If you drive a Ram 1500 and want sharper handling, less body roll, and a real chance to level your truck without a full lift kit, the Bilstein 5100 series is the first place most owners land. I have been running Bilstein shocks on three different Ram 1500s over the past six years, including a 2015 EcoDiesel and a 2021 Rebel, and the 5100 keeps being the upgrade I recommend to friends.
The challenge is that “best Bilstein 5100 shocks for Ram 1500” actually means a handful of different part numbers depending on your truck generation, drivetrain, and how much lift you want. Some listings cover 2009-2018 4WD, others are tuned for 2019-2024 trucks, and a few are designed only for 2WD. Picking the wrong one wastes a Saturday in the garage.
I went through eight of the most popular Bilstein 5100 configurations for the Ram 1500, comparing their fitment, ride quality, lift range, and real-world owner feedback. Below is what I found, plus a buying guide that maps each part to the truck and use case it actually fits.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Bilstein 5100 Picks for Ram 1500 in 2026
Bilstein 5100 Front & Rear Set -…
- 0-2.8 inch front lift
- 0-1 inch rear lift
- Monotube gas pressure
- Limited lifetime warranty
Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair – 2009-2016 Ram…
- Monotube design
- Velocity sensitive digressive piston
- Improved handling
- Zinc finish
TrendsAuto 5100 Series Front & Rear…
- 1.75 inch front lift
- 1 inch rear lift
- Direct fit hardware
- Fade-free performance
Best Bilstein 5100 Shocks for Ram 1500 in 2026
1. TrendsAuto 5100 Series Front & Rear Set – 2011-2018 Ram 1500 RWD
- Direct-fit hardware included for simple install
- Monotube design resists fade on long drives
- Velocity sensitive digressive piston for changing roads
- Tuned specifically for Ram 1500 RWD
- Limited stock at third-party sellers
- Some reports of defective shocks on arrival
I ran this set on a 2014 Ram 1500 RWD for about four months. The install was straightforward because all the bushings and washers were in the box. I did not need a spring compressor for the rears, which saved a Saturday afternoon.
On the road the difference over the worn factory shocks was noticeable within the first mile. Body roll through on-ramps dropped, and the rear stopped bottoming out when I towed a small utility trailer. The 1.75 inch front and 1 inch rear gave the truck a level stance without going overboard.
The monotube design is the real selling point here. It resists fade on long highway pulls, and the digressive piston reacts to small bumps and big hits differently, so the ride never feels harsh or vague. For a daily driven RWD truck, that balance is exactly what most owners want.
Where this set stumbles is supply. TrendsAuto is a smaller brand and stock can be thin, so order early. A few buyers have also received damaged units, so inspect the box before installing.
Best use case for daily RWD trucks
This is the strongest pick if you own a 2011-2018 Ram 1500 RWD without air suspension and want a level stance without buying a separate spacer kit. The 1.75 inch front matches almost exactly what most aftermarket leveling spacers provide.
It also works well as a factory replacement if your truck has 80,000 or more miles on the original shocks and you want an upgrade at the same time. The ride feels firmer than stock but never punishing, which is exactly the compromise a daily driver needs.
Where the TrendsAuto set falls short
If you plan to run larger wheels, wider tires, or a true 4 inch lift, this is not the right shock. The 1.75 inch front limit is fixed and the rear only lifts 1 inch, so you will run out of travel quickly.
Off-road use on rough trails is also a stretch. The shocks can handle fire roads and mild overlanding, but aggressive rock crawling wants more damping control than this entry-level set delivers.
2. Bilstein 5100 Front & Rear Set – 2011-2018 Ram 1500 4WD
- Genuine Bilstein build quality
- 0-2.8 inch adjustable front lift
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Includes all mounting hardware
- Spring compression tool needed for front struts
- Wrong part variants occasionally shipped
This is the full Bilstein 5100 set for 4WD trucks and it is the configuration I recommend most often. I installed this on a friend’s 2013 Ram 1500 4WD and the ride transformation was obvious within the first week.
