Choosing Shocks for your Ford F-150

We made this guide specifically for the 2009-2013 Ford F-150, based on thousands of miles running these shocks ourselves, and thousands of customers' feedback. Shock Surplus hasn't tested this exact year of F150, but we've gotten seat miles on many of these options on other F150 trucks. 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.

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OEM Shock Replacements

This table of shocks are the current part numbers for the 2009-2013 Ford F-150, across numerous trims. The guide below with our shock recommendations are confirmed to fit without any modification necessary.

Part # Drive Type Description
Front Shocks (2009–2013)
AL3Z-18124-AA 2WD Standard Suspension, Base Payload, 145″/157″ wheelbase.
AL3Z-18124-EA 4WD Standard, without off-road shock, without SVT Raptor/Harley-Davidson, Base or HD Payload.
ASH-508 4WD With Premium Off-Road Shocks (FX4).
ASH-12249 4WD Heavy Duty Dual Front Shocks, with Heavy Duty Payload Upgrade Package.
BL3Z-18124-H 4WD 2010–2014, factory Fox Racing shock.
Rear Shocks (2009–2013)
AL3Z-18125-D 2WD Standard Suspension, 126″/133″ wheelbase, Base Payload Package.
AL3Z-18125-E 2WD Standard Suspension, 145″/157″ wheelbase, Base Payload Package.
AL3Z-18125-G 4WD Standard Suspension, 126″/133″ wheelbase, Base Payload Package.
AL3Z-18125-H 4WD Premium Off-Road, 145″/157″/163″ wheelbase, Base Payload.
Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System Stage 1 Kit for 2009-2013 Ford F150 4WD w/2" lift
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Overview
The Eibach Pro Truck Sport Shocks have become one of our go-to recommendations for the Ford F150 platform, as many drivers commuting want more comfort, and a bit more handling out of their suspension. That's where Eibach delivers, being overall softer than the popular Bilstein, and giving similar comfort to the more premium level Fox 2.0 If you want similar comfort to stock, with improved handling and predictability, this is a great option.
Price

3 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
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2009-2014 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The tried and true Bilstein 4600 shock is the go-to option for Ford F150 owners that prioritize handling and road feel for the daily drive. These shocks handle heavier loads and can tow like a champ, keeping the rear leaf spring suspension in check. If you prioritize comfort over handling, these are not our recommendation, look towards Eibach or KYB.
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
KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Strut & Shocks Set for 2009-2014 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The KYB Gas-a-Just shock for the Ford F150 lean towards a comfortable daily drive, and not overly sharp like the Bilstein. These shocks are a step up from the softer black twin tube shocks that come from the factory on the 2009-2013 Ford F150, giving a bit better handling through a high pressure monotube gas design.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Increased handling and performance over factory shocks
  • Longer lifespan than Excel-G and factory shocks
  • Monotube design translates to more consistency
Cons
  • More road feedback
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 2009-2014 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The RS9000XL adjustable shock for the 2009-2013 Ford F150 are for drivers who want versatility in how they use their truck. With a turn of the red knob on each shock, the driver can create a softer ride for the daily drive, or a firmer ride when more damping is needed for heavier loads or offroad performance. These shocks are very similar in ride comfort to factory shocks, but much more oil volume for high heat situations, and adjustability to fine tune the ride.
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 2009-2013 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The Bilstein 5100 shocks for the 2009-2013 Ford F150 allow the driver to raise the front end of the vehicle up to 2-inches over factory height, using factory springs. These shocks are valved for drivers who modifying their truck, seeing bigger wheel and tire combinations, and/or want tighter handling with a raised center of gravity (lift kit, leveling kit, etc).
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
Overview
Bilstein's 6112 shock and spring combination for the 2009-2013 Ford F150 delivers superior offroad performance where standard 2-inch shocks fade under pressure. These shocks are able to deliver a forgiving daily drive, while using its 60mm internal piston to dampen all the hard hits that come during aggressive offroad and trail use.
Price

dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set for 2009-2013 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 2009-2013 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
Icon's 2.5 shock package are one of the go-to options for drivers who want a moderate amount of lift, sharp daily-driven handling, and offroad performance on the weekends. Not the softest option out there, but we've been impressed with our own tests here on various Icon kits for trucks running extra loads or constantly adventuring offroad.
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 - 2009-2014 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
King Shocks for the 2009-2013 Ford F150 deliver everything you expect from Kings, daily driven confidence and comfort, with loads to spare when your truck hits the dirt. Known for superb offroad handling under faster speeds, Kings excel at helping the Ford F150 handle the big bumps in tough terrain, rocky trails, and through high speed desert environments.
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