Clicky

Top 9 Best Shocks for Ford F-150 2WD & 4WD- Buying Guide 2022

best shocks for f-150 4x4

The Ford F150 is an awesome truck. It has a great looking design and can take on pretty much any terrain that you put it through. 

However, as good as the F150 is, it’s not that comfortable if its not equipped with the right aftermarket shocks or your current ones are completely worn-out.

To make sure your trip is enjoyable and there’s no jarring experience when you hit bumps, you need to make sure your suspension system is in an excellent shape. This article takes a deep dive into the 9 best shock absorbers for the Ford F150 4×4 on the market.

Without any further delay, let’s get started!

Image PreviewProduct NameQuick Links
Rough Country 2" Leveling Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks
(Top Choice)
Check Price On Amazon
Rancho RS9000XL RS999287 Shock Absorber
(Runner-Up)
Check Price On Amazon
KYB 349108 Excel-G Gas Shock, Black
(Best Price)
Check Price On Amazon

Best Shocks for Ford F-150 2WD & 4WD

1. Rancho QuickLIFT RS999910 Strut and Coil Spring Assembly

The Rancho QuickLIFT RS-999910 Strut & Coil Spring Assembly for your pickup truck or SUV will get you riding high in no time. This complete lift kit is application specific and includes everything you need for a bolt-on installation and all-around good looks.

Rancho built the RS9000XL with a patented valve that controls rebound and compression independently. The nine-position adjuster knob lets you change the damping and firmness of your car’s ride for both on and off-road conditions.

Rancho’s “MyRIDE Wireless Controller” is a prominent feature. It enables the adjustment to be made wirelessly from the vehicle.

This Rancho product lets you have a more aggressive look and use bigger wheels and tires without having to pay for a full suspension.

Enjoy your ride like never before with improved ground clearance and added performance.

Pros
  • It has a high-end appearance.
  • Easily adjustable.
  • The installation process is a breeze.
  • They promise to raise your vehicle by 1 in. to 2.5 in. inches.
  • For 90 days, you can ride for free.
  • Metallic liquid finish for increased life expectancy.
Cons
  • Quite expensive model.

Also read: Rancho RS9000XL vs. Bilstein 5100- Comparison 2022

2. Bilstein 33-187501 5100 Series Shock

Bilstein’s shock absorbers are known throughout the industry for producing some of the best-performing shocks on the road. When you buy a Bilstein product, you can rest assured that you are getting a premium product that is designed to last and meet or exceed original equipment specifications. 

Bilstein is an OE supplier to Jeep and many other top-tier manufacturers in the automotive industry.

The 5100 shocks are velocity sensitive, giving you a smooth, comfortable ride while going down the street. A digressive piston further helps dampen out road irregularities by reacting to changing road conditions. 

The Bilstein 5100 Series monotube design provides consistent, fade-free performance and has been used on every type of vehicle, from luxury cars to high performance sport applications. It is also commonly used for trucks that tow trailers.

Pros
  • It’s pretty much affordable for the quality you get.
  • Ride quality is vastly improved over OEM shocks.
  • It’s easy to install if you have a little knowledge and the right tools.
  • Zinc Plated.
Cons
  • Non-adjustable.
  • A Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Only applicable to the rear of your vehicle.

3. Detroit Axle-4WD Front Quick Strut & Coil Spring Complete Assembly

Designed for maximum ride comfort and performance, the Detroit Axle 4WD Front Quick Strut & Coil Spring Complete Assembly is a direct replacement for 2004-2008 Ford F-150 trucks. It comes with coil springs already installed. 

Detroit Axle has been making high-quality aftermarket parts for a long time, and they stand behind this one with a 10-year warranty.

All you need to do is unbolt your worn out shocks and install these new ones with a torque wrench and socket wrench.

If you’re looking to save money and obtain a quality aftermarket complete strut assembly, you can’t go wrong with this Detroit Auto choice. It seems that the vast majority of clients are pleased with the outcome of their purchase.

Pros
  • Give your truck some minor leveling.
  • A hefty 10-year Warranty.
  • Affordable price.
  • Reputable brand.
  • Installation does not need any special tools (although it’s advised to have a helper).
Cons
  • I haven’t found any drawbacks for this product!

4. Monroe 58643 Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber

As we continue this list of the best shock absorbers for the F-150 4×4, it gets better and better. Instead of just replacing a heavy-duty shock absorber due to regular maintenance, the Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber is meant to control wheel bounce and improve the ride quality of your car.