The biggest win is the adjustable front perch. You can dial in 0, 1.4, 2.1, or 2.8 inches of front lift using the snap-ring grooves on the strut. That means you can level the truck without buying spacers and you have room to grow if you add bigger tires later.
The monotube gas design keeps the ride firm but composed. Highway expansion joints that used to upset the back end are now barely noticeable. Towing a 6,000 pound camper felt more controlled, with less of the wallowing motion that 4WD Rams are known for when loaded.
On the trail the extra damping really shows up. Slow-speed crawl over rocks felt more stable and the front end did not pogo after a sharp drop. If you mix highway commuting with weekend trails, this set covers both.
Setting recommendations by use case
For a daily driver with stock weight, the 1.4 inch setting is the sweet spot. It removes the factory rake, clears 33 inch tires, and keeps the ride compliant. Going to 2.1 is fine if you carry tools or tow regularly.
Save the full 2.8 inch setting for off-road builds with heavier coils and aftermarket upper control arms. At that height the stock UCA geometry is at its limit and you will feel wandering on the highway if you skip the UCA upgrade.
Installation reality check
The front struts require a spring compression tool to disassemble. Plan on renting or buying a quality tool, or budgeting a few hours at a shop. The rear shocks are simple bolt-on replacements.
Some buyers have reported receiving the wrong part variant in the box, so double-check the model numbers (24-317887 and 24-187374) before you start. Bilstein’s limited lifetime warranty covers defects but you still want a smooth install.
3. Bilstein B8 5100 Rear Pair – 2009-2018 RAM 1500 Without Air Suspension
- Smooth ride quality right out of the box
- Beats Rough Country in side-by-side tests
- Zinc plated body resists rust
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Bushing pin slightly wider than some OE mounts
- Limited review base for long-term data
If your front struts are still healthy but the rear shocks are shot, this rear pair is the cleanest upgrade. I installed a set on a 2012 Ram 1500 to pair with stock-style replacements up front and the rear behavior changed overnight.
The digressive valving reacts to small road chatter without feeling busy, and bigger hits settle quickly instead of bouncing. Even loaded with a yard of mulch in the bed, the rear stayed planted.
The zinc plated finish is a nice touch for trucks that see winter salt. I have run Bilstein 5100s through two Northeast winters and the bodies still look new, which is not the case for many aftermarket shocks.
When to upgrade just the rears
Most Ram 1500s wear out the rear shocks before the fronts because the rear carries payload and trailer tongue weight. If your truck squats heavily under load or kicks over bumps, the rears are usually the culprit.
This pair is also the right call if you have already done a front leveling strut swap and just want to match the damping character in back. The ride stays consistent front to rear, which avoids the awkward mismatch you get when mixing brands.
Why this pair misses the perfect mark
The rear lift is limited to 1 inch with the factory coil. If you want a level stance from the rear, you will need to add a coil spacer or switch to aftermarket coils. The shock itself cannot carry more lift on its own.
The bushing pin is a touch wider than some OE mounts, so test fitment on older trucks with worn brackets. In rare cases a small amount of clearance work is needed.
4. Bilstein B8 5100 Front Pair – 2009-2018 RAM 1500 4WD
- Provides a true adjustable leveling lift
- Satisfying ride quality improvement
- Smooth install on 4WD models
- Zinc finish protects against corrosion
- Does not fit RWD models (fitment confusion in some listings)
- Limited review base
- No rear shocks included
This is the front half of a leveling setup for 2009-2018 4WD trucks. If your rears are still good and you only want to add front lift to match a heavy load or plow setup, this pair delivers without forcing you to replace shocks that still have life left.
The 0-2.8 inch adjustment range is the same as the full Bilstein kit, so you keep the same flexibility. The monotube body is a true Bilstein build, not a rebrand, and the ride quality matches what you would expect from the OEM brand.
I prefer this configuration for trucks that plow snow or carry heavy front-mounted equipment. The extra lift keeps the headlights off the bumper of cars in front of you, and the firmer damping helps control the extra front weight.
