Do you need to replace your shock absorbers for your Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get the best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel.
The best shocks for your truck will depend on primary and secondary use of your Dodge Ram. However, before we get to that, let’s first explore how you can check for worn or failing shocks and struts on your truck.
How to check for worn or failing shocks and struts on a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel
Hydraulic fluid is leaking from one of your struts
Your truck bounces multiple times if you push down on the hood of your vehicle
Your truck continues to bounce multiple times after you’ve gone over a speed bump
Your truck bottoms out after speed bumps and scrapes the ground
Your tires show signs of uneven wear
Your truck’s shock absorbers help you to maintain control of your vehicle on the road. If your shocks are working perfectly, then your ride will be smooth. There are six signs that your shocks are worn or failing.
You can remember the six signs that your shocks are worn out by remembering the word cursed.
Ccar
C—Your car veers or slides when impacted by side winds
Uuneven
U—Your tires have uneven wear
Rrocksrollsrattles
R—Your truck rocks, rolls, or rattles when driving over bumps or craters in the road
Sswerves
S—Your truck swerves or dips whenever you brake
Eexcessively
E—Your steering wheel vibrates excessively
Ddistancedelayed
D—Your truck requires a longer distance to brake, or your brakes are delayed
First, we need to ask a few questions.
1. What is your primary and secondary use of your Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel?
The typical primary and secondary uses of the Dodge Ram 2500 are highway, commuter, and street driving, tow, haul, and heavy duty driving, off-road trails driving, and lifted truck driving.
If you are unsure of which category of primary and secondary uses you fall into, then you should consider the following questions.
Is your truck primarily or secondarily for driving on the highway or through your city or town? (If yes, your primary or secondary use of your Dodge Ram 2500 is commuting or street driving).
Do you primarily or secondarily drive your truck through grass or on other off-road paths? (If yes, then your primary or secondary use of your truck is off-road trails).
Are you planning to lift your truck or turn it into what is colloquially referred to as a bro truck? (If yes, then your primary or secondary use of your vehicle is lifted truck driving).
Will your truck be used for towing or hauling objects or other possessions routinely? (If yes, then your primary or secondary use of your Dodge Ram truck is towing or hauling or heavy duty driving).
Another question you need to ask yourself to help you determine which shock absorbers are best for you is whether you plan on keeping your truck for awhile or if you’re planning on transitioning to a new vehicle soon.
If you’re only going to be keeping your truck for a short period of time, purchasing expensive shocks may not be worth it. However, if your Dodge Ram will be staying with you for the long haul, it may be worth the extra cost to get higher-end shock absorbers that you know you can rely on.
Now that we’ve covered all of the important questions, let’s move forward in helping you find the best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel.
Commuting / Highway / Street
This section of the guide lists the three best shock absorbers for those whose primary or secondary use of their Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel is commuting, driving on the highway, or street driving.
| Model | Lift | Warranty | Raiting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 4600 Series | - | lifetime | 4.9 | |
| Bilstein 5100 | 0-1 Rear 0-2.5 Front | lifetime | 4.7 | |
| KYB | - | limited lifetime | - | |
| Rancho RS9000XL | 4 Rear 4 Front | limited lifetime | - | |
| Fox 2.0 Performance | 2-3,5 Front 0-1,5 Rear | 1 year | 5 | |
| Pro Comp ES9000 | 2-3 Front 2-3 Rear | - | - | |
| Rancho RS7000MT | 0-2,5 Front 0-2,5 Rear | limited lifetime | 5 | |
| Icon 2.0 | 2,5 Front 0-3 Rear | 1 year | - | |
| Carli King Dominator 3.0 | 3 6 | - | - | |
| Skyjacker H7000 | 4-6 Front 1-4,5 Rear | limited lifetime | - | |
| Fox 2.0 Performance | 0-1.5 Front 0-1.5 Rear | limited lifetime | - |
We aim to show you accurate product information. Manufacturers, suppliers, and others provide what you see here, and we have not verified it. See our disclaimer.
Bilstein 4600 Series
These shock absorbers come with a lifetime warranty. All four front and rear shocks are included.
These shocks use monotube gas pressure technology. These shocks are easy to install and do not require any modification.
- Full set of shocks
- Monotube gas pressure technology
- Optimum grip and enhanced lane stability in day to day and extreme situations
- Digressive valving instantly reacts to changing road surface conditions for maximum comfort and control on and off-road
- Durable vulcanized neoprene rubber bushings
- Lifetime warranty
- Cheap shipping packaging
The only negative thing about this shock absorber set is its packaging may become damaged during shipping.
