It’s not just the heavy off-road-spec trucks that need a good set of shocks, a daily driver needs to have an equally good setup, too — of course, not as hardcore. We can’t forget how vital the shock absorber is as a component in a truck that juggles between everyday driving and weekend getaways. A bad shock absorber can make your truck unstable both on straightaways as well as in corners. It can be even worse when pulling a load. A good shock absorber ensures that the truck’s abilities are enhanced both on and off the road. We’ll take a look at the popular replacement shock absorbers to help you choose the best shocks for Ford F150 4×4.
The 5 Best Shocks for Ford F150 4×4:
- Bilstein 5100 shock absorber – the best shocks for Ford F150 4×4
- Rancho quickLift Loaded Strut
- Detroit Axle Complete Assembly
- Rough Country Leveling Kit and Suspension System
- Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Shock
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The Shock value: Bilstein 5100 shock absorber – the best shocks for Ford F150 4×4
- Country of Origin : China
- Package Dimensions: 7.62 L x 68.072 H x 10.16 W (centimeters)
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- Package Weight: 2.471 kilograms
One of the most popular brands when it comes to shock absorbers, Bilstein seems like a safe choice here. At a competitive price, the Bilstein 5100 Series shock absorber not only promises to be a good replacement for the stock unit, but its advantages over the stock unit mean you’d be tempted to get these on a brand-new truck as well.
Since it’s a shock absorber only, it wouldn’t do other things as a coil spring kit does. But where the Bilstein excels is in the way it improves the truck’s damping in comparison to the stock unit. It’s easy to install, comes with durable rubber bushings, and is zinc-plated for longer life, especially when exposed to the elements.
Fade-free performance
The 46 mm monotube design offers fade-free performance, both on and off the road, thanks to the velocity-sensitive piston. That means the Bilstein shock not only handles things like ride quality and comfort but also ensures the handling is improved as well. It’s mentioned to be compatible with a variety of trucks including the Ford F-150 4×4 models made with the model years 2009 onwards.
What do we think of it?
Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the Bilstein 5100 seems like a good option for the Ford F-150 if you’re looking for a new set of shock absorbers. The users have commended on the ride quality of the suspension, the fact that it’s made their trucks more stable, and also the overall quality of the product — a good improvement over the stock units.
Pros
- Improved ride
- Good quality
Cons
- Only a shock
Lift me up: Rancho quickLift Loaded Strut
- COMPLETE SOLUTION -- Levels and lifts late model trucks and SUVs without the cost of complete suspension system
- EASY BOLT-ON INSTALLATION -- Complete assembly includes application-specific coil spring and upper mounting plate to simplify installation
- LEVELS FRONT SUSPENSION -- Reduces factory rake for an aggressive stance
- INCREASED GROUND CLEARANCE -- Provides 2.5-in. of additional lift to accommodate up to 285x60x20 tires for a custom look and increased ground clearance (lift height varies depending upon application)
- NINE LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE -- Includes RS9000XL strut with nine-position easy-to-adjust knob to allow customized damping control and firmness for on-road and off-road flexibility
The Rancho quickLift Loaded Strut for Ford F-150 4×4 is a sure-shot way to add new life to your truck’s suspension system. It comes with a coil spring, upper mount pre-installed, and has 9-position tuning (to help your truck achieve the perfect balance between ride quality and handling).
Can accommodate larger tires
The installation is easy, especially if you’re not shy in getting your hands dirty. Once installed, the shock absorber also opens up the possibility of fitting larger tires. And not only that, at the front, the Rancho shocks for Ford F-150 improve the truck’s stance by adding a lift and removing the factory rake.
Rancho sells the quickLIFT shock absorbers as individual units, so if you’re ordering for the front end, you’ll need to order two of these. For compatibility, it’s best to check with the seller if the particular part fits your truck. Rancho has mentioned that this specific model (RS999910) is made for the Ford F-150 4×4 trucks made with the model years 2004 – 2008. It adds anywhere between 2 – 2.5 inches of lift at the front, depending on the truck.