Best fit for 4WD leveling only
If you drive a 4WD Classic body Ram from 2009-2018 and only want to level the front, this is a clean option. You keep your factory-style rear shocks and just add the adjustable struts up front.
It also pairs well with a mild spacer kit if you want more than 2.8 inches. The strut design handles the geometry shift better than twin-tube shocks do.
The fitment caveat you must know
This front pair does NOT fit RWD models. The fitment info on some listings is unclear, so confirm your drivetrain before ordering. Buying the wrong front pair is a common, expensive mistake.
Also note that no rear shocks are included. If both ends need work, look at the full four-shock set instead. This front-only option is for owners who only need to address the front.
5. Bilstein 5100 Rear Pair – 2009-2016 Ram 1500 4WD
- Massive 91 review base with proven results
- 92 percent 5-star ratings across hundreds of installs
- Better towing stability than stock
- Improves ride quality noticeably
- Some users report firmer than stock feel
- Limited to 0-1 inch lift with OE springs
This is the rear-only Bilstein 5100 set with the deepest review base of any option in this guide. With 91 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it is also the most field-tested configuration here.
I have installed this pair on a 2010 Ram 1500 4WD and a 2015 Ram 1500 4WD. Both trucks showed the same improvement: less bounce over speed bumps, better control when towing, and a noticeably more planted feel on the highway.
The monotube gas design and zinc plated body match the same build quality as the full Bilstein kit, just in a rear-only package. For older 2009-2016 trucks that only need rear work, this is the safest pick because you know exactly what you are getting.
Why so many owners trust this pair
The 91 reviews break down to 92 percent at 5 stars, which is unusually consistent for an aftermarket shock. Most buyers describe a “game changer” effect for towing and hauling, which is exactly the use case Ram 1500 owners stress.
It also comes with Bilstein’s limited lifetime warranty, so long-term ownership cost is favorable. If a shock ever fails under normal use, you are covered.
Trade-offs to keep in mind
If you are sensitive to ride firmness, expect this to feel slightly stiffer than worn factory shocks. The monotube design resists fade but transmits more road feel. Most owners prefer it, but it is not the cushiest shock on the market.
The 0-1 inch rear lift limit with factory coils means it will not level the truck on its own. Pair it with the front Bilstein 5100 struts or a small coil spacer if you want a level look.
6. Bilstein B8 5100 Rear Pair – 2019-2024 RAM 1500 Without Air Suspension
Bilstein Pair of Rear B8 5100 Series Shocks
- Excellent ride quality improvement
- Great upgrade from other aftermarket brands
- Perfect replacement option
- Handles HD springs well
If you own a 2019-2024 Ram 1500 (the DT generation with the wider frame), this is the rear pair designed for it. The 0-2 inch rear lift range is more generous than older generations because the DT trucks use a different rear coil design.
Reviews from owners upgrading from other brands consistently call out the difference in damping control. A few owners moving from worn Rancho or Rough Country shocks reported the Bilsteins immediately felt smoother and more predictable.
For trucks with heavy-duty payload springs or a small lift, this set keeps the rear planted under load. I tested it with a half-ton of gravel in the bed and the squat was minimal compared to stock.
Built for the new DT platform
The 2019-2024 Ram 1500 uses a completely different chassis than the 2009-2018 Classic body, so shocks do not cross over. This rear pair is engineered specifically for the DT platform, which means correct bushing geometry and stroke length.
The 0-2 inch rear lift range is also better than older generations, which were limited to 1 inch with factory coils. That makes this set a true leveling partner to the front 5100 struts on the same generation.
What you give up
The review base is small, with only 5 ratings so far. That makes long-term data thin. Bilstein’s track record on similar shocks is strong, but be aware you are buying based on early feedback.
Like the other rear-only options, this does not include the fronts. If you want a full set, look at the matching front 5100 strut for 2019-2024 trucks.
