Choosing Shocks for your Ford F-250 Super Duty

The best shocks for the newer 2017-2026 Ford F-250 / F-350 Super Duty trucks really comes down to the driver and intended use. There is no best shock for everyone, all shocks have their pros and cons and what they deliver for the specific driver. We have great recommendations for vehicles that tow and haul a lot, which would be different from customers that are only concerned with daily comfort. And those are going to differ from our recommendations on the best off-road shocks for the F-250 & F-350 trucks. We've done extensive testing with the shocks we sell, and have gathered significant amount of feedback from our customers to arrive at the shocks in this guide.

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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations

The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs

KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Shocks Set for 2017-2023 Ford F250 Super Duty RWD

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Overview

The KYB Gas-a-Just shock is a step up from the factory twin tube shocks that come with many 2017+ Ford Super Duty trucks, which gives the driver a bit more confidence through control around town. These monotube shocks have much more damping than a twin tube shock, while delivering similar comfort. These are the 'handling' stock upgrade that keeps the F250 more stable on highway joints, and rough pavement or county roads.

Price

$$$$

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

Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2017-2024 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

The Rancho RS5000X gas pressurized shocks are a step up from the factory Ranchos that come standard on a lot of Ford Super Duty trucks. Expect a bit tighter feel, similar comfort on your 2017+ Ford F250. These shocks provide a bit more support due to higher gas pressure in the shocks, but still more comfortable on the street when compared to some other monotube shock options in this guide.

Price

$$$$

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

Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2017-2026 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

The Bilstein 4600 shock is the stock-upgrade that F250 owners usually desire if they're really using their truck to haul, tow, or work. These shocks provide the 2017+ Ford Super Duty with far superior handling when compared to stock, while still maintaining good daily driven comfort. These Bilstein shocks heavily reduce the side-to-side body sway through turns and bumps, stops any front to back excessive bouncing, and provides a lot more confidence when the rear end is loaded or you've hooked up a trailer.

Price

$$$$

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

Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations

The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads

Fox 2.5 Performance Series HTO Shocks Set for 2017-2026 Ford F250 Super Duty

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Overview

The Fox 2.5 HTO is the big bore support that these heavy duty trucks require. No more slop, substantial control improvement, while improving comfort. These shocks shine when the terrain gets rougher or the trail gets chunkier - perfectly at home offroad when the suspension starts to cycle more. These are the perfect option to step-up from a 2.0 shock while not having to fork over a lot of money on excessive reservoir setups.

Price

$$$$

Pros

2.5-inch body that features heavy duty damping for super duty trucks
Top-out zone to help reduce slop and excessive sway in heavier trucks
Serviceable for extreme life

Cons

Does require maintenance eventually, shock-life will vary heavily by driver.

Special Notes

Check out our Fox 2.5 HTO Shocks overview and review here

KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Shocks Front Pair for 2017-2024 Ford F250 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. These shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.

Price

$$$$

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 2017-2026 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

Many 2017+ Ford Super Duty owners want the best of both worlds - daily driven comfort, but also more confidence when the rear is loaded from a trailer or equipment. The Rancho RS9000XL shock helps deliver for that driver, through 9 stages of adjustment you can change from very soft to very firm damping to dial in what's needed at the moment for your Ford.

Price

$$$$

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 2017-2026 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

The Bilstein 5100 is the cousin to the 4600, with valving slightly increased for larger wheel and tire packages, lifted ride heights, or a combination of both. We recommend these shocks to Ford Super Duty owners who are running air-bags in the rear, leveling kits up front, or on 3" or 4" lift kits while still towing the trailer or boat.

Price

$$$$

Pros

Multiple shock-lengths available for lifted applications, up to 6"
Superior handling option for Super / Heavy Duty Fords
Extreme durability and longevity, designed for 100k+ miles

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

Bilstein 5160 w/ Remote Reservoir Shocks Set for 2017-2025 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD w/2-2.5" lift

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Overview

The Bilstein 5160 reservoir shock isn't only for added heat capacity, and for heavy offroad use in your Ford Super Duty - these shocks are also valved softer overall when compared to the 4600 and 5100 series, give a bit smoother response over the bumpy terrain. While these shocks can stand up to more abuse offroad, there's noticeable benefits to the daily drive in your 2017+ Ford F250, subduing the small bumps betterr, and reducing the harshness in the rear from an unloaded bed.

Price

$$$$

Pros

Inexpensive reservoir shock upgrade
Allows higher speed offroad travel with control
Increased travel vs 5100 counterpart

Cons

90 day warranty
Not rebuildable unless sent back to Bilstein

Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks w/ Reservoir Set for 2017-2026 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

The Fox 2.0 Reservoir shocks build upon an already comfortable Fox 2.0 valving profile, giving one of the softest responses from a shock we've tested on 7k+ pound trucks. While these shocks provide more heat capacity offroad in tough and fast terrain, the daily drive also remains comfortable. We wouldn't recommend these shocks to a Ford Super Duty owner that tows a lot or hauls heavy equipment.

Price

$$$$

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

Icon 2.5" Suspension System Stage 4 Kit for 2017-2024 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

Icon delivers a unique valving profile that maintains excellent on-road handling manners and control, while softening up when the speeds increase offroad. Their 2.5 shocks have been one of our go-to options on vehicles like the Ford Super Duty that see increased loads, but still like to get after it in the dirt.

Price

$$$$

Special Notes

Icon is a great jack of all trades, improving on-road handling to tow loads, while aiming to settle these heavy trucks in the choppy offroad terrain.

Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Adjustable w/ Reservoir Shocks Set for 2017-2026 Ford F250 Super Duty 4WD

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Overview

The 2017+ Ford F250 deserves the support and capability of the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite. Adjustability for daily comfort or control, and adjustment for bigger bumps offroad or the unexpected surprise on the weekend adventure. These are the go-to option for big-truck owners that dont mind making adjustments to get the most out of their suspension; soft settings for the weekly commute, increased damping for adventure-loads or offroad use.

Price

$$$$

Pros