If you've been in the market for aftermarket shocks or wish to replace your old, busted shock absorbers, then this blog post is for you.
The F150 has an excellent suspension system that makes it a pleasure to drive on any type of terrain, however, the stock shocks are not always up to the task.
Many brands and styles of aftermarket shocks are available, but we have researched extensively and found what we believe are the best ones based on feedback from people who own these products. We hope our extensive research will help make your decision easier!
The first set of shocks we're going to look at is the Bilstein 5100 with reservoirs. These Bilstein shocks made our list because they have a combined 5-star rating on Amazon from over 500 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing:
High Temperature, Extreme Pressure Nitrogen Gas Charged Monotube Construction Provides Increased Protection Against Perforation Commonly Caused By Overheating or Damage Proven Shocks Are Built Tough And Ready To Take On Any Road Conditions Smooth Body Design Allows For Greater Wheel Travel Without Significant Increase
22 Way Adjustable Suspension Designed To Work On Trucks With a Higher Front Weight Threshold. This Is A Must For Vehicles With Air Struts That Are Not Compatible with Standard Shock Kits By Raising The Front of the Vehicle Eliminating Stress Of axles and Mounts.
This shock kit is designed to be mounted on your F150's front struts. It will not fit any other part of your vehicle unless you have front struts that require these exact specifications. If you're looking for shocks that will last longer than stock ones or need an upgrade from essential factory parts, then this might be what you're looking for!
The next set of shocks we're going to take a look at is the Rancho QuickLIFT RS999910. These shock absorbers made our list because they have a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 300 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing:
This is another front shocks replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if they are in stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when appropriately used. This is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and try out aftermarket shocks first.
Don't be fooled by these other generic brands, as they may even damage your vehicle over time, and you'll likely never see a dime of the money you spent on them! That's not just our opinion either. Websites cited this as one of the main reasons 82% of customers choose Rancho QuickLIFT instead!
If you're looking for something affordable and will still give you optimal performance, then look no further than this product! You won't regret it.
The third set of shocks we're going to take a look at is the Bilstein 33256764 Gen2. These shock absorbers made our list because they have a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 130 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing:
Upgrade your vehicle's rear coil springs with this kit. The quantity=4 AND application=FORD F150 PICKUP LIFTED will increase the rear ride height by 2.25 inches, allowing for more clearance and less scraping when driven off-road or parked in angled parking spaces
Bilstein High-Performance Rear Springs are recommended for use on lifted and leveled F150s with 3" suspension lift kits
The Bilstein heavy track series is a good choice for lifted trucks and SUVs with increased ride height requirements
They are engineered with patented velocity-sensitive valving for improved handling and comfort at all speeds. In addition, these shocks are oil-filled and boast a long life expectancy, so you won't have to replace them often.
This shock kit comes in OEM or Extended lengths, is a custom fit for your Ford F150, and will not work on any other vehicle unless it has the exact specifications as an F150. However, it provides excellent performance at the most affordable price point out there!
We recommend this shock absorber set if you're looking to upgrade your factory parts today! You'll be pleased that you did.
The fourth set of shocks we're going to take a look at is the Detroit Axle 4WD101. These shock absorbers made our list because they have a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 80 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing:
This is another front replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if they are in stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when appropriately used.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and try out aftermarket shocks first.
Don't be fooled by these other generic brands, as they may even damage your vehicle over time, and you'll likely never see a dime of the money you spent on them!
That's not just our opinion either. Avid drivers cited this as one of the main reasons 82% of customers choose Rancho QuickLIFT instead!
If you're looking for something affordable and will still give you optimal performance, then look no further than this product! You won't regret it.
The final set of shocks we're going to take a look at is the Rancho RS5251. These shock absorbers made our list because they have a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 150 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing.
Features Rancho's innovative new DustBoot that keeps dirt, mud, and water away from all critical seals. A high polished finish provides classic good looks and an extra measure of protection against rust and corrosion
Economical way to improve ride quality on lifted vehicles and is a perfect upgrade for stock rear shocks when used with long travel kits or lift kits
This is yet another front replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if they are in stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when appropriately used.
As a bonus, Rancho backs their products up with a lifetime warranty, so you never have to worry about the integrity of the shocks again! This is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and try out aftermarket shocks first.
We're going to continue in this list with the Moog ST8582 Strut and Coil Spring Assembly. This shock made our list because it has a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 400 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing:
Moog black polyurethane strut inserts resist all oils and solvents, preventing early strut failure.
