Bilstein 6112 Vs Eibach Pro Truck vs Fox 2.0 - Ford F150 Edition
Posted by Sean Reyes on
We've now run three complete coilover setups on our 2023 Ford F-150—the Bilstein 6112, the Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2R, and the Fox 2.0 Performance Series. Each one got real miles, real terrain, and the same test track. Here's how they actually compared.
We've also done similar comparisons on a couple other vehicles; the Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Ford Bronco.
At Shock Surplus, we don't just sell suspension—we test nearly everything we carry on our own vehicles. From stock takeoffs and spacer kits to high-end coilovers, we log thousands of miles on-road and off to give you real-world feedback. We dont tell you what to run, we help you figure out what to run on your own ride.
The Stock Baseline
Before we bolted up any aftermarket parts, we thoroughly tested the stock suspension to establish a baseline. The factory setup on our F-150 PowerBoost with the Max Tow Package showed several notable characteristics that left room for improvement.
- Underdamped front suspension, particularly noticeable on repetitive bumps
- Rear suspension prone to engaging the overload springs too easily
- Soft initial compression followed by harsh bottom-out feelings
- Excessive body roll during cornering
- Bouncy rebound characteristics
The stock twin-tube shocks, while functional, left much room for improvement in both comfort and performance. This is the truck all three setups were tested on, back-to-back.
Bilstein 6112 & 5160: The Value Champion
The Bilstein 6112 and 5160 combination transformed our 2023 F-150's ride quality and handling characteristics. Despite being a progressive damping design, the setup actually improved small bump sensitivity while better controlling larger impacts.
The 6112 front setup was configured for approximately 2 inches of lift on our PowerBoost model. EcoBoost and Coyote engines may see closer to 2.5 inches due to their lighter front end.
The 60mm digressive piston improves ride comfort and control over rough terrain, while the large 60mm body provides increased oil capacity, cooling, and long-term durability. This kit rivals 2.5" race-series shocks and coilovers from the competition in an easily accessible performance package.
Key Takeaways: Bilstein 6112
- The bang for your buck factor is solid - this 2.6" body shock comes in at a price of the other 2" body shocks in this review.
- The balance between comfort and performance is excellent, making this upgrade a compelling option for daily drivers and work trucks alike
- Although some drivers may traditionally shy away from the firmer tuning found on the Bilsteins, the control and precision they give you behind the wheel is worth much more than any perceived comfort the boat-like stock shocks provide
- Monotube design ensures consistent, fade-free performance in all conditions
- Backed by Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty - but realistically we see very few failures or warranty issues with Bilstein.
For F-150 owners concerned about the setup being too firm - don't be. These shocks are surprisingly plush for a Bilstein shock. The large piston makes the daily bumps and chatter effortless, while soaking up the bigger hits and delivering excellent recovery - typically where stock shocks falter.
Whether you're looking to level your truck, improve ride quality, or enhance overall performance, this Bilstein package delivers impressive results across the board. With height adjustments, durability, and industry-leading dampening, we think it's one of the best 2.5" shocks on the market - and it comes in cheaper than the competition.
Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2R: The Goldilocks Shock
The Eibach Stage 2 and 2R kits have surged in popularity recently, especially for Ford F-150 owners. We installed the Stage 2R on Steve's brand new 2023 F-150 - a truck that pulls daily commuting duty, comfortable cross-country family trips, and towing duties.
The Stage 2R kits include Eibach's 2.0 coilovers and reservoir rear shocks. The "R" indicates the inclusion of reservoir rear shocks, which provide better heat dissipation and faster recovery compared to non-reservoir shocks.
Eibach's 2.0 coilovers are unique - they allow on-vehicle height adjustments. The steel threaded bodies and slip washers prevent coil binding, and the included spanner wrenches make adjustments straightforward. Unlike many other brands requiring removal and spring compressors, Eibach coilovers can be adjusted on the truck with precise recommendations.
Key Takeaways: Eibach Pro-Truck
- The Eibachs feel like an OEM+ package, improving upon stock suspension without major compromises
- Better small bump compliance than Bilstein but a tighter, more composed feel and handling than Fox - the "tweener" shock ideal for daily drivers
- Eibach valves some of their applications with a digressive tune - not an aggressive one like Bilstein, but definitely firmer feeling than the Fox 2.0
- Out-of-the-box lift heights vary: about 3" on 2.7 EcoBoost trucks, 2" on PowerBoost models, and roughly 2.5" on Coyote or 3.5 EcoBoost trucks
- The coilovers increased usable wheel travel from 7⅛" stock to just under 8½", even with stock control arms
- Eibach's million-mile warranty is a lot more bulletproof than many competitors
We did push these coilovers to their limit and beyond. They endured the lap in full hysteresis, violently bottoming and topping out until the seal heads gave way. If the Eibach feel suits you, extreme driving might not be your style—but they suit how most people actually use their F-150s.
