Choosing Shocks for your Dodge Ram 3500

We made this guide specifically for the Ram 3500, based on thousands of miles running these shocks ourselves, and thousands of customers' feedback. We address different budgets, different vehicle uses & needs (plush daily comfort, more handling, off-road, etc), and identifying exactly what these shocks mean for your Dodge. We truly test these products ourselves, and are open to any and all questions for your vehicle, reach out to us with any questions!

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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
  • Long lasting, very durable
  • Reduces nose dive and body roll
  • Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Higher tier shock, higher price
  • Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Shocks Set for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
KYB's Gas-a-Just shock is a factory upgrade, utilizing a monotube high pressure gas design that improves handling and other performance factors for your vehicle. These shocks have a better lifespan than most factory-replacement shocks, and provide noticeable ride quality improvements.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Increased handling and performance over factory shocks
  • Longer lifespan than Excel-G and factory shocks
  • Monotube design translates to more consistency
Cons
  • More road feedback
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD RWD
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Overview
Serving as an upgrade option on factory trucks, the Rancho RS5000X is a thick bored twin tube gas shock, meant to increase performance in a budget package. The thick body of this shock ensures that it can handle tough situations and loads without much problem, and the budget price means its accessible to a large application base.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to performance longevity
  • Reliable twin tube technology
  • Great price for a 2" gas shock
  • 90 Day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Ride quality leaves something to be desired
  • Mass produced, shows in the details
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
The Monomax shock is KYB's heavy duty shock absorber meant for workhorse trucks or offroad vehicles that see tough terrain. These shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
  • Increases handling and performance significantly
  • Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
  • Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
  • Red may not match your vehicle well.
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Control for soft or firm compression damping
  • Thick bodied, large oil volume
  • Excellent adjustable shock for the price
  • 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
  • Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 1994-2012 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
  • Excellent High Performance entry level shock
  • Handles hard hits well
  • Improves handling and traction in all terrains
  • Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
  • Higher price point compared to similar offerings
  • Requires servicing for optimal performance
  • Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks w/ Reservoir Set for 1994-2012 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
The 2.0 Performance Reservoir shocks are the upgrade you may be looking for in order to smash through those offroad trails and terrain a bit faster. The addition of the reservoir allows for higher offroad speeds with improved heat dissipation, and slightly increased travel in the main shock body.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Significantly improved off-road capability
  • Improved road handling and bump compliance
  • Serviceable and rebuildable
  • Custom Tuneable
Cons
  • Requires servicing at approximately 50,000 miles
  • May be too firm for some drivers
Fox 2.5 Factory Series Shocks w/ DSC Reservoir Set for 1994-2012 Dodge Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Factory Race series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5" shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
  • Adjustable & Reservoir options
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance