There is no single shock that fits every RAM 1500, and the wrong one will not even bolt on. The 4th generation struts sold for 2009-2018 trucks are physically too short for a 2019+ truck, because the spring seat on the newer strut sits much higher up the body. Pick the wrong generation and you will be returning a part you cannot use.
That is why this roundup breaks the best bilstein 5100 shocks for ram 1500 listings down by the only three things that matter: the model years covered, whether it is a front strut or a rear shock, and how much ride height adjustment the valving supports. Every entry below is a real fitment-specific listing, not a generic part number.
One warning before we start. The B8 5100 is a monotube gas shock with a spring perch that slides between snap-ring grooves. That perch is what gives you level or lift. It is not a coilover, it does not raise the truck by itself, and it does not replace worn springs or worn upper control arm bushings. Owners across the Ram forums are split on whether the ride quality is a dramatic upgrade or simply firmer, and the honest answer is that it depends heavily on how worn your factory dampers are.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Bilstein 5100 Shocks For Ram 1500 (October 2026)
- All 8 Bilstein 5100 Options at a Glance
- What the B8 5100 Actually Does, in Plain English?
- 1. Bilstein 5100 Front Pair for 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD (TrendsAuto 24-317887)
- TrendsAuto Bilstein Pair of 5100 Series Front Ride Height Adjustable Monotube Shocks fits 2011 2018 Ram 1500 4WD without Air Suspension | Provides 0-2.8″ Front Lift | Includes TrendsAuto Decal
- This pair is right for you if you drive a 4WD 2011-2018 RAM 1500 without air suspension
- This pair is wrong for you if you need Bilstein warranty service or have an air-suspended truck
- 2. Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair for 2009-2016 Ram 1500 4WD (24-187374)
- 3. Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock for 2009-2017 Ram 1500 (24-274999)
- 4. Bilstein 5100 Front Pair for 1994-2001 Ram 1500/2500/3500 4WD (24 185776/DCL)
- Pair of 5100 Front Monotube Shocks fits 1994 2001 Ram 1500 2500 3500 4WD with 0-2.5″ Front Lift | Improves Ride Quality, Handling and Comfort
- This front pair is right for you if your RAM is a first generation 4WD from 1994 to 2001
- This front pair is wrong for you if you want the Bilstein-branded warranty path
- 5. Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock for 1994-2001 Ram 1500, 5-6 Inch Lifts (24-066464)
- Bilstein 24-066464 Single Front B8 5100 Suspension Shock Absorber Fits 1994 2001 1500 2500 3500 4WD Standard Crew Extended cab crew With 5-6″ Front Lift – Fade Free Performance
- This single shock is right for you if you are running a 5 or 6 inch lift kit on a 1994-2001 RAM
- This single shock is wrong for you if your truck is at factory ride height
- 6. Bilstein 5100 Set of Four for 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD (24-317887 + 24-187374)
- 7. Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock for 2019+ Ram 1500 (24-233354)
- 8. Bilstein 5100 Front Shock for 2019-2024 Ram 1500 4WD/RWD (24-300872)
- Bilstein 24-300872 Single 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Front Monotube Shock fits 2019 2024 Ram 1500 4WD RWD – Provides 0-2.6″ Front Lift
- This front shock is right for you if you want to level a 2019-2024 truck instead of buying a lift kit
- This front shock is wrong for you if you have the factory off-road package and want maximum lift
- Front-Only or Full Set of Four? The Question Every Owner Asks
- Bilstein 4600 vs 5100 vs 5160 vs 2.5-Inch HD: Which Tier Do You Need?
- How to Install Bilstein 5100 Shocks on a RAM 1500?
- Buying Guide: How to Match a 5100 to Your RAM 1500?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Bilstein 5100 Shocks For Ram 1500 (October 2026)
The three below cover the most common builds in the lineup. The first is the front pair most 4th generation owners end up buying, the second is the best-reviewed rear set in the group, and the third is the single front shock with the most measured fitment data published.
