The Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel, Long-Lasting and Performance

best shocks for dodge ram 2500 diesel reviewsHaving got the heavy-duty, capacious to lift loads and an incredibly safe pickup truck, you may feel completely easy about your family members and passengers. Meanwhile, the best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 diesel are necessary to install when the old, factory ones are worn out, corroded, unable to ensure the perfect performance and smooth rides.

Thus, let me highlight some excellent products by the leading world brands, adjustable, long-lasting, fast to replace. I want to suggest offer you some ideas and pieces of useful advice about Dodge Ram 2500 shocks replacement. I hope this review helps you to select the perfect shocks for Dodge Ram, according to your needs and tastes.

See our selection of the best product!

Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel in 2024

ImageModel
#1. Bilstein 5100
  • Type - monotube gas
  • Weight, lbs - 25
  • Shocks Number - 4
Editor’s Choice
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Read Our Review
#2. AL-KO Xtreme 813016FP
  • Type - Hydraulic oil
  • Shocks Number - 2 front
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Read Our Review
#3. Monroe 34777
  • Type - gas
  • Weight, lbs - 6.07
  • Shocks Number - 1 back
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Read Our Review
#4. Rancho RS9000XL
  • Type - gas
  • Weight, lbs - 25
  • Shocks Number - 2f+2r
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#5. Rancho RS999269
  • Type - nitrogen charged
  • Weight, lbs - 7
  • Shocks Number - 1 rear
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#6. Bilstein 24-186063
  • Type - monotube
  • Weight, lbs - 5
  • Shocks Number - 1 front
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1. Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit: The Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel

best heavy duty shocks for trucks reviewsThe shocks are smooth, looking great and having the increased rust-proof, fade-resistance abilities, extra performance and operation. They are excellent by design, gas-charged, highly efficient, backed by the mono-tube technology, simply the best shocks for Dodge 2500 diesel 4×4.

The 5100-series shocks are intended to SUVs and lifted trucks. They perfectly suit the large-wheeled vehicles, like Dodge Ram, being adjusted to all-season rides on mountain trails, fitted to motorsports, sporty driving. These heavy-duty accessories are able to lift even loaded cargo areas, ensuring super damping on off-road trails, efficient, cool and long-life operation, even when the temperature rises.

Due to the digressive valve and king-size dividing piston, it brings the excessive heat out faster and better than the other brand Dodge Ram shocks. The oil easily expands, avoiding aeration, loss of viscosity.

The heavy duty shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 include 4 items within the leveling kit. It adds up to 2.5-inch rear, about 1” frame lift, making your powerful truck more stable, maneuverable, ensuring 50% smoother rides. The essential hardware is certainly included, making the mounting as easy as ABC. But you can reuse the factory bolts if they are still ok.

Street and unloaded riding is also quite comfortable and easy, providing consistency, improving the Dodge Ram response and hauling. Therefore, I recommend the leveling kit as the best shocks for 4×4 trucks, to all off-road and motorsport enthusiasts.

The set definitely fits 4WD (2003-2012 year) Dodge Ram 2500 vehicle modifications.

Pros
  • high-capacity;
  • improved heat dispersion;
  • smooth rides;
  • intuitive installation;
  • long-lasting.
Cons
  • front shocks’ fit requires additional checking.

Conclusion

The shocks for Dodge Ram by Bilstein (mono-tube and gas-pressure, 5100-series) are durable, innovative by design, high-performance. They ensure perfect heat dispersion, significant rear lift, improving the vehicle response and maneuverability.

2. AL-KO Xtreme 813016FP: White Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 with 6 Inch Lift

al-co-shocks-reviewThe set includes 4 Dodge Ram shocks: 2 front.

They stand out by twin-tube design, hydraulic nature, ensuring a quiet, soft ride. Therefore, consider them the best shocks for a smooth ride. Their dampening abilities are perfect, due to the powerful, 9-stage valve.

The shocks work well with the suspension system, providing reliable ride control. They run the tires of any huge size you want, up to 20×9, suiting off-road and highway use. The long arm design is beneficial, providing top ride and travel quality.

