The Ford F250 Super Duty is an amazing truck. It can tow, haul and do anything you want it to do. But what makes this truck even better are the shocks!
The shocks on the Ford F250 Super Duty provide a smooth ride that stays comfortable no matter how much weight you’re carrying or what kind of terrain you’re driving over.
With so many different styles of shock absorbers available for trucks like this, it can be hard to find the perfect set for your specific needs.
This blog post will give you all the information you need before purchasing any type of shock absorber to make sure they are right for your vehicle’s suspension system and needs!
[wptb id=2589]Top 10 Best Shocks for F250 Super Duty:
Here are our top 10 picks for the F250 shocks that will greatly improve ride quality compared to the factory shocks-
1. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set
We looked at great shock sets and some that were just ‘good.’ When it came to being great, though: providing that perfect balance of affordability and optimal performance, only one made the cut: the Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set.
We wanted to say first that even if you disregard everything, these shocks upgrade your F-250’s comfort, stability, and overall durability and can make trucks with more than a couple hundred thousand miles feel like you just got them from the dealership.
There’s also the question of durability, which is almost always the problem with Rancho stock shocks. This set of shocks from Bilstein seeks to avoid that specific problem, which is why they’re monotube gas charged for long-lasting, excellent performance.
If you’re still using conventional shocks, these Bilstein shocks are the perfect way for you to stop torturing yourself.
However, you will want to keep in mind that these are purely pavement-pounders and not intended for off-road use. If you use them on uneven ground, the shocks have a chance of getting heavily damaged.
Pros:
- Monotube gas charged for better longevity
- It comes with all necessary washers, nuts, and brushings.
- Reduces car noise during regular use
- Vastly improved rebound when hitting bumpers or raised surfaces at high speed
- Can be installed with standard hand tools
Cons:
- Bilstein themselves warn that these are pavement shocks. Taking them off-road can and probably will result in them being damaged.
- These shocks don’t come with a compression loom.
2. New Bilstein 4600 Front & Rear Shocks
It’s not the 5100 series by any means, but if you want something a couple of bucks cheaper and not all that difference in performance, consider the BILSTEIN 4600 FRONT & REAR SHOCKS.
Like the 5100, these are a set of monotube charged gas shocks, two front and two rear, and surprisingly, they don’t differ all that much when it comes to performance.
It has the signature smooth and un-bumpy ride that we (and the entire country) have come to expect from Bilstein. If you want to replace the shocks for the family SUV, grabbing a set of these during a sale might be a better option than going for the 5100.
Want to talk compression instead? We checked out how these would compare to Motorcraft or Rancho shocks. The Bilstein 4600 set is ten to twenty seconds faster to extend than new stock Motorcraft shocks.
We don’t know about you, but we thought that was pretty amazing.
They’re also surprisingly heavy-duty and can handle a bit of off-road use, which we thought was pretty cool.
Pros:
- It takes under 7 seconds to extend fully after compression.
- The vehicle doesn’t need continuous steering adjustments after you install these.
- Fits a wide variety of 2003-2016 vehicles
- Great for bumpy roads or minor off-road use
Cons:
- Reviews say Bilstein does charge you a return shipping fee if you want to return these. Since it’s easy to get products mixed up, you should keep that in mind.
- Tend to get bumpy on highway ridges at resonance frequency.
3. Rancho RS9000XL Adj Shock Set
We know, we know, we told you above that Ranchos are not so great. But hear us out here. We tried a lot of Ranchos for this buying guide (believe us), and honestly, the Rancho RS9000XL Adj Shock Set competes with some of the Bilsteins here.
The first thing we want to talk about is that compared to the two previous Bilsteins, these Rancho shocks are meant for heavy-duty use. If you’re towing a load of at least a couple of tons, you’ll want to invest in these shock absorbers.
That said, they do have a drawback (and here’s where you’re going to be glad you read this). These shocks need you first to torque your bolts to 80-lbs, install the shocks, and then re-torque again to 80-lbs to tighten the clamps.
It’s a little more work than you usually have to put in, but glowing reviews and extensive research assure us these are worth the effort.
They’re also pretty easy to install, and if you don’t have damage on your front shocks, you can get away with just replacing the back ones.
Pros:
- Quick and straightforward installation process
- More affordable than Fox, King, or Bilstein shocks
- Adjustable settings for different scenarios and uses
- Perfect shock absorbers for heavy-duty applications like hauling
- Durable and rugged product guaranteed to last a while
Cons:
- Like we mentioned before, these have a particular installation process. The worst part is that they don’t come with instructions.
- The front shocks are slightly stiff.
4. Skyjacker H7091 H7060 Pairs of Hydro Shock Absorbers
These Skyjacker H7091 H7060 shocks ranked pretty high on our list for several reasons, but we’re going to start with one: they’re a massive upgrade from your bumpy stock shocks.
When first opening the package, you’ll notice that all you get with these are new rubber bushings. That’s not an error: you’re supposed to re-use most of the old hardware that came with your stock shocks.