This Monroe product is constructed of high-quality materials for long life and dependability. Comfort and safety are at the forefront of its design. 

Monroe engineers went to great lengths to develop a valving system that allows you to fine tune the compression damping force in each individual shock absorber. This allows you to have total control over handling, comfort, and tire wear.

At the same time, the fluon banded piston reduces oil leakage.

One of their notable characteristics is fully-displaced valving, it adapts to whatever the road has to offer. As a result, it adjusts to extremes quickly and provides a smooth ride.

Pros
  • An awesome choice if you don’t want to break the bank.
  • Ideal for towing and other heavy-duty activities.
  • Raise the rear end of your four-wheeler by 2 inches.
  • Incredibly fast and convenient shipping.
  • Quality and a reputable brand for over 100 years.
Cons
  • It might not fit if you already have a lift kit installed.

Also read: Monroe vs Gabriel Shocks and Struts 2021- Detailed Comparison

5. SENSEN 2310-RS Rear Struts Compatible with 2004-2008 Ford F-150 2WD

The SENSEN 2310-RS is the next item on our list.

The SENSEN brand has already made a name for itself in the auto parts market, serving as an OEM supplier to more than 30 automobile manufacturers

Their presence on the market has been growing over the years as they provide quality and long-lasting, durable aftermarket suspension products.

This particular model is not an exception. The Sensen 2310-RS is a direct fit specific replacement compatible with the 2004-2008 Ford F-150 2WD.

These aftermarket replacements are proven to be very convenient while your truck is lightly loaded. However, if you heavily load your vehicle, you might find it a bit under-damped.

Still, with the ease of installation that the SENSEN 2310-RS provides and the extremely undervalued price, it’s no doubt why they’ve taken a strong 5th place on our best shock absorbers for F-150 list.

Pros
  • Very low cost for the quality received.
  • Very durable product.
  • Installation is a piece of cake.
  • Fast-growing brand.
Cons
  • It is not recommended for heavy towing and hauling.

6. KYB 349108 Excel-G Gas Shock, Black

KYB, an industry leader in quality and reliability, offers a wide range of replacement shocks for your vehicle. One of their best creations is the 349108 Excel-G gas shock for the Ford F-150. 

By installing these aftermarket shock absorbers on your truck, you immediately take a step towards restoring its handling and control. 

Using a seamless working cylinder matched with a Teflon-coated piston band for a positive seal and longer life, the KYB Excel-G gas shock is considered one of the best shock replacements for your beloved Ford F-150 truck.

Let’s not forget that it also uses a triple chrome-plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals that reduce wear.

All in all, a very reliable and durable aftermarket replacement comes at a very low price for its value. Isn’t that marvelous?

Pros
  • All-weather fluid.
  • It can be easily installed with little to no mechanical knowledge.
  • Expect OEM quality or even better.
  • Significant vehicle control improvement.
Cons
  • It comes as a single-piece purchase.
  • Fits only a few models (check the compatibility chart or contact the seller).

7. Rough Country 2″ Leveling Lift Kit

A perfect blend of performance, protection, and style from Rough Country. What else do you expect from a reputable brand that has been on the market for many years?

This kit is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to add rugged style and an aggressive stance to their F-150 Series pickup truck. Let alone, if you are an off-road enthusiast and want to spend time in the woods!

This convenient kit is compatible with ‎2009–2019 Ford F150. If your truck is not in this range, you should contact the seller for more information.

Enough with the intro for this product, let’s get into the nitty and gritty stuff which I am really excited to share with you all.

Strut extensions, rear and front shock absorbers, and installation hardware are all included in the Rough Country 52230-2-inch Leveling Lift Kit.

The shock absorbers are built of heavy-duty composite materials that are resistant to rust, so you won’t have to worry about corrosion.

The big advantage of this product is the ground clearance, which allows you to accommodate tires up to 35 inches in diameter

Another beautiful thing to mention is that this kit is considered to re-attain the factory ride performance. However, many customers have given positive feedback, saying that this product even exceeded their stock shock absorbers.

Installation is a breeze. You may do it at home with little to no mechanical knowledge. As a cherry on the cake, it comes with a three-year warranty on shock and strut components and a lifetime replacement warranty from Rough Country.

Pros
  • Quality and durable components.
  • Low-cost product.
  • Straightforward installation.
  • Reputable brand.
Cons
  • The plastic spacers are more susceptible to cracking.

8. Monroe Shocks & Struts Quick-Strut 171141 Strut and Coil Spring Assembly

The Monroe Quick-Strut 171141 is an OE quality strut and coil spring assembly that delivers the essential components you need for an easy strut replacement. 

