Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 4WD
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Choosing Shocks for your Ram 1500
We made this guide specifically for the 1500, 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 Ram. 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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Introducing
Ram 1500 Buyer's Guide Video
We break down the pros and cons of the most popular Ram 1500 suspension upgrades.
Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
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
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Strut Plus Shocks & Spring Assembly + Rear Excel-G Shocks Set for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 4WD
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Overview
The KYB Strut Plus are an excellent factory equipment replacement, helping you restore your OE ride and handling. Built to mimic OEM parts, these completely assembled shock and spring units are easy to install, without the requirement of a coil spring compressor.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Easy install, no coil spring compressor required
- Factory replacement for original ride quality
- Vehicle specific fitment and tuning
Cons
- Extremely limited for performance or heavier duty use
- Will not increase ride or performance beyond OE whatsoever
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD w/0-2.75" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 4WD w/0" lift
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD w/0-2.75" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set for 2006-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Gas
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
- Excellent High Performance entry level shock
- Handles hard hits well
- Improves handling and traction in all terrains
- Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear 5100 Shocks Set for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 4WD
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Overview
A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling Height Adjustments
- 60mm piston, "best in class"
- Price-to-Shock ratio through the roof, 2.6" shock & spring less expensive than 2" coilovers
- Massive off-road ride upgrade, improved road handling and comfort
- Long lasting, durable, serviceable
Cons
- Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
- Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
Icon 0.75-2.5" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Improved handling on and off-road
- Built for moderate to high speed
- Rebuildable and serviceable
- Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
- Requires servicing for optimum performance
- Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilovers & Shocks w/ DSC Reservoirs Set for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Factory Race series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5" shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
- Adjustable & Reservoir options
- Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
- Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
- Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Coilovers w/ Remote Reservoir Set for 2009-2018 Ram 1500 Gas 4WD w/0-3" lift
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- One of the highest performing shocks available for OE apps
- Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
- Compression adjustment and reservoir options
- Badass Blue color
Cons
- Lacking on features from competitors
- Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Recap of the Off-Road Socks