5100 Front Pair 2011-2018 4WD
- 0-2.8 inch front lift
- 0-2.8 inch spring seat adjustment
- 46mm monotube gas pressure
5100 Rear Pair 09-16 4WD
- 0-1 inch rear lift
- Valved and tuned for Ram 1500 4WD
- 26.04 cm extended length
5100 Front Shock 09-17 46mm
- 46mm monotube front shock
- Fits 2009-2010 and 2011-2017
- Documented stroke lengths
All 8 Bilstein 5100 Options at a Glance
Every listing in the table below is vehicle-specific. Match the year range, the position, and the drive type before you read anything else.
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 5100 Front Pair 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair 09-16 Ram 1500 4WD |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock 09-17 Ram 1500 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bilstein 5100 Front Pair 1994-2001 Ram 1500 4WD |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock 94-01 Ram 5-6 inch lift |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bilstein 5100 Set of Four 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock 2019+ Ram 1500 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bilstein 5100 Front Shock 2019-2024 Ram 1500 |
|
Check Latest Price |
What the B8 5100 Actually Does, in Plain English?
The 5100 gives you ride height adjustment by moving the spring, not by adding parts. Instead of a fixed factory perch, the front struts and rear shocks have a seat that locks into one of several snap-ring grooves machined into the body. Slide the perch up and the coil spring sits higher, raising that corner.
On a 4th generation RAM 1500 front strut, that travel is typically 0-2.8 inches. On the rear, it is usually 0-1 inch, because the rear is a conventional shock working against a leaf spring rather than a coilover-style strut. The stated range is what the perch can physically travel, not lift you get automatically. If your springs are worn or your upper control arm bushings are gone, the perch has less to work with.
The second thing to understand is the valving. Bilstein’s patented digressive piston opens a different flow path as suspension speed increases, which is why the ride feels more controlled in a corner and busier over broken pavement. Owners in a RamForum 5100 thread described exactly this tradeoff: a sportier feel through corners, a busier ride on rough surfaces.
Gas pressure matters too. These are monotube units charged with nitrogen, which is why the manufacturer claims fade-free performance. A worn factory shock loses damping as it heats up on a long tow; a monotube holds its calibration. That is the quiet reason the 5100 makes sense even on a truck you never lift.
Zero lift is the position where the spring seat sits at its lowest groove and everything behaves like a factory ride. There is no rubbing at that setting, which a photo-heavy install walkthrough on RamForumZ confirmed for a 2011 RAM 1500.
1. Bilstein 5100 Front Pair for 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD (TrendsAuto 24-317887)
TrendsAuto Bilstein Pair of 5100 Series Front Ride Height Adjustable Monotube Shocks fits 2011 2018 Ram 1500 4WD without Air Suspension | Provides 0-2.8″ Front Lift | Includes TrendsAuto Decal
★★★★★★★★★★Front pair
0-2.8 inch front lift
2011-2018 4WD no air suspension
Hardware included
- Largest review base in this group at 103 ratings
- Snap-ring spring seat positions for adjustable ride height
- Patented digressive valving
- Direct bolt-on with mounting hardware included
- Sold under the TrendsAuto label rather than Bilstein branding
- Fitment limited to 4WD trucks without air suspension
- Listing bullets describe the range as 0-2 inch while the title says 0-2.8 inch
This is the pair that comes up most often when 4th generation owners ask what to buy for the front end. It covers 2011-2018 RAM 1500 4WD trucks without air suspension, and the snap-ring grooves allow adjustment from stock height up to 2.8 inches at the front.
Owners on this listing consistently point to three things: the install is straightforward, the ride firms up noticeably over a tired factory setup, and the added height removes the need for a separate leveling kit. The rating distribution backs that up, with 81 percent five-star and 8 percent four-star, leaving a 7 percent one-star pocket.
The important caveat is the brand on the box. This is a TrendsAuto-branded kit built to the 5100 pattern using manufacturer part number 24-317887, not a unit sold through Bilstein’s own channel. Buyers who want the OEM Bilstein warranty path should look at entry six, which carries the same 24-317887 part number under Bilstein branding.
One more thing to flag honestly. The product bullets on this listing describe the adjustable range as 0-2 inches while the headline claims 0-2.8 inches. Measure your own spring perch position before you commit to the taller setting.
