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Dodge Ram 2500 is one of those heavy-duty vehicles that are designed to drive through all sorts of terrains. But certain extra measures with such vehicles are extremely important in maintaining their high-end performance and incredible smooth rides. One of these measures is the installation of new shocks once the old ones have worn out.
In case you are looking for new shocks for your dodge Ram 2500 diesel, this article can guide you to exactly what you need.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Shocks For Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel
- OUR TOP PICK: Bilstein B8 5100 Shocks
- RUNNER-UP: Bilstein B6 4600 Shocks/Struts
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks
Comparison Chart of the Best Shocks For Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel
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Our Top Pick  |
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Best Budget Option  |
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When Is It Time to Replace Shocks?
It is very important that you replace the shocks on your vehicle at the right time in order to experience the best of its performance. For some users, it may not be as easy to tell when the performance of their shocks is declining. If that’s the case for you, then do not worry. Here are a few signs to know when it’s time for you to replace the shocks on your vehicle.
Obvious Damage
If you notice any obvious signs of physical damage on your shocks, then it is certainly time to change them. It is recommended to check on them after every few rides and make sure that they have not been damaged.
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Change in Steering Performance
One of the most obvious signs of a worn-out shock is a change in the steering performance. You will realize that the steering response of your vehicle has gotten a lot stiffer than it used to be. And the steering response may deteriorate with time as well. If you notice these signs, it is advised that you give your shocks an examination.
Swaying of Vehicle
Shocks are meant to keep your car ride as smooth as possible. If you’ve had shocks installed for a while, and have recently been noticing that the vehicle sways when you change lanes, then it is a sign that your shocks are not functioning as efficiently as they used to and need a replacement.
How to Choose High-Quality Shocks
Not all of us have had the experience of picking out shocks multiple times. For some users, it may be something new. For such users, it is recommended to keep some important features in mind. With keen consideration of these features, you can never go wrong with shocks for your vehicle.
Durability
Durability is the first and foremost feature anyone should look at. Vehicles like the Dodge Ram 2500 are designed to take rides through very harsh terrains. This requires all their parts and accessories to be of high quality that can last through the rough conditions. For this reason, it is important to invest in a product that is highly durable and can bear the forces from the environment.
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Type of Shock
Before you invest in shocks for your vehicle, it is important that you know what type of shocks you want to invest in. There are two main types, and both of these have very unique functionality. Thus, it is important to know what you want for your vehicle.
Budget
Even if it the last thing that you consider while buying shocks for your vehicle, it is still one of the most important factors to consider. Looking at items that are outside your budget only results in wasting of time and overspending. In order to avoid that, it is important to look at items that fit into your budget.
Review of the Best Shocks for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel
Now that you know when to change the shocks on your Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, and know what to look for while buying new ones, there is only one thing left to do. And that is to finally pick the right unit for yourself. In order to help you get started, here are some of the best shocks listed and reviewed.
Best Overall:
Bilstein B8 5100 Shocks
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A great number of users admit that they had been concerned about the stiffness of these shocks when they initially used it. But they absolutely loved the functionality that they provided once they had broken in. Users admit that the shocks were worth the time and money that they invested in it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Gathering the required set of hardware can really be tricky. Making sure that you've got the right set of washer and bolts is not the easiest job. But this product takes away that problem by simply providing you all that you need to install it. And that is one of the reasons this product has made it to this list.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit comes with all the hardware you need and an installation process that is easy and quick. Its functionality is on par with all high-end products but doesn’t cost as much. This product is basically an all-rounder, providing the ideal features, making it perfect for everyone.
Bottom Line
No matter what priorities you set for your shocks, this unit will meet them. It is a product that is designed to excel in every aspect, making it perfect for new users as well as experienced individuals as well. Given the fact that it has everything you need, this unit deserves the top place on the list.
Runner-up:
Bilstein B6 4600 Shocks
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users that have invested in this product have greatly been impressed by how well it performs. They have not only been satisfied with the smooth rides that it allows but have also greatly remarked on the item's high durability that has allowed it to function through very harsh conditions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When we look at the features that this product provides, there is nothing that a user wouldn’t love, but what makes it stand out from the rest is the lifetime warranty that it offers. Such a long span of warranty goes to show that manufacturers are confident about the high-end production of this product.
Who Will Use This Most
These front-end shocks are designed to provide the best functionality at the front wheels of your vehicle. While they can be used with the rear end as well, their ideal functionality is seen on the front. And if a pair of shocks for your front wheel is what you want, then these are the ones for you.
Bottom Line
This product may be the second on the list, but it's the runner up only by a very small margin. The functionality and outstanding performance that it provides is second to absolutely none. It is designed to impress, and it will not fail to do so through a great number of miles.
Best for the Money:
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have been greatly impressed by the number of features that this product provides in the low price point that it comes in. They have never been as satisfied with a cheaper product as they have been with this set of shocks. For them, it delivered everything that it promised and much more.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The low price point that this unit offers may be the greatest incentive for most users. But for us, there is a different feature that makes it stand apart from the rest, and that is the rancho 90-day free ride guarantee. This free ride guarantee allows users to ensure their own satisfaction before they actually pay for the product.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for users who have a strained budget. Not everyone can afford to spend a great deal on shocks for their vehicle. But if you want the best functionality that can fit into a budget easily, then this product may be just the one for you.
Bottom Line
Good things don’t necessarily come at a greater cost. And this product is a perfect example of that. It provides you with the ideal functionality without weighing too heavy on your pocket. So now you can get shocks within your budget without having to compromise on the quality.
