Choosing Shocks for your 2021+ Ford F-150

This guide and its recommendations are informed by testing and reviews on our own 2024 Ford F150. Whether you're considering a basic factory upgrade like Bilstein, higher performance in Fox, or other options like Eibach and Icon - we bring you the details that matter. Shock Surplus addresses different budgets, different vehicle uses & needs (plush daily comfort, more handling, off-road, etc), and identifying exactly what these shocks mean for your 2015-2026 Ford F150.

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OEM Shock Replacements

The shocks here are the factory replacement shocks for the 2021-2026 Ford F150 across 2WD and 4WD models. The shocks in the recommendations below are direct replacements that require no modification. If you have electronic suspension, this guide does not include recommendations on those models.

Part # Drive Type Description
Front Shocks (2021–2026)
EL3Z-18124-A 2WD Heavy Duty Dual Shock Absorbers, RWD, 126″/145″/157″ wheelbase. Interchangeable with ASH-24560.
ML3Z-18124-R 4WD Standard, current. Fits King Ranch, Lariat, Platinum, SSV, STX, Tremor, XL, XLT.
ML3Z-18124-Q 4WD 2021–2023-specific front shock, earlier running-change variant.
Rear Shocks (2021–2026)
ML3Z-18125-AK 2WD Medium Payload Package, standard shock, without off-road shocks, 141″/145″/163″ wheelbase.
ML3Z-18125-AA 4WD Standard shock, 145″ wheelbase, Base Payload, Heavy Duty shocks, STX.
ML3Z-18125-AT 4WD Premium Off-Road shock, 145″ wheelbase, Base Payload, XL/XLT.

Recent Review

Bilstein vs Eibach

On site with the team feeling out Bilstein and Eibach on two F150s.

Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
These shocks produce an improvement to handling, comfort, or both on your F150.
Bilstein B6 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set 2021-2026 Ford F-150 4WD
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Overview
If you want a no-fuss factory replacement on your F150, the Bilstein 4600 is one of our most recommended options. These shocks reduce body roll, improve handling over large bumps and highway joints, and last an incredibly long time (100k+ miles). If better handling and more confidence for your F150 is the goal, these Bilstein 4600 are top choice.
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
Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Strut & Shocks Set 2015-2026 Ford F-150 4WD
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Overview
Eibach has one of the most balanced ride qualities we've experienced here at Shock Surplus on our own Ford F150. With a noticeable upgrade to on-road handling and comfort through a balanced compression/rebound approach, the Pro-Truck shocks keep the vehicle both nimble and comfortable. The Pro Truck shocks offer adjustable front spring collars, which allow the driver to raise the front of the vehicle up to 2.5in over stock - but these can also be ran at factory height.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 0-2.5in of height adjustability using factory springs
  • More forgiving over small bumps when compared to Bilstein
  • Exceptional durability, designed for 100k miles
Cons
  • Requires coil spring compressor for installation
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads with your F150
Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Adjustable Struts & Shocks Set w/0-2.5" lift 2021-2026 Ford F-150 4WD
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the 2021+ Ford F150 , these are one of those shocks that can do it all. Level the truck, tow a load, give a lot of confidence on the highways, and still manage to be comfortable for your time on the pavement. The 5100 series shocks for the F150 dramatically improve handling over factory shocks, as well as all the budget twin-tube options out there from companies who have never done their homework for what the F150 really needs.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Multiple lengths available for different ride heights, leveling kits, or full lift systems.
  • Sporty and top-tier handling feel for the daily drive
  • Durable, long lasting, designed for 100k+ miles on your vehicle
  • Well suited to handle heavier loads and towing trailers
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
Special Notes
Dive deeper with this blog post into which Bilstein shock is best for your vehicle and use case.
Icon 0-2.75" Suspension System - Stage 1 Kit 2021-2026 Ford F-150 4WD
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Overview
If you're looking for a combination of a lot of additional ride height to level your 2021+ F150, exceptional vehicle handling, and offroad performance, then Icon delivers on all fronts. Through our own tests and installs we've found Icon to be an outlier in offering the longest travel shocks in a package that doesn't require modification to the factory vehicle. Their options for the F150 reach all the way up to 4.5" lift kits without needing a new cross-member, while still driving incredibly well.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 0-2.75" Front Height adjustment
  • Adjustable while on the truck
  • Very tight and controlled ride behavior onroad, while softening up offroad at speeds
  • Serviceable and rebuildable for long life
Cons
  • May be firmer than people expect at this price point
  • Does require servicing for long term ownership, approximately every 50k miles
Special Notes
Icon drastically improves handling, which overlaps with daily driven confidence, tow & haul performance under loads, and gives great control offroad. See our recent install of an Icon 4.5" Lift Kit on a 2025 Ford F150
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
These off-road focused shocks are designed to improve performance (maintain traction) in rugged terrain, whether on forest trails or in the open desert at speed.
Bilstein 8112 ZoneControl Shocks Set 2015-2026 Ford F-150
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Overview
Bilstein's 8112/8100 Zone Control shocks are one of the most technically advanced options available for the F150, that require little to no maintenance. These shocks deliver exceptional comfort on-road, while being able to turn the heat way up offroad with no compromise in performance.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • One of the highest offroad-performance shocks for the F150 that doesn't sacrifice road comfort
  • Exceptional durability, requiring less frequent maintenance when compared to typical race-shock options
  • Optional adjustable packages for fine tuning for varying vehicle loads like towing, construction, overlanding
Cons
  • Through our tests at Shock Surplus we haven't found anything to complain about
Special Notes
See our latest Bilstein 8112 review here where we install the Bilstein 8112 DSA shocks onto a customer vehicle, and do a deep dive on all the features.
Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2R Coilovers & Reservoir Shocks Set w/0.5-2.3" lift 2015-2026 Ford F-150 4WD
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Overview
Eibach's Stage 2R (Reservoir) Pro-Truck shocks for the 2015+ Ford F150 are an impressive competitor to similar offerings from Bilstein 5100 and Fox 2.0 kits. The reservoir rear shocks provide substantially better traction in the faster dirt environments, and being a tad softer on-road for the daily drive.