This pair is right for you if you drive a 4WD 2011-2018 RAM 1500 without air suspension
It suits daily-driven trucks on pavement and gravel that need the nose brought up to level with the rear. The 0-2 inch range is plenty to kill rake without pushing tire clearance.
It also suits owners replacing shocks on a truck whose factory dampers are tired. This is where the monotube gas pressure pays off, because the difference is felt most on a truck that has been bouncing over potholes.
This pair is wrong for you if you need Bilstein warranty service or have an air-suspended truck
Third-party branding means the warranty and core handling go through that seller rather than Bilstein directly. Read the listing terms before ordering.
It also does not cover RWD trucks, 2009-2010 model years, or any 2019+ RAM. If any of those apply, skip to entry three or entry eight.
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2. Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair for 2009-2016 Ram 1500 4WD (24-187374)
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Rear Pair for 09-16 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
★★★★★★★★★★Rear pair
0-1 inch rear lift
09-16 Ram 1500 4WD
26.04 cm extended
- Highest average rating here at 4.8 across 91 ratings
- 92 percent five-star reviews
- Monotube design for fade-free performance
- Valved and tuned for 0-1 inch rear lift
- Extended length of 26.04 cm is published
- Rear position only
- Front pair must be sourced separately
- Adjustment capped at 1 inch of rear lift
This rear set has the highest average rating of any listing in the roundup, at 4.8 across 91 ratings. 92 percent are five-star and only 2 percent are one-star, which is unusual for a suspension part.
The technical details are specific where many listings are vague. Published extended length is 26.04 centimeters, each shock weighs 3.2 pounds, and the construction is zinc-finished steel. That level of published measurement is what makes fitment verification easy before the box arrives.
Reviewers describe the monotube design smoothing out a bouncing rear end and improving body control without turning the ride harsh. That matches the general owner consensus that the rear of the truck is where the 5100 change is most welcome.
One pattern shows up repeatedly: buyers wish they had replaced the fronts at the same time. The rear-only constraint is the single most common regret in the reviews.
This rear pair is right for you if your rear end is bouncing or the shocks are worn
It is the simplest way to fix a truck that floats over speed bumps and rolls in turns while leaving the front end alone. Owners running a 3 inch front and 1 inch rear combination report a firmer but controlled setup.
It is a sensible first purchase for anyone whose factory rear shocks are past their service life and whose front struts still have life in them.
This rear pair is wrong for you if your front end is already sagging
Adjusting only the rear will make an already-raked truck even more nose-high. If the front is the drooping corner, start there instead.
It is also the wrong pick for a 2017-2018 4th generation truck or any 2019+ RAM, since the year range stops at 2016. Entry seven covers the newest generation.
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3. Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock for 2009-2017 Ram 1500 (24-274999)
Bilstein 24-274999 Shock Absorber
★★★★★★★★★★Single front shock
46mm monotube
Fits 09-10 and 11-17 Ram 1500
Zinc plated
- Covers both 2009-2010 and 2011-2017 front applications
- 46mm monotube with velocity sensitive digressive piston
- Published collapsed 9.88 in and extended 14.63 in lengths
- Zinc plated for corrosion resistance
- Sold as a single shock
- two are needed per axle
- A minority of owners report a harsher ride than factory on rough surfaces
- Category listing is tagged into Sports and Outdoors rather than Automotive
Part number 24-274999 is the one to look for if you own a 2009-2010 or a 2011-2017 RAM 1500 and want the front end. It is a 46 millimeter monotube with the velocity sensitive digressive piston, and it is the only entry here that publishes both collapsed and extended lengths: 9.88 inches collapsed, 14.63 inches extended.
Those numbers matter more than they sound. When you are deciding between generations, comparing stroke length against your old strut is the fastest way to confirm a swap will work rather than guessing from a year range.
With 84 percent of ratings at five stars, the reviews are broadly positive. Most owners fitted it alongside a suspension lift and reported better ride and handling than on factory dampers. One dissenting two-star review felt the ride was rougher than factory, which is the expected reaction to digressive valving on broken pavement.
