Choosing Shocks for your Ram 2500

We made this guide specifically for the Ram 2500, 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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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs. Bilstein leans in to more handling, and some comfort improvements - depending on what you're working with (blown shocks, heavy loads, etc). KYB is factory spec if you dont want any fuss and to restore how it felt off the lot.
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2014-2018 Ram 2500 4WD w/0" lift
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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
$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
  • Long lasting, very durable
  • Reduces nose dive and body roll
  • Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Higher tier shock, higher price
  • Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Shocks Set for 2014-2023 Ram 2500 4WD w/0-2.75" lift
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Overview
Eibach's Pro-Truck shocks are the monotube upgrade trucks need to stabilize any slop the driver may be feeling, without sacrificing daily comfort. Forgiving on the trail, while also handling heavier loads, the Eibach Pro Truck setup is one of Shock Surplus' most recommended setup for drivers that do it all.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Well balanced between comfort and improved handling over stock shocks.
  • Reduced sway and rear end axle hop over small and big bumps
  • Extreme durability and longevity through German design and US Manufacturing
Cons
  • Limited heat capacity for sustained offroad use
  • Some drivers report low-speed impacts and bumps can feel sharper than expected (not Shock Surplus' experience)
Special Notes
The Eibach Pro Truck shocks have become one of Shock Surplus' most recommended shocks for drivers who want a stock upgrade that maintains street comfort, but adds a bit more handling capability offroad and slow trail use.
Skyjacker Black MAX Hydro Shocks Set for 2014-2022 Ram 2500 4WD
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Overview
Combining a softer daily driver comfort with easy and moderate offroad use, the Black Max shocks are a good factory-upgrade. The foam cell technology allows for good off-road control in the easy stuff, while giving smooth handling behavior on the pavement.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Softer ride comfort
  • Still gives decent off-road handling
  • Budget friendly
Cons
  • Shock life not as good as a monotube design
  • Will not withstand consistent hard hits or high speed off-road
Special Notes
Blog - Skyjacker Black Max Overview
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Fox 2.5 Performance Series HTO Shocks Set for 2014-2025 Ram 2500 HD
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Overview
Fox's 2.5 HTO shocks is exactly what the heavy duty and super duty truck needs - big bore support while maintaining daily driven comfort. The increased size of the 2.5in shock gives much needed handling ability for truck duties, while also being capable of hitting the dirt on the weekends without issue.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Big Bore 2.5-inch upgrade provides significantly more support for heavier trucks
  • Increased heat capacity to sustain handling longer during jaunts in rough terrain
  • Rebuild-able and tune-able for extremely long life
    • Aluminum body to shed heat and to resist corrosion in tough environments
Cons
  • Durability of these shocks can vary greatly, Fox recommends servicing ~50k road miles
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2014-2026 Ram 2500 4WD
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
  • Great off-road capable shock upgrade
  • Durable, long lasting
  • Improved handling on & off-road
  • Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2014-2024 Ram 2500 4WD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Control for soft or firm compression damping
  • Thick bodied, large oil volume
  • Excellent adjustable shock for the price
  • 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
  • Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Recap of the Hauling / Towing Shocks
Fox
2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set
2014-2026 Ram 2500 4WD
In Stock
$919.80
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5160 w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2014-2026 Ram 2500 4WD
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Overview
The reservoir upgrade on the 5160 shock allows a more go-fast attitude offroad, providing more travel and heat dissipation, and less operating pressures for off-road longevity. These shocks are for off-road enthusiasts who see a lot of dirt, and need all the capability possible in a compact inexpensive package.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Inexpensive reservoir shock upgrade
  • Allows higher speed offroad travel with control
  • Increased travel vs 5100 counterpart
Cons
  • 90 day warranty
  • Not rebuildable unless sent back to Bilstein
Icon 2.5" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 2014-2022 Ram 2500 4WD
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Improved handling on and off-road
  • Built for moderate to high speed
  • Rebuildable and serviceable
  • Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
  • Requires servicing for optimum performance
  • Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Shocks Set for 2014-2026 Ram 2500 4WD
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Factory Race series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5" shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
  • Adjustable & Reservoir options
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Piggyback Shocks Set
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price
$$$$
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
Special Notes
King Shocks out of the box comfort and performance is tried and true. Kings deliver an improvement to daily driven comfort, rocky trail chatter, and overall support on the Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles.
Recap of the Off-Road Socks
King Shocks
2.5 Performance Piggyback Shocks Set
2014-2022 Ram 2500 4WD
Custom Build 07
From $2,145.10