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CODE: 33-185576 Bilstein 14" 5125 Off-Road Shocks

• Monotube gas pressure construction
• Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving
• High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness
• Independent Rebound & Compression Tuning
• Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping
• Superior Control for Large Diameter Tires
• Available by travel lengths for custom applications

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Bilstein 5125 Offroad Shocks

The 5125 Series offers Bilstein technology for custom applications. 5125 Series shocks feature Bilstein's superior single tube high gas pressure design for the up most in consistent fade-free performance and long life. Bilstein's patented Deflective self-adjusting valving delivers improved damping control and a smooth ride on all road surfaces at any speed.

• Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving
• High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness
• Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping
• Independent Rebound & Compression Tuning
• Superior Control for Large Diameter Tires
• Available by travel lengths for custom applications

Remote reservoir shocks now available from Bilstein for custom applications.   Learn more about the Bilstein 5165 series remote reservoir shocks here.

Below is a chart for the 5125 Series that are sold by size, not application. Due to the variances of different modifications to a vehicle, or lift-suspension kits, it is your responsability to confirm that the shocks you purchase are dimensionally correct.

5125 Series Eye to Eye

5125 series stem to eye.

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Bilstein Custom Length Shocks

Bilstein 5125 series, eyelet to eyelet, 1/2" sleeves, 14mm shaft diameter, boot included (unless specified).

Bilstein 5125 Series, Stem to Eyelet, 1/2" sleeves, 14mm shaft diameter, boot included

Bilstein 5165 Series (with remote reservoir), Eyelet to Eyelet, 1/2" sleeves, 14mm shaft diameter, Boot not included

Bilstein 5165 Series (with remote reservoir), Stem to Eyelet, 1/2" sleeves, 14mm shaft diameter, Boot not included

Bilstein M 7100 Classic Series

Bilstein M 7100 Series – 8" Travel

Bilstein M 7100 Series – 10" Travel

Bilstein M 7100 Series – 12" Travel

Bilstein M 7100 Series – 14" Travel

Bilstein M 7100 Series – VW Off-Road

Bilstein B8 8125 Series -46mm (2") Body

Bilstein B8 8125 Series -60mm (2.65") Body

Professional off-road racing applications.

Bilstein M 9200 Series BYPASS -70mm (3") Body – 3 TUBE BYPASS

Bilstein M 9200 Series BYPASS -70mm (3") Body – 4 TUBE BYPASS

Bilstein M 9200 Series BYPASS -60mm (2.65") Body – 3 TUBE BYPASS

Bilstein M 9200 Series Coilover -60mm (2.65") Body

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Select your vehicle

Bilstien 14" travel 5125.

SKU: SH-000011

This product fits the following vehicles:.

Toyota / Hilux / IFS FRONT (1988-2004)

Toyota / Hilux / SOLID AXLE FRONT (1979-1998)

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Items that are shipped on a pallet can only be shipped to business addresses with forklift access or the carriers local depot for you to pickup

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The 5125 Series offers Bilstein technology for custom applications. 5125 Series shocks feature Bilstein's superior single tube high gas pressure design for the up most in consistent fade-free performance and long life. Bilstein's patented Deflective self-adjusting valving delivers improved damping control and a smooth ride on all road surfaces at any speed.

• Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving
• High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness
• Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping
• Independent Rebound & Compression Tuning
• Superior Control for Large Diameter Tires

Price is per shock

Closed length - 527 Open Length 886

Also available in 10" and 12" travel

Items that weigh over 30 kg are generally shipped on a skid to comply with workplace health and safety requirements. Suspension kits generally weigh around 100kg so we ship them on a skid so nothing gets lost. We can only ship skids to business addresses with access to forklift or the carriers local depot for you to pickup.

Cancellations No order may be cancelled, modified or deferred without the prior written consent of the Company (which is at the Company’s sole discretion). If such consent is given it is, at the Company’s election, subject to the Company being reimbursed all losses, including loss of profits, and paid a cancellation fee (being not less than 20% of the invoice price of the Goods).

Goods not returnable:  Any goods specially made, including items cut to length. Any goods made, or purchased to a firm and irrevocable order or any goods altered or damaged by the Purchaser cannot be returned under any conditions.

WHEN do items need to be returned by? Goods must be returned within 14 days of issuance of the Company's written consent. WHERE do items need to be returned to? Returned goods shall be returned to the Company's place of trading or such other place nominated by the Company.

HOW do you return items? Returned Goods must be clearly marked with the Return Authorisation Number or such orther reference provided by the Company. SHIPPING for returns? Original shipping rates are not refundable. The customer is reposnsible for packaging and shipping of returned goods. Goods returned in a damaged condition are not refundable. CREDIT for returns? Credits for returned goods (net of cancellation fees) shall be made by direct deposit or crediting the credit card used for theoriginal purchase. Instore return option? Goods can be returned in person to the Company's trading address in person during normal business hours.  Packing materials? Goods shipped for return must be packaged in a similar manner to how it was shipped to you so that damagin in transit does not occur. 

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Bilstein 5100 Series 14-20 Ram 2500 Rear 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (24-285698)

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 46mm monotube design ensures consistent, fade-free performance in all conditions
• Patented digressive valving instantly reacts to changing surface conditions
• OEM certified mounting hardware allows for easy installation
• Zinc plated for resistance against harsh elements
• Durable vulcanized neoprene rubber bushings; Available in various lift heights for multiple applications

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

Top Brand: Bilstein

Product description.

Bilstein B8 5100 shock absorbers are designed as a direct fit solution for lifted trucks and SUV’s. These shock absorbers feature a monotube design which provides consistent fade free performance. B8 5100 shock absorbers utilize a unique, velocity sensitive, digressive piston which reacts to changing road conditions. All B8 5100 shock absorbers are tuned for each specific application to assure optimal performance is achieved. B8 5100 shock absorbers offer a significant improvement in ride quality, handling, and comfort.

Product information

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Essex Distributors is NOT a corporate affiliate of thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH.