The physics here is worth stating plainly. A monotube shock controls the spring. It does not change the spring rate. If your coil springs are collapsed, these shocks will firm up the damping without restoring the ride height you lost.
This single shock is right for you if you can verify the year range before ordering
It is ideal for replacing one worn corner or building a pair over time. The published lengths make it a confident buy for DIY installers who measure first.
It is also the sensible choice if the other front shock is newer and you want matched valving without buying a full set you do not need yet.
This single shock is wrong for you if you want a pair in one order
It ships as one shock, so you need two for a full front axle. Budget for a second order and a matching installation day.
It is also the wrong pick if your truck is a 2018 or newer 4th generation, or any 2019+ RAM, since the application ends at 2017.
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4. Bilstein 5100 Front Pair for 1994-2001 Ram 1500/2500/3500 4WD (24 185776/DCL)
Pair of 5100 Front Monotube Shocks fits 1994 2001 Ram 1500 2500 3500 4WD with 0-2.5″ Front Lift | Improves Ride Quality, Handling and Comfort
★★★★★★★★★★Front pair
0-2.5 inch front lift
1994-2001 Ram 4WD
OE springs reused
- Adjustable perch reaches 0-2.5 inch without coil spacers
- Covers 1500
- 2500 and 3500 4WD from 1994-2001
- Reuses OE springs and factory mounting hardware
- Hardware included for a bolt-on fit
- Sold under the TrendsAuto label rather than Bilstein branding
- About 6 percent of ratings are two star
- Does not cover 2002-2008 trucks
First generation RAM owners have fewer 5100 options, and this front pair is one of them. Manufacturer part number 24 185776/DCL covers 1994-2001 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 4WD trucks with up to 2.5 inches of front adjustment.
The perk here is that it works with the springs and mounting hardware already on the truck. The perch is what moves, so there is no coil spacer stack to buy, and no spring swap is required to get the extra height.
Reviewers credit the perch for making the front level and describe a noticeably smoother, more controlled ride than the factory dampers they replaced. Ratings split 74 percent five-star and 18 percent four-star, which is a solid spread for a budget-tier suspension part.
This front pair is right for you if your RAM is a first generation 4WD from 1994 to 2001
It is a good match for a body-on-frame truck that has been worked hard and whose factory dampers have lost their gas pressure. Monotube construction pays off on a heavy truck that tows or carries payload.
It suits owners who want leveling from the existing coil springs rather than from added spacer hardware that increases sprung weight.
This front pair is wrong for you if you want the Bilstein-branded warranty path
Like entry one, this is a third-party-branded kit built to the 5100 pattern. Warranty and core handling follow the seller, not Bilstein.
It also does nothing for the rear, and it does not apply to 2002-2008 RAM trucks, which are a different generation with different mounts.
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5. Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock for 1994-2001 Ram 1500, 5-6 Inch Lifts (24-066464)
Bilstein 24-066464 Single Front B8 5100 Suspension Shock Absorber Fits 1994 2001 1500 2500 3500 4WD Standard Crew Extended cab crew With 5-6″ Front Lift – Fade Free Performance
★★★★★★★★★★Single front shock
5-6 inch lift applications
94-01 Ram 1500/2500/3500
4.6 lb
- Rated for the 5-6 inch lifts common on first gen trucks
- 46mm monotube gas pressure design
- Tightens up a swaying overloaded truck
- Direct fit for standard
- crew and extended cab
- Highest one-star share here at 15 percent
- One report of a leak within 500 miles on a diesel
- Single shock
- two needed per axle
- Self-install means compressing the spring
Part number 24-066464 is the one to look at if your first generation RAM already carries a 5 or 6 inch lift kit. It is rated for exactly those applications rather than for leveling a factory-height truck.
Owners running common aftermarket lift kits report that this shock is the correct length to make the assembly work, and several describe a big improvement in planted feel once installed. The 46 millimeter monotube gas design is the reason it holds up on a truck that is well above factory height.
This is also the most polarizing entry in the roundup. Fifteen percent of ratings are one-star, which is the highest share of any listing here. The complaints split across an early leak report on a diesel, a fitment complaint, and difficulty of installation.
