Choosing Shocks for your 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 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 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2013-2018 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 Excel-G OEM Shocks Set for 2013-2022 Ram 3500 4WD
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Overview
The Excel-G shock is KYB's direct factory replacement shock (for most applications) to restore factory-like handling characteristics. KYB is an OEM supplier, and produces aftermarket parts with as much precision as factory parts, ensuring exact fit and restoration.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Budget level factory replacement shocks
  • Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
  • Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
  • Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2013-2018 Ram 3500 4WD
Buy Now
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
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2013-2022 Ram 3500 4WD RWD 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
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2013-2022 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

2 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
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein B8 5112 Leveling Kit + Rear 5100 Shocks for 2013-2022 Ram 3500 4WD w/2" lift Diesel
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Overview
The 5112 shocks and springs combo kit will not only level the front of your heavy duty vehicle, but also drastically improve road manners and handling. The 5100 series shocks are also known for incredibly long life, as well as moderate offroad handling and comfort improvements.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Shocks and Springs are perfectly matched
  • Easy leveling kit and improved handling
  • Improved road manners and off-road capability
Cons
  • More expensive than traditional leveling spacer kits
Bilstein B8 5162 Leveling Kit + Rear 5160 Reservoir Shocks for 2013-2022 Ram 3500 4WD w/2" lift Diesel
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Overview
The 5162 shocks and springs kit is the answer for a daily driven heavy duty truck that also sees some offroad action. The new spring & shock combo are perfectly tuned together for improved road manners and handling, along with significantly improved offroad capabilities with the reservoir shock features.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Shocks and Springs are perfectly matched
  • Proper lift/leveling solution
  • Improved road comfort
  • Heavily improved off-road capability
Cons
  • More expensive than traditional leveling spacer kits
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2013-2022 Ram 3500 4WD
Buy Now
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

2 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 2.5 Factory Series Shocks w/ DSC Reservoir Set for 2013-2022 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