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SKU: 33-185576

B8 5125 Series 14″ travel (col 20.75″ ext 34.9″) valving 255/70 (33-185576)

$ 176.00 $ 165.23

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• Monotube gas pressure construction
• Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving
• High-Flow Piston Reduces harshness
• Independent Rebound & Compression Tuning
• Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping
• Superior Control for Larger Diameter Tires
• Available by travel lengths for custom applications

BILSTEIN warrants to the original retail customer that, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, this product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship.

Additional information

Need H&R Springs?

Visit our sister site at essexdistributors.com to browse the full line of H&R Springs, Trak+®, Sway Bars, Coil Overs and more!

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Essex Distributors 5930 No. 6 Road, Unit 325 Richmond, BC V6V 1Z1 Canada

E: [email protected]

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The Perfect Shock – On or Off Road

Bilstein b8 5100..

With years of experience and time-tested design, the BILSTEIN B8 5100 shock absorbers combine the perfect amount of off road dependability with smooth, on road driving and affordability. Each shock absorber has been tested and tuned to your specific vehicle.

Check compatibility with your vehicle:

Alternatively, the following BILSTEIN products are compatible with your vehicle selection:

There are currently no other BILSTEIN products compatible with your vehicle selection.

GOOD NEWS: Revision of high-performance dampers (from BILSTEIN B6 upwards) is possible depending on the design. Please contact our customer request department for this.

Features & Benefits

Bolt on and head out. Whether you’re headed to work or hitting the trails, our B8 5100 shocks are always a direct-fit installation with hardware included. Less time in the garage, and more time to enjoy your ride.

Application Specific Tuning

One size does not fit all. BILSTEIN’s 5100 shocks are valved and tuned for the specific year, make and model of your vehicle, and consider many other use factors – loaded or unloaded, towing, tire pressure, etc. With all of these characteristics in mind, BILSTEIN can provide you with the perfect ride, both on and off-road.

Digressive Valving

You choose the destination, we’ll get you there. You can be confident knowing that BILSTEIN’s patented digressive valving allow shock absorbers to instantly react to changing surface conditions, giving you a stable, controlled, and comfortable ride.

The Full Range

Whether you’re looking to improve your daily ride, or take on grueling off-road terrain, we have a suspension solution for you.

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Performance upgrade for lifted applications.

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• Wrangler TJ (Model years 1997–2006)
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14 inch travel shocks

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are the bilstein's pin style or post?  

Sorry what? I look it up  

Threaded pin I think.  

If your buying the Clayton lift, typically they will recommend or sell the shocks needed for the kit. Have you contacted them to ask. Post is a threaded stud on top of shock that gets bolts on top, thru the fender access hole in the engine compartment. Pin, would by a bushing style that's mounted horizontally. More then likely if your Jeep is stock you have Post style. Unless someone before you bought the Pin adapater or welded on new shock towers  

Just make sure that you have real long bump stops or limit straps so your front spring don't fall out during full drop. also run spring clamps at the base of the front springs. I converted mine to pin styke but if you can get post style it is less work.  

Kind of off topic, but are bilsteins considered good shocks for jeeps?  

This might be complete overkill but what about the heavy duty 7100 14 inch travel or the ultimate racing 9100 14 inch travel shock. Probably 7100 for a trail rig on 37's right?  

What's better bump stops or straps?  

er... isn't that apples and oranges? bump stops limit upward travel and straps limit down... right?  

Snwchris the lift comes with bilsteins if you choose. I'm gonna say no to the 5100 that come with the kit as an option and go with 7100.  

so what would be better for a trail rig that will go to moab? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evrvXb2ps0A what does this guy have?  

thats looks custom leaf sprung in the front  

You have to consider the shock length when fully collapsed. When you add longer shocks you will need to make the bump stops longer by the same amount as the increase in the collapsed length. Otherwise your shocks will become your new bump stops. The correct way to add longer shocks without loosing any up travel is to relocate the shocks mounting points, either on the axle (for very small changes), or on the frame mount. So it depends on if you want to decrease your uptravel to increase your droop, or if you want the same uptravel with increased droop. If you only rock crawl the first option if ok, but if you drive fast over bumps at all you will want to go with option 2.  

If I mounted the shocks on the frame I would be getting more up travel or down travel? I'm pretty sure I want more up travel. For rocks on the trails. Is there anyway to get both? I doubt that. But I don't really know.  

That is mounted on the frame right? If I mount them higher I would get both?!?!?!?! That's pretty cool.  

Wait its mounted to the hoop?  

Thanks. Btw is that your jeep? So is there a non coilover hoop? I'm gonna reasearcg that. So where would I mount them if I don't have hoops?  

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BILSTEIN Performance Suspension: Discover High Performance at its best

We combine the best technologies, components and parts to match your driving style and meet your demands. The products we offer you are the same ones we develop, refine and put to the test in our BILSTEIN driving tests. Built individually to perfection.

Experience the street like never before!

Tackle every-day driving situations with ease, cruise in style and fully embrace the moment. Your BILSTEIN Street Performance suspension is perfectly tuned to your needs – giving you and your vehicle the look and street cred in every situation!

Your aspiration. Your street. Your track.

Torn between optimizing performance on the track vs. daily-driven road manors? You don’t have to decide. Burn your best time into the asphalt and look forward to a relaxed ride home. Your BILSTEIN Track Performance suspension leaves nothing to be desired – no matter how personal it may be.

You set the pace.

The demands placed on our motorsport suspension systems are extremely varied and complex. We have only one goal in mind: We want to see our drivers win – just like you. Our BILSTEIN Race Performance suspension comes directly from our motorsports production facility – handcrafted for you!

Discover our Performance Products

BILSTEIN EVO T2

You need freedom, you are on the lookout for opportunities and individual driving pleasure – on the race …

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Thanks to our Dual-Click adjustment, you have everything under control with our BILSTEIN EVO T1 track performance suspension.