The pistons are made of chrome, hardened and heavy-duty. They are 2-inch in diameter, ensuring increased fluid capacity. The shock fade is reduced due to closed cell construction. They fit 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram 4WD long-arm modifications (2009-2013 production year).

Meanwhile, you can install the shocks for Dodge Ram personally, it’s not a problem. Just study the Dodge Ram front suspension diagram. The installation commonly takes from 10 minutes to 1 hour. It’s quite intuitive. Urethane bushings, metal washings, and nuts are available.

However, you are to buy the boots optionally, and the white paint or finish quality is not the best, making the surface a bit vulnerable. Generally, I think, there are the best shocks for lifted trucks, preferable to have soft, quiet rides.

Pros
  • soft, comfortable and smooth ride;
  • long lifespan;
  • fast installation;
  • great dampening capabilities.
Cons
  • not the best paint quality;
  • the boots are required.

Conclusion

The 6” lift white shock absorbers for Dodge Ram by Fabtech are hydraulic, twin tube. They ensure a smooth, quiet ride, being the best twin-tube shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 diesel 4×4. Due to high-velocity valves, they provide enhanced ride control and performance.

3. Monroe 34777: The Best Shocks for Dodge 3500 Diesel

monroe-shocks-reviewsExperiencing aggressive or harsh driving conditions, select this top-quality set from Monroe Company. It is intended to increase the vehicle handling and stability, carrying capacity, improve control, enabling great high-speed highway riding, smoothening humps and turnings.

The shocks for Dodge Ram offer you a significant upgrade over the OEM, factory accessories that may be mono or twin-tube initially. With the shock absorbers, your Dodge Ram’s steering response is 30% better; performance is higher thanks to gas pressure. I guess, they are the best shocks and struts for trucks.

The shock absorbers are initially designed to fit 3500 heavy-duty Dodge Ram models, produced from 1999 to 2003. Meanwhile, don’t worry about the Dodge Ram safety system (electronic); the shocks fit it, quite naturally.

The surface is grey, painted, fade-resistant, looking pretty stylish. The set includes 4 items: both front and rear ones. You will certainly find the hardware inside the parcel. However, buy the shock boots and bolts additionally (or use the existing, OEM ones).

The product, coming from one of the best American brands, KYB, is definitely durable and reliable. It is covered by a limited lifetime warranty that eliminates any buyer’s risk of defects and imperfections. Because of the affordable price, I can call them the best truck shocks for the money. However, they are a bit stiff during the mounting and driving.

Pros
  • versatile, able to replace both mono and twin-tube accessories;
  • improved vehicle’s response and control;
  • high-performance;
  • long-lasting.
Cons
  • installation is a bit stiff, requiring using a leveling jack.

Conclusion

I highly recommend the Gas-a-Just shocks for Dodge Ram by KYB USA Company, durable and high-performance. They are able to increase your vehicle’s response, control, and handling, adjusting to the driving conditions immediately. But the mounting is a bit stiff, requiring manual power.

4. Rancho RS9000XL: Heavy Duty Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500

best shocks for 2004 dodge ram 2500 guide4” lift is what you need when you have a high-capacity pickup truck like Dodge Ram. It certainly fits its extremely large wheels, supporting any huge load, tolerating even the harshest towing conditions.

These shocks for Dodge Ram are initially intended to country trips, riding on the mountain trails, offering the optimal performance anywhere. Their unique peculiarity is the 9-level adjusting system that lets you adapt to the environment easily and immediately. Just turn the small red dial and select the necessary mode number.

The tuning technology is easy and intuitive due to one-touch presets. Thus, you can choose any ride quality from the softest to the firmest, the damping position you need, par example, highway or off-road.

The shock’s body is massive, strong, made of sintered iron, coming with long-lasting, metallic finish with increased corrosion and scuffing resistance. The loops are double welded, increasing durability and strength. The 18 mm long chrome, graphite filled piston rod is king-size, heavy-duty, standing out from the similar items by incredible structural conformity.

Additionally, the air-to-oil mixture is minimized, making the fluid operating cool and efficiently. The self-lubricating seal and red rubber boots are available, protecting the shocks from debris and dirt.

The mounting is quite straightforward, taking about an hour. Nuts, polyurethane bushings, washers are beneficially included. As usual, OEM mounting bolts may be reused. The shocks fit dodge ram 2500 4wd vehicles, Power Wagon modifications, produced from 2004 to 2011.

Pros
  • massive and heavy-duty;
  • ability to select any of 9 control settings;
  • cool operation;
  • up to 4” lift;
  • strong and durable.
Cons
  • may get rusted in several years;
  • the dial (knob) sticks out (it’s not low-profile).

Conclusion

The RS9000XL shocks for Dodge Ram are adjustable, coming with 9 control and performance levels. They are a massive and heavy duty, suiting camping and traveling. The set includes 2 front and 2 rear metallic finished items, ensuring enhanced durability, corrosion-resistance and performance.

5. Rancho RS999269: The Best Shock for Dodge Ram 2500

heavy duty shocks for dodge ram 2500 reviewsBelonging to the same RS9000XL series as the previous set, the shock absorber definitely has all the brand benefits and features. It’s adjustable, strong and high-performance. The 2.75-inch tube diameter is large, massive, ensuring optimal performance and heavy-duty use.

The shock is nitrogen gas filled, meeting even the roughest off-road driving conditions. It’s durable, due to the metallic finish, oil seal, included boots and heavy-duty bushings. 9-level adjustment is preferable for long trips and travelers that go from the city to the country, mountains or deserts.

Meanwhile, the shock is only one, rear, fitting Dodge Ram 2500 2WD and 3500 4WD modifications. If you need the front ones too, select RS99279, RS999197 or RS99221 shock absorbers, depending on your Ram model.

I recommend purchasing at least 2 rear shock absorbers, making them operate as a set. Wondering, how to change rear shocks on Dodge Ram 2500, don’t forget to read the user’s manual and watch any of the available online videos. Meanwhile, the mounting is intuitive; the hardware is enclosed.

Pros
  • adjustable;
  • king-size;
  • durable;
  • a red boot is included;
  • stylish.
Cons
  • only one shock available;
  • hard to turn adjustment knob.

Conclusion

The RS999269 rear shock from Rancho is king-size, high-performance, adjustable and durable. It suits long, distant and hard trips, meeting even the severe driving conditions. It’s advanced and long-lasting, but the adjustable knob is better to turn, using some tools, as it’s hard to do by hand.

6. Bilstein 24-186063: A Long-Lasting Dodge Ram 2500 Front Stock

best shocks for dodge ram 2500 4x4 guideThe shock is only one in the package, front, fitting 2W, 2500 and 3500 Ram modifications (basically, the vehicles produced in 2010). The accessory is mono-tube, gas-charged, fade-free, ensuring enhanced safety and lane stability.

The 4600-series shocks are intended to increase the light trucks’ carrying capacity, enhance control and performance. The accessories are tuned for heavy-load vehicles and thoroughly tested by Bilstein professionals on the road, showing the perfect driving characteristics in multifarious situations.

The shocks for Dodge Ram suit off-road use, providing comfortable rides in any traveling conditions, confident steering and consistency, better traction in comparison with the available alternatives.

They stand out by the bright yellow finish, blue boots, exclusive design. They are incredibly long-life, velocity sensitive. Thanks to the digressive piston, velocity loss and aeration are prevented. Actually, I don’t like that the shocks for Dodge Ram are so lightweight. It makes me think about the alloy composition. California’s 65 warning Proposition is also distressing a bit, but not dangerous outdoors.

No issues with the mounting, nevertheless. A jack stand would be useful, as usual; tighten the bolts down firmly. Rubber bushings, steel washers, nuts are available, but the assembly instructions are not. Thus, I recommend the stocks for Dodge Ram, but only in pairs. Buy 2 or 4 shocks to replace your old ones.

Pros
  • long-lasting;
  • comfortable ride;
  • boots and hardware are included;
  • increased carrying capacity.
Cons
  • no installation instructions;
  • not the highest lift.

Conclusion

The 24-186063 shock absorber by Bilstein is performance and sensitive. It belongs to the B6 4600 series, enhancing the vehicle’s carrying capacity, improving control and handling.

