Bilstein B8 5100 Rear Shock Absorber — 24-285681
For 2014–2023 Ram 2500 4WD with ~2" rear lift (no factory air ride)

Upgrade the rear of your lifted Ram 2500 with a shock built for real truck use. The Bilstein 24-285681 B8 5100 is a vehicle-specific monotube shock for 2014–2023 Ram 2500 4WD trucks with approximately 2 inches of rear lift and without factory air leveling / air-ride suspension. Sold individually — order two for a complete rear pair.

Why this shock
Bilstein B8 5100 shocks are a direct-fit solution for lifted trucks. The monotube, high-pressure gas design stays consistent when hydraulic twin-tube shocks fade. A 46mm digressive piston reacts to changing surface conditions so the truck stays planted on the highway, under load, and off-road.

The valving is application-tuned for this Ram 2500 rear setup: more control with larger tires and a taller stance, less rear bounce when towing or hauling, and a firmer, more composed feel than a street-oriented shock.

Key features

• Monotube gas-pressure design for fade-resistant damping and longer service life
• 46mm velocity-sensitive digressive piston
• Split compression and rebound valving tuned for this application
• Zinc-plated body with durable coating for corrosion resistance
• Smooth-body, non-coilover design
• Direct bolt-on install — no cutting or welding
• Limited lifetime warranty (Bilstein)

Fitment

• Years: 2014–2023 Ram 2500 (many listings also cover later years; confirm your truck)
• Drive: 4WD only
• Position: Rear
• Lift: Designed for ~2" rear lift
• Exclusion: Will not fit trucks with factory air leveling / air-ride suspension

Measure if your lift kit differs from a typical 2" rear setup. Collapsed length is 16.75"; extended length is 26.71" (approx. 9.96" travel). Upper mount is stem; lower mount is 14.4mm eye.

Specs

• Part number: 24-285681
• Series: B8 5100
• Position: Rear
• Design: Monotube, gas charged
• Piston: 46mm digressive
• Finish: Zinc plated
• Reservoir: None
• Damping: Non-adjustable
• Boot: Black bellows
• Quantity needed: 2 per vehicle
• Origin: USA
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Install as a pair for even damping. Not intended for use with aftermarket coils that void the 5100 application guidelines — follow Bilstein’s notes for stock-style coil setups on this generation.

This is the workhorse rear 5100 for a 2"-lifted 4th-gen Ram 2500 that still uses conventional (non-air) rear suspension: better control, less hop, and a finish that holds up on a daily-driven or work truck.