That’s not to say that the Skyjacker H7091 H7060 shocks are a bad deal by any means, though. Compared to some of the Bilsteins on this list, they come at an affordable cost and guarantee satisfaction with excellent performance on all types of roads.
We checked out reviews and feedback written a few months (an entire year in one use), and everything we see says these shocks will last you far more than a hundred thousand miles.
Here’s a tip from us: you’ll want to keep YouTube handy when installing these because, like the Ranchos above, they don’t come with instructions either.
Pros:
- Affordable product with decent performance
- You don’t have to install the metal sleeves on top of the socks.
- Gives your truck that excellent little lift that you want to see
- Can be installed without lifting the truck beforehand
Cons:
- While they’re not hard to install, these shocks don’t come with any instructions. You’re probably going to need some expertise or a good YouTube video.
- The rubber sleeves aren’t very high-quality.
5. Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Set
We don’t have to be the ones telling you that it probably doesn’t get any better than Fox when it comes to shock absorbers. The premium, upscale brand for premium, upscale users, these expensive but luxurious shocks are for people who can’t even look at Ranchos.
Like the Bilsteins (and honestly, like most good shock absorbers), the Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Set are monotone charged gas products, with a stainless steel alloy body meant for optimizing performance while making them as durable as possible.
Remember when we said these were luxurious? That’s a big word, and we weren’t kidding. Everything we read about these says they’re much smoother than Bilsteins or Aircraft shocks.
We’re not sure how the Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Set will do with towing, but its performance on minor off-road, speed bumps and concrete highways is what you’d expect: perfect.
You won’t be re-using your low-grade factory hardware with these shocks. They come with all the necessary nuts, washers, and brushings, though you will have to invest in roost shields and shock boots separately.
Pros:
- Stable, balanced ride with quick brake response
- The shocks are rebuildable for when they get damaged or worn out.
- Nitrogen-gas rechargeable at any professional garage
- Shocks are easy to install with the help of a jack and standard tools.
Cons:
- Very expensive, mostly bordering north of the Bilstein 5100 series.
- Because of their expensive nature, they’re not the best product for casual, everyday users.
6. Detroit Axle – SRW 4WD Front & Rear Shock Absorbers
Wondering where Detroit Axle is on this list? So were we, which is just one of the reasons why the next set of shocks we’re going to be looking at are the Detroit Axle – SRW 4WD Front & Rear Shock Absorbers.
Want to hear what high quality sounds like? These shocks aren’t just your average absorbers but come with a pistol seal that adjusts itself over time as your shocks loosen up, keeping the connection nice and tight to prevent any form of leakage.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, these shocks are made for the OEM buyer who wants smooth, long-term performance instead of live-fast-die-hard Fox shocks that will wear out at a hundred thousand miles. You’ll be using these for at least a couple of years, if not more.
Despite their excellent performance, these suffer from the same drawback as the Ranchos and Fox shocks: a lack of information. In this case, the front and rear ones aren’t labeled, so you’ll have to do a little research to find out which is which.
Pros:
- Highly durable products meant to last years after installation
- Provides good performance at better prices than Fox or Ranchos
- Automatically adjusting piston seal prevents leakage and lousy performance
- Quiet and smooth performance on speed bumps and potholes
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with instructions (this is becoming a common theme).
- They’re made in China, so there’s a chance of receiving lower-quality products.
7. Rough Country 2-4.5″ N3 Front Shock Absorbers
We started doing extensive research on the Rough Country 2-4.5″ N3 Front Shock Absorbers because we couldn’t believe what we saw. Then we did some more because if what we’re seeing is correct, this is one of the best shocks on the market!
Seriously, we’re not hyping it up. The shock absorbers are suitable for pounding pavement and off-road use, making it the first list. It provides excellent lift and stability on both and doesn’t even come with an extravagant cost.
Its performance is primarily due to a unique floating piston design designed to keep high-pressure nitrogen and shock oil separate, leading to longer use life. Auto shops worldwide say this is great for minimizing vibration, and we’re not disagreeing.
The drawback, however, is that these are only front shock absorbers, meaning you’ll need to invest more into a separate pair for the rear. Given their price, that means you probably shouldn’t go for these unless you have a budget or only need replacements for front shocks.
Pros:
- Durable chrome-reinforced 18mm piston
- Comprehensive 10-stage variable valving
- Zero wobble if installed correctly
- Spring-loaded piston rod seal for longer, better use
Cons:
- This product is only a pair of front absorbers and doesn’t contain any rear shocks.
- Somewhat expensive for a couple of front absorbers.
8. Rancho RS5000 Shocks 05-14
The Rancho RS5000 Shocks are the second pair of Ranchos we recommend, and if you ask us, they’re honestly not too bad of a downgrade from the first. If you’re using a stock Monroes, this is the better option.
We loved these shocks because, like the Rancho RS9000XL, it has a straightforward installation process. You can head in with your tools and have the job done in about four hours total or have them put on the next time your car goes for servicing.
