Choosing Shocks for your Ford F-150

We made this guide specifically for the F-150, based on thousands of miles running these shocks ourselves, and thousands of customers' feedback. We address different budgets, different vehicle uses & needs (plush daily comfort, more handling, off-road, etc), and identifying exactly what these shocks mean for your Ford. We truly test these products ourselves, and are open to any and all questions for your vehicle, reach out to us with any questions!

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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
  • Long lasting, very durable
  • Reduces nose dive and body roll
  • Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Higher tier shock, higher price
  • Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
Rancho RS5000X Gas Strut & Shocks Set for 2014-2020 Ford F150 RWD
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Overview
Serving as an upgrade option on factory trucks, the Rancho RS5000X is a thick bored twin tube gas shock, meant to increase performance in a budget package. The thick body of this shock ensures that it can handle tough situations and loads without much problem, and the budget price means its accessible to a large application base.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to performance longevity
  • Reliable twin tube technology
  • Great price for a 2" gas shock
  • 90 Day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Ride quality leaves something to be desired
  • Mass produced, shows in the details
KYB Truck Plus Shocks & Spring Assembly + Rear Excel-G Shocks Set for 2014-2019 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The KYB Truck Plus are an excellent factory equipment replacement, with the addition of a possible leveling kit for your vehicle. The completely assembled shock and spring units are easy to install, without the requirement of a coil spring compressor.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Easy install, no coil spring compressor required
  • Factory replacement for original ride quality
  • Leveling Kits are available for these Plus units
Cons
  • Not as offroad-able as some other options
Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Strut & Shocks Set for 2015-2023 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
Eibach has one of the most balanced ride quality we've seen here at Shock Surplus. Delivering an upgrade to on-road handling and comfort through a balanced compression/rebound approach, the Pro-Truck shocks keep the vehicle both nimble and comfortable. Eibach manufacturers their own shocks and springs in-house in California, backed by a million mile warranty.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Height adjustable shocks allow for leveling your truck
  • Monotube design provides consistent fade free performance
  • Perfectly matched springs and shocks in a single package
Cons
  • Still requires coil spring compressor
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Teraflex Falcon Sport 2.25" Tow/Haul Leveling System Kit for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD RWD w/0-2.25" lift
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Overview
Teraflex’s Falcon shock systems have a 2.25" shock body, which is a step up in oil volume and piston size compared to competing shock options. The digressive piston within these shocks means significant improvement in handling on the roads while loaded or unloaded, along with off-road capabilities that keep the tires planted in hard terrain.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Reduced Body roll and bottoming out action
  • Leveling Height capability
  • Exceptional build quality, aluminum shock body
  • All-in-one Kit
  • Ride Control adjustment, soft / firm response
  • Serviceable & Rebuildable
Cons
  • Not budget friendly
  • Not much else
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD w/0-2.1" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
  • Great off-road capable shock upgrade
  • Durable, long lasting
  • Improved handling on & off-road
  • Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
Icon 0-2.63" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Improved handling on and off-road
  • Built for moderate to high speed
  • Rebuildable and serviceable
  • Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
  • Requires servicing for optimum performance
  • Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Special Notes
Icon drastically improves handling, which overlaps with daily driven confidence, tow & haul performance under loads, and gives great control offroad.
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2R Coilover Kit Front Coilovers + Rear Reservoir Shocks for 2015-2022 Ford F150 4WD w/0.5-2.5" lift
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Overview
Eibach's Stage 2R (Reservoir) Pro-Truck systems are an impressive competitor to similar offerings from Bilstein 5100 and Fox 2.0 kits. The reservoir rear shocks provide substantially better traction in the faster dirt environments, and being a tad softer on-road for the daily drive.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Ride height adjustment on the front coilovers to level or lift the front of your vehicle.
  • Spanner wrench included for adjustment
  • Rear ride quality improves in comfort and performance in offroad environments
Cons
No downsides have been discovered yet from Shock Surplus testing, or user feedback.
Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear 5100 Shocks Set for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Leveling Height Adjustments
  • 60mm piston, "best in class"
  • Price-to-Shock ratio through the roof, 2.6" shock & spring less expensive than 2" coilovers
  • Massive off-road ride upgrade, improved road handling and comfort
  • Long lasting, durable, serviceable
Cons
  • Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
  • Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set for 2014-2020 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
  • Excellent High Performance entry level shock
  • Handles hard hits well
  • Improves handling and traction in all terrains
  • Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
  • Higher price point compared to similar offerings
  • Requires servicing for optimal performance
  • Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Icon 0-2.63" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD
Buy Now
Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Improved handling on and off-road
  • Built for moderate to high speed
  • Rebuildable and serviceable
  • Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
  • Requires servicing for optimum performance
  • Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilovers & Shocks w/ Reservoirs Set for 2014-2020 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Factory Race series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5" shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
  • Adjustable & Reservoir options
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Coilovers w/ Remote Reservoir + Rear Reservoir Shocks Set for 2015-2020 Ford F150 4WD w/0-3" lift
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • One of the highest performing shocks available for OE apps
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Compression adjustment and reservoir options
  • Badass Blue color
Cons
  • Lacking on features from competitors
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance