The right shocks for a 2014 Ram 2500 depend on your truck’s drivetrain, engine, and primary use — daily driving, towing, or off-road.
Knowing how to choose shocks for a 2014 Ram 2500 means matching your drivetrain, engine, and use case to the correct valving and size. Here’s how to get it right without wasting money or compromising ride quality.
What Makes the 2014 Ram 2500 Suspension Different?
This generation uses a three-link front suspension with coil springs and a five-link rear setup with coil springs — no leaf springs like older Rams.
Four-wheel-drive models have different upper mounting points and travel characteristics due to the track bar and differential, so 2WD and 4WD shocks are not interchangeable. Engine choice also affects front-axle weight: the 5.7L HEMI (383 hp), 6.4L HEMI (410 hp), and 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel (350–385 hp) each place different demands on spring rate and shock valving. Always confirm your truck’s configuration before ordering.
Matching Shocks to Your Use Case
The standard shock-selection protocol comes down to three questions about how you use the truck:
- Daily commuting — Soft valving for ride comfort. Standard OE-performance shocks like the Bilstein B6 4600 work well here.
- Towing and hauling — Firm valving to prevent sag and keep the load controlled. Digressive-valve shocks such as the Bilstein B8 5100 excel under heavy loads.
- Off-road or rough terrain — Higher travel capacity and better heat management. Reservoir shocks (internal or external) are the right pick for sustained rough use.
If the truck is consistently loaded, choose higher damping rates. For sporadic loading, standard duty may suffice. Inspect coil springs and strut mounts at the same time — worn components mean a complete strut assembly may be needed rather than just swapping shocks.
Top Shock Options for the 2014 Ram 2500
| Shock Model | Price (per unit) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bilstein B6 4600 | ~$104 | Daily driving, OE replacement |
| Bilstein B8 5100 | ~$123 | Towing, hauling, off-road |
| Thuren PW KING 2.5 | $1,550 (pair) | Heavy-duty off-road |
| Thuren PW KING 3.0 | $2,050 (pair) | Premium off-road performance |
| Carli-SPEC 2.0 IFP | ~$848 (kit) | Internal reservoir, heat management |
The Bilstein B8 5100 is the most popular upgrade for the 2014–2025 Ram 2500, thanks to digressive valving that firms up as suspension inputs increase — ideal for towing and off-road use. For a full breakdown of all top options with owner feedback and buying tips, check out our tested roundup of the best 2014 Ram 2500 shocks.
New shocks must be primed before installation: compress them by hand 3–5 times to activate internal gases and oils. The Carli Commuter 2.0 system is not intended for trucks with factory rear air-ride equipment, so verify your suspension type before buying lift kits.
FAQs
Can I use 2WD shocks on a 4WD 2014 Ram 2500?
No — 4WD models have different upper mounting points and travel characteristics due to the track bar and differential. Shocks must match your specific drivetrain configuration for proper fit and safe performance.
Do I need reservoir shocks for daily driving?
Not typically. Reservoir shocks are built for heavy-duty or off-road use where heat buildup from sustained cycling is a concern. For daily commuting, standard OE-performance shocks like the Bilstein B6 4600 provide a comfortable, quiet ride.
Will the Carli Commuter 2.0 fit a truck with factory air suspension?
No — the Carli Commuter 2.0 Suspension System is not designed for vehicles with factory rear air-ride equipment. Verify your truck does not have the optional air suspension before purchasing any lift kit.
References & Sources
- RAM Trucks. “2014 RAM 2500 Heavy Duty Specifications.” Official vehicle specs including suspension, dimensions, and engine data.