AWESOME Buyer’s Guide

Considering the best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, you replace the old ones that are worn out, rusty. Additionally, increasing performance, control and comfortability of the suspension system is essential when you are taking a long trip or going to participate in a truck race.

What Are the Best Shock Absorbers for Truck?

Selecting the suitable accessories, consider their:

  • fit;
  • durability;
  • type;
  • adjustability;
  • ease of installation.

I recommend only the top-quality shocks for Dodge Ram herewith, that come with lifetime manufacturer’s warranty and have all the essential hardware included.

Meanwhile, consider your driving needs and requirements. It matters if you ride on highway or off-road, prefer soft or tight handling, change the driving environment often.

Gas-filled shocks (mono-tube) are cooler in operation, eliminating fade, minimizing oil aeration. But, due to high pressure, they may be hard in control.

Hydraulic, twin-tube accessories enable a smoother, more comfortable ride. Due to the valves, the pressure is lower, stresses are avoided, the seals are longer-lasting.

Additionally, I would advise you to check not only the Amazon pages for the fit but the detailed manufactures’ catalogs.

Can I Replace an Individual Shock?

The best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 are sold as a set of 4 pcs or individually. Potentially, you can change only one accessory if the second one is not worn. However, only the same accessories are acceptable. Additionally, the new one will get a higher load, and it shortens its life.

I would advise replacing the hardware (nuts, washers, grommets, seals, bushings) simultaneously, to avoid any issues or imperfections afterward. Meanwhile, if you replace only the front or only the rear shock absorbers, it’s not a problem.

How to Replace Front Shocks on Dodge Ram 2500 4×4?

First of all, prepare the necessary materials and tools, such as wrenches, sockets, ratchets, pliers. Don’t forget about a lubricant. A leveling jack could be also useful.

  1. Raise the Ram’s front, support it.
  2. Remove the wheels.
  3. Undo (and don’t lose) the lower bolt and nuts.
  4. Remove the worn-out, old part.
  5. Assemble and install the new one.
  6. Make sure that the nuts are tight.

Consider if your suspension type is independent or coil/link, and study the manual.

Verdict

On my opinion, the best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 diesel is Bilstein 5100-series as it enables great maneuverability and response. Twin-tube accessories by Fabtech are preferable in terms of quiet, smooth ride. Additionally, to replace only rear or only front shock absorbers, buy the Rancho or Bilstein B6 4600 individual items.

8 thoughts on “The Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel, Long-Lasting and Performance”

  1. Dodge Rams are lovely trucks until you want to find parts for them. It has been a nightmare. Very happy I found your list here. Do you have anything else on the 2500 diesels in terms of part recommendations? I need to get a few other things and I don’t want to go digging all over online for reviews.

  2. Been having issues with my truck lately. Someone mentioned getting the shocks replaced. I looked around for a while and didn’t find any good deals. Spotted this review page and found a few solid deals. I e-mailed the list to the mechanic and asked him which he would recommend for my truck.

  3. Just reporting back. I ended up buying the Rancho shock and it worked perfectly for my truck. Even the mechanic asked where I got it from. I am going to get one more to have as a backup before they sell out. For the money, they are perfect for the 2500’s.

  4. I wanted to find some easy to install shocks but the more I look into it, the more I am leaning on just buying them online, the best I can find, and just paying the labor cost. Even some of these state they might need professional help in the reviews.

  5. I had no idea what I was looking for. This page has been super helpful for me, big time! My boyfriend wanted to do some updating to his truck and mentioned getting new shocks. Well, I wanted to surprise him but I know NOTHING about trucks. I narrowed my options down to 3 and I will ask my brother tomorrow which he thinks would be best. Thanks for the help!!

  6. I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 long bed. I have a 3″ spacer leveling kit on the front suspension with original shocks both front & back. I’ve got nearly 100,000 miles on my truck. I need to replace my shocks.
    Will the Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit shocks be a good fit on my truck?

    Thanks for your help

    Jim O’Dea

  7. Hi, Jim O’Dea
    I hope that Bilstein 5100 Kit will definitely fit. But for your peace of mind, it is better to check directly with the manufacturer.
    Good luck to you!

  8. By FAR…. just installed the Bilstein B8 5160 reservoir style. Supreme comfort feel and response over the standard 5100.

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