BILSTEIN EVO SE

Our BILSTEIN EVO SE street performance suspension is the perfect upgrade for your OE standard electronic suspension. Plug-and-play …

BILSTEIN EVO S

Our BILSTEIN EVO S street performance suspension not only gives you the stance you want, it also gives …

BILSTEIN EVO R

Our BILSTEIN EVO R race performance suspension is at your side: 100% motorsports DNA describes your driving genes.

BILSTEIN Clubsport

Our BILSTEIN Clubsport race performance suspension pushes you to the top on the track, brings you home safely …

BILSTEIN B16 DT

With our BILSTEIN B16 DT performance threaded ride height adjustable kits, you get what you need: the perfect …

BILSTEIN B16

You are prepared ̶ your ride too: with a turn of a knob – from everyday life to …

BILSTEIN B14

Sporty on the road, in everyday life and full speed on the track. With our BILSTEIN B14 street …

BILSTEIN B12

Our BILSTEIN B12 performance suspension kit is the perfect sport suspension system for upgrading, handling and quick and …

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Enhanced driving dynamics & handling, height adjustment, spring seat system, place of action – what is the kit designed for, driving experience, individual adjustment, rebound and bump setting adjustments, damper setup options, premium quality & brand experience, made in germany, confident handling & long-lasting usage, technical component report, connectivity to your electronic suspension system.

There are no major differences. Both product lines represent the performance line from BILSTEIN with the same familiar quality. We are developing every kit for specific cars for both lines. Furthermore the EVO products offer a new design and are therefore ready for future car architectures.

EVO stands for evolution. S, SE and R are acronyms for Street, Street Electronic and Race

Yes, we are developing it right now. Planned release date is end of 2020.

No they are not. We decided to call them “track”, because you can change their setting really easy to a much stiffer set up, so you can feel the movement of the car and the track much better. On a medium or soft setting they are comfortable for any situation on everyday-roads.

We decided to launch the EVO line with priority for new cars to extend our product range by new applications. Vehicles built before 2020 enjoy the same performance benefits with the BILSTEIN B14, B16 and Clubsport suspensions.

Award-winning shock absorbers and performance suspensions

Success on the race track can be measured by lap times. But success off the track has many faces. One of our most important indicators has always been our users direct feedback. For example, the readers choice among their favorite shock absorber brands collected by leading automotive magazines in their annual surveys. Once again, we are honored with various awards which we are proud to share.

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Best Shock Absorbers: Smooth the Bumps, Feel the Road

Bouncing around? Time to get that ride back under control.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

While cars and trucks certainly have made strides in design and engineering, the shock absorber is one part that really hasn't changed too much over the years. Many production cars still rely on them, and they're still a major part of a vehicle's ride quality and performance. They fail from time to time, however. Whether that means they fail to function or fail to perform as needed depends on your situation. As with any part that fails, you will eventually need replacements, and we're here to help you track them down. We'll show you some of our top picks and set you up with a buying guide. These options should serve as representations of what to consider, regardless of specific applications.

Monroe Shocks and Struts Reflex Shock Absorber

• Improved performance
• Close to original ride quality
• Matches factory quality
• May lower ride height
• Stiffer nature can be a setback to some
• Quality control issues are somewhat common

ACDelco Professional Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber

• Direct match to factory ride quality
• Original ride quality
• Application listings are misleading
• Missing hardware is a common issue

Bilstein Monotube Gas Shock Set

• Superior blend of performance and comfort
• Quality construction
• Covers all four shocks for the listed application
• Premium price
• Changes in performance might not be desirable
• Quality control issues are common

Summary List

• Best Overall: Monroe Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber
• Best Value: ACDelco Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber
• Honorable Mention: Bilstein Monotube Gas Shock Set
• Best Off-Road: Fox Performance Series IFP Shocks
• Best for Classics: KYB Gas-a-Just Gas Shock

How We Selected the Best Shock Absorbers 

There are a lot of great shock absorber brands on the market, but when it came time to choose the best, we made sure to try and stick to the brands we know work for most people or are the most popular.  We have experience with every brand we've suggested. Ride quality and reliability aside, we also made sure to consider some custom applications to come up with a list that we feel covers the widest market. 

Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.

Best Shock Absorbers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Monroe Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber

Monroe’s reliability, quality, and affordable pricing are good enough for most people, so this is an upgrade that is nearly impossible to ignore. Monroe has long been an industry leader and a supplier of original parts for many manufacturers. The Reflex is a monotube, gas-charged shock that balances performance and comfort, and the general design lends itself toward stability and consistency. This shock also sits at a competitive price point, which helps it to land within the budget of many vehicle owners. 

While this shock is a direct replacement for many trucks and SUVs, it does have some issues. One of the most common is the lower ride height when it's installed, and lighter applications will notice that the shock absorbers stiffen the ride, which might not be desirable. It also seems that quality control is an issue, but Monroe stands behind the product.

• Manufacturer: Monroe 
• Part Number: 911506
• Shock Type: Gas-charged monotube
• Improved performance 
• Close to original ride quality 
• Matches factory quality 
• May lower ride height 
• Stiffer nature can be a setback to some 

ACDelco Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber

ACDelco is a high-quality trusted brand by General Motors, and the affordable price tag makes it a must-have for appropriate applications. If you own a GM vehicle, then you're probably familiar with ACDelco. Its reputation as a high-quality supplier of original parts make it the brand you look for any time you're performing general maintenance. This shock is a direct match to the original equipment, and it's designed to restore factory ride quality and performance. It will also endure everything your original shocks did. 

There are some issues, however. The application guide attached to this particular shock is misleading for some vehicles. Missing parts such as hardware and bushings are also rather common, so you may have to reuse old hardware.

• Manufacturer: ACDelco
• Part Number: 530-301
• Shock Type: Gas-charged twin tube 
• Direct match to factory ride quality 
• Original quality 
• Affordable price point 

Honorable Mention

These shocks cover the bases for many vehicle owners who need a suspension update. While these particular shocks are designed for F-Series trucks, Bilstein is one of our favorite manufacturers. And the 5100 series shock is a step up for many vehicle owners as these shocks offer improvements in performance, comfort, and virtually anything else you want from a shock absorber. These are some of the best shocks on the market, which is why you'll find the name in many corners of the industry. 