The honest read is that 71 percent five-star with 15 percent one-star means a good part with a few unhappy outcomes. If you already have a lift, verify the collapsed length against your kit before ordering.
This single shock is right for you if you are running a 5 or 6 inch lift kit on a 1994-2001 RAM
It is a taller, more specialized shock meant to control a lot of extension travel. On a truck at that height, control matters far more than ride refinement.
It suits owners replacing shocks that have already been extended by a previous lift kit and need the right length again.
This single shock is wrong for you if your truck is at factory ride height
This is not a leveling shock. At factory height it will be far too long for the application and is not the right part for the job.
It is also the wrong pick if you want a straightforward install. Reviews call out the labor involved in compressing the strut spring, so budget real time or a shop visit.
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6. Bilstein 5100 Set of Four for 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD (24-317887 + 24-187374)
Bilstein 24-317887 24-187374 Set of 5100 Front & Rear Monotube Shocks fits 2011 2018 Ram 1500 4WD w/ 0-1″ Rear Lift – Provides 0-2.8″ Front Lift
★★★★★★★★★★Set of four
0-2.8 inch front and 0-1 inch rear
2011-2018 Ram 4WD
Hardware included
- Covers all four corners in one purchase
- Front 24-317887 plus rear 24-187374
- All washers
- bushings and nuts included
- Factory mounting bolts reused
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Lowest average in the group at 4.1 across 28 ratings
- Front strut work needs a spring compressor and about three hours
- Rear top shock nut has very tight working clearance
This is the one-stop kit for a 2011-2018 RAM 1500 4WD. You get the adjustable front pair and the rear pair together, part numbers 24-317887 and 24-187374, which removes any guesswork about matching valving front to rear.
Owners report that the truck levels cleanly with the front perch set to the middle snap-ring position, and several multi-year owners call it the best value in the range. The included washers, bushings, and nuts mean you are not hunting for hardware mid-install.
The 4.1 average needs context. The single one-star review explicitly states the shocks themselves are worthy of five stars and that the complaint is about the seller, not the parts. Seller service issues on a mismatched drivetrain kit drove that rating down, not the hardware.
Two practical notes came out of owner installs. The rear top shock nut has very limited working clearance, so owners report cutting down a 21 millimeter wrench to get the leverage. The rear pair also goes in considerably faster than the front struts.
This set of four is right for you if you want matched damping on every corner
It is the cleanest way to do a full-corner upgrade in one order, and it is the recommendation most owners give when asked whether to replace the rear along with the front.
It suits a truck that has already been leveled once and needs a matched set to replace shocks of different ages and brands.
This set of four is wrong for you if you only need the front end lifted
Buying four when you need two is the most common overspend in this category. If the rear of your truck rides fine, entry one does the same job for the leveling.
It is also the wrong pick for a 2009-2010 truck, a 2019+ RAM, or an air-suspended model, none of which this kit covers.
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7. Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock for 2019+ Ram 1500 (24-233354)
Bilstein 5100 Series 2019+ Dodge Ram 1500 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber- Rear (24-233354)
★★★★★★★★★★Rear shock
46mm monotube
2019+ Ram 1500
2 lb each
Zinc plated
- Covers the 2019 and newer generation
- Covers the 2019+ generation where older struts do not fit
- OEM certified mounting hardware included
- Vulcanized neoprene rubber bushings
- Zinc plated steel
- Rear position only
- Listed as universal fit so verify the exact application
- Thinnest review volume here at 26 ratings
Part number 24-233354 is the 5100 rear shock for the newest RAM 1500 generation. If you own a 2019 or newer truck, the 4th generation rear shocks are not a substitute, and this is the part designed for the newer mounts.
The build is conventional and well described: a 46 millimeter monotube with patented digressive valving, zinc plated steel, and vulcanized neoprene rubber bushings. At 2 pounds each, it is the lightest shock in this roundup, which makes rear installation the least labor-intensive job on the truck.
Buyers highlight build quality, the OE-style hardware, and straightforward installation. Ratings run 83 percent five-star with 5 percent one-star, but the sample is only 26 ratings, so treat that as encouraging rather than conclusive.
