Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD
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Choosing Shocks for your Ford F-150
We made this guide specifically for the F-150, based on thousands of miles running these shocks ourselves, and thousands of customers' feedback. We address different budgets, different vehicle uses & needs (plush daily comfort, more handling, off-road, etc), and identifying exactly what these shocks mean for your Ford. We truly test these products ourselves, and are open to any and all questions for your vehicle, reach out to us with any questions!
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Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
KYB's Gas-a-Just shock is a factory upgrade, utilizing a monotube high pressure gas design that improves handling and other performance factors for your vehicle. These shocks have a better lifespan than most factory-replacement shocks, and provide noticeable ride quality improvements.
Price
1 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Increased handling and performance over factory shocks
- Longer lifespan than Excel-G and factory shocks
- Monotube design translates to more consistency
Cons
- More road feedback
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD w/3-4" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Recap of the Daily Driver Shocks
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The Monomax shock is KYB's heavy duty shock absorber meant for workhorse trucks or offroad vehicles that see tough terrain. These shocks have increased compression and rebound damping to account for heavy loads, larger wheels & tires, or aggressive terrain.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
- Increases handling and performance significantly
- Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
- Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
- Red may not match your vehicle well.
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 1997-2004 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
- Excellent High Performance entry level shock
- Handles hard hits well
- Improves handling and traction in all terrains
- Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD
Buy Now
Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
Recap of the Hauling / Towing Shocks
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD w/3-4" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Skyjacker M95 Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1997-2003 Ford F150 4WD SuperCrew
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Overview
Skyjacker's Monotube M95 shock is a great all around performer, good daily driver comfort mixed with excellent off-road ability in all terrains. The monotube design allows for a more consistent feel under most driving conditions, giving more confidence in handling ability.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Monotube design provides great shock life and longevity
- Off-road capable for easy trails, gravel, and slower tough terrain
- Great road manners and comfort for a daily driver
Cons
- Not budget friendly
- Limited application availability
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 1997-2004 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
- Excellent High Performance entry level shock
- Handles hard hits well
- Improves handling and traction in all terrains
- Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 1997-2004 Ford F150 4WD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Recap of the Off-Road Socks