This particular option replaces all four shocks. But there's no denying that quality comes at a high price. In addition, the shocks will make noticeable changes to ride characteristics, which is worth reading into before buying. Also, quality-control issues may occur.

• Manufacturer: Bilstein 
• Part Number: SIA19015408
• Shock Type: Gas-charged monotube 
• Superior blend of performance and comfort 
• High-quality construction 
• Premium price point 
• Changes in performance might not be desirable 
• Quality control issues are not uncommon

Best Off-Road

Fox Performance Series IFP Shocks

Fox Performance is a line you can’t ignore for off-roading. The quality and performance vastly separates it from the competition. When you take your SUV or truck off the beaten path, the factory shocks are not the best option. Fox has made its name as the manufacturer of some of the best off-road shocks because of its ability to perform and due to the high-quality parts it uses. This particular kit covers JK Wranglers with 1.5-3.5 inches of lift for all four corners. The improvements make this a solid option, and that's especially true considering their ability to handle on and off-road conditions.

The price, however, may deter many off-roaders. We also didn't place it higher on our list because it fits limited vehicles. On top of that, these are a big change from factory ride quality, which might not be ideal in certain situations. 

• Manufacturer: Fox Performance 
• Part Number: 7ETMPS4
• Major improvements for off-road driving 
• Covers all four corners 
• Limited application coverage 
• Ride-quality changes might be too harsh

Best for Classics

KYB Gas-a-Just Gas Shock

KYB shocks are popular for older vehicles because they make major improvements to performance at a competitive price point. If you're working on a classic car, moving to KYB shocks is worth the time and effort, and this particular set is a direct match for many popular classic GM models. They're much stiffer than what most of those cars came with, helping the vehicle stick to the road during launches and in corners, and they even help correct stance.

In addition to everything these shocks bring to the table, they're more affordable than many performance shocks for the classics and even sit right in line with many original-equipment shocks.

• Manufacturer: KYB 
• Part Number: KG4513
• Major performance improvements for classic cars
• Can improve stance 
• Noticeably harsher than stock 
• Limited to select demographic 

Our Verdict on the Best Shock Absorbers

We feel safe in saying that the Monroe Shocks & Struts Reflex Shock Absorber is a good choice for most applications. However, something like the ACDelco Professional Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber is great on a budget. 

It's all open to interpretation, though. Which shocks you use is dependent on your personal tastes, driving styles, and application. 

What to Consider When Buying Shock Absorbers

Types of shock absorbers .

There are three basic types of shock absorbers on the market. These can each be broken into their own subcategories to really help you hone in on the characteristics you need. Still, you will need to understand the general differences to ensure you're in the right territory. 

Traditional shock absorber 

Traditional shock absorbers are the most basic offering, and they're nothing more than a telescoping body with valving and hydraulic fluid to control damping. You'd find these on all four corners of older vehicles but are generally reserved for the rear of modern cars. 

These shocks are generally the most affordable, but that doesn't mean they're all basic. They can feature monotube or twin-tube configurations, gas charging, external reservoirs, and even adjustable damping, making for some massive improvements in control and ride quality. 

Strut 

Most modern cars use what's known as a strut on the front end. On older vehicles, shock absorbers were a little simpler because the springs that support the vehicle and the shock absorber were two separate components. A strut essentially combines the two together, making for major gains in overall control. 

You can see the difference between a shock and a strut because a strut features a coil spring that wraps over a shock absorber. While coilovers are generally viewed as the next step up, you can still find struts that feature all of the same aftermarket upgrades a traditional shock could come with. It’s important to keep in mind that the shock absorber and coil spring can often be replaced independently of one another. 

Coilover 

Coilovers and struts have a lot in common, and they are generally viewed as a step up. We say that because coilovers are designed to give you total control over both the spring and shock absorber within. 

To keep things short, you can adjust the ride height and dampening abilities of the assembly to virtually infinite configurations. That's great for performance applications. Because it's generally not something you need on a street vehicle, we opted to save any coilover suggestions for another day. 

Shock Absorber Key Features

The fact of the matter is that shock absorber selection is heavily influenced by application demands. These are application-specific parts, so unless you're going all in on a custom build, you'll need to replace the shocks with the same type of shock the factory used. Thankfully, that's made simple with year/make/model searches. In most cases, the features of the shock are what you really need to pay attention to. 

Hydraulic vs. Gas Charged 

Shock absorbers are filled with hydraulic fluid. That works with the internal valving to slow the motion of a shock absorber. The two work together to determine ride quality. As a shock cycles, the fluid heats up, aeration occurs, and performance dwindles. A way to reduce the issue is by charging the shock with nitrogen. 

Gas-charged shocks are essentially more stable but are generally associated with performance vehicles because they stiffen up the ride, while cushy hydraulics are more of a luxury thing. The fact is that most vehicles benefit from gas-charged shocks these days because of their resistance to diminishing ride quality. 

You'll find shocks declare that they're either a twin-tube or monotube design. What does this mean? The way a shock works is you have a tube filled with hydraulic fluid and a piston controls the motion with internal valving that slides up and down in that tube. A monotube shock features a wider piston in a larger tube, while a twin-tube has a smaller piston in a smaller tube with a secondary tube filled with hydraulic fluid surrounding it. 

The advantage of a twin-tube design is that it creates a softer ride as it's a low-pressure system. The larger piston in a monotube stiffens things up, which improves performance. What is appropriate for your vehicle depends on what the factory calls for, but monotube shocks are generally better.

Valving 

As we said before, the piston inside of the shock absorber features valving. The orientation of the valves determines how easily the piston can pass through the hydraulic fluid in either direction, which does impact overall performance and ride quality. For the most part, this isn't something most vehicle owners need to worry about. 

Manufacturers come up with a combination that is intended to suit their driving style, and keywords like comfort and performance are about as much as you need to know. However, shocks with adjustable valving do exist. They are a great option for those that really want to dial in the suspension of their vehicle. However, you should be careful before buying because you will need to spend a good amount of time messing with the adjustments to get them just right for your application. 