One caution. This listing is marked as universal fit rather than vehicle-specific, so confirm the application against your model year before ordering. That ambiguity is a fair reason to read the fitment notes carefully.
This rear shock is right for you if you own a 2019 or newer RAM 1500
It is the rear answer for the fifth generation, where the older 4th generation parts physically will not work. The OEM-style mounting hardware simplifies a job that is otherwise fiddly at the top of the shock.
It suits owners replacing a tired rear end on a newer truck who want gas pressure damping without a lift kit.
This rear shock is wrong for you if your truck is a 2009-2018 model
This part is built for the 2019+ generation only. On a 4th generation truck you want the rear shock in entry two or entry six.
It is also the wrong pick if you need front lift, since it does nothing for the rake at the front.
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8. Bilstein 5100 Front Shock for 2019-2024 Ram 1500 4WD/RWD (24-300872)
Bilstein 24-300872 Single 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Front Monotube Shock fits 2019 2024 Ram 1500 4WD RWD – Provides 0-2.6″ Front Lift
★★★★★★★★★★Single front shock
0-2.6 inch front lift
2019-2024 Ram 4WD and RWD
46mm monotube
- Up to 2.6 inch front lift without the factory off-road package
- Covers both 4WD and RWD without air leveling suspension
- 46mm monotube holds consistent non-fading performance
- Owners confirm it levels a Rebel after an alignment
- Sold as a single shock and the listing does not make that clear
- Lift drops to 0-2 inch with the factory off-road package
- One owner on healthy struts felt no measurable change
Part number 24-300872 is the front answer for the 2019-2024 RAM 1500, and it is the only listing here that covers both 4WD and RWD trucks. Published extended length is 22.08 inches and each shock weighs 6.3 pounds, which tells you immediately it is a taller, heavier unit than the 4th generation equivalent.
The lift figure needs care. Without the factory off-road package, the adjustment range runs 0-2.6 inches. With the factory off-road package fitted, the range drops to 0-2 inches. The off-road package changes the answer, so check which truck you have.
Owners on Rebel trucks report roughly 2 inches of usable front lift and a properly leveled stance after a wheel alignment, which is the whole point of the part. The snap-ring grooves mean you can start lower if the extra height is not what you want.
Two honest caveats. This is one shock, and several buyers report the listing does not make that clear before ordering. And one owner who fitted it to a truck with healthy 41,000 mile factory strubs saw no measurable change in ride or handling, which is a fair warning that the value case is strongest when the factory dampers are worn.
This front shock is right for you if you want to level a 2019-2024 truck instead of buying a lift kit
It is the cheapest path to a level stance on the newest generation, using the springs and hardware already on the truck. A wheel alignment afterward is worth budgeting for.
It also suits owners replacing shocks on a truck whose factory struts are tired, where monotube gas pressure gives the clearest return.
This front shock is wrong for you if you have the factory off-road package and want maximum lift
With that package fitted, the adjustment range shrinks to 0-2 inches. If you need more height than that, you need a different part, not a different perch position.
It is also the wrong pick for a 2009-2018 truck, where the strut geometry is entirely different and the older part numbers apply.
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Front-Only or Full Set of Four? The Question Every Owner Asks
Front-only is the right answer for most people, and the reasoning is mechanical rather than a matter of taste. The 5100’s job at the front is to raise a drooping corner and reduce rake. If your rear shocks are healthy and your truck sits level at the back, changing the rear adds cost and stiffness without fixing anything.
The counter-argument comes up for a specific reason. In a RamForum 5100 thread, one owner removed his rear 5100s and reinstalled the factory rears because he found them too stiff, and reported the set still collecting dust in the corner of the garage. That is a real result, not a hypothetical, and it explains why some people are wary of the rear.
Here is the reconciliation. Digressive valving is firm on small body motions and busy on sharp surface changes. A truck that tows regularly, carries heavy payload, or spends time on gravel tends to feel that firmness at the rear as harsh. A truck that drives paved roads most of the time and never loads the bed will not notice it.
