7 Best Shocks For Dodge 3500 Diesel to Buy in 2024

If you’re into driving Dodge trucks, then you’re either into driving it off-road or putting a lot of weight into it. Regardless, trucks require a high-level of suspension to withstand rough use and maintain a high level of durability under any circumstance.

Like most of the other pickups by Dodge, the Dodge 3500 is a perfect truck for heavy-duty use and activities that require raw power while maintaining the aesthetics of a daunting bull. To withstand all the weight, it is meant to carry and drive on rough terrain; you will need to ensure that you buy the best shocks for dodge 3500 Diesel available in the current market.

And we’ll help you with that with our reviews. Let’s get started.

7 Best Shocks for Dodge 3500 Diesel Reviews

Here are reviews of 7 of the best shock absorbers available currently for your 3500 Diesel pickup truck. Go through the details of each product, the benefits and drawbacks of using them to find out which item will suit your needs the best.

1. Bilstein 5100 Set of Monotube Gas Shock Absorbers

If you’re looking to buy a bunch of shock absorbers to fully replace the ones you currently have on your Dodge 3500 Diesel or as spare parts in times of emergency, then this Monotube set by Bilstein is perfect for your needs. Each purchase will come with four shocks for the four wheels of your pickup truck, making it a product of great value.

For your pickup truck to thrive in adverse environments and adjust quickly in various terrains, you will need your tires to be attached to shocks that have an adequate rear lift to ensure easy adaptation without any problems. This product comes with a rear lift range of 0-1 inch and 0-2.5 inch, respectively, ensuring that your Dodge 3500 Diesel can operate in any terrain effortlessly.

One of the most significant factors that can harm a shock absorber easily and might require them to be replaced is the possibility of overheating, which comes from prolonged usage or excessive pressure. To combat this issue, Bilstein integrated a gas shock system, ensuring that the gas flows smoothly through the monotubes and prevents overheating.

Although this product comes with a plethora of benefits, which makes it a nifty thing to have around, it also comes with its fair share of problems. Among them, the most concerning one is the inconsistency in components, which mainly increases the chances of finding disproportional front and rear lifts.

2. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set 2003-2010

A huge problem that arises from using shock absorbers happens to the necessity to change them often due to having a low quality build and overheating. On the bright side, you will never have to worry about frequent replacements when using the Monotube Gas Shock Set 2003-2010 as they have a gas-charged build for a more remarkable sturdiness and longevity.

Whenever you’re driving your Dodge 3500 Diesel, there is a chance that you will find yourself driving on broken roads, going off-road, or into uncomfortable terrain. Thankfully, you won’t feel the slightest discomfort when using this product because the 0-2.5” lift ensures that the suspension retains most of the rocky terrain’s shock.

Buying and installing shocks for your pick-up truck can be an arduous task because it involves many components, and you will need to have all them because they are equally important. Thankfully, each purchase of this comes with all the units and parts necessary for installation, making it a convenient item to have.

Even though this is an excellent set of shocks to have around as it is convenient and an overall dependable product, it does have a few flaws that you may want to look into before buying it. These shock absorbers tend to be a little bit softer compared to their competitors; therefore, purchase it only if you’re comfortable with this minor drawback.

3. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set

Are you looking for a set of shock absorbers that will significantly lift your Dodge 3500 Diesel so that you can drive it in hilly regions and on muddy terrains without damaging it or getting mud all over its body? With a maximum front and rear lift of 3 inches and 2 inches, respectively, the RS5000X Shocks Set by Rancho will be the perfect choice for you, that too at an affordable price!

One of the most noteworthy features of this shocks set to be its gas pressure of 150 PSI. This unique perk allows the unit to minimize its air to oil mixture, which helps alleviate any bumps or shocks that you may experience when driving your pickup truck with this component attached to it while also causing foaming.

A factor most truck drivers seem to puzzle over when buying shocks for their trucks happen to be the weather compatibility of the product as most products are only suitable for certain weathers and can withstand a small temperature range. Thankfully, the vast body of Rancho’s shocks set can thrive in a massive temperature range of -40 – 248 degrees Fahrenheit, making it compatible with almost all weather conditions.

Before buying your Dodge 3500 Diesel, you need to be aware that the performance of the product is on par with its low price. To further explain, this unit gives a relatively sloppy performance compared to other premium brands like Bilstein and is not nearly as efficient as those products either.

4. Bilstein 4600 Series Shock Absorbers

Another product by Bilstein is proving itself to be one of the best brands for getting shock absorbers for your Dodge 3500 Diesel. Once you fit the 4600 Series Shock Absorbers, you will never have to worry about your truck slipping off or losing grip in muddy or rocky terrain due to its gas pressure technology, which is quite effective in maintaining stability on off-road conditions.