Build Quality 

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. If a shock is absurdly cheap but features adjustable valving and uses all the flashy keywords, it should throw up some red flags. It might have the general design down, but they are bound to fail you in short order. Take the time to read into whatever it is you're about to buy to make sure the shocks aren't prone to springing leaks or breaking and that they do fit correctly. 

Tips and Tricks

If you can nail down a year/make/model search and understand the basics of shock absorbers, you're ready to nail down the perfect shocks for your car. We have a couple of tips to share with you before you get rolling. 

Forums Are Your Friend 

The right set of shock absorbers can make a major difference in overall ride quality. Keywords will get you in the right vicinity, but each manufacturer uses its own recipe, meaning you might not know exactly what to expect. A great way to get the information you need is through an online forum. Find a forum for your make and model, and see what others have to say about the shocks on their vehicle to help you get a better feel of what to go with. 

Suspension and Steering Mods Need Matching Shocks 

As you start changing things on your vehicle, different demands will be placed on the shock absorbers. For example, tightening up the steering demands something more responsive, while changing ride height changes how much travel is needed. As you start making these changes, keep shock absorbers in the back of your mind to ensure you pick the perfect match. 

Don’t Forget the Springs 

Springs and shocks go hand in hand. The spring supports the vehicle and keeps the body elevated, and the shock dampens the spring rate. If you're looking to overhaul the characteristics of your suspension, you may need to address both to meet your end goal.

We might not know exactly what's bouncing around in your skull, but we can try and address it by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about shock absorbers. 

Q: What are the symptoms of a bad shock absorber?

Poor traction, excessive bouncing, vibrations, clunking, leaking oil, and poor ride quality are all symptoms of bad shock absorbers. If you're unsure which is bad, you can try compressing your vehicle's suspension at all four corners and keep an eye out for inconsistencies. 

Q: Can you drive with bad shocks?

You can drive a vehicle with bad shock absorbers, but it's not safe. A failed shock absorber is a compromise to performance and safety and causes stress on other vital components. Make sure your vehicle has good shocks on all four corners to prevent any issues. 

Q: How long should shock absorbers last?

Shock absorbers should last you about 40,000-50,000 miles under normal conditions. They can only take so much abuse, however. If you take a vehicle off-road, take corners fast, or often drive over pothole-littered roads, you can expect to replace them sooner. 

Q: Are front and rear shocks the same?

Front and rear shock absorbers are not the same. They might offer the same performance characteristics but are usually different from one another. The length and mounting styles of the shocks can vary, and most modern vehicles feature a strut shock absorber on the front end. 

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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2025 Ram 1500 RHO coming with TRX suspension, turbo-6 power

Ram is making headlines with new electric and plug-in hybrid pickups , but the brand hasn't forgotten its sport trucks. On Thursday, Ram provided more details on its forthcoming 2025 Ram 1500 RHO pickup , the in-market successor to the Ram TRX if not quite the spiritual successor. It joins the brand's other sport trucks, the Ram 1500 Warlock and Rebel, and the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel and Power Wagon.

All Ram 1500 variants benefit from a mid-cycle update for the current-generation model, and that includes the switch from available V-8 power to the newer Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. The RHO model gets the HO (high-output) version of the turbo-6 making 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. The four-wheel-drive system works full time and includes a 2-speed transfer case that enables a crawl ratio of 2.64:1. Ram quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13.1 seconds, and a top speed of 118 mph, the last likely limited by the speed rating of the 325/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT off-road tires. Those numbers are a far cry from the 702 hp of the Ram 1500 TRX from its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, but the RHO carries over the TRX's other capabilities.

That includes the TRX's suspension with its rear coil springs, five-link rear suspension, Bilstein Blackhawk E-squared remote-reservoir adaptive shocks, and long-travel forged aluminum control arms. It also has the same 13 inches of front- and 14 inches of rear-wheel travel. However, Ram notes that the RHO weighs 150 pounds less than the TRX and 180 pounds less up front, so company engineers retuned the dampers and suspension for the difference in weight and better overall weight balance.

At the rear, the RHO uses a Dana 60 solid axle and an electronic rear locker. The RHO's Goodyears are 35-inch tires, and beadlock-capable wheels are available as an option. The tires contribute to 11.8 inches of ground clearance, 2.0 inches more than other Ram 1500s. Ram says the RHO won't fit 37-inch tires with full steering angle, but it has 32 inches of water fording capability. It can also tow up to 8,380 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,520 pounds.

The RHO also features the wider body from the TRX. It's about eight inches wider than other Ram 1500s, at 88 inches wide, to accommodate a 6.0-inch wider track and the wider tires.

Still, Ram insists that the RHO doesn't take the place of the TRX. A company spokesman said if and when a TRX ever returns it will have an appropriate engine. In other words, a new TRX would have crazy power like the last one.

The RHO comes only with the crew cab and 5-foot-7 bed. The truck's design includes LED headlights topped by a dark brow that extends the width of the vehicle, a unique grille texture, a flow-through grille-mounted RAM logo, tow hooks front and rear, and a new front bumper that's common with the Ram Rebel but has unique end caps due to the RHO's extra width. The RamBox storage system is not available with the wider body. Two-tone paint is standard, and the hood has a functional scoop that filters out water and debris from reaching the engine. RHO customers have the choice of full-length rock rails or powder-coated aluminum running boards.

Ram provides nine drive modes for the RHO. Chosen via buttons on the dashboard, they consist of Sport, Baja, Tow, Snow, Auto, Custom, Mud/Sand, Rock, and Valet modes. A Launch Control button is located in the same area.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO

Inside, the RHO comes standard with leather- and suede-upholstered 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating and cooling, a massage function, and gray or red accents. Three screens are available, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.0- or 14.5-inch center touchscreens in a portrait format, and a 10.3-inch passenger screen. The IP and center screen show performance and off-road information. The RHO also offers an optional 10.0-inch head-up display. A multi-function switch bank is found on the dash, and the center console has dual wireless charging pads and an RHO badge with a rhinoceros graphic and the truck's VIN.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Ram also offers a driver-attention monitor, a surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and intersection collision warnings.