So match the setup to the use. Street-driven daily driver with a healthy rear: front only. Towing, payload, gravel, or a truck that has already had the rears replaced once: all four, because matching damping front to rear avoids a truck that is soft in front and stiff in back.
A DodgeTalk thread on front-only installations exists precisely because the front-only route is common enough to have its own discussion. The owners there treat it as a settled choice rather than a compromise.
One more variable belongs in this decision, and it is not the shocks. Owners in the forum research repeatedly credit tires and tire pressure as being at least as important as the shock choice. A truck on a worn or underinflated tire will not feel level no matter which perch position you select.
Bilstein 4600 vs 5100 vs 5160 vs 2.5-Inch HD: Which Tier Do You Need?
The 5100 is the middle of the Bilstein truck range, and that positioning is exactly why it is the most common answer to which Bilstein shock is considered best for a street-driven RAM 1500. The 4600 is a fixed-height gas shock with no perch, the 5160 adds off-road-oriented valving and remote reservoir accessories, and the 2.5 inch HD gives the most lift with the most travel.
Pick the 4600 if you only want damping improvement and want the truck to sit exactly where it sits today. It is the simplest part and it is not adjustable, which several owners note as a limitation when towing and then unloading.
Pick the 5100 if you want to level or modestly lift and drive mostly on pavement. It is the tier that solves the factory rake, which is the problem most RAM 1500 owners actually have.
Pick the 5160 if you run trails, rock crawling, or sustained low-speed off-road. The 5100 is not a serious off-road shock, and owners planning that use say up front they plan to move up the range later.
Pick the 2.5 inch HD if you want maximum lift from the Bilstein line and run the largest tires. It is the least economical of the four by a wide margin.
Against non-Bilstein options, the 5100 competes most directly with preload spacers and Rancho Quicklift assemblies. A preload spacer reaches the same height by adding force at the top of the spring, which stiffens the initial response of the ride. A 5100 reaches the same height by repositioning the spring seat, which is why owners on the 5thGenRams forum considered the perch approach the more refined of the two.
Rancho Quicklift assemblies are worth a look if you tow heavy. One tow-heavy owner in the forum research prefers them specifically because he can stiffen the truck while towing and soften it afterward, something a fixed-position 5100 perch cannot do in the moment.
How to Install Bilstein 5100 Shocks on a RAM 1500?
Budget three hours for the front struts on a 4WD truck, plus tools you may not own. The rear shocks go considerably faster. Owners who have done this job report that the two hard parts are removing the lower spring seat from the factory strut and dealing with a seized top nut.
Before you start, gather the ancillary parts. Upper control arm ball joints, sway bar end links, and sway bar bushings are the three items forum mechanics consistently replace at the same time as the shocks, because worn ones will undermine the ride improvement you just paid for.
Support the truck on jack stands and load or remove the front coil spring so the strut can be removed with the spring still installed, or disassemble the strut on the bench.
Compress the coil spring with a proper spring compressor, working in a controlled area with eye protection.
Remove the upper spring seat, or top hat, and the upper strut mount hardware. Take a photo of the assembly orientation before you go further.
Remove the lower spring seat from the factory strut. On a seized seat, a 40-year mechanic in the RamForum thread had to torch-cut the strut rod and use an air hammer to get the seat off.
Fit the 5100 perch, set it to the snap-ring position matching your intended height, and reinstall the upper spring seat.
Reassemble the strut or reinstall the complete assembly, reusing factory mounting bolts unless yours are damaged.
Repeat on the opposite side, then torque the upper mount and lower bolts to specification.
Replace the upper control arm ball joints and sway bar end links while the components are apart.
Reinstall the rear shocks, where a cut-down 21 millimeter wrench gives the leverage needed for the tight top nut clearance.
Get a wheel alignment. Front-to-rear leveling will not read correctly with the factory alignment set for the original ride height.
On the question of rubbing at stock height, the photo-heavy RamForumZ install walkthrough for a 2011 RAM 1500 confirms the 5100 will not rub when the perch is at its lowest setting. The digressive valving makes the ride busier on rough pavement, which is the tradeoff owners describe as sportier in corners.