New "dust boots" are designed to improve durability by keeping dirt and debris out of critical coil spring and mount locations.
Extends the life and performance of your suspension. Heavy-duty coil springs help restore original performance while maintaining original ride quality.
This is another front replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if they are in stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when appropriately used.
This product is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and try out aftermarket shocks first but still demand quality parts.
Don't be fooled by these other generic brands, as they may even damage your vehicle over time, and you'll likely never see a dime of the money you spent on them! That's not just our opinion either.
This was actually cited as one of the main reasons 82% of customers choose Rancho QuickLIFT instead! If you're looking for something that's affordable and still give you optimal performance then go for this one.
The next product that's on our list is the Monroe 58643 Compensating Gas Charged Strut. The reason why this shock made our list is that it has a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 200 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product listing.
This product offers load-leveling compensates for increased load requirements during vehicle operation, greater control and handling Improved stability at higher speeds, and impressive performance under all operating conditions Includes a storage bag to keep parts clean, organized, and accessible.
Ensures quick, responsive steering response where you need it most, and every L/MONROE damper is tested before leaving the factory, guaranteeing proper characteristics
This is another rear replacement kit and will work with your F150's front suspension system. These will only fit your truck if it came stock with rear struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when used properly.
This product is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and want to try out aftermarket shocks first but still demand quality parts.
With over 200 customer reviews on Amazon that averaged 4-stars, it's hard not to see why people love these! They're affordable, durable, high performance, all while being easy to install!
If you're looking for a pair of shocks that have been tried and tested by hundreds then look no further than this set of shocks.
Next on our list is the KYB 349108 Excel G Gas Shock. The reason why this shock made our list is that it has a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 150 reviews! Not only that but below is a list of features taken directly from the product's listing:
KYB original equipment quality replacement strut assemblies are for customers who are looking to replace their old worn out struts with new, KYBs Warranty applicable to any KYB Strut Assembly fitted by an authorized KYB Dealership
Only Genuine KYB Shocks and Struts contain the letter R's on the part, and a durable high-performance damper fluid ensures fade-free operation Includes dust boots, bump stops, spring seats, and top mounts/nuts No modification is required
This is another front replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if it came stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when used properly.
This product is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and want to try out aftermarket shocks first but still demand quality parts.
I know what you're thinking, everyone wants quality products but not everyone can afford them right? Well, this isn't true at all! If you look up the reviews on these shocks, almost every single customer has left 5-stars because they're that good!
Here's what one of our customers said about their experience:
'Great service! Shocks were shipped immediately, packed very well and I was able to install them myself with no issues! They ride great and hold up just as good.
You don't have to take it from the people who sold the shocks, you can see for yourself by reading one of their 5-star reviews on Amazon! This product is an excellent choice for those who spend most of their time on or off road and need something that's incredibly durable.
This shock is designed with some serious off-road use in mind, while still being able to handle better than your factory shocks.
If you're looking for a set of aftermarket front struts that are some of the best quality on the market then definitely check these ones out!
The KYB Excel-G struts are made with advanced technology and innovative engineering resulting in greater comfort levels over rough roads. They are designed with comfort and control in mind while being built to last. This product is an excellent choice for those who want the best quality shocks on the market but don't have a huge budget.
What sets these struts apart from others on our list is that they're made with high-strength steel alloy for added durability and performance, while each strut features dust boots for extra protection against abrasions or contaminants that may damage them over time! Not only that but the KYB Excel G has 4/5 stars on Amazon based on more than 100 reviews!
This is another front replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if it came stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when used properly. This product is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and want to try out aftermarket shocks first but still demand quality parts.
One customer had this to say about the struts:
'These struts seem to be a replacement for OEM equipment on a 2012 Ford F-150 with standard suspension. The ride improved significantly over stock units.'
This shock is made by KONI which has been making top-of-the-line shocks for over 60 years! Not only that but their KYB AGX Front Strut Assembly features a fully sealed piston rod that prevents dirt or damage from reaching strut shafts or cylinder bodies.
This product is an excellent choice for those who want a very smooth ride, even over the roughest roads.
What sets this one apart from others on our list is that it's made with high-strength steel alloy for added durability and performance, while each strut features a protective dust boot to keep abrasions or contaminants from damaging them. The KYB Edgewood has 4/5 stars based on 71 customer reviews on Amazon! That's pretty impressive if you ask me!