The Ram 1500 RHO is priced from $71,990, including a $1,995 destination fee, and buyers can place their orders starting today. Deliveries will begin in the third quarter of this year.

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2025 Ram 1500 RHO Is a $71,990 Raptor Fighter

The RHO is here with Hurricane power and builds on what Ram learned from TRX.

• The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO fills the void left by the outgoing Ram 1500 TRX and gives customers another desert-ripping Ram.
• The new Ram uses the high-output 3.0-liter I6 Hurricane for power and sends 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed transmission.
• The RHO starts at $71,990 and is on sale now, with deliveries scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.

While there isn’t a Hemi under the hood, there is plenty of power from the high-output version of the 3.0-liter Hurricane I6. There are also adaptive Bilstein dampers, plenty of suspension travel, and more hardcore hardware stuffed underneath this Ram’s skin.

While we talked about the two Hurricane powerplants heading to the Ram in our first drive of this latest generation Ram 1500 pickup , here’s a slight refresher for the RHO. Only one version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 is available in RHO trim, and it sends 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic.

From there the power travels through a BorgWarner 48-13 full-time transfer case, the wheels, and eventually the pavement, gravel, or sand. Even though this is basically the same power unit found in other high-output Hurricane-equipped trucks, there is a unique exhaust system.

If you’re wondering how this stacks up against the turbocharged V6 under the hood of its crosstown rival, it’s favorable. The V6-powered Ford F-150 Raptor squeezes out 460 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.

That puts the base Ram 1500 RHO ahead of the V6-powered Raptor. However, Ford is still stuffing 5.2 liters of supercharged V8 under the hood of the Raptor R for those missing the snarl of a V8-powered sand cruiser.

.css-ov6gys{font-family:Paralucent,Paralucent-roboto,Paralucent-local,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.1;margin:0rem;}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-ov6gys{font-size:2.1875rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-ov6gys{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.2;}}.css-ov6gys b,.css-ov6gys strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-ov6gys em,.css-ov6gys i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} Considering the final edition of the Ram 1500 TRX crested six figures, this seems like a bargain.

Of course, an off-road truck, especially one that’s looking at Baja’s desert, is more than just what’s under the hood. Helping give the Ram 1500 RHO its chops is a long-travel suspension that relies on Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive dampers to handle the workload.

These dampers continuously adjust and work with the retuned springs and longer control arms to give you a better footing. This revised hardware gives the Ram 1500 RHO 13 inches worth of suspension travel in the front. At the rear, the five-link suspension helps the full floating Dana 60 axle move 14 inches.

Compared to the standard Ram 1500, the RHO is a staggering six inches wider, and two inches taller. Now covering the 35 inches of Goodyear Wrangler Territory A/T tires is a set of wider fenders and flares at the front. Making the Ram 1500 RHO legal is a set of clearance marker lights in the front bumper tucked away inside the hood scoop.

Joining the wider fenders and flares, a unique grille and hood are heading to the 1500 RHO. Tucked inside the grille is a unique, flow-through Ram logo to give as much air as possible to the heat exchangers. The RHO also comes with skid plates, but you can add on full-length rock rails to protect the RHO’s sheetmetal. You can also add on RHO body graphics to let those unfamiliar know what’s in front of them.

On the inside, the Ram 1500 RHO comes with just about all the amenities from the latest Ram rig. Sitting in the dash is a 14.5-inch touchscreen display, with a 10.25-inch passenger screen also available. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, which can bring the grand total of screen space over 50 inches. Oh yeah, and there’s also a head-up display.

The Ram RHO comes with 12-way power and massaging seats. Covering those seats is a variety of leather and microsuede options. For those who wanted a traditional shifter on your ’25 Ram pickup, you’re also in luck: a performance shifter is coming to the RHO’s center console. You’ll also get a special VIN badge affixed to the top of the center console that’s emblazoned with the RHO’s rhino mascot.

While this isn’t a TRX, and doesn’t have a Hemi, there is a massive upside. Ram says the ’25 1500 RHO is on sale now for $71,990, with deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of 2024. That’s expensive, but considering the final edition of the Ram 1500 TRX crested six figures, this almost seems like a bargain.

Do you think the Ram 1500 RHO can fill the void left by the TRX? Tell us your thoughts below.

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2025 Ram 1500 Leaves the Hemi Behind, Replaces TRX

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Is Here to Disrupt the High-Performance Truck Market

With a starting price of $71,990, the truck is significantly cheaper than the Raptor.

The Ram faithful are surely no strangers to the recipe that makes up the all-new RHO model. While the truck brand is very cagey about fans making comparisons between this rig and the now-defunct TRX , it only takes a single look at the thing to see the familial relationship. That’s because the RHO has benefitted from a huge amount of TRX tech, though that truck’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is notably missing.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Suspension

The RHO features the same high-strength boxed steel chassis, as well as the same independent front suspension setup and multi-link rear end with coils from the TRX. A set of Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shocks sit at all four corners, complete with rock shielding and nitrogen-charged remote reservoirs. The familiar hourglass-shaped bodywork also adds eight inches over a standard 1500. That extra width allows for six extra inches of track width, improving the truck’s high-speed stability.

You might also recognize the truck’s 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels, which are another direct pull-off from the outgoing TRX. Those wheels come wrapped in 35-inch tires, but don’t expect to go up a size without some modification. Chief Engineer Doug Killian told reporters at the launch that a set of 37s will not go on the RHO without some cutting. Other carryover highlights include a Dana 60 rear axle with hop dampeners, an electronic-locking rear differential, and upgraded upper and lower control arms.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Engine and Power Output

Under the bulging hood of the RHO you’ll find a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, known as the Hurricane . In High Output spec, the engine is good for 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 found in the F-150 Raptor produces 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. The engine was developed from the jump with the RHO in mind, and therefore is largely unchanged from other High Output applications. The RHO does pick up a unique intake design with a removable conical filter, however.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO 0-60 Time and Top Speed

Ram says that sort of output allows the truck to do 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, before running the quarter-mile mile in 13.1 seconds at 105 mph. Top speed is limited to 118 mph, a result of the speed rating on the truck’s knobbly rubber. The engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which works with a BorgWarner 48-13 full-time active transfer to provide all-time four-wheel drive. Depending on your drive mode, torque splits range from 45:55, 50:50, and 25:75 rear-biased. Ram says that the RHO provides the most performance per dollar in the segment, with each horsepower available costing buyers $129.60.