Bilstein 5100
These shock absorbers are charged by monotube gas pressure. All of the nuts and washers bushings you’ll need are included. These shocks use digressive valving technology.
The monotube gas pressure technology that these shocks use help them dissipate the heat from the oil in your truck more efficiently.
These shock absorbers use a dividing piston to permit the oil to expand as heat rises.
This kit fits 4WD vehicles with 0-1 inch Rear Lift with 0-2.5 inch Front Lift. Bilstein off-road shock absorbers feature zinc or nickel plated coatings. This high performance finish prevents oxidation of the protected metal, increases durability and expands the lifetime of the shock.
- Monotube gas pressure technology
- Nuts, washers and bushings included
- Digressive valving technology makes street driving controlled and comfortable
- Patented dividing piston prevents aeration and viscosity loss
- Zinc and nickel coating
- Warranty does not cover off-road driving
KYB
This set of shock absorbers come with all of the nuts, washers and bushings you need to install them. These shocks reuse the factory shock mounting bolts.
Shock boots are sold separately. These shocks come with a limited lifetime warranty which covers defects and premature failures.
- Increases stability
- Improves stopping distance
- Monotube gas pressure technology
- Nuts, washers and bushings included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Boots not included
- Limited information or reviews to back up claims
- Part Numbers KG5403 and KG5418
- Set of 4 Shocks
- All necessary washers, bushings, and nuts included. Factory shock mounting bolts are reused for installation. Shock boots sold separately.
- KYB's limited lifetime warranty protects against defects and premature failure.
This section of the guide lists the three best shock absorbers for those who primarily or secondarily use their Dodge Ram trucks for towing, hauling, or heavy duty driving.
Rancho RS9000XL
These shock absorbers fit 4WD vehicles. They come with all of the necessary washers, bushings, and nuts, and a limited time warranty and 90 day ride guarantee.
These shock absorbers feature adjustable damping with reserve tubes. The shock absorbers in this set are constructed with a larger than normal chromed piston rod.
- Nuts, washers, and bushings included
- Limited warranty and 90 day ride guarantee included
- Adjustable damping capabilities
- Constructed with a larger chromed piston rod
- Nine piston tuning technology to adjust levels of shock performance
- Pricier than other options
- Part Numbers RS999056 and RS999317
- Set of 4 Shocks for vehicles w/4" front lift and w/4" rear lift; w/RS6584B or RS6577B System
- Fits 4WD vehicles
- All necessary washers, bushings, and nuts included. Factory shock mounting bolts are reused for installation.
- Rancho's limited lifetime warranty protects against defects and premature failure. Rancho's 90 day ride guarantee covers RS5000X, RS7000MT, and RS9000XL shocks.
Adjustments on the road can be very soft or firm. The bushings included with this shock absorber set are polyurethane.
This shock absorber set is recommended due to its high number of beneficial features such as polyurethane bushings and adjustable damping capabilities.
Fox 2.0 Performance
This set includes four shocks that fit 4WD vehicles. Roost shields and shocks boots aren’t included with this shock absorber set.
These shock absorbers are charged with monotube gas pressure. The shocks are rebuildable and rechargeable with nitrogen gas.
All of the nuts, washers, and bushings you’ll need for installation are included. A limited one year warranty is included to handle any defects or premature failures.
- Race-proven valving technology
- Race-proven damping control
- Monotube gas press technology
- Nuts, washers, and bushings included
- Pricey
- Set of 4 Shocks - Compatible with: 4WD Vehicles 2-3.5" Front Lift and 0-1.5" Rear Lift
- Shock boots & Roost Shields sold separately.
- Monotube gas charged with 2-inch aluminum seemless alloy body. Shocks are rebuildable and nitrogen gas-rechargeable.
- All necessary washers, bushings, and nuts included. Factory shock mounting bolts are reused for installation.
- Fox's limited one (1) year warranty protects against defects and premature failure.
These shock absorbers use race-proven performance valving technology and have an Internal Floating Piston (IFP) monotube design the separates the shock oil from the nitrogen-gas chamber.
This shock absorber set is highly recommended for its race-proven valving technology and damping control.
Pro Comp ES9000
This shock set fits 4WD vehicles. The shock absorbers use twin-tube gas technology. They come with a limited lifetime warranty.
The have 10 stage velocity sensitive valving. These shock absorbers are nitrogen-gas charged.
- Twin-tube technology
- Transferable limited lifetime warranty
- 10 stage velocity sensitive valving
- Optional boots not included
- Off-road Trails
- Part Numbers 12127 and 924553 and 927543
- You'll be getting two front and two rear shock absorbers. Shocks are extended length for 2-3" front lift systems and 2-3" rear lift systems.