If you plan to fit 33 inch or larger tires, set the perch position and get the alignment in the same visit. Owners consistently note that tires dominate the final ride feel, and mixing new shocks with old alignment settings will leave the truck sitting crooked.
Buying Guide: How to Match a 5100 to Your RAM 1500?
Match in this order: generation, position, drive type, then lift range. Generation is not negotiable. As a 5thGenRams thread documented, the 4th generation 5100 struts are a different length and are simply too short for a 2019+ truck, which has a different spring seat geometry.
For a 2019+ truck, the front part is 24-300872 and the rear is 24-233354. For a 2009-2010 truck, the front is 24-274999. For a 2011-2018 truck, the front is 24-317887 and the rear is 24-187374. For 1994-2001 trucks, the front options are 24 185776/DCL for leveling or 24-066464 for 5-6 inch lift applications.
Then decide front or rear or both. The front is where the lift lives, with ranges up to 2.8 inches. The rear typically moves 0-1 inch. Buy the front pair first unless the rear of your truck is already the problem.
Then check the drive type and suspension. Most front struts in this roundup are 4WD only, several explicitly exclude air-suspension models, and one covers both 4WD and RWD. Getting this wrong means a part that will not bolt on.
Finally, decide whether you want a warranty path through Bilstein or a third-party-branded kit at a lower entry point. Two listings here carry the 5100 pattern under a different brand label, which affects how warranty claims and core returns are handled.
One last honest note on expectations. Owners on a RamForum 5100 thread split on whether the ride quality counts as a real upgrade, with one 2017 owner describing them as pretty bad over bumps and another reporting no more bounce after a speed bump. The 5100’s most reliable benefit is ride height and damping control. Ride refinement depends on your factory condition, your tires, and your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Bilstein 5100 shocks the same?
No. The 5100 family covers front struts, rear shocks, and taller 2.5 inch HD units, each with different lift ranges and mounting geometry. Front struts for a 2011-2018 RAM 1500 adjust up to 2.8 inches, rear shocks typically adjust 0-1 inch, and 2.5 inch HD units give the most lift. The part numbers are not interchangeable between generations, so confirm the model year first.
Are Bilstein 5100 shocks worth the money?
Usually yes, for the leveling and damping rather than for luxury. Owners report a firmer truck that stops bouncing over potholes and speed bumps, and a level stance without a separate lift kit. The honest caveat is that several owners felt little ride change over healthy factory shocks. The value case is strongest when your factory dampers are worn and you want height adjustment.
What are the best shock absorbers for a Dodge Ram 1500?
For most street-driven RAM 1500 owners the Bilstein 5100 is the strongest all-round pick, because it adds ride height adjustment and monotube gas damping at a mid-range cost. If you do not need height, the 4600 is simpler. If you run trails, step up to the 5160. If you want maximum lift, the 2.5 inch HD is the top of the Bilstein truck range.
Which Bilstein shock absorber is considered the best?
It depends on position and use. The 5160 is the best for off-road capability, the 5100 is the best for street-driven leveling, and the 2.5 inch HD gives the most lift in the Bilstein line. Within the 5100 family itself, the front strut and rear shock are separate products with different lift ranges and cannot be swapped for one another.
Will 4th generation Bilstein 5100 struts fit a 2019+ Ram 1500?
No. Owners on a 5thGenRams thread confirmed that 4th generation 5100 struts are a different length and are too short for 2019 and newer trucks, because the fifth generation spring seat sits higher up the strut. For a 2019-2024 RAM 1500 you need the 24-300872 front shock and the 24-233354 rear shock.
Final Verdict
For most RAM 1500 owners in 2026, the best bilstein 5100 shocks for ram 1500 buys are the adjustable front pair for your generation. It corrects the factory rake, keeps your factory coil springs, and adds monotube gas damping without a full lift kit.
If you want one answer, take the 2011-2018 front pair in entry one, add the rear pair from entry two if you tow or run a loaded bed, and get a wheel alignment the same day. Check your model year against the fitment list before ordering, because the 4th generation and 5th generation struts are not interchangeable.
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