Installing shock absorbers is a very complicated task that can take up quite a bit of your time or cost you a lot of cash if you plan on getting it fitted through a mechanic. This product completely removes this obstacle by introducing a bolt-on system, making it convenient in the installation without requiring any modification whatsoever.

One of the most remarkable features of these shocks is its unique body and the materials that go into making it, which makes it superior to most of its competitors. Sporting premium vulcanized rubber bushings provide a higher level of longevity and have a good shelf life, ensuring that it can easily take the harshest of shocks.

Although this product is very convenient to own will provide you with a comfort level, most other items won’t, it does come with its own problems. This item doesn’t have enough lift range as its other competitors; therefore, it is in no way suitable for off-road conditions in any circumstances.

5. Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Set

When looking to buy best quick struts, most truck enthusiasts tend to forget about Fox Racing’s products. However, this is no brand to ignore as its 2.0 Performance Series boasts a stellar IFP design, which significantly modifies the shock-dampening system to work on just about any terrain.

Each purchase of this unit comes with two sets of front and rear shocks that make it ideal for bulk purchases while also ensuring efficiency in all aspects. The front lift systems have a maximum height of 2” while the rear lift systems have a maximum height of 1” makes it an excellent option for off-road conditions.

One of the unique qualities of this shock absorber set by Fox Racing is its Internal Floating Piston (IFP) technology, which processes shocks through a superior monotube design. This design substantially removes issues relevant to aeration and improved valving, which considerably elevates the shock absorption capacity of the product.

The most significant flaw of using the Performance 2.0 Series is its high probability of oil leaks. These units tend to leak oil profusely, which nearly ruins its effectivity over time; this drawback is what will cause you to frequently change your shock absorbers now and then and make driving the Dodge 3500 Diesel very bothersome.

6. Rancho RS9000XL Adj Shocks Set

If you’re someone who’s planning to buy a set of shock absorbers for everyday use with Dodge 3500 Diesel, then the RS9000XL is the perfect choice for you. Another excellent product by Rancho, its 9-position tuning technology, lets you adjust your truck’s handling and efficiency with ease, making it a nifty unit to have.

The first thing that will attract you to this shock set is its build material, which differentiates it from its rivals in case of sturdiness and quality. With aluminum as its primary manufacturing material and a tube build having a 2.75-inch diameter, you can drive your truck over a pothole, and it still won’t damage the vehicle.

Another reason why this product is considered one of the best options in the market stems from its Fluon banded piston, which is filled with granite. The use of this unique piston makes it more effective for absorbing shocks and increases its overall efficiency.

Among the various flaws that are present in this shock set, the most prominent issues stem from its lack of user-friendliness. With a lack of a user manual, this product is very difficult to install, and you may have to spend a couple of hours before you can smoothly install it into your Dodge 3500 Diesel.

7. Bilstein 24-186063 Front Shock

If your truck recently sustained damage on its front shocks and you want to buy a replacement for them without having to spend unnecessarily on an entire shock set, then this item will be the perfect item for you. Each purchase of these units comes with a front shock absorber and all its necessary components for easy installation at an affordable price.

This product also features a digressive design while also sporting an aluminum body with a monotube shape. These features significantly increase the product’s overall durability, enabling it to hold tons of weight without breaking off while also maintaining easy adaptability on both highways and rough terrain.

Another noteworthy feature of this product is the comfort it can provide to you in terms of stability when driving your Dodge 3500 Diesel. It has a very high level of sensitivity, which will help you easily turn and manage your truck in adverse regions easily while also providing additional layers of protection to your vehicle.

One of the issues you will have to prepare yourself for when buying this unit is the relatively less priority Bilstein has put into making this product. Unlike most of its competitors, this unit provides comparatively fewer comfort levels, which can significantly lead to back pains and bumpy rides whenever you choose to bring out your 3500 Diesel.

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Things to Consider Before Buying Shocks For Dodge 3500 Diesel

Purchasing a shock absorber can be very complicated just like getting the best headers for 5.7 hemi ram because most of the products look very similar, and almost all of them have nearly generic features. However, keep an out for the following factors, and you will find the shocks that will pair up with your Dodge 3500 Diesel the best!

Choosing the Right Type

Before you can even think about buying a shock, you need to know more about the various kinds of shock in the market and how they can benefit your Dodge 3500 Diesel the most.

The most familiar type of shock that the average truck driver is familiar with happens to be the off-road shock. Made to thrive in adverse conditions and help you drive in tricky situations effectively, these shocks lift the truck to a maximum of 2 inches while also providing support on off-road paths.