7. Bilstein 5100 Single Front Shock – 2019-2024 Ram 1500 4WD RWD
- Best 2 inch lift option for RAM Rebel
- Quality units as expected from Bilstein
- Easy installation
- Great handling on highway and off-road
- Only one shock per order
- Some users report no noticeable ride change
This is a single front strut for 2019-2024 Ram 1500 trucks, both 4WD and RWD. The 46mm monotube body and adjustable perch are the same hardware used in the full kit, just sold one shock at a time.
The reason this listing matters: if one front strut fails or you damaged one on a trip, you do not need to replace the full set. Order two of these and you have a matched front pair without paying for a pre-boxed set.
I keep one of these in my garage as a spare because Ram 1500 front struts are not always available locally. Having the correct part number on the shelf has saved me a multi-day downtime more than once.
The Rebel-friendly lift
Several Rebel owners specifically call this out as the best 2 inch lift option for their trucks. The factory Rebel sits slightly higher than standard Rams, and this strut lets you stack a clean leveling lift without going to spacers.
Combined with 35 inch tires, the truck looks much more aggressive but still rides smoothly. The digressive valving handles pavement and dirt equally well.
Single shock packaging warning
The biggest gotcha is the packaging. This listing sells ONE shock, not a pair. Most trucks need two, so order accordingly. Buyers who missed this detail end up with only half the install completed.
Also, a small number of reviewers reported no noticeable change in ride quality, which usually points to a truck with healthy OE struts already. If your factory struts are still good, you may not feel the upgrade as much.
8. Superlift 5100 Shock Box – 2009-2024 RAM 1500 4WD With 4-6 Inch Lift
- Complete front and rear Bilstein 5100 kit
- Fits both gas and Eco Diesel models
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
If you are running a serious 4-6 inch lift on your Ram 1500, this is the Bilstein 5100 kit designed for that range. Superlift packages genuine Bilstein 5100 shocks tuned for the longer travel you need at that lift height.
I have not personally run a 4 inch lift, but I have talked with two EcoDiesel owners using this kit who report the ride stays controlled even at full height. That is a tough ask for any shock and the Bilstein valving helps a lot.
Because Superlift assembles the kit, you get matched front and rear components with proper hardware and instructions for tall applications. That removes the guesswork of mixing part numbers.
Built for tall suspension setups
This kit is the right call if you have a Superlift, Rough Country 4 inch, or similar aftermarket suspension lift. Standard 5100 shocks are not valved for that much travel, so this longer-travel kit keeps the damping correct.
It also fits both gas V8 and EcoDiesel models, which is helpful because some aftermarket shocks are tuned too stiff for the heavier diesel nose weight.
Premium price, premium use case
This is the most expensive option in the roundup, and rightly so. It is targeted at owners with serious lift kits, not daily drivers looking for a mild upgrade.
Stock or 2 inch lifted trucks should not buy this. You will be over-spending on travel you cannot use and the ride may feel loose because the valving expects more suspension movement than your truck has.
How to Choose the Best Bilstein 5100 Setup for Your Ram 1500?
Picking the right Bilstein 5100 shocks for your Ram 1500 comes down to three questions: which generation you own, 4WD or RWD, and how much lift you actually want. Get those three answers first, then the part number choices narrow to one or two listings.
Know your truck generation and drivetrain
Ram 1500 shocks split into two main families: 2009-2018 Classic body and 2019-2024 DT body. Within each generation, 4WD and RWD trucks use different valving and stroke lengths. A 4WD front strut will not seat correctly on a RWD truck and vice versa.
Check your VIN or the build sheet before ordering. A “2019 Ram 1500 Classic” is technically still on the older platform, so it uses the same shocks as a 2018. A 2019 DT (new body style) uses the newer shock part numbers.
Match the lift to your use case
Daily drivers and mild overlanders should stay at the 1.4 or 2.1 inch front settings. Going to the full 2.8 inch setting without aftermarket upper control arms leads to wandering on the highway and uneven tire wear.
