5 Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel – Expert Review

If your truck’s behaving weirdly (in the way it handles both in a straight line and around corners), or if it’s lost the ability to absorb bumps/potholes, there’s a chance the shock absorbers are on their way out. And you wouldn’t want to be caught with a failing one while on the road. So the best thing is to diagnose the problem before it’s too late. But what’s next? Do you replace them with the same shocks or do you look at it as a chance to upgrade? 

Have a look at our list of Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel to make your life a little easier. You’ll probably get longer-lasting, better serving shocks If you know how they work and why you’re buying them. If you’re also planning to make an upgrade on a brand-spanking-new truck, getting better shocks makes perfect sense.

The 5 Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel:

1. 1. Bilstein B8 5100 – the best shocks for dodge ram 2500 diesel 4×4
   2. Bilstein B6 4600
   3. Rancho RS9000XL Shock Absorber
   4. Monroe Gas Magnum Shock Absorber
   5. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set

Our Recommendations

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If You Got a Lift: Bilstein B8 5100 – the best shocks for Dodge 2500 Diesel

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Bilstein makes some good shock absorbers, and the B8 5100 is a great example. Its monotube construction allows for smoother and cooler operation, whereas the digressive valving helps in adapting to rapidly changing road conditions. It’s made for 1994 – 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks and 2011 – 2013 Ram 2500 trucks. Check with the seller to confirm compatibility.

For the rear

The Amazon listing is in line with Bilstein’s lifetime warranty, which is a solid positive for this product. The shock is made for rear use and will accommodate lift kits as well. It’s zinc-plated, which ideally means it’ll survive harsher environments well. The neoprene bushings will add to its durability as well. And to top it all off, Bilstein offers an improvement in both ride quality and handling.

What do we think of it?

The Bilstein B8 5100 is a solid replacement shock absorber, especially if you’re looking for something to use with a lifted truck. Users are happy with how these shocks transform the truck’s ride and handling. It’s also mentioned that while it’s good for everyday use, towing isn’t its forte.

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Stock Replacement: Bilstein B6 4600

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The Bilstein B6 shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 are a direct replacement to the factory shocks. These are priced lower than the B8, and in comparison to the stock units, the B6 shocks are said to improve ride, handling, and overall control of the truck.

For the front

The shock absorber should be used in the front (you can buy two if you’re looking at replacing both units at the front) and is compatible with the RWD version of Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 2500 trucks made with the model years 2003 – 2012. It accepts the stock ride height, which means if you have a lift kit, this isn’t the shock absorber for your truck.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Bilstein B6 4600 boasts a velocity-sensitive digressive piston that reacts to changing road conditions well. The monotube design offers fade-free performance and the overall stability is also improved as well.

What do we think of it?

If you’ve got a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel that needs a suspension replacement, the Bilstein B6 is a good choice as long as you don’t have a lift kit installed. Users appreciate the improvements over the stock units in overall stability and ride. Some have mentioned that necessary installation instructions aren’t available with the package but can be found on Bilstein’s website.

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All about adjustments: Rancho RS9000XL Shock Absorber

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Not a lot of shock absorbers offer the ability to adjust how well your truck drives. Thankfully Rancho does, and if you really want to experiment in choosing the perfect damping for your truck, the RS9000XL deserves your time. Apart from nine-step adjustable damping, the RS9000XL also offers a strong build and features that ensures a long life even on difficult terrain.

A 90-day free-ride offer included

There’s a rebound bumper that helps in harsh driving conditions, Fluon-banded piston for smoother operation, protective boot and self-lubricating seal, and a large tri-tube body. The shock absorber is backed by a lifetime warranty (but confirm with the seller), and there’s also a 90-day free-ride offer. All of this is complemented by double-welded loops that enhance the longevity and durability of the shocks. As far as compatibility goes, the shock absorber is made for use at the rear of Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 2500 with the model years 2003 – 2010.

What do we think of it?

The Rancho RS9000XL benefits largely from the ability to offer a custom ride quality. Users have appreciated the fact that they can choose how soft/stiff they want the setup to be, and just leave it like that.

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For the older trucks: Monroe Gas Magnum Shock Absorber

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It’s a step-up from the factory shocks but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot of money for the Monroe Gas Magnum Shock Absorber. It costs less than the Bilstein B6 and is also sold as an individual unit. This means if you want a set (for use at the rear), you will have to purchase two units.  

Better control; factory ride

It’s made for 1994 – 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks. Some of the advantages include a 2-inch reserve tube, a larger bore (which allows for lower operating pressure) and improved control without hampering the ride.

What do we think of it?

Monroe has made a name for itself, and a lot of users swear by the one made for Dodge Ram trucks. The price is a big advantage, but it doesn’t just end there. Users have mentioned that the ride quality improves, there’s a reduction in the truck’s tendency to bounce, and that the fit is good. We’d suggest you check with the seller about both compatibility and warranty — the Amazon listing lacks details on both.

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The entire set: Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set

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Compatible with 2003 – 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 trucks, the Rancho RS5000X gas shock set includes four shocks and the necessary hardware. But the major difference between this set and the others is that you can use this Rancho product on a truck with a lift of 2 – 3 inches at the front and 0 – 2 inches at the rear.

Self-lubricating seal and rebound bumper

Unlike the RS9000XL, the shocks here (RS55044 and RS55269) don’t get a nine-step damping adjustment. Instead, these get progressive engagement valving, where the shocks behave differently to different kinds of road scenarios. The shocks have double-welded loops, protective boot, low-friction self-lubricating seal, and a rebound bumper.

What do we think of it?

The Rancho set not only offers great value, but it also brings to the table some nice features present in other, more premium Rancho products. It’s a good idea to drop the seller a message about both compatibility and warranty before you make the purchase. Users have mentioned an improved ride and overall satisfaction with the shocks set.

What is the best shock for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel?

Getting the right shocks for your Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel will not only restore (or even improve) the truck’s ride quality but it’ll also mean that the overall stability increases. From the list of best shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel that we have here, it’s easy to pick the one that works the best for you. If you want adjustability, then it’s hard to look beyond the Rancho RS9000XL. If you’re looking at replacing the OE shocks, the Monroe and Bilstein B6 both offer decent performance. But if you’ve added a lift kit and want to replace the shocks, the Rancho RS5000X set and the Bilstein B8 work brilliantly.