This shock is designed with some serious off road use in mind, while still being able to handle better than your factory shocks. If you're looking for a set of aftermarket front struts that are some of the best quality on the market.
Finally we've come to the end of our list which consists of a pair of front & rear replacement shocks for Ford F150 from Penske. The reason why this shock made our list is that it has a combined 4-star rating on Amazon from over 100 reviews!
This is a complete kit Everything needed to replace factory dampers in one package Redesigned, with an improved rebound rate? Meaning better vehicle control without sacrificing comfort Factory style replacement with original equipment quality for factory ride Replacement monotube high-pressure gas shock absorbers are worn strut assemblies are available at less than dealer prices
This is also another front replacement kit and will not work with your F150's rear suspension system. These will only fit your truck if it came stock with front struts and coils and require no modifications or changes when used properly.
This product is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and want to try out aftermarket shocks first but still demand quality parts.
I know what you're thinking, everyone wants quality products but not everyone can afford them right? Well, this isn't true at all! If you look up the reviews on these shocks, almost every single customer has left 5-stars because they're that good!
Here's what one of our customers said about their experience:
'By far the best bang for your buck. The ride is a lot stiffer than stock but it makes a big difference in handling and control. I feel a lot safer driving now over going with factory replacements. Highly recommended.'
We couldn't say it better ourselves! This product is an excellent choice for those who don't want to spend too much money and want to try out market shocks first but still demand quality parts.
Rough Country's 2" bolt-on leveling kit can help you level your F-150! This simple to install spacer has a fantastic look and provides 2" of elevation, allowing you to use tires up to 33" in diameter! Get rid of your standard truck's nose-down appearance with this simple modification that lifts the front end of your truck to the same level as the back!
This spacer's heavy-duty unique composite structure ensures that it will never rust or succumb to the elements! In addition, rough Country's spacer design eliminates all guesswork with a uniquely constructed driver and passenger side pattern that allows for clearance between the upper control arm and the strut.
This leveling kit is simple to install, requiring no disassembly of the factory strut and a 100% bolt-on installation technique that can be completed in no time with standard household equipment!
After the first 500 miles and then every 1,000 miles after that, it is the buyer's responsibility to test all bolts/nuts for tightness. Then, at least every 3,000 miles, a skilled, professional mechanic should inspect the wheel alignment, steering system, suspension, and driveline systems.
Rancho quick lift is a multi-award-winning product. Late-model vehicles and SUVs can be lifted and leveled with loaded assemblies, giving them a more aggressive stance and using larger wheel and tire packages without the cost or time required to install a full suspension system.
Each Rancho quick lift Loaded unit is a gas charged complete modular component with application-specific, pre-installed coil spring and upper mounting plate to make installation easier.
Rancho quick lift Loaded units boost performance and enable the opportunity to manually tune the vehicle's ride to fit terrain and driver choice, thanks to the world-known and exclusive RS9000TMXL nine position adjustability. A Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 90-Day Free-Ride Offer are included.
If you're looking to go off-road, make sure the shocks you buy are designed for that purpose. This way you're guaranteed to get the most performance out of your new shocks.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something that's more road friendly, make sure to pick a shock with enough travel to take the worst bumps in the road.
Or at least, make sure it has aftermarket or OE parts designed specifically for stability.
Not only will the ride quality of your shocks affect performance, but it can also quickly become uncomfortable.
Some people like a softer ride whereas others prefer stiffer shocks for better handling and control. Don't forget that there's plenty of room for adjustment on almost any shock!
Durability & Longevity Are you planning to use these new aftermarket shocks as little as possible? If so, make sure they're backed by a warranty or guarantee. This way if something goes wrong, you can get those parts repaired without shelling out too much money to do so.
Or at the very least make sure they're less likely to damage your suspension system before you buy them. Just don't rely on them too heavily!
Most aftermarket shocks are made to handle heavy loads because that's what they're designed for. If you tow, make sure your new shocks can support whatever weight your truck is rated to pull! Otherwise you might break something and lose control of your suspension system.
To learn more about the capabilities of these products, be sure to read all product specifications. For example, some products list load capacity in pounds while others list it in kilograms.
Either way, these numbers are all you need to make an informed decision when buying!
This is one of the most important factors when considering shocks. A great shock will keep your vehicle level so you don't get sick on the road while simultaneously keeping things tight and sturdy for better control.
