The time has finally arrived. You managed to outlast the shocks on your truck.
Now you want a good replacement, a replacement that is not only better than the stock ones but has a higher mileage so you won’t have to worry about getting new shocks for a quite a while.
You have arrived at the right place!
This list containing the best shocks for Ram 2500 Diesel is guaranteed to be your last stop before you finalize your decision and buy the shocks you deserve.
Covering all price ranges, from easy to install ones, to excellent off-roading ones, I have you covered. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- 1 10 Top Rated Ram 2500 Diesel Replacement Shocks Comparisons
- 1.1 1. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock
- 1.2 2. Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks
- 1.3 3. Bilstein 4600 Shock Absorbers
- 1.4 4. Monroe 34777 Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber
- 1.5 5. Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
- 1.6 6. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks
- 1.7 7. KYB Gas-A-Just Gas Shocks
- 1.8 8. Skyjacker N8091 Shock Absorber
- 1.9 9. Maxorber Set Of Struts And Shocks
- 1.10 10. Procomp ES9000 Shock Absorber
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Conclusion
10 Top Rated Ram 2500 Diesel Replacement Shocks Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
BEST BUDGET  | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 7.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 7.4 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 7.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock
Leading the pack are the superb and excellent shocks by the world renowned shocks by Bilstein.
For those who don’t know, Bilstein is a suspension system manufacturer and a very good one for that matter.
Their shocks are built for almost all vehicles, including trucks, SUVs and cars.
The Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock has taken first place in many of my lists due to their superior all-rounder performance.
They implement a monotube design which has better and quicker dampening capability than twin tube shocks or any other design available on the market.
The design also enables extra smooth rides which cannot be matched by the pre-installed ones.
Bilstein also uses their patented digressive valving which can only be found in their shocks. How this works is that the piston, instead of being straight, is shaped in a concave manner.
This reduces friction to a great extent, which in turn allows for more rapid adjustment to changing road conditions.
So, you can go for a joyride on the highway or get adventurous with light off-roading, you will get unmatched performance and comfort that will make you forget the stock ones.
Aftermarket shocks are plagued with heating issues. That is not the case with the Bilstein ones.
They have been designed to dissipate heat as efficiently as possible, so they can be used for prolonged durations without them failing on you.
- Digressive valving
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Fast adjustment
- Heating issues in some units
The 5100s provide a decent performance boost over the stock shocks. They can be used in all terrain conditions, given that they are not too aggressively used.
They are also covered with a limited lifetime warranty so you can buy them with peace of mind.
2. Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks
It was tough deciding which shock deserved first and second place while researching this list.
Both of them are inexpensive and have excellent performance features. Where one lacks behind, the other covers it.
I had to choose one above the other, but overall, both the Bilstein and Rancho shocks hold the same position in my eyes.
The RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks coming in at a very close second, is developed by Rancho, another brand that excels in making award worthy shocks at competitive prices.
They are built with off-roading in mind. They can handle any type of terrain like its nothing. How this is possible is due to the adjustable damping system present in these shocks.
What this system does is it can be adjusted for different dampening levels, giving to options for getting hard or smooth rides, or something in between, whatever your preference may be.
These shocks, unlike the monotube design in the Bilstein ones, use a twin tube design which allows for a higher capacity for storing oil. This helps in reducing the shock fade greatly.
More oil also means there is a greater surface area for heat dissipation which helps in keeping low temperatures while under intense usage.
The main setting apart factor for these shocks, which no other manufacturer offers is a 90-day or 3 month risk free trial which can be claimed for a full refund, if you are not satisfied with their performance.
In the more likely scenario where you keep these shocks, they are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Adjustable design
- Risk free trial
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Perfect for off-roading
- Small and difficult to use adjustment knob
The Rancho shocks provide you with an unparalleled off-roading experience alongside adjustable dampening levels which can be tried for 90 days, so you can test them and return them if they don’t meet your requirements.
3. Bilstein 4600 Shock Absorbers
Coming in at third place is another pair of beastly shocks by Bilstein.
Like I said before, their shocks are exceptional when it comes to providing you with top of the line performance and stability. The same is the case with the 4600 Shock Absorbers.
These shocks have been manufactured for people who only like to drive their Ram on clean and bump free roads such as in cities and towns.
There is no better alternative to these shocks in this regard. The 5100s can handle light off-roading and focus more providing a relatively vibration free and less jolty ride.
These shocks aim to provide you with unparalleled comfort which is not possible with stock shocks that are built to just get the job done.
They provide you with more control and handling power which you didn’t know you needed.
These shocks, too, use the manufacturer’s patented digressive valving which allows for fast dampening ability.
Although cities don’t have such roads where rapid changing is needed, it is still good to have it. The valving also allows for longer contact with the ground, that increases the handling.
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Better control
- Very comfortable
- Expensive
The 4600s have decent performance, and if you use your truck in the cities only and want comfort and control, then these shocks are perfect for you.
4. Monroe 34777 Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber
Looking for decent performance shocks but don’t want to spend a fortune?
