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 IFS 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.
| 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.