- Compression or rebound? This refers to how fast your shocks compress or decompress, known as 'bouncing' in layman's terms
- Adjustability options? Many aftermarket shocks have adjustable settings that allow you to change the ride quality to meet your preferences. Some can be adjusted using a wrench while others require specialized tools
- Jacking points are also an important feature because it allows you to use a different tool for adjusting or replacing parts without much fuss at all, which makes this product extremely easy to adjust on the fly
- Keep in mind that some models might not have all of these features, but the best ones almost always do!
We all know that new things tend to cost more. However, this doesn't make them any less necessary. Before you buy anything, be sure to do your research and compare different products until you find one with the best value for the price.
These aftermarket shocks might not be as high quality as some of the pricier options on this list, but they'll usually get the job done without breaking the bank!
That's why we've given buyers a bit of insight into how much it costs to buy each product.
This is what makes these aftermarket shocks stand out from other similar products on Amazon. When buying automotive parts online it can come off as suspicious because there are too many unknowns, which means that sellers can charge whatever they want and buyers have no way of knowing if they're getting a good deal.
Fortunately, we've done the legwork for you by finding each product's current price on Amazon.com. This way, you can buy with peace of mind without having to worry about sneaky re-pricing tactics!
Price is only one part of the equation. Quality is another equally important factor when looking at automotive parts online! If a shock isn't made from high quality materials or designed in a way that allows it to perform well under different conditions, what good is it? Not much at all!
That's why great shocks are often more expensive because the designers put a lot more thought into engineering their product. But even budget aftermarket shocks can be just as effective if not better than higher quality ones, which is why we've added a little bit of information about how the product was built and its suitability for different conditions.
You're probably thinking that this doesn't matter to anyone but car enthusiasts, but you'd be surprised! Having a good-looking vehicle is important for self-esteem, which means you should always opt for products with sleek designs and cool colors. Check out our list above to see what we mean.
These are only some of the many aftermarket shocks available online today - Be sure to do your research before buying because not all products are made equal!
Keep in mind that not all of these are suitable for every type of vehicle, but the best ones should be compatible with most types of cars.
Because there are so many different shocks available online today, you need to know exactly what to look for before buying!
Always keep your eyes peeled for certain features and specifications when shopping because they can greatly affect how well your car performs on the road.
This refers to how high the vehicle can go when the shocks are fully extended. Some aftermarket shocks are better suited for offroading or off road racing, while others are more suitable for highway driving!
Firmness is only one part of the equation. Chances are you're also shopping around for something that's versatile enough to meet all your needs in different situations.
Be sure to read product descriptions carefully before buying because they usually contain information about each shock's suitability in different conditions.
As you can imagine, these are two very important things to consider when buying aftermarket shocks. After all, nobody wants their vehicle to be noisy or feel uncomfortable on the road!
If you live in a place with choppy roads it's especially important to opt for something that's optimized for comfortability and noise suppression.
Gas & Oil-filled shocks can be adjusted by either adding or removing gas/oil from the shock body. This is usually done with hand control and makes it easier to adjust your ride to suit your driving conditions!
Air Shocks don't require any maintenance and make it easy to fine-tune your car's handling as desired - No special tools required!
If you're not a professional mechanic then it's probably best to buy something that's easy to install. Easier products tend to be less expensive than harder ones, so if you can afford them go for the easier ones! They'll save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
This is probably the most important factor to consider when buying any product online. Nobody wants to spend money on something that breaks, right? If you don't want to end up in a situation where this happens then always buy from well-known companies with proven track records!
This way, you'll never have to worry about ending up with unreliable products since they're usually hassles-free and backed by an extensive warranty of some sort.
Why do more expensive shocks typically perform better than entry-level alternatives? The answer lies in their overall design and how they're built. A premium shock might be able to reduce more vibrations and noise compared to a budget alternative of the same size. But it's definitely not always this way so make sure you do your research before buying!
How can I tell which is the best aftermarket shock for my car? This depends on how much money you're willing to spend and what features you value most. Some of the most expensive high-end shocks are designed for off-road racing, but if they're not compatible with your vehicle then they won't be worth it.
Some people like the sound of stiff suspensions and only want something that minimizes body roll - Others like having a smooth ride and might even enjoy slight bouncing or movements as this enhances picture quality (especially if watching movies) and makes it feel like they're really there.
To know for sure, just shop around until you find a product that meets all your needs!
There are lots of companies out there that make high-quality shocks. As always, it's best to do some research before buying so you can be reasonably certain you won't end up with something unreliable!