Then the Monroe 34777 Gas-Magnum Shock Absorber should be your go to option. These shocks have been designed for trucks and SUVs in mind.
They are guaranteed to provide you a better and smoother drive experience than stock shocks which have subpar features and performance.
What helps in reducing the price of these shocks is the use of a twin tube design, which is inferior to monotube, but has its own perks and advantages.
It also has a reserve tube which makes it capable of storing more fluid than normal shocks.
The piston used has a nitro carburized construction which boosts the durability greatly and helps in reducing the reaction time of the shocks due to lesser friction.
These shocks are fairly easy to install and are much more reliable than the stock ones which wear out quite quickly.
According to Monroe’s website, these shocks are designed and manufactured in Africa, according to their road conditions.
So, there is no doubt they will provide excellent performance in places with less rough roads. Monroe used the bigger size to their advantage.
The larger surface area and bigger capacity for holding oil allows for rapid heat dissipation, making them useful for longer durations of usage.
- Affordable price tag
- Easy to install
- Good heat dissipation
- Prone to rusting
- 3-year warranty
Overall, these shocks provide great performance at a fraction of the price and have decent features.
They only lack behind in their warranty duration and the outer coating which rusts very quickly.
Other than that, these shocks are the best affordable option for your Ram available on the market.
5. Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
The Fox 2.0 is the successor to the original Fox shock that was known throughout the world for its excellent features and performance.
The second version revised on all aspects of those shocks to give you a better performing variant that exceeds the stock shocks in comfort and control by more than double.
Implementing the superior monotube design, the Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks is able to provide excellent dampening capabilities in all terrain conditions, ranging from rough to plain.
The manufacturer also has used an aluminium build which is incredibly useful for fast heat dissipation.
The aluminium helps the shocks to operate at a relatively lower temperature as compared to others on this list.
Just like the name suggests, the Fox 2.0 shocks have some performance oriented features which you cannot find in any other shocks.
They use Fox’s own Internal Floating Piston (IFP) separates the oil from the high pressured nitrogen gas.
This completely eliminates the chance of aeration which is one major reason for shock fade. The piston has also been developed with racers in mind.
Application specific valving allows the shocks to handle all types of road conditions. So, if you race in the mud or on proper roads, you are guaranteed to get superior performance.
- Quick adaptation
- Aluminium build
- Monotube design
- One year warranty
- Very expensive
If you are willing to spend a lot on shocks and don’t want to compromise on anything, then there is nothing better on the market than these ones.
They provide unmatched off-roading capability alongside a smooth and steady drive.
6. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks
Coming in at sixth place, the Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks, the successors to the famous RS5000 shocks, improve in all regards of the old ones by providing better control and handling which is far greater than that of the stock ones.
Implementing a twin tube design, these shocks also use Rancho’s Dynamic Rebound Spring (DRS) technology in which there is a spring inside the shocks that helps in achieving better control and handling.
This also helps the shocks to absorb all vibrations and bumps at even low speeds. This is a differentiating factor of these shocks as compared to the stock ones.
The fluid used is an all-weather fluid that reduces resistance and friction which allows for quicker response to varying road conditions.
This makes the shocks usable in all terrains where the conditions change rapidly.
Just like the 9000XLs, these shocks also come with a 90-day risk free trial in which the shocks can be refunded fully if they do not reach the buyer’s expectations.
And, if you choose to keep them, then they are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
- DRS technology
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive
- Cannot handle rough usage
If you like light off-roading and mostly keep you Ram 2500 Diesel on the road, then these shocks will be perfect for you.
They provide excellent performance and features which cannot be found in other shocks.
7. KYB Gas-A-Just Gas Shocks
Another inexpensive shock using a monotube design makes it into this list.
These KYB Gas-A-Just Gas Shocks aim to provide better control and a quicker steering response than the stock shocks and according to the manufacturer’s website they do succeed in that by a huge margin.
KYB, themselves is a Japanese manufacturer that is rated by some people to be the best suspension system brand out there.
They are so famous that in Japan 1/4th of all vehicles manufactured have their shocks preinstalled, thanks to the superior quality of construction.
These shocks are built according to OEM specifications, making them the easiest to install. They have the exact dimensions so you don’t have to buy new nut bolts to fix them in place.
They also come with all the mounting materials required to replace them from the comfort of your home.
KYB’s website states that these shocks have up to 25% more control and an improved stopping distance as compared to the stock, pre-installed ones.
This is possible due to the monotube design which allows for a faster response to varying road conditions.
The monotube design separates the oil and the gas in order to reduce the effects of shock fade.
Conventional shocks are prone to leaking which leads to shock failure. But thanks to the triple chrome plated piston, these KYB shocks reduce the chance of leaking by a huge margin.
The seal also filters the oil to keep contaminants out, which may interfere with the working of the shock.
- Better stability
- Improved handling
- Smaller stopping distance
- Easy to install
- No boots for installation
Overall, these KYB shocks have an OEM fit and allow for better handling, control and stability, including a monotube design for a relatively inexpensive price tag.
