Bilstein 5100 vs Fox 2.0 IFP Performance Shocks

The debate rages on...

It's the discussion that continues to appear across numerous automotive forums: "Fox 2.0 Performance or Bilstein 5100???" We’ve ran both types of shocks on various vehicles here at Shock Surplus, so the following synopsis comes from real-world off-road miles and pushing our vehicles hard.

• 2006 Tacoma - Fox 2.0 Coilovers & Shocks / Bilstein 5100
• 2015 Tacoma - Fox 2.0 Snap Ring Shocks
• 2020 Silverado 1500 - Fox 2.0 Snap Ring Shocks / Bilstein 5100
• 2019 Ranger - Bilstein 5100 / Fox 2.0 Coilovers & Shocks
• 2020 Ram 2500 - Bilstein / Fox 2.0 Shocks

If you're debating between both the Fox 2.0 Performance series and the Bilstein 5100 series for your truck or Jeep, then one of the main questions you have is "Are Fox Shocks worth the price bump?" Fox's 2.0 Performance parts are significantly more expensive than the Bilstein 5100s, sometimes almost 2x the price. We hope to answer that very question here and now.

Comfort and Handling Tradeoffs

Through a large amount of miles on both Bilstein 5100s and Fox 2.0 IFP shocks, across numerous vehicles, the behaviors feel similar regardless of vehicle application. That is to say, what feels like a Fox 2.0 on the Tacoma, feels like a Fox 2.0 in the Ranger. And the tight feeling experienced drivers feel on a Bilstein 5100, transfers to other vehicles as well.

We've put in lots of seat time on these shocks, we've ran both the Bilstein and Fox on Ram 2500s, Silverados, Rangers, 4Runners, and Tacomas at this point. Plus the numerous customer vehicles we've been in, the shock behavior between the two brands is pretty stark.

This is with all else being equal on the vehicle.

• Bilstein feels tighter than Fox in terms of handling, while Fox softens the bumps a bit better than Bilstein.
• Bilstein's response is firmer / more harsh than Fox when going over speedbumps, potholes, and the rocky terrain of easy trails.
• Bilstein wins on reducing body roll, and wins for people with lots of hauling or tow duties.
• Fox feels more plush and is just a more comfortable/softer shock, which definitely has its benefits; quieting down trail chatter, subduing rough terrain, eating up poor roads.
• Bilstein's longevity is legendary, and will outlast a Fox 2.0 shock by 2x or 3x the miles. Fox 2.0 and other Fox Shocks typically need service and a rebuild by 50-60k miles.

The aluminum body of the Fox 2.0 shocks provide a couple different benefits; lighter overall weight, and more importantly, better heat dissipation. Shocks will never remain cool to the touch, but the better a shock can shed heat, the better performance it provides due to less oil cavitation inside the shock.

Heat dissipation is only a factor if you’re planning extensive off-road driving on aggressive terrain at moderate speeds.

Replace or Rebuild?

Another distinguishing factor of the Fox 2.0 is its ability to be rebuildable and rechargeable (nitrogen gas), this makes any Fox shock a lifetime shock that can last the life of any vehicle. Along with the benefits of the Fox 2.0 over Bilstein 5100, comes a big price difference. Typical Fox sets are in the $500-600 / set range, while Bilstein 5100 sets come in around $300-400, a significant difference and deciding factor for most.

The Bottom Line

• Daily Driver Handing / Longevity - Bilstein
• Daily Driver Comfort - Fox
• Towing & Hauling Confidence - Bilstein
• Off-Road Handling & Performance - Fox

If you're a slow scenic fire road adventurer, then the 5100 will be plenty to handle that.

If you'll do anything to make those country roads a bit better, or comfort over the bumps is priority, go with Fox.

The Bilstein 5100 is aimed at the weekend warrior who prefers a controlled ride during the week. Fox is a more performance oriented shock to help with trail and mild off-road comfort.

I hope we drilled down what each shock could possibly mean for your vehicle. We're always testing Bilstein and Fox on new and old vehicles alike, contact us if you have any questions or request.