The product is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and a 90-day free-ride offer. You can get in touch with the seller to understand more about the latter.
What do we think of it?
There’s a lot to like about the Rancho product given that it offers an easy-to-install replacement for the front shock absorbers, a build made to enhance the truck’s life. The large body diameter of the shock absorber has more fluid to keep the shock running cool despite heavy usage. It improves the ride quality of the truck, thanks to a rebound bumper. And its self-lubrication seal adds additional protection to the unit. Users are generally happy with the product, but some have mentioned quality that’s below their expectations, and eventual sagging.
Pros
- Improves the stance
- You can fit larger tires with this
Cons
- Some users have reported sagging
Inexpensive Replacement: Detroit Axle Complete Assembly
- Replacement for 2004-2007 Ford F-150 (4WD) - [2008 Ford F-150 (4WD; AWD)] -2006-2008 Lincoln Mark LT (4WD)
- Kit Includes: 2x Front Ready Struts w/ Coil Spring
- Detroit Axle Strut Assemblies are complete and ready for installation with no additional work or special tool required for installation
- Undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing to help ensure quality and durability
- 10-Year Warranty
Bundled as a pair, the Detroit Axle shock absorber set for the Ford F-150 4×4 is an inexpensive replacement for the stock part. But that’s not all, the set contains front left and front right struts, respective coil spring assemblies, bumper kit, and the spring seat and isolator.
Direct fit; no additional tools required
The shock absorber kit, made for the Ford F-150 4WD trucks with the model years 2004 – 2008, also adds lift to the truck. The set is a direct fit and Detroit Axle says that no additional tools are required for the fitment. But if you’re unsure about doing it yourself, we’d suggest getting a professional to do the installation. Regarding the warranty and compatibility concerns, it’s best to get in touch with the seller before making the purchase. That way you can get a clearer idea of what you’re getting into — and make sure that there won’t be any surprises waiting for you once you buy the Detroit Axle shock absorber set. Having said that, if you’re looking at just replacing the shock absorbers, Detroit Axle also offers that. You can find a link to the product at the end of this review.
What do we think of it?
Detroit Axle has a price advantage here, and with what it’s offering, it’s hard to not consider it. It promises to offer some lift at the front, a set of coil spring and shock absorber, and of course, ease of installation. The initial reviews from the users are encouraging, given that it’s easy to install and doesn’t cost too much. But quality concerns are present, and some users have also mentioned the ride turning bouncy only after a few months of use. Also, Detroit Axle doesn’t directly mention a warranty. So if you decide to go for these, make sure you confirm the standard warranty first.
Pros
- Not expensive
- Easy to install
Cons
- Warranty details not available
Detroit Axle’s shock absorber:
- Replacement for 2004 Ford F-150 (New Body Style; 4WD) - [2005 - 2008 Ford F-150 (4WD)] - 2009 - 2013 Ford F-150 (RWD) - [2006 - 2008 Lincoln Mark LT (4WD)]
- Kit Includes: 2x Rear Shock Absorbers
- Detroit Axle Suspension components are ready to meet the rigorous demands of today’s foreign and domestic passenger cars, trucks and SUVs
- Undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing to help ensure quality and durability
- 10-Year Warranty.
For all fours: Rough Country Leveling Kit and Suspension System
- Give your F-150 the Perfect Blend of Performance, Protection, and Style from Rough Country.
- Unmatched Ground Clearance | Premium N3 Shock Absorbers the Best in Performance for On and Off-Road Use.
- Levels the front with the rear of the vehicle.
- Easy at Home Installation and Support Provided by RC.
