Shock Replacement/Upgrade?

[Riding Deacon]

Any thoughts/suggestions on replacing the OEM shocks to a new 2025 Longhorn Limited? No problems, no issues after 8500 (s)miles.....I just know that OEM shocks that vehicle manufacturers install in new vehicles are the "bottom of the barrel", unless you're buying high end european vehicles. And if anyone has done any upgrades in this regard, curious as to what brand of shock you suggest and level of effort. The Longhord does have air suspension, which gives the truck a great ride. Personally, and coming off a 2500 Cummins, I like a little bit more of a "firmer" ride. Thanks in advance!

 

[OCD Solutions]

I replaced my OEM's around 122K miles but I should have done them sooner. I upgraded to Bilstein B6 4600's and am quite happy.
The only two options I found that fit the air suspension (Front anyways), were both OEM.
Either Hitachi, like your truck came with, or the Bilstein 4600's that they put in the Rebels with the air suspension.

Hitachi (Mopar) 68277313AC (Front)
Hitachi (Mopar) 68262591AC (Rear)

Bilstein (Mopar) 68323489AD (Front)
Bilstein (B6 4600 Series) BSN-24-228848 (Rear)

You have more options in the rear as those are a conventional shock but the fronts insert into the airbag assembly, are very specific, and are currently only made for and available through Mopar.

More info in this thread, including how to disassemble the airbag and swap them.

Thread 'Replacement shock absorbers on a 4-corner air-suspension Ram.'

Mar 6, 2024

At 80,000 miles I am contemplating shock absorber replacement. it appears that Bilstein does not offer a stock replacement.
My application is 2-wheel drive , all highway, no off-road. So my requirements are: Ride quality, handling, longevity.
Should I go Mopar or is there something better?

• E.Hands
• Replies: 93
• Forum: Suspension

 

[Riding Deacon]

I replaced my OEM's around 122K miles but I should have done them sooner. I upgraded to Bilstein B6 4600's and am quite happy.
The only two options I found that fit the air suspension (Front anyways), were both OEM.
Either Hitachi, like your truck came with, or the Bilstein 4600's that they put in the Rebels with the air suspension.

Hitachi (Mopar) 68277313AC (Front)
Hitachi (Mopar) 68262591AC (Rear)

Bilstein (Mopar) 68323489AD (Front)
Bilstein (B6 4600 Series) BSN-24-228848 (Rear)

You have more options in the rear as those are a conventional shock but the fronts insert into the airbag assembly, are very specific, and are currently only made for and available through Mopar.

More info in this thread, including how to disassemble the airbag and swap them.

Thread 'Replacement shock absorbers on a 4-corner air-suspension Ram.'

Mar 6, 2024

At 80,000 miles I am contemplating shock absorber replacement. it appears that Bilstein does not offer a stock replacement.
My application is 2-wheel drive , all highway, no off-road. So my requirements are: Ride quality, handling, longevity.
Should I go Mopar or is there something better?

• E.Hands
• Replies: 93
• Forum: Suspension

Hi OCD! Awesome...this is exactly what I was looking for. I didn't know the details of the front end shocks.....so I think I'll just start with a pair of Bilstein's for the rear and see if that gives me the upgrades I'm looking for. I don't do a lot of heavy towing or put heavy loads in my truck.....but I really prefer the ride of a 3/4 ton truck...without all of the other heavy duty aspects of what comes with the 3/4 ton truck. Thanks again for the details!!

 

[OCD Solutions]

I should note that the Billstein part number I referenced for the rear, (and installed on my truck), is not the same part # as OEM for trucks with air suspension. It fits and it works but I cannot say what the difference(s) could be, other than the OEM part being 3 times the cost.
There's been some speculation that the air suspension shock is valved differently to balance itself internally for different ride heights but nothing has ever been confirmed. I've got over 10k miles on mine now and haven't noticed any issues, loaded or unloaded.