They even come with a limited lifetime warranty which makes it especially convenient if you want assurance there won’t be any problems.
8. Skyjacker N8091 Shock Absorber
Coming in at eighth place are the N80911 Shock Absorbers by Skyjacker.
The brand itself is not very much popular, mainly due to poor marketing. But they do make some beastly shocks. These ones are an example of that.
Utilising a twin tube design, these shocks have a greater oil storing capacity which allows for smooth rides.
The design also enables quick and rapid adjustment to changing road conditions, so you can get the most out of your vehicle wherever you go.
The main setting apart feature of these shocks is that they have multi stage velocity sensitive valving which adjusts accordingly on rough terrains.
This helps the driver by giving him extra control and handling. It also increases the contact time of the tire with the ground which allows for better stability.
The build of these shocks is extremely durable. They also have an anti-corrosion finishing which prevents rust and gives the shocks a greater life span.
Rust can expose the internals of the shock which may lead to unintended consequences. So, it is always better to be sure of what you are buying.
- Better control
- Affordable
- Anti-corrosion finishing
- Less reviews
On paper these shocks perform quite well. They have great build quality and are able to handle any terrain easily.
What makes them a risky buy is that there are little to no reviews online to back up their claims.
9. Maxorber Set Of Struts And Shocks
I know there are some of you who would like to revamp their whole suspension system. That is why, coming in at ninth place is the Maxorber Set Of Struts And Shocks.
It is always recommended by most experts to replace all shocks and struts at the same time to get a more even and better performance and handling from all tires.
At a relatively inexpensive price tag, these shocks come with nitrogen charged design which is stored at a very high pressure.
This high pressure allows the vehicle to have its handling improved by a great margin.
The gas is separated by a chrome plated piston that ensures that there is no leakage of any sort. The chrome plating also helps in reducing the resistance and friction greatly.
The Maxober full set shock struts absorbers have been built for the roughest conditions.
And to make sure they stay intact and do not come in contact with rust, Maxorber has painted the exterior of the shocks in another layer of paint so it can stay corrosion free.
- Nitrogen charged
- Corrosion free
- Inexpensive
- Little noisy
For the price you cannot find better shocks than these ones. They do have a little bit of noise but that is still very faint.
They provide great performance and handling which is far better than the stock shocks.
10. Procomp ES9000 Shock Absorber
Finally coming in the last place is the ES9000 Shock Absorber by Procomp.
These shocks also use a twin-tube design, which means it has a larger oil storage capacity and has better heat dissipation than most shocks designs.
These shocks are nitrogen charged, which helps them achieve better dampening capability and better contact with the ground.
So, they can be used in any environment, no matter how rough it is.
Another impressive feature of these shocks is that they use 10 stage velocity sensitive valves, allowing for appropriate adjustment according to varying road conditions.
The shocks also have a nylon banded piston, which allows a proper seal between the nitrogen gas and the oil. This reduces the chance of aeration greatly and extends their lifespan.
- Velocity-sensitive valving
- Twin-tube design
- Excellent heat dissipation
- None
These shocks by Procomp have excellent performance, and the main reason for them earning the tenth place is because they are not very popular, so due to lack of reviews, the performance cannot be verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Do Ram 2500 Shocks Last?
On the Ram 2500, the stock shocks last around 60000 miles. This number can vary with usage. Light usage may get an extra 5000 miles.
After the stated range, you may start noticing poor performance in terms of braking distance and smoothness of the vehicle.
On the other hand, all the above stated aftermarket shocks will last you around 100000 miles easily, unless you receive a unit with a manufacturing defect.
The same cannot be said for shocks by other manufacturers. The quality varies greatly, so it is always recommended to buy shocks from reputable manufacturers.
Q2. Are There Shocks Or Struts In A Ram 2500?
Latest Ram 2500 models coming with front struts only. There are rear shocks, but there are no front ones.
Not only is this a less efficient way of getting better control and handling, but is also very expensive when it comes to getting replacements.
If the struts fail on you, they have to be changed immediately, because they are a core part of the suspension system without which a vehicle cannot be function and driven.
Q3. Are Shocks On The Ram 2500 Easy To Install?
Normally aftermarket shocks have different mounting materials included with their packaging which aid in the installation process.
The materials may change from manufacturer to manufacturer. These materials are used for changing the shocks without calling any mechanic, which may be expensive.
Unless you are using very special shocks, they are relatively easy to install. Replacing all four shocks takes a maximum of two hours.
OEM shocks have the easiest installation due to them being of stock dimensions.
Conclusion
Finally, I hope my article may have helped you in choosing a good shock for you.
My whole research clarified one important thing, that Bilstein shocks are far superior to any other shocks from any manufacturer out there.
So, naturally, I would recommend the 5100 Monotube Gas Shock from Bilstein.
Using a monotube design and excellent all-rounder performance, there are no better shocks out there that can provide the same level of control and handling.
The final decision lies upon you. The above buying guide for the best shocks for Ram 2500 Diesel will also help in confirming which shocks are suitable for you.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