- Designed for 4WD vehicles
- Twin tube design and 10-stage velocity sensitive valving for a comfortable highway ride and also offroad handling
- Pro Comp Lifetime Warranty
This shock absorber set is recommended because of its twin-tube technology and its transferable lifetime warranty. This section of this guide lists the three best shock absorber sets for off-road trail driving.
Rancho RS7000MT
This shock absorber set includes the necessary nuts, washers, and bushings. It fits 4WD vehicles. A limited lifetime warranty and 90 day ride guarantee is included.
These shock absorbers use monotube gas technology. Rancho shock absorbers also have a free-floating dividing piston and hydraulic lockout.
They come with a protective boot and an off-road Fluon banded piston.
- Limited lifetime warranty and 90 day ride guarantee
- Free-floating dividing piston
- Hydraulic lockout
- Hydraulic lockout
- None
Icon 2.0
This set of 4 stocks fit 4WD vehicles. Everything needed for installation is included as well as a limited lifetime warranty for defects.
These shock absorbers use ICON Vehicle Specific (V.S.) 2.0 Aluminum series.
- ICON V.S. 2.0 Aluminum series shock absorbers
- Nuts, washers, and bushings included
- Warranty only covers manufacturer’s defects
- Part Numbers 216521 and 216522
- You'll be getting two front and two rear shock absorbers. Shocks are extended length for 2.5" front lift systems and up to 3" rear lift systems.
- Designed for 4WD vehicles
- All necessary washers, bushings, and nuts included. Factory shock mounting bolts are reused for installation.
- Icon 1 Year Warranty
These shock absorbers are recommended for their ICON Vehicle Specific 2.0 Aluminum series technology.
Carli Suspension King Dominator 3.0
These shock absorbers have a larger displacement and a custom low-flow piston. Their shafts are made of stainless steel.
This shock absorbers kit includes limit straps and reservoir mounts. These shock absorbers require aftermarket cross-bolt style shock towers and the Carli Rear Shock Gusset Kit.
Modification of the front coil buckets is also required with the use of a 4.5” hole saw.
- Custom low-flow piston
- Stainless steel shafts
- Limit straps included
- Reservoir mounts included
- Must purchase aftermarket cross-bolt style shock towers
- Carli Rear Shock Gusset kit not included
- Modification of front coil buckets necessary
- Lifted Trucks
However, if you have the time and budget to pay for and do those things, then this shock absorber kit may be the one for you.
This section of the guide lists the top two shock absorbers for lifted Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel trucks.
Skyjacker H7000
This hydro shocks set comes with four shocks that fit 4WD vehicles. All necessary washers, nuts, and bushings are included.
A limited warranty is provided that covers defects and premature failures. These shock absorbers have velocity sensitive valving and have a leak proof seal.
The piston rod of these shock absorbers are chromed, and the iron piston is bonded. A red boot is included.
The bushings are made with red polyurethane, and these shock absorbers have an orifice disk.
- Washers, nuts, and bushings included
- Velocity sensitive valving
- Chromed piston rod
- Bonded iron piston
- Red boot included
- Orifice disk
- None
- Part Numbers H7036 and H7094
- Set of 4 Shocks for vehicles w/4-6" front Lift and w/1-4.5" rear Lift
- Fits 4WD vehicles
- All necessary washers, bushings, and nuts included. Factory shock mounting bolts are reused for installation.
- SkyJacker's limited lifetime warranty protects against defects and premature failure.
Fox 2.0 Performance
This shock absorber kit comes with a full set of shocks. These shocks are verified to fit Dodge Ram 2500 trucks.
The kit has rear mounting hardware and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. These shocks are not adjustable, and do not come with a reservoir, dust shield, or boot.
- Verified to fit your Dodge Ram 2500 truck
- Monotube design
- Rear mounting hardware
- Hydraulic and nitrogen-gas charged
- Not adjustable
- Neither a reservoir, dust shield, nor boot is included
- Pricey
- 2 Front and 2 Rear Fox Shocks with your purchase! For performance, leveling, touring & 4x4 offroad
- Verified fit Dodge Ram 2500 2014-2017 4WD(2014 2015 2016 2017)
- Extended : Front 21.95 Inch / Rear 24.65 Inch; Compressed : Front 13.85 Inch / Rear 15.55 Inch ; Upper Mounting Style : Front Stem Mount-SM3 / Rear Stem Mount Kit-SM3;Lower Mounting Style : Front Eyelet Sleeve-ES7 / Rear Eyelet Sleeve-ES7
- Mounting hardware : Front No / Rear Yes; Dust Shield : No ; Boots : No ; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Best Customer Support
These shock absorbers have a monotube design. The front shock are hydraulic while the rear shocks are nitrogen-gas charged.
The Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel Buyer’s Guide
Contents:
1. Are they durable?
This is a very important feature to look out for when shopping for shock absorbers. Shock absorbers should last you for at least 50,000 miles. High-quality shock absorbers can last for up to 100,000+ miles.
If the shock absorbers you purchase aren’t durable, not only will you have to spend more money and time getting them replaced, you could also end up damaging other parts of your truck and needing to get them replaced as well, or worse.
As mentioned above, shock absorbers help you maintain control of your vehicle. If they aren’t working properly, you could lose control of your truck and veer into other lanes. Minor accidents that could be avoided may also occur because shock absorbers affect how quickly you brake.
2. Are they manufactured by a respected brand?
It’s best to get shock absorbers from well-known brands with a history and reputation for high performance shocks. Bilstein, Gabriel, ACDelco, and Monroe are all well-respected brands that manufacture shocks.
3. Shock Absorber Type: twin tube or monotube?
Responsiveness
Monotube shock absorbers have a larger diameter. This means that they can react to bumps and rough terrains more quickly. For this reason, monotube shock absorbers are great for driving on off-road trails or bumpy city roads where a quick response can be the difference between life or death.
Twin tube shock absorbers take longer to respond to bumps in the road or quick shifts in terrain because they have a smaller diameter. This makes them better for driving on smoother roads like race tracks.
Ride Quality
Twin tube shock absorbers have two chambers. When they are under pressure, the fluid in one chamber flows to the other via valves that also provide damping (control from unwanted movement or motion). Unfortunately, twin tube shock absorbers have a tendency to foam or when under too much pressure or when moving too fast.
Monotube shock absorbers, however, have a single chamber that has two sections. The top section has hydraulic fluid, while the bottom section is filled with gas. Since the gas and fluid never mix courtesy to a free-floating piston, monotube shock absorbers never foam.
Installation Ease
FAQs
How to Replace Front Shocks on Dodge Ram 2500 4×4?
First, remove the top nut on the shock with a 19 mm socket and a small impact gun. Then, remove two of the three tower nuts with a 15 mm socket and the small impact gun. You should be able to easily access the third nut through the wheel well with a 15 mm wrench.
Once you’ve done that, hit the top of the shock with hammer and punch to loosen the metal washer from the shaft (driver side only), then lift the tower up and off the shock and set it aside by the fuel filter housing.
Undo the bottom bolt with a 21 mm socket and impact. The nut is held in place, so you do not need to try to use a wrench on it, then pull the front shock out and up between the battery and brake master cylinder. Be careful not to touch the positive battery clamp.
On the passenger side, remove the stock air filter top to gain better access to one of the tower nuts and pull the shock out with the tower, then removed the tower from the shock on the bench.
Once you’ve done that, you can now install your washer and bushings onto your new shocks. The sleeve goes into the bottom bushing first. It is used to prevent you from over tightening the top nut. Make sure to tighten the bottom bolt first to ensure it is in the correct position.
Can I Replace an Individual Shock?
This unevenness is caused when you only replace one individual shock because that newly replaced shock absorber will absorb road bumps better than the old one. If your car is fairly new, this issue may not occur since your old shock shouldn’t be worn out yet.
What Are the Best Shock Absorbers for Trucks?
Both of these shock absorber sets come with great key features like the monotube gas pressure technology shock design. Both of them also have very few cons, and are reported by other consumers to work very well when used properly for their purpose.
The best shock absorbers for your truck if it is primarily used is for towing, hauling, or heavy duty driving are the Fox 2.0 Performance shock absorbers. These shock absorbers are rebuildable and rechargeable. Their key features like performance valving technology and damping control are race-proven.
The best shock absorber set for off-road trails trucks is the Rancho RS7000MT kit. The shock absorbers included in this kit come with a hydraulic lockout and have a free-floating dividing piston. These shock absorbers also have a off-road Fluon banded piston.
The best shock absorbers for lifted trucks is the Skyjacker H7000. This shock absorber set has velocity sensitive valving, a chromed piston rod, and a bonded iron piston.
Conclusion
The best shock absorbers for your Dodge Ram 2500 depend on what you use your truck for. there is a lot of information to consider when buying shock absorbers, and this guide was created to help you. remember to consider the factors mentioned in the Buyer’s Guide section before purchasing new shock absorbers. it could save you money in the long run.
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