Steve describes them as the "Goldilocks Shocks." They're not for the toughest trails or desert racing, but for daily driving, road trips, and mild to moderate off-road use, this is where we'd steer most buyers who want improved control and comfort with on-vehicle height adjustability.
Fox 2.0 Performance Series: Too Soft for the 14th Gen?
Fox 2.0 coilovers and shocks have long been a go-to upgrade for F-150 owners looking for a plush ride, level stance, and more off-road confidence. On older trucks, the Fox 2.0s still earn their reputation as plush, capable, and reliable.
But with so many strong competitors at similar or even lower prices, we had to find out: do these shocks still hold up for the current generation F-150?
Somehow, these shocks felt both harsh and underdamped while off-road. Small chatter rattled the truck, and larger hits were downright punishing. We checked everything—the 35" F-load tires, max payload leafs, even nitrogen pressure. No change. Everything pointed to a valving mismatch for this specific F-150 platform.
Key Takeaways: Fox 2.0
- It's rare that we call out Fox this directly, but the Fox 2.0s were harsher than the Bilsteins offroad, less controlled than the Eibachs, and didn't justify their higher price
- In isolation, they'd be "fine"—but with competition this strong, "fine" doesn't cut it
- The aluminum body has an edge for longevity in heat and dirt, where cavitation becomes a concern—aluminum sheds heat to outside air faster than steel
- Fox 2.0 can be serviced and rebuilt like new, which may benefit some buyers
- Fox's 1-year warranty is notably shorter than both Bilstein and Eibach
On the 2021 and newer F-150s, the Fox 2.0 simply doesn't deliver. Both Bilstein and Eibach outperform them in nearly every category—all while costing less. This doesn't mean Fox makes bad shocks. It means this particular application didn't get the valving attention it needed for the 14th-gen platform.
They lack the ride quality, balance, and refinement we expect from Fox. If you're shopping for your late-model F-150, both the Bilstein 6112 and Eibach Pro-Truck deliver more performance for less money. We'd recommend looking at those first.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Bilstein 6112 + 5160 | Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2R | Fox 2.0 Performance Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock Body | 2.6" IFP Monotube | 2.0" IFP Monotube | 2.0" IFP Monotube |
| Body Material | Steel (zinc plated) | Steel threaded body, aluminum mounts | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Piston Design | 60mm Digressive | 46mm Variable Force | High-Flow Linear (IFP) |
| Front Lift Range | 0–2.5" | 0.5–2.5" | 0–2" |
| Rear Shock | 5160 Remote Reservoir | Reservoir Sport (2R) or IFP Sport (Stage 2) | 2.0 IFP Smooth Body |
| On-Vehicle Height Adjust | No — requires spring compressor | Yes — spanner wrench included | No — requires spring compressor |
| Ride Character | Firm, controlled, precise | Balanced — OEM+ comfort with composure | Harsh + underdamped on 14th-gen F-150 |
| Small Bump Compliance | Good — improved over stock | Best of the three | Poor — chatter transmitted to cab |
| Off-Road Feel | Planted, confident at speed | Capable for mild-moderate trails | Underdamped — lacks control |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Million-Mile (shocks) / 12-mo (coilovers) | 1 Year |
| Rebuildable | No | No | Yes |
| Approx. Kit Price | ~$1,100–$1,300 | ~$1,400–$1,600 | ~$1,700 |
| Value Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Who Should Buy What
We dont try and tell you what to run, we're here to help you figure out what to run - on your own vehicle. We regularly advise people downgrade when a beefy shock isn't necessary, or if it wont meet your needs.
Buy the Bilstein 6112 If:
- You want the most shock for your money—the bang for your buck factor is unmatched in this group
- You drive off-road with any regularity and want something that stays planted and confident at speed
- You tow and need a setup that handles added weight without wallow or fade
- You're fine with setting your lift height once and leaving it
Buy the Eibach Pro-Truck If:
- You want improved control and comfort without sacrificing daily-driver refinement
- On-vehicle height adjustability matters to you—whether for dialing in stance or compensating for gear weight
- You need the best small bump compliance of the group for long highway miles and family comfort
- A strong warranty gives you peace of mind
Buy the Fox 2.0 If:
- You're running an older F-150 (pre-2021), where the Fox 2.0 still earns its reputation as soft, plush, and reliable
- You specifically want a rebuildable shock for long-term ownership
- You value the aluminum body for corrosion resistance in wet or salty environments
On the 2023 F-150, two of these three setups truly impressed us. The Bilstein 6112 delivered the best overall value—a lot of shock for the cost. The Eibach Pro-Truck earned its "Goldilocks" reputation with a refined balance of comfort, control, and adjustability. The Fox 2.0, despite its stellar track record on other platforms, showed us that shocks can be too soft—and that a valving mismatch can undo a great reputation.
Shop all three setups for your F-150 at shocksurplus.com. Questions? Our team has run all of these on our own trucks—hit us up on live chat and we'll steer you right.