- Backed by Rough Country's Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
The Rough Country Ford Leveling Kit is made as a replacement to the stock units at the front of your Ford F-150. But this kit we’re talking about here also gets N3 shocks for the rear. That means at a fraction of the price of most brands, you get a shock absorber for all four wheels. The front is a 2-inch leveling kit, which as the name suggests, adds to its ground clearance.
With this, you can install up to 33-inch tires on your beloved Ford F-150 4×4. The bolt-on installation is easy and you don’t need to disassemble the factory strut, either. At the rear is the N3 shock absorber. It offers 10-stage variable valving, spring-loaded piston rod seal, and an 18 mm chromed hardened piston.
Adds lift; retains ride quality
The product is backed by Rough Country’s lifetime replacement warranty, whereas the Amazon listing (which you can access by clicking on the link above) states a 3-year warranty on the struts. With its installation, the front and rear of the truck are at the same height, which looks great. And Rough Country also makes it clear that despite the use of a lift, the factory-like ride quality doesn’t get hampered. The system is compatible with 2009 – 2020 Ford F-150 4×4 trucks.
What do we think of it?
It’s hard to beat Rough Country on the price point. The fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty just almost seals the deal. But keep in mind that this is a made-to-cost model. That means they’ve saved money on material: the spacers are made of plastic. Apart from that, most users have appreciated the price and overall quality. Some do mention wrong parts being sent to them, whereas a few have also made it clear that the installation might require professional help at some point.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Improves stance
Cons
- Built to fit the low price
Party at the rear: Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Shock
- Eibach products are created to meet the extreme requirements of racing, from the 245-mph Mulsanne straight of Le Mans to the fender-to-fender combat of the Daytona Motor Speedway
- The special skills of Eibach engineers are in the tuning of the individual components (springs, dampers and stabilizers)
- Eibach production technology is recognized worldwide as leading its field, from our high-strength spring-steel alloys
- Durable, Zinc Coated, Weather Resistant Shock Bodies.
- Made in U.S.A.
For trucks with a lifted suspension, Eibach makes something called the Pro-Truck Sport Shock. The shock absorber is made for use at the rear and can accommodate lifted suspensions of up to 1.5 inches. The shock is made for both pavement and off-road use and is compatible with Ford F-150 4×4 trucks made with the model years 2015 – 2019.
Adds stability to the truck
The Eibach shock for the Ford F-150 has a heavy-duty 46mm diameter piston, nitro-coated shaft, and all of it is contained within a durable, zinc-coated body. The rear sway bar is 2-way adjustable, which means you can find the right setting for your truck’s stability. And stability is one of the key reasons why the Eibach shock deserves your time. It’s aimed at improving both the ride quality and the overall dynamics of the Ford F-150 4×4 truck. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
What do we think of it?
The Eibach shock absorber might be one of the most expensive choices, but it’s said to do its job so well that it doesn’t matter if you need to spend a little extra. It’s not as popular as other choices, but it’s evident from what users mention that the Eibach massively improves the truck’s ride and handling. The installation might require professional help, though.
Pros
- Improved ride and handling
Cons
- Slightly expensive
What is the best shock for Ford F150 4×4?
Getting a set of new shocks for your Ford F-150 is bound to improve the way your truck behaves. If you’re looking for ride quality improvements or maybe just need to replace the factory/old shocks that are shot, we’re certain a glance at the products above is going to help you choose the best shocks for Ford F-150.
If the sticker price isn’t a worry, then it’s hard to go wrong with the Eibach set. It improves both ride and handling and is an overall great quality product. Talking of quality, the shock absorber from Bilstein deserves a solid mention as well. Its quality is on par with rivals, and it just works the way it’s supposed to: bettering the truck’s stability. The Rough Country kit is for the price-conscious buyer but has a fair deal of benefits despite the low price. The product by Detroit Axle makes for a good stock replacement at a very low price, although you must check with the seller about its warranty before buying it. The Rancho quickLIFT earns our respect for its ease of installation. The improved stance (like in the case of a few others here) makes it a great option.
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