Choosing Shocks for your Ford F-350 Super Duty

Its no mystery the Ford F350 is a big truck - but they missed that memo at Ford and put on the least functional shocks they could get away with. There's nothing worse than driving down the road with excessive sway or porpoising over highway joints endlessly. We made this guide to address handling and comfort concerns, whether you're daily commuting, towing on the weekend, or hauling heavy loads during the week.

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Part # Drive Type Description
Front Shocks (2005–2016)
ASH-12159 2WD, SRW Without off-road shocks, Single Rear Wheels.
ASH-12161 2WD, DRW Without off-road shocks, Dual Rear Wheels.
ASH-12176 4WD, SRW With Premium Off-Road shocks, Single Rear Wheels, 6.7L.
ASH-12179 4WD, DRW With Premium Off-Road shocks, Double Rear Wheels or Heavy Duty Trailer Towing.
Rear Shocks (2005–2016)
ASH-12183 2WD, DRW Double Rear Wheels, standard.
ASH-12192 4WD, SRW 6.7L Powerstroke, 2011–2016.
ASH-12196 4WD, SRW With Premium Off-Road (RR) shocks, Camper Pack or Single Rear Wheels.
ASH-12207 2WD/4WD With off-road shocks, 6.7L.
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 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD
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Overview
If you're a Ford F350 Super Duty driver that values handling and predictability over extreme comfort, the Bilstein 4600 is our go-to recommendation. These shocks remove the sloppy side to side behavior that you see with stock shocks, and help settle the truck much quicker after big bumps, highway joints, or rough dirt on the way to the job site.
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 Shocks Set for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD
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Overview
While these Rancho 'red & white' shocks look the same as the stock 05-16 Ford F350 Super Duty shocks, these are a bit more robust, and higher gas pressure - both features of the RS5000X line. These shocks get close to how the Ford Super Duty feels when rolling off the lot, but expect a bit sportier feel, and less risk of shock-fade when the terrain gets rougher, whether county roads or poor pavement.
Price

1 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
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1999-2004 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD
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Overview
The Monomax shock is KYB's heavy duty shock absorber meant for workhorse trucks or offroad vehicles that see tough terrain. If you want your 2005-2016 Ford F350 to handle far better than it did off the lot, and be more confident under load, these are a good bet. The KYB Monomax shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
  • Increases handling and performance significantly
  • Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
  • Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
  • Red may not match your vehicle well.
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD
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Overview
Rancho RS9000XL are the go-to shocks for F350 drivers that want some versatility - daily comfort, better handling on dirt roads, and improved load handling. These shocks can be tuned from very soft to firm, when compared to the factory Rancho shocks on these Super Duty Trucks. While you can turn these shocks to full firm, the RS9000XL shocks will never be as tight as a Bilstein or Eibach option.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Control for soft or firm compression damping
  • Thick bodied, large oil volume
  • Excellent adjustable shock for the price
  • 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
  • Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD
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Overview
The Bilstein 5100 shocks for the Ford F350 Super Duty are our go-to recommendation for a tighter handling truck with superior load handling. Another benefit of the Bilstein 5100 is the available ride height options for different lift kitss, from 2" to 8" systems. One of the most popular shocks for the Ford F350, the Bilstein 5100 delivers confidence at every turn and bump.
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
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 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 2.5" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 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

3 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
King Shocks 2.5 Performance w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD w/4-6" 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
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks w/ Reservoir Set for 2005-2016 Ford F350 Super Duty 4WD
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Overview
The 2.0 Performance Reservoir shocks are the upgrade you may be looking for in order to smash through those offroad trails and terrain a bit faster. The addition of the reservoir allows for higher offroad speeds with improved heat dissipation, and slightly increased travel in the main shock body.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Significantly improved off-road capability
  • Improved road handling and bump compliance
  • Serviceable and rebuildable
  • Custom Tuneable
Cons
  • Requires servicing at approximately 50,000 miles
  • May be too firm for some drivers