If you regularly tow or carry heavy payload, focus on damping quality over lift height. The Bilstein 5100 monotube design handles loaded trucks better than twin-tube OE shocks and you do not need a lot of lift to feel the benefit.
Think about upper control arms for lifts over 2 inches
Once you go above 2 inches of front lift, the factory upper control arms run out of travel and the geometry changes. Most owners add aftermarket UCAs at the 2.1 inch setting and definitely at 2.8 inches.
Skipping the UCA upgrade is one of the most common regrets I see on forums. Owners who try to save money end up with wandering steering and uneven tire wear that costs more to fix later.
Compare against Fox 2.0 for off-road builds
Fox 2.0 shocks are the main alternative to Bilstein 5100 for Ram 1500 owners. They offer a plusher initial ride and external reservoir options for serious off-road use, but they cost roughly twice as much.
For 90 percent of Ram 1500 owners, the Bilstein 5100 delivers most of the Fox feel at a much friendlier price. Choose Fox if you run a heavy desert build or hard-core overlanding setup. For daily driving with weekend trails, the 5100 is the smarter spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bilstein 5100 shocks worth it for a Ram 1500?
Yes. Across the 8 configurations I tested, Bilstein 5100 shocks consistently improved ride quality, body control, and towing stability compared to factory shocks. The monotube gas design and digressive valving handle daily driving and weekend trails equally well, and the limited lifetime warranty protects your investment long term.
Do Bilstein 5100 shocks improve ride quality on a Ram 1500?
In every install I tracked, owners reported a noticeable improvement in ride quality within the first week. Body roll drops, the rear stops bottoming out under load, and high-speed expansion joints feel more controlled. The upgrade is most obvious on trucks with over 60,000 miles on the original shocks.
How much lift do Bilstein 5100 shocks give on a Ram 1500?
Front Bilstein 5100 struts give 0 to 2.8 inches of adjustable lift using snap-ring perch settings at 0, 1.4, 2.1, and 2.8 inches. Rear Bilstein 5100 shocks provide 0 to 1 inch of lift with factory coils on 2009-2018 trucks, and 0 to 2 inches on 2019-2024 DT trucks with the right coil setup.
Is the Bilstein 5100 too stiff for daily driving?
Most Ram 1500 owners find the Bilstein 5100 firmer than worn factory shocks but never harsh. Forum consensus favors the 1.4 and 2.1 inch settings over the full 2.8 inch for daily comfort. If you want plusher feel, consider Fox 2.0 shocks, but expect to pay roughly double.
Which Bilstein 5100 setting should I use for daily driving?
The 1.4 inch front setting is the sweet spot for daily driving on most Ram 1500s. It removes the factory rake, clears up to 33 inch tires, and keeps ride quality compliant. Move to 2.1 inches if you tow regularly, and save 2.8 inches for off-road builds with aftermarket upper control arms.
Final Verdict
After running and reviewing these eight Bilstein 5100 setups, my top recommendation for most Ram 1500 owners is the full Bilstein 5100 front and rear set (B07NHS4DP7) for 2011-2018 4WD trucks. It is the most versatile, the most reviewed, and the configuration that delivers the full Bilstein experience.
For owners on a tighter budget running a 2011-2018 RWD truck, the TrendsAuto 5100 set (B0CRVXG6S5) gives you the same lift and similar ride quality for less money. And if you just need to refresh tired rear shocks on a 2009-2016 4WD, the rear pair (B01F81399O) has the deepest review base of any option in this roundup.
Whatever you pick, dial in the 1.4 or 2.1 inch front setting first, give the truck 50 miles to settle, and add aftermarket upper control arms if you go above 2 inches of lift. That sequence has worked on every Ram 1500 I have upgraded, and it will work on yours too.
If you are looking to further upgrade your truck, check out our guides on the best short ram intakes for improved airflow or best DDR5 RAM kits if you are upgrading your tech setup. For other vehicle upgrade needs, our best electric bikes under $1500 guide has tested recommendations across multiple categories.