This assembly restores ride height and optimizes ride and handling for your vehicle. With no need for a spring compressor, this unit is as simple as “install and go.” 

It’s made with a high-quality upper strut mount that helps keep noise, vibration, and harshness from getting in the way of smooth steering precision.

Its design is made out of high-quality steel tube, which makes this product a long-lasting solution.

Bring back the joy of excellent body control and a very quiet ride.

Pros
  • This is an excellent value for the money.
  • Steering improvement.
  • Easy to install.
  • Preassembled, there is no need to use a compressor for the coil springs.
Cons
  • Only applicable to the front.

9. Rancho RS9000XL RS999287 Shock Absorber

Rancho has taken off-road suspension to the next level. The RS9000XL model ensures your ride has maximum performance and durability. Rancho engineers have worked hard to make this one of the toughest shocks on the market. 

This product has a very simple function that lets you simply modify the ride harshness and dampening. Whether you want to spend your weekend across the off-road rails or want to tow or howl, the nitrogen gas-pressurized feature that the Rancho provides will fulfill your desires.

Rancho shocks hold up to the toughest conditions, feature corrosion resistance, and have a more rugged construction than most conventional shock absorbers. 

Polyurethane rebound bumper and bushings, and a graphite-filled fluon-banded piston help smooth out the ride. At the same time, this guarantees improved responsiveness when changing road conditions.

Overall, we finish this best shocks for f-150 review with a brilliant product that will restore the factory ride or even exceed it. Many customers have seen great improvement and vouch for the Rancho RS9000XL RS999287.

Pros
  • Rear shocks are applicable even with a 3-to-4-inch raised height.
  • Reputable brand, gives a 90-day Ride Guarantee.
  • Smooth and fast rebound phase thanks to the low-fiction and self-lubricating seals.
  • Protective boots made of polyvinyl are used to keep the metal from rusting for a long time.
Cons
  • A bit pricey.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Shocks for Your F-150 Truck

To distinguish between the excellent and the bad, you must have the necessary information. So, if you’re looking for the best shocks for your Ford F150 4×4, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Monotube or Twin-Tube

Considering your F-150 truck is a heavy-duty beast, I’m very positive that you will be hitting the off-road trails or towing/hauling with it. That being said, with confidence, I will give a slight advantage to the monotube design.

When comparing monotubes to twin tubes, monotubes provide higher damping capabilities and provide a smoother ride. True, monotube shocks are more expensive than twin-tube shocks. The advantages of fitting these shocks, however, much exceed the expense.

Vehicle Height

The height of your Ford F150, as well as the sort of wheels and rims you’re utilizing, must be considered. Taking this into account, you must determine which of the shocks may meet these requirements.

Constantly Overloaded

If your truck is constantly hauling heavy goods, this can cause significant stress not only to your shock absorbers, but the whole suspension system. In this case, you should definitely have thought of this. Also, make certain that your new best shocks for the F-150 4×4 truck can withstand the load.

Materials’ Durability and Quality

Steel and aluminum are the most commonly used materials for shocks. A few tiny differences exist between the two. Because of its lighter weight, steel has a longer lifespan than aluminum. Steel, on the other hand, is much more resilient.

When it comes to corrosion, both materials work quite well. Also, most manufacturers specify their products as “anti-corrosive,” but overtime, without the right maintenance, they might start to go bad.

Easy Installation

If you’re on a tight budget, you’d like to avoid paying for the new vehicle’s mechanical costs. We’ve included a list of the most popular types in our thorough guide, and they’re all pretty straightforward to install.

Still, if you aren’t sure how to do it, or don’t have the right tools for the job, you should skip this step and drive your truck to a nearby mechanic shop.

Warranty

This is the last point on our checklist, and I think it’s a really important one. Let’s be honest, the warranty gives you a confidence boost to buy the product. The company should stand behind their product and provide this feature in any way possible.

It’s very important that you get shock absorber replacements for your f-150 that come with a warranty of at least a year or more. Some brands listed may even give you a lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

And that’s it for this guide on the best shock absorbers for the F-150 4×4. All of the models and brands on this list were chosen with a lot of research and personal experience in mind.

After all, you know that we always choose the best! 

As an avid off-roader or constant heavy duty user, you will most likely wear your suspension parts faster. That’s why choosing the right replacement shocks for your truck is crucial for long-lasting and quality performance.

Choose wisely and inform yourself before you make a purchase.

About Post Author