The factory Bilsteins on the Power Wagon are good for stock height and light-duty trail. Step up to Bilstein 5160 reservoir shocks for $900 and you get noticeably better fade resistance at desert speeds. Step up to Fox 2.5 or King 2.5 reservoirs for $1,800-$2,800 and you change the truck — controlled, plush, no-fade over washboard at 50 mph.
The factory Power Wagon Bilstein 5100-class shocks are tuned for stock 33" tires and stock weight. They're fine for daily and mild trail use but they fade fast under desert running or sustained off-road speed. Three upgrade paths:
Bilstein 5160 reservoir shocks ($900 for all four) — the value upgrade. Same 46mm body as the factory shock but with a remote reservoir for added oil capacity and fade resistance. Bolts in like a factory replacement. About 70% of the performance of a Fox 2.5 for 50% of the price. Best for moderate trail + occasional desert.
Fox 2.5 Performance Series with reservoir ($1,800) — true 2.5" body shocks, internal floating piston, remote reservoir. Big step up in damping control and ride quality, especially on washboard and rocky high-speed terrain. The mainstream "I'm serious about this truck" upgrade.
King 2.5 OEM Performance Series ($2,800) — premium tier. Adjustable compression damping (24-click), serviceable internals, longer service intervals than Fox in dusty desert use. The pick if you wheel hard and want to tune your own damping curve.
Carli Performance 2.5 ($2,200) — bundled with Carli lift kits, tuned specifically for the Power Wagon's solid-axle geometry. The choice if you're running a Carli Pintop or Backcountry lift.
Notes for the install: the Power Wagon's front coilover bolts are notorious for rust seizure on 2014-2018 trucks. Plan on penetrating oil 24 hours before, and have an impact wrench available. The 22mm upper nut on the front strut tower is the worst — many owners snap the stud trying to break it loose with a hand wrench.
For all four shock options, do front AND rear together. Mismatched damping (new fronts, tired rears) makes the truck feel weird and accelerates wear on the new shocks.
All four options are a bolt-in shock swap — no fabrication — but the Power Wagon's front coilover assembly makes this a real afternoon job, not a 30-minute one.
For a step up to a taller ride height, the shock change pairs with a lift kit — see the pw-lift-aev-dualsport and Carli paths, which spec their own valving.
The biggest mistake is ordering reservoir shocks without checking frame clearance on an already-lifted truck — Fox and King 2.5 remote reservoirs need a clear routing path, and a 3"+ lift changes where the hose lands. Mock up the reservoir bracket before committing.
The second is valving mismatch. A non-Carli shock dropped onto a Carli or AEV spring without the matching tune will ride harsher or wallow depending on the pairing; follow the shock maker's preload and valving recommendation for your exact spring, or expect to chase ride quality afterward. And if a front coilover bolt does seize past the point of penetrating oil, stop before you snap it — heat from a small torch on the bracket (not the stud) usually wins where brute force loses.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 5160 Reservoir Shocks (front + rear, set of 4) | Bilstein | ~$900 |
| Fox 2.5 Performance Series w/ Reservoir (front + rear) | Fox | ~$1800 |
| King 2.5 OEM Performance Series w/ Reservoir + Compression Adjuster | King Shocks | ~$2800 |
| Carli Performance 2.5 (matched to Carli lift kits) | Carli Suspension | ~$2200 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.
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