improved articulation for serious off-road use. Our suspension specialists can assess your specific setup and lift goals to determine whether control arm upgrades would benefit your Ram 1500's handling and component longevity.
Yes, a full four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing these adjustable front struts to ensure your Ram 1500's steering geometry is correctly set. Even if you're replacing struts with similar-height components, the installation process can affect camber, caster, and toe settings. Proper alignment prevents premature and uneven tyre wear, maintains predictable steering response, and ensures safe handling characteristics. Most professional suspension installers include alignment in their fitting service. After the initial 500-kilometre break-in period, we recommend having the alignment rechecked as the suspension settles into its final operating position.
Yes, these adjustable struts are designed to work with a range of spring rates, allowing you to select coil springs based on your Ram 1500's constant load — the permanent weight of accessories like bullbars, winches, trays, and auxiliary fuel tanks. It's critical to select spring rates based only on constant loads, not occasional loads like camping gear or towing. The strut's adjustability then allows you to fine-tune damping firmness to match your chosen springs and varying driving conditions. Our team can help you calculate your constant load and recommend the appropriate spring rates for optimal ride quality, load support, and handling balance.
These adjustable struts alone do not provide additional clearance for larger tyres — tyre fitment is determined by the lift height achieved through your choice of coil springs. If you pair these struts with appropriately lifted springs (typically 50-75mm for the Ram 1500), you can generally accommodate tyres that are 1-2 inches larger in diameter than stock, depending on wheel offset and any additional modifications like fender trimming. Extreme tyre sizes may require additional modifications such as body lifts, wheel spacers, or fender cutting. The adjustable damping does help control the additional unsprung weight of larger, heavier tyres for improved handling and ride quality.
Tough Dog adjustable front struts are backed by the manufacturer's comprehensive warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. The specific warranty period varies by component type, but Tough Dog typically offers substantial coverage that reflects their confidence in product durability and quality. Warranty coverage requires professional installation by a qualified technician and adherence to recommended service intervals and load ratings. Keep your purchase receipt and installation records as proof of purchase date and proper fitting. For complete warranty terms, conditions, and registration details, contact our team or visit the Tough Dog brand page on our website.
Absolutely — these adjustable struts are ideal for Ram 1500 owners who use their vehicle as both a daily driver and weekend tourer or work truck. The adjustability is the key advantage: set them to a softer damping position for comfortable highway commuting and urban driving with excellent bump absorption and refined ride quality, then dial them to a firmer setting when loaded with work equipment or towing. This eliminates the compromise of traditional fixed-rate heavy-duty shocks that provide excellent load control but harsh unladen ride. The nitrogen gas technology maintains consistent performance across all adjustment settings, ensuring your Ram 1500 remains comfortable and controlled whether empty or fully loaded.
Perfect Upgrade for Our Family Adventures
Fitted these adjustable front struts to our Ram 1500 before our last trip up to the High Country and what a difference they've made. The ride is so much smoother now, especially when loaded up with all the camping gear and the kids' bikes on the roof. Installation was straightforward enough for a weekend mechanic like myself, and the ability to adjust them means we can fine-tune the setup depending on what we're carrying. Well worth the investment for anyone doing regular touring.(5)
Perfect for Heavy Touring Setups
Been running these adjustable front struts on my RAM for about 8 months now, covering some pretty rough tracks through the Simpson and out to the Cape. The adjustability is brilliant for dialing in the perfect ride height when loaded up with long-range tanks and camping gear. Ride quality is noticeably better than the factory units, especially over corrugations, and they've handled everything I've thrown at them without a single issue.(5)
Perfect Upgrade for Our Family Adventures
Finally sorted out the front end sag on our Ram 1500 with these adjustable struts and couldn't be happier. The ride quality is noticeably better, especially when we're loaded up with camping gear and the kids' bikes heading out to the High Country. Being able to adjust them to suit different loads is a game changer, and the install was straightforward enough to do in the driveway over a weekend. Well worth the money for how much time we spend on corrugated dirt roads.(5)
Best upgrade I've done to the Ram
Been running these adjustable struts on my Ram for about three months now, carting tools and materials around town during the week and hitting the tracks on weekends. The ride quality is miles better than stock, especially when loaded up, and the adjustability means I can fine-tune it depending on what I'm carrying. Fitment was spot-on and they've handled everything I've thrown at them so far.(5)
Perfect Upgrade for Our Family Adventures
Fitted these adjustable front struts to our Ram 1500 before our latest trip down to Wilson's Prom and the difference is night and day. The ride quality with the roof tent and camping gear loaded up is so much better than the stock setup, and the kids actually stopped complaining about the rough corrugated sections. Really impressed with how straightforward the adjustment is too - took about 20 minutes to dial them in perfectly for our typical load.(5)