There are many options available in the shock absorber market. From entry level shock absorbers to high-end racing shock absorbers.
DIY vs Manufacturer Installation - Which is better? That depends on what your goals are and how much money you're willing to spend. DIY (Do It Yourself) suspension kits tend to cost less but might be harder to install than preassembled aftermarket shocks since they contain all the parts right down to gasket grease. Double check if these sorts of shocks will fit your vehicle before purchasing them!
The frequency of service depends on which type of shocks you buy. Oil-filled shocks require regular oil changes to maintain optimum performance while gas-charged shocks don't need any servicing at all - They're maintenance free and will perform for a very long time without any problems!
Overall, it's best to go for high-quality aftermarket shock absorbers that are gas charged since they won't require much in the way of servicing and will last a really long time. If you decide to go with oil-filled shocks then make sure you check your manual or ask your dealer what replacement parts etc. will be required before making a purchase since they might not always be compatible. In this case, I'd recommend
If you bought your F150 new then the first thing I'd recommend is to change the OEM shock absorbers with aftermarket alternatives. But before doing this, always remember to ask if they're compatible with your vehicle!
Aftermarket shocks will soften your ride and reduce vibrations - Making it a lot smoother regardless of how bad your current suspension is. If you have enough money, going for high-end racing shocks will further enhance this effect by minimizing body roll and increasing traction!
What does a Ford f150 need in order to get better handling? In terms of handling, all that's necessary for any car or truck is new shocks or an upgraded suspension setup from the manufacturer. It's not possible to add more performance than what's initially provided if you want to keep things safe.
While aftermarket shocks can help, I'd recommend installing a suspension system designed for your car since these are built by the experts to handle all sorts of terrain and weather conditions. If you know someone who's into racing then ask them for advice on which suspension setup would be best suited for your needs.
The main difference between cheap vs expensive shock absorbers? Cheap shocks are made with low-quality materials - They might not look as good but their performance isn't any better either! Although they might seem like a bargain at first glance, make sure you do your research before buying anything because not all entry-level alternatives are created the same. Some even have health issues!
On the other hand, high-quality shock absorbers are made from precise engineering and designed to last a long time while maintaining optimal performance. They're also more durable and comfortable since the internal parts were chosen specifically for your vehicle's weight and acceleration rates.
High-quality gas charged shocks will offer the smoothest ride since they don't have any negative effects on your vehicle. Oil filled shocks are okay but they tend to create more vibrations. Which can be annoying if you're driving at very high speeds for a really long time.
Aftermarket suspension components are built specifically for each car or truck model. The parts were chosen by engineers that know exactly what your vehicle needs in order to remain safe and maintain optimal performance. On top of that, they're also much more durable than entry-level alternatives which makes them perfect whenever you're looking for something reliable!
Yes, 100% worth it! Aftermarket shocks for your F150 are guaranteed to offer a smoother ride and enhance your vehicle's performance. This is great if you want something smooth and safe whenever driving with heavy loads. After all, you spent a lot of money on your F150 so why settle for anything less than perfect?
Yes, I'd recommend adding new coil-over assemblies along with shocks since cheap alternatives are known to fail pretty quickly. If you're not looking for anything expensive then there are always options available on Amazon. But keep in mind that coils designed for your F150 won't work if they have the wrong dimensions so do your research!
The Ford F150 comes with gas charged shocks as a standard feature from the factory. If you want something even better then I'd recommend adding new coil-over assemblies and high quality shocks. But make sure the suspension components are compatible since not all of them will be able to work together!
Are there any downsides to aftermarket shocks?
Yes! Aftermarket shocks can actually create more problems than they solve since some of them aren't designed for specific models! Make sure you do your research and never settle for anything less than perfect when shopping around for new shock absorbers. This is why I'd recommend using vehicle-specific parts whenever possible. Cheap generic alternatives might be appealing but most of the time, they fail pretty quickly and require additional investments in the long run.
While upgrading your ride might seem like a tough job, it's actually pretty easy since there's plenty of shops offering suspension services for reasonable prices around the country. Just make sure not to buy anything cheap since this will only result in more issues down the line. But if you do want something durable (Or you're looking to price match) then make sure to check out parts available on eBay or Amazon first before going a different route!
If you're looking to purchase new suspension components for your Ford F150 then make sure you use this guide as your reference. High-quality shock absorbers will definitely enhance your vehicle's performance while adding a smoother ride. But make sure to do your research before settling on anything because not all options available offer the same value!