See our install and review of this kit on our own 2024 Ford F150

Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Ride height adjustment on the front coilovers to level or lift the front of your vehicle.
  • Spanner wrench included for adjustment
  • Rear ride quality improves in comfort and performance in offroad environments
Cons
  • Front coilovers seem to run out of capability when compared to the rear reservoir shocks
Special Notes
Eibach Stage 2R Review on the 2021+ Ford F150.
Bilstein 6112 Assembled Set includes 5100/5160 Rear Shocks 2015-2020 Ford F-150 4WD 4x4
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Overview
Some on the Shock Surplus staff called the ride 'Buttery' on the F150 we threw these shocks on. A new addition to Bilstein's arsenal, the 6112 shock is 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

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Front Height Adjustment from factory height to +2.5 inches
  • Price-to-Shock ratio is best in class, 2.6 inch shock and spring is less expensive than 2 inch coilovers
  • Huge off-road ride upgrade, improved handling and comfort on-road
Cons
  • Does not come pre-assembled from Bilstein
  • Requires a coil spring compressor or mechanic for installation
Special Notes
See our install and review of this Bilstein 6112 kit on a 2024 Ford F150
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set 2021-2026 Ford F-150
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 shocks for the 2015+ Ford F150 have deviated slightly from our usual experience on this Ford F150 application. All the comfort on-road and on-trail is still there, but when the speeds pickup offroad and the terrain starts to get choppy, these shocks have a hard time keeping the vehicle planted.

See our full review here

Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Height adjustable from factory height up to +2in
  • Reduces harshness over rough pavement or terrain
  • Improves control and stability for the daily drive
Cons
  • Premium price point compared to similar 2-inch shock offerings
  • Requires servicing for optimal performance at approximately 50k miles
  • Warranty requests and service goes through Fox directly
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Set
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Overview
The Fox 2.5 Performance Elite shock is the jack of all trades for the 2015+ Ford F150, the dual speed adjuster fine tunes the daily ride or the weekend adventure. These shocks provide both exceptional vehicle support, as well as high-speed offroad performance. That means keeping the vehicle planted when the speeds get fast and the dirt gets choppy.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Dual Speed Adjustable (daily drive behaviors, offroad control)
  • Aimed towards offroad performance and control, overkill for a pavement princess
  • Aluminum body for corrosion resistance and heat dissipation (stays cooler longer)
  • Rebuildable and serviceable for extreme life
Cons
  • Overkill for drivers who only offroad occassiionally
  • Rides firmer than many drivers expect, not pillowy
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series - 2015-2026 Ford F150
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Overview
Nothing rides like a King on your 2015+ F150. The out of the box tuning is both forgiving and comfortable on the commute, while still keeping the Ford planted through the choppy trail or desert terrain. While these shocks excel at offroad performance, King has dialed in the comfort for F150s that spend a lot of time on the pavement.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 0-2.5in Front Height Adjustment
  • Adjustabile while on the truck
  • Serviceable and Rebuildable for longevity
  • Subdues offroad chatter, optimized for aggressive terrain
Cons
  • Lacking on features from competitors
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Special Notes
King Shocks ride very nice out of the box, and dont require custom tuning for most drivers.