Choosing Shocks for your Ford Bronco

Shock Surplus has tested more shocks on the 2021+ Ford Bronco than any other company or human - yes that's a flex. These recommendations come from true seat time on the road, in the mountains, and in the desert at high speeds.
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Shock Comparison

HOSS vs Bilstein 5100 Video

How does the factory equipped HOSS suspension compare to Bilstein's 5100 series shocks?

Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs. From our testing so far, as of May 2023, Bilstein 5100s have proven to be very comfortable on-road, along with
Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2 Front & Rear Coilovers Set for 2021-2026 Ford Bronco 4WD
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Overview
The Eibach Pro Truck coilovers are a solid ready-to-install package that will upgrade almost every aspect of ride quality on your truck.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Well balanced between comfort and improved handling over stock shocks.
  • Reduced sway and rear end axle hop over small and big bumps
  • Extreme durability and longevity through German design and US Manufacturing
Cons
  • Limited heat capacity for sustained offroad use
  • Some drivers report low-speed impacts and bumps can feel sharper than expected (not Shock Surplus' experience)
Special Notes
We reviewed these shocks on our Bronco, and found some surprising results. Check the review here!
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut Set for 2021-2026 Ford Bronco 4WD w/0-2.95" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. The Bilstein 5100 for the Bronco allows for ride height adjustment on all 4 corners, using the factory coil springs.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Able to lift all four corners using stock springs
  • Great off-road capable shock upgrade
  • More Comfortable on road and for mild to moderate speeds off road than stock Bilstein ESCV
  • Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
  • Firmer than Hitachi shocks used on lesser models
  • Performance Shock, higher price
  • May be too soft for some drivers on 35in and 37in tires
Special Notes
We tested these shocks in early 2023, and found them softer (on pavement, easy trails) than the Hoss 2.0 ESCV shocks.
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Bilstein 6100 Struts 60mm 0.3-2.8" Set for 2021-2026 Ford Bronco
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Overview
A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 and 6100 shocks iare equipped with a massive 60mm active piston and 2.6" shock body, providing exceptional off-road capability and handling. This shock is aimed solely at the adventurer, offroader, and overlander that sees a lot of dirt, but also doesn't want to sacrifice daily driver comfort.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Able to lift all four corners using stock springs
  • 60mm piston, "best in class"
  • Price-to-Shock ratio through the roof, 2.6" shock & spring less expensive than 2" coilovers
    • Massive off-road ride upgrade, improved road handling and comfort Long lasting, durable, serviceable
Cons
  • Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
  • Requires coil-spring compressor for installation
Special Notes
6100 Shocks can only be used on Broncos with HOSS 2.0 suspension. Models with HOSS 1.0 need 6112s
Icon EXP 2.5 Shocks
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Overview
Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5 EXP series shocks utilize an all aluminum body, with snap ring grooves to provide a range of height adjustment. These shocks use the factory springs and top mounts, providing an inexpensive entry-point for more performance.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Inexpensive 2.5 performance shock, uses factory coil springs and top mounts
  • Ride Height adjustable to provide lift for larger tires or heavier loads
  • Improved handling over 2.0 shocks to give more confidence under load or towing
Cons
  • Requires a coil spring compressor to install
  • Cannot be ride-height adjusted while on the vehicle
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
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Overview
Dobinsons' MRR shocks are triple adjustable for extremely fine tuning of ride quality for your truck. High and low speed compression adjustment, mixed with rebound adjustment, equals a shock that can adapt to any environment, speed, or load for your truck.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • The most adjustable shock on the market for most trucks or SUVs
  • Adjustments can improve handling under loads, increase comfort through softer bump compliance, and increase traction through a combination of high speed compression and rebound adjustment.
  • Rebuild-able for extremely long life through your entire vehicle ownership
Cons
  • Rebound adjuster on some models is tricky to access
Special Notes
Shock Surplus installed and tested these shocks on a customer Bronco. Check the Review here
8112 ZoneControl DSA+ Shocks Set for 2021-2026 Ford Bronco 4WD w/0.7-2" lift
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Overview
Bilstein's 8112 DSA & Blackhawk shocks are one of the most advanced shock available, with the ride quality to match. These shocks are Bilstein's flagship performance product for trucks, delivering bottomless suspension in the toughest terrains, while being able to drive it home in comfort.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Multiple levels of compression adjustment to fine tune driver inputs, or heavy terrain changes at speed
  • Position sensitive damping through internal rebound and compression pistons
  • Built with longevity in mind, requiring far less maintenance than competitive shocks
Cons
  • Price point is not wallet friendly
  • Aluminum body shocks reduce the ability to adjust height while on the vehicle
Special Notes
Shock Surplus has tested these shocks on numerous vehicles. Check out one of them here!
King Shocks 2.5 Performance w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2021-2024 Ford Bronco
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Overview
King’s tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • One of the highest performing shocks available for OE apps
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Compression adjustment and reservoir options Badass Blue color
Cons
  • Lacking on features from competitors
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite 3-4" Lift Kit - 2021-2026 Ford Bronco 4WD
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5” shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
  • Adjustable & Reservoir options Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Icon Vehicle Dynamics - Stage 3
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Overview
Icon's 2.5 Coilovers have proven to provide substantial support at higher offroad speeds, and dealing with increased loads for long range adventures and overlanding. As a high performance shock, handling feels great on larger tires, body roll is reduced, without much sacrifice to comfort.
Price
$$$$
Pros
  • High Performance means these are built for speed and support.
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Re-tunable to optimize ride behavior.
  • Optimal for drivers who want handling and performance from their Bronco.
Cons
  • Requires servicing by 40-60k miles, depending on use & abuse.
  • Sportier ride characteristics sometimes leaves customers wanting more comfort
Special Notes
We tested these shocks in April of 2023, and found them to be our favorite setup thus far to handle the 37inch tires which are currently equipped on the shop's Bronco.