Without the blown Hemi in the front of the truck, the RHO tips the scales at 150 lbs less than its predecessor. The Hurricane drops 180 lbs off of the front axle, however, which should make the nose a bit more eager to change direction. That change in weight distribution also required the team to completely retune the shocks, writing new algorithms specific to this vehicle.

The system provides a 40 percent increase in wheel travel over a standard 1500, with 13 inches of total travel up front and 14 inches of total travel in the rear. The truck has 11.8 inches of ground clearance, while the F-150 Raptor provides 12 inches with the 35s equipped. Jump up to the 37s and the Ford offers 13.1 inches of clearance. The truck also provides customers with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 31 degrees, 25.2 degrees, and 21.8 degrees, respectively.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Interior

The interior of the Ram 1500 RHO is quite similar to the outgoing TRX, but it benefits from the mid-cycle refresh coming for all 2025 Ram 1500s. Sporty Napa leather and suede seats ensure that you stay in place during jumps, complete with heat, ventilation, and massage functions. Carbon accents are available as an option if you need more sportiness inside your pickup.

Ram loves its big screens, and the RHO offers almost 50 inches worth of interior screens. Ahead of the wheel sits a large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which is flanked by a large 14.5-inch infotainment screen running the latest Uconnect software. The new front passenger screen also measures 10.25 inches. This secondary screen is covered in a unique film to prevent it from being visible from behind the driver’s seat. A configurable heads-up display is also included in the RHO hardware, with unique displays for the different driving modes. You’ll also find a ton of Rhino easter eggs, including on the serialized VIN plate.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO Pricing

The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO might not have the extreme power of the outgoing model, but the truck presents a huge value in the segment. With its starting price of $71,990, the RHO undercuts the Raptor by over $8000. The Ford starts at $80,325 including destination charges. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Trailhunter models also make things a bit more interesting, as the mid-sizers carry MSRPs of $65,395 and $64,395, respectively.

A few thousand more dollars gets you a lot more truck, which is exactly the goal behind the RHO. Ram wants this thing to be a high-volume machine, which is something it could never really do with the Hellcat V-8-powered TRX. While previous TRX customers may view the RHO as a “downgrade” from their ultra-performance model, the RHO exists in an entirely different pricing realm. It should be interesting to see just how the RHO disrupts the current 4x4 hierarchy.

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time. 

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Home : Product Categories : Lift Kits, Suspensio... : Shocks & Struts : Shocks & Struts : Bilstein 5125 12 Inc...

Bilstein 5125 12 Inch Shock (110008-1)

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Standard shipping rates apply Or Free In Store Pickup

Bilstein B8 5125 12 Inch Shock Absorber. Long travel shocks are an important part of a flexible off-road suspension system. Bilstein shocks are world renown for quality and performance. Available in 10.0 Inches. 12.0 Inches. and 14.0 Inches in length. 255/70 Valving. 5150 model Bilstein shocks include a fixed external fluid reservoir.

Available in 12.0 Inches and 14.0 Inch lengths. All shocks sold by Trail-Gear include sleeves for both top and bottom bolts. 10.0 Inch and 12.0 Inch shocks include black shock boot. 14.0 Inch shock does not include boot due to the extended travel range of the shock.

- Warranty: 12 Month Limited Warranty.

- Sold As: Each.

- Finish: Bare.

- Color: Black.

- Size: 12.0 Inch.

- Extended Length: 29.70 Inch.

- Collapsed Length: 17.91 Inch.

- Valving: 255/70.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

All returns must be accompanied by an original or copy of the receipt within 30 days. There are no refunds/credits after 30 days. Electrical items, tools, installed parts, and some special order items are non-refundable/non-returnable.

All items returned are subject to a minimum 15% restock fee unless other arrangements were made at the time of purchase.

Shipping charges will not be refunded unless item was received damaged or defective, or an error was made on our part when processing your order. Please contact us for any further questions on non-returnable items.

In order to return any products you must contact our customer service at 1-800-341-7757 and obtain an RGA number and write it large and clear on the box being returned. Also care must be taken by you the customer to pack the returned merchandise carefully so that it does not get damaged when sent back to us. Off Road Warehouse is not responsible for any damage that occurs during shipment back to us and the product will become non-returnable if it becomes damaged during the return shipment.

DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE

Any customer that receives damaged or defective merchandise should contact Off Road Warehouse immediately and at the latest within 30 days of the Invoice/Purchase date.

Please contact the Customer Service line at 1-800-341-7757 for more information on returning the merchandise to us and how long it will take to receive a replacement.

Off Road Warehouse does its best to make sure that all merchandise is free of defects and is shipped safely but accidents in shipping and transportation as well as manufacturing defects do happen. We will be happy to help you out and get you new merchandise as quickly as possible.

Order Cancelations

Order Cancelations are not guaranteed. Orders are processed once they are received, In some cases these are with third party vendors and manufactors. We will do everything in our power to stop an Order already in motion but sometimes we are unable to do so.

If you request a cancellation, we will confirm the order is canceled prior to issuing a refund. If your order is not able to be canceled, you must follow the Return Policy Guidelines outlined above.

California Proposition 65

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Payne: 5 cool things about the Ram RHO

Ram’s biggest horns are on a rhino.

Stellantis NV’s truck brand introduced the latest salvo in the super truck wars on Thursday, the 540-horsepower, twin-turbo, inline-6-powered, terrain-eating, 2025 Ram RHO. RHO is short for Ram High Output, but the inference to rhinoceros is intentional. Like the outgoing V8-powered TRX (think T-Rex), the RHO is a ferocious off-road beast.

The RHO is the top dog — er, rhino — in Ram’s light-duty performance truck lineup that includes the Warlock and Rebel. Here are five cool things about the new super truck:

Price. At $71,990 (including $1,995 destination charge), the RHO is nearly $30k cheaper than the $98k TRX, which will be retired after the 2024 model year. Ram swaps out TRX’s insane, 702-horsepower, Dodge Hellcat-derived, supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 for the brand’s newest mill: the 540-horse, twin-turbo, straight-6 Hurricane engine. But the rest of the TRX’s awesome capabilities are intact, including performance Bilstein shocks, lux interior and 35-inch all-terrain tires. The 6-cylinder still sports plenty of grunt (90 more horses than the Ford F-150 Raptor’s V-6) and, with the money you save, you can buy a nice used Ram 1500. With a price just north of the already hot-selling Rebel, the RHO should rack up sales. “We want to grow,” said Ram brand boss Bob Broderdorf.

Shocking performance. Armored like, well, a rhino with skid plates, 11.8-inch ground clearance and 35-inch all-terrain tires, RHO is ready to roam off-road. Put your boot in it and the adaptive, Baja racing-inspired Bilstein shocks boast impressive 13-inch front/14-inch rear suspension travel (40% more than a standard Ram) to navigate terrain at 100-plus-mph speeds. To manage this punishment, the dampers feature remote reservoirs to better control shock fluid temperatures.

These capabilities are managed by an eight-speed transmission, low-speed transfer case, and Drive Mode selector that can rotate between Auto, Tow, Mud/Sand, Rock, Snow, Sport and — bwa-ha-ha-haw! — Baja modes. There’s even a Launch Control button so you can race sportscars out of stoplights to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

Screen-tastic. For all the violence outside, the RHO interior is a corporate boardroom. The last-gen Ram wowed truck fans with its Tesla-like center screen and material opulence. The RHO (and brother Rebel) continue that vibe with 50 inches of available screens starting with the vertically-mounted, 14.4-inch console screen with dual screen capability for multi-tasking. Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital display that changes character depending on drive mode.

Borrowing from its Jeep Grand Wagoneer brother, the RHO also offers a passenger-side, 10.25-inch display so you can ride shotgun with access to music, navigation and your own phone apps. But wait, there’s more. Even the driver’s head-up display is a massive 10 inches and includes details like digital tachometer, turn-by-turn navigation and speed so you can keep your eyes on the ever-changing off-road environment.

A rhino in tennis shoes. The Hurricane engine may give up 162 horsepower to the V-8 nuke, but it’s 150 pounds lighter, which makes for better balance up front. And if you still covet a V-8, walk across the showroom to the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Powerwagon. Its Hemi V-8 and detachable front swaybar make for remarkable rock-crawling capability.

Wide load. Speaking of Heavy Duty, the RHO requires three amber lights (normally reserved for HD trucks) due to its 88-inch width for surer footing on cross-desert sprints. The lights flank the front bumper and are integrated in the tall hood scoop, which filters mud and water in order to make sure the beast within is fed by nice clean air.

The RHO comes in one body style: four-door Crew Cab with a 5’ 7” box and can tow up to 8,380 pounds. That’s enough to pull a real rhino.

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at [email protected] or @HenryEPayne .

2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Lighter in weight, price and power vs TRX

It's also less expensive and more powerful than a raptor.

As Stellantis phases out its line of Hemi V8s, both garden- and hellish-feline-variety, Ram is losing its completely outrageous TRX . But that doesn't mean it's done with intense off-road machines. While it lacks the outright power of the TRX, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO delivers on virtually everything else. Plus, it gets a couple of big benefits over its big-bore forebear.

The biggest difference for the RHO is that it adopts the high-output version of the Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six from the main Ram 1500 and Jeep Wagoneer lines. It's mostly unchanged, but it does breathe through a high-flow filter that pulls air from the functional hood scoop, and it has a valved exhaust to choose between quiet and loud options. It makes the same 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque as those other trucks , and that's obviously much less than the TRX's 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet. But you know what's less powerful than the Hurricane? The standard F-150 Raptor , which has 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Not only that, but the RHO is still darn quick. It gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, only 0.1 behind the TRX, and it finishes the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds.

There's another benefit to switching to the Hurricane: weight. The RHO weighs 150 pounds less than the TRX, and all of that savings is over the front of the truck. There's a good chance that the RHO is going to feel more eager on turn-in than the old V8 brute. It also likely helped with improving towing and payload capacity. Towing increases from 8,100 pounds in the TRX to 8,380 in the RHO, and payload from 1,310 to 1,520. And those numbers again trump the standard Raptor.

The reduced weight does mean that Ram has had to do some retuning of the suspension, but beyond that, the hardware is the same as on the TRX. That includes the adaptive, remote-reservoir Bilstein shocks, forged front control arms, upgraded bumpstops, and loads of suspension travel. Specifically, it has 13 inches of travel up front, and 14 at the rear. It also sits on 35-inch tires. Ram engineers said that 37-inch tires will technically fit, but if you're looking to use all that suspension travel, you'll run into issues with rubbing without additional modification.

There are small changes inside and out as far as styling and features, too. The RHO gets updated LED lighting and a new grille and bumper, plus new badges and stickers denoting the RHO trim and the Hurricane engine. The interior gets similar updates to the regular Ram, with one of the most noteworthy additions being the option of a passenger-side infotainment screen as well as the new full-color HUD. Multifunction switches are included for adding auxiliary lights, and there are new RHO badges throughout. It also picks up the option of hands-free highway driving assist like the regular Rams. Customers have the choice of Nappa leather or suede upholstery and can add carbon fiber trim and red upholstery accents.

The real kicker to the RHO package, though, is the price. It starts at $71,990,  well below the TRX's six-figure price. But importantly, it's also significantly less than the F-150 Raptor , which starts at $80,325. The RHO might not have the engine of the TRX, but it has basically everything else, and all for a lot less. It seems like Ram has a real winner here.

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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