Replacement shocks for RAM 2500

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Terry Sullivan

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I have a 2020 RAM 2500 (6.4L Hemi) with about 20,000 miles on it. It has the factory Bilstein shocks, leveling kit on front, and Firestone airbags on the rear. We tow our 24' travel trailer and car trailer...usually in the spring and summer. Otherwise, its our "daily driver".

I realize its a heavy duty truck, but would replacing the Bilstein shocks with something less stiff help the unloaded (i.e. not towing) ride? I don't want to sacrifice safety for a smoother ride, but I don't think we need off road shocks.

Any recommendations?
 

Scottly

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Stiffer shocks is what you want...it will dampen the spring action, which is actually what is causing your rough ride. Sounds counter-intutitive, but...trust me. Go buy some Fox shocks. You won't regret it
 
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Terry Sullivan

Terry Sullivan

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Thanks for the ideas! I've never thought of going stiffer...definitely counter-intuitive!
 

aaronedmonton

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I run about 62 front and 65 rear.
I’m at about 60 all around and it’s still pretty stiff. Not as bad as 70+ though.

Getting some nice all terrains and running them at 40/35psi would definitely help the ride unloaded.
 

dieselscout80

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According to the Bilstein website the 5100s are only for trucks that are lifted 2” to 2.5”.

Are the 4600 good for stock height trucks?
 

06 Dodge

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According to the Bilstein website the 5100s are only for trucks that are lifted 2” to 2.5”.

Are the 4600 good for stock height trucks?
Bilstein 5100 can be put on trucks that are not lifted, you just need to order the correct shock for non lifted trucks, I know first hand about the 5100 as I put a set on my non lifted 06...
 

Gondul

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This is the response from Shock Surplus when they recommended the 5100s for my stock truck
============================
So the 5100 will fit. We have compared them to 4600 with are OE replacements and this is what we get:

Bilstein 4600 Front
2 x 24-302074 - Extended Length: 21.45" - Collapsed Length 14.65"
Bilstein 5100 Front
2 x 24-268639 - Extended Length: 22.63" - Collapsed Length 15.03"

The compressed side is a little north of 0.25" and the extended is about a 1.25" difference. Your compressed side is what matters the most and the difference is marginally different which should be perfectly fine.
 

JW2 Innovations

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This is the response from Shock Surplus when they recommended the 5100s for my stock truck
============================
So the 5100 will fit. We have compared them to 4600 with are OE replacements and this is what we get:

Bilstein 4600 Front
2 x 24-302074 - Extended Length: 21.45" - Collapsed Length 14.65"
Bilstein 5100 Front
2 x 24-268639 - Extended Length: 22.63" - Collapsed Length 15.03"

The compressed side is a little north of 0.25" and the extended is about a 1.25" difference. Your compressed side is what matters the most and the difference is marginally different which should be perfectly fine.
Have you been running the 5100`s up front that you list here with no lift/level? Good so far? I`m at 83k on new to me 6.7 truck and wanted to try the 5100's is why I ask. Really not wanting a level kit as I only tow an ~6k boat to the lake and see no need for it. I have factory air in rear and see Bilstein has that covered. Anyone's experience/feedback appreciated here.
 

mtofell

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Shocks are unlikely to get the result you're after. HD trucks ride rough, unfortunately. Airing down the tires is probably the bang for the buck.
 

Dinky

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Switch out your front springs and sway bar. You won't compromise your towing but it will improve a lot of your ride quality. Thuren or carli would be worth looking into.
 

Lee Pedrick

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I have a 2020 RAM 2500 (6.4L Hemi) with about 20,000 miles on it. It has the factory Bilstein shocks, leveling kit on front, and Firestone airbags on the rear. We tow our 24' travel trailer and car trailer...usually in the spring and summer. Otherwise, its our "daily driver".

I realize its a heavy duty truck, but would replacing the Bilstein shocks with something less stiff help the unloaded (i.e. not towing) ride? I don't want to sacrifice safety for a smoother ride, but I don't think we need off road shocks.

Any recommendations?
My problem on my truck is the rear shocks don't dampen right away. They "rapid bounce" for a few seconds. Can that be fixed?
 
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