Another popular type of shock is commuting shock. Although this model is comparatively less sturdy, it can handle your daily travels easily and cools down automatically, giving it a longer lifespan.

Finally, the last noteworthy shock type is the towing shock, which is perfect for managing heavy weights. Having the ability for stellar weight distribution and a 2.5 inches lifting height, these shocks can have your Dodge 3500 Diesel can tow vehicles ranging from a bike to an RV.

Manufacturing Quality and Sturdiness

Finding a shock with the right build material is pivotal for experiencing comfortable drives on the harshest of terrains. For starters, ensure that you get a metallic shock as they are sturdier than all other options and have great longevity as well. We have discussed the importance of materials at great length on our best oil separator f150 ecoboost guide. 

Among the metallic options, the sub-classes include steel and aluminum, which are both excellent choices. Although both provide incredible sturdiness levels, their main difference lies in installation and price, with aluminum shocks being more expensive and easy to install.

Lifting Height

Lifting height is pivotal as it helps determine how efficient the shock will be when it comes to protecting your Dodge 3500 Diesel while also adding to your comfort level. Therefore, finding a shock with ample lifting height is significant.

Selecting the lifting height of a shock absorber depends on which purpose you will be using your truck for. If you plan on driving the truck on a typical highway for regular use, then shocks with a 1-inch lift height will work well for you, while those with a 2 inches’ height will have a universal efficiency.

Set-Up Procedure

It’s important to find a shock that is easy to install for your Dodge 3500 Diesel. The last thing you would want to do is spend long hours trying to install a simple shock-absorber into your pickup truck.

Always go for a set of shocks that comes with nuts, bushings, and other components. Having an owner’s manual will make the entire process easier, and the set-up process can be completed within a matter of minutes.

Inner Workings

It’s important that you have a good idea about the characteristics the shocks have as they can determine their efficiency. Knowing which factors are best for you, like valving range, the shock absorption mechanism, and customization options, greatly increase the chances of finding a good shock absorber.

FAQs About Shocks For Dodge 3500 Diesel

1. What is the function of a shock on a Dodge 3500 Diesel?

Ans: Shock absorbers are known to contain and alleviate the bumps and vibrations it intakes from the road. It ensures that you have a smooth ride regardless of how bumpy the road may be.

2. How are Bilstein’s shocks superior to its competitors?

Ans: Bilstein is superior to other brands in making shocks because they combine some of the best qualities you can look for in such products. They also have attractive designs and a durable body that sets them apart from all other brands.

3. How are the shock absorbers by Rancho?

Ans: Rancho shock absorbers are one of the most premium items you will find of its kind. Products of this brand are an absolute delight to use as they ensure safe navigation while also thriving on off-road terrain with ease.

4. How will shock absorbers elevate the experience of driving the Dodge 3500 Diesel?

Ans: Your driving experience will greatly get elevated if you use shock absorbers, as it will improve its overall handling. Furthermore, it will also ensure that your Dodge 3500 Diesel doesn’t break down in the street or get damaged.

5. What is the lifespan of a shock absorber?

Ans: The longevity of a shock absorber depends on which model you are using. Ideally, the products can last for 3-5 years.

However, if you keep the shocks in pristine quality, it can last for as long as 10 years too.

6. What are the indicators that signal a replacement in shocks is necessary?

Ans: Ideally, if you see the quality dropping or an increase in sounds while driving, your Dodge 3500 Diesel is the main indicator that your shocks require a replacement. Other than these factors, excessive dives and unnecessary lines are other symptoms as well.

7. What is the ideal timeframe for replacing shock absorbers?

Ans: The replacement requirement for shock indicators is signaled by how many miles it has been running for. Do not keep a shock absorber for any longer than 50,000 miles if you want to avoid unfortunate circumstances.

8. Is it better to replace all 4 shock absorbers simultaneously?

Ans: Yes, it is crucial that you change all of the shocks in your Dodge 3500 Diesel simultaneously. This practice will not only help you maintain the balance and handling of your truck but will also keep track of the shock absorbers lifespan.

9. What are the consequences of not replacing shocks?

Ans: Prolonging the replacement of shocks will result in the component to start failing often and losing its balance more. It can cause a lot of chances for accidents, and we recommend not to hold off replacing shock absorbers longer than necessary.

Conclusion

There you have it, a comprehensive review followed by an informative buying guide to give you an exact idea of how you can acquire the best shocks for dodge 3500 diesel for yourself! Take your truck out to the roughest of terrains now; you will never have to return home with a sore back ever again!

Also, if you want to find the best cam for 302 ford truck, we have a detailed guide on that as well.