Best 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Shocks:
Maxorber Full Set Shocks Absorber 344365
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you are looking for a product that has been highly recommended by those that have already used it themselves, then this one just might be for you. Almost everyone that has used this pair of shocks has been amazed by the impressively smooth ride it provides and the easy installation that it requires.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While all the other features that this product provides are great, there is one that simply outshines the others. The nitrogen gas charged design of this product puts it a step ahead of the rest. It allows better stopping, steering, and stability of your vehicle, greatly enhancing your riding experience.
Who Will Use This Most
A great number of shocks that perform well come with the problem of squeaking sounds. While the problem may not be as obvious, it is ever-present and may be disturbing at times. If you are looking for a unit that is absolutely free of this problem, then this unit may be the best pick for you.
Bottom Line
Finding a pair of shocks that are well compatible with a great number of vehicles is not that easy. But this product is not like the others. Given its outstanding design, it provides the perfect functionality with a wide range of vehicles, making it the product of choice for a greater number of people.
Best 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Shocks:
Maxorber Full Shock Set 344400
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The best products are those that are reviewed positively by their users, and this is definitely one of those. Those that have invested in this product and tried it for themselves agree that the product was absolutely worth the heavy price tag that it came with. Its efficient functioning did not disappoint them at all
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the great features that this product provides, the one that really stood out to us was its thoughtful manufacturing. This shock was engineered with a special hydraulic fluid. What makes it special is the fact that it can provide the same efficiency in every weather without impairing the functionality of the unit.
Who Will Use This Most
While most shocks work to simply reduce the impact on bumpy roads, this unit has a lot more to offer. It is perfect for users that are looking for greatly enhanced rides in the rough terrains. With the wheel alignment and easy steering that it provides, this unit is perfect for the use.
Bottom Line
Even though it is the last product on the list, it is one of the best ones you can find in the market. Everything about this unit, from its smart engineering to its high-quality construction, impresses the users. It is a product that has simply failed to disappoint and will continue to do so with its high-end functionality.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
We may have looked at all the important features to keep in mind while investing in a product, but there are still a few more aspects that one needs to consider. These may not help you choose the right product, but are highly essential in terms of customer satisfaction.
Know the Types
As discussed above, you need to pick a type of shock to use for your vehicle. This process of choosing should not be random but knowledgeable. Before you go ahead and invest in a unit, make sure you know well enough about both the types of shocks and weigh which one suits your vehicle better.
Compatibility
Investing in the best product is not enough. You need to invest in a product that works in favor of your vehicle. You can spend as much as you want on a pair of shocks. But unless the unit provides ideal compatibility with your vehicle, you will never be able to get the best out of your product.
Maxorber Full Set Shocks Absorber 344365
How to Replace Front Shocks on Dodge Ram 2500 4x4
Just investing in a new pair of shocks is not all you need to do. Making sure that you have installed them correctly is very important. Since it’s a little tricky, users might have some trouble with it the first few times. Here is a quick guide on how to replace your front shocks.
Before you start the installation process, you need to make sure that you have all the required tools. You would need sockets, an Allen wrench, a hammer, a ratcheting wrench, and a standard 15mm wrench. And most importantly, you will need a pair of shocks.
Use a socket to remove the top nut on the shock. Further, remove the nuts on top of the shock tower with an appropriately sized socket. The final third nut is then removed with a standard wrench.
Using a hammer, loosen the metal washer present on the shaft. This needs to be done only on the driver’s side. Once the washer is loosened, remove the washer along with the rubber bushing.
Remove the tower of the shock and put it in place. The right placement would be next to the fuel filter housing. Once in place, release the bottom nut using a socket.
Pull out the shock and position it between the battery of the unit and the master cylinder of the brakes. While doing so, make sure that the shock does not come in contact with the positive clamp of the battery.
Repeat the steps on the passenger side. While doing these steps, make sure that you take off the stock air filter top. This allows better access for the nuts.
Put the sleeve on the bottom bushing and then place the washer on top. With the washer back in place, you are ready to put your new shocks in use.
Conclusion
The smooth rides that you dream of will no longer be a dream with these shocks for your Dodge Ram 2500 diesel. All you need to do is invest in the right product that suits all your needs and change the unit at the right time. And just like that, you will be sure to never experience a bumpy ride again.
People Also Ask
In order to keep the high performance that you need from your vehicle, you need a good understanding of your unit. In order to clear your queries, here are some of the most frequently asked questions that other users have asked.
How Long Do Shocks Last?
On average, you can expect the shock on your vehicle to last about 5 years. The time span can vary depending upon the use. If the vehicle is not used in rough terrains, then these units can last as long as 10 years in good condition.
How Much Do Shocks Cost?
If you think that changing struts is expensive, then you can rest assured that replacing your shocks will cost you less. If you want to repair a pair of shocks, the average amount that one needs to spend ranges from $250-$600, depending upon the type and quality of the unit.
What is the Difference Between Shocks and Struts
Users often use the term shocks and struts interchangeably. While they do absorb shock and provide similar functionality, the two are quite different from each other. The main difference between the two is that a strut is a structural component of your vehicle’s suspension apparatus, while shocks are somewhat of an accessory.
What Do Shocks Do?
The shocks on your vehicle are designed to work in a way that enhances your car ride, making it smoother than ever. They do so by simply absorbing the jolt created by the bumps on the road. The components of the shock absorb the impact, leaving you to enjoy a smooth ride.
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