It’s not as long-lasting as the other Rancho shocks, but these shocks do have a slightly softer, more comfortable ride that can handle speed bumps much better. Surprisingly, it’s this good for lightweight vehicles and heavyweight trucks and haulers.
We did notice, though, that these shocks start showing problems when you have about a hundred thousand miles on them. If you’re looking for something durable and long-lasting, maybe try a Bilstein instead.
Pros:
- Smoothes out rides on most 2003-2016 F 250s and F250 Super Duty trucks
- Provides top-of-the-line performance even without a weighted load
- Applicable for both on-pavement and off-road vehicles
- Very easy to install for beginners and novices
Cons:
- Not very long-lasting. You should expect them to wear out within two to four years.
- Unlike the RX9000XL, these aren’t adjustable, limiting their usability.
9. Monroe 34687 Gas-Magnum Truck Shock Absorber
Sometimes, though, you don’t want a long-lasting shock absorber. You want something cheap to get the job done until the Bilsteins you buy are in stock. The crown goes to the Monroe 34687 Gas-Magnum Truck Shock Absorber when it comes to cheap usability.
Coming in at usually just over thirty bucks for each shock absorber (these being packs of 1), the Monroe 34687 shocks are meant almost exclusively for heavy-duty trucking.
This shock uses a combination of a larger bore and an expanded 2-inch reserve tube to hold more shock oil, ensuring more consistent, high-quality performance over a more extended period. It’s also surprisingly nitrogen-gas charged, which was a pleasant surprise to us.
The Monroe 34687 shocks are even beefier than OEM shocks, which impressed us, to be honest. Remember the cheap usability part, though? We were serious. These shocks don’t last very long at all, and if you’re a frequent driver, you can see rust forming within a year.
Here’s a tip (free of charge!): spray them with a thin clear coat to ward off the rust. It won’t hold it back forever, but it’ll let you get another year’s use out of the shock.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable product in terms of overall price and shipping
- Decent performance, lift and ride stability for a low-end shock absorber
- Can handle heavy-duty use without high wear and tear
- Larger bore + 2-inch reserve tube to hold more shock oil
Cons:
- These are very quick to rust, mostly seeming to get damaged within a year.
- The Monroe 34687 also doesn’t come with new fasteners.
10. ECCPP Front Shocks for Ford
The last product on the list is the ECCPP Front Shocks for Ford, which provides superior performance while cheap and easy to install. These front shocks aren’t all that affordable, but a great deal if all you’re looking for is performance.
Like the Bilstein shocks, these easy-to-use shocks can be installed with just a few hand tools (and some elbow grease), taking no more than a couple of hours at the most. Their simplicity was one of the best things about them.
Their performance was more like the Bilstein 4600 specifically. Smooth rides were a definite upgrade from stock shock absorbers, all done while still staying within an affordable price range.
Plus, we’re not going to lie. We’ve been waiting to display this ECCPP product since the beginning. It’s a solid, mid-range product that’s a good buy for anybody who wants to compromise between expensive high-grade shocks and affordable medium-grade ones.
Pros:
- Fit on leveled and raised trucks
- Good performance straight after installation
- It can be found at very, very low prices most of the time.
- Simple installation process that doesn’t take very long
- Surprisingly durable for their price as well
Cons:
- ECCPP has never had the best packaging and shipping process. Be warned that there is a slight chance of your product getting damaged during shipping.
- From what we’re seeing, these shocks also tend to start leaking shock oil after about a year and a half of use. They’re not exactly durable.
How to Choose the Best Shocks for F250 Super Duty
In simple terms, a car’s suspension system is a mechanical device connecting the car chassis to the tires. The suspension system serves to dampen the various forces acting on the vehicle and provide some additional, much-needed support for the car. Believe it or not, the small, nifty little gadgets called shock absorbers are one of the most critical components of the suspension system.
With all of that being said, how are you choosing the best pair of shocks for your car? We’re not dropping you yet, don’t worry. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important factors to consider when looking for shock absorbers.
1. Car Compatibility
This should go without saying, but the first thing you have to check when buying a new pair of shocks is whether they fit in your vehicle’s suspension system at all. Shocks come in many different shapes and sizes, many of them having various applications. Mostly though, you’ll find them being differentiated in terms of the car makes and models they fit.
Chevy shocks will say Chevy in the name, F250 shocks will state they’re made for F250s, and so on.
An easy way to check whether a particular shock will fit your truck or not is to head over to the manufacturer’s website. Rancho, Fox, Bilstein, and most famous manufacturers have comprehensive information about their products and the vehicles they’re meant for. You could also look up a buying guide (like this one) or ask your local garage to recommend some.
2. Price of the Shocks
When purchasing auto parts and suspension system components, you’ll often hear that price should be the least of your worries since it’s worth investing in. That’s true and all, but we’re not about to fork over five hundred bucks for a pair of shock absorbers when there are equally good and cheaper alternatives available.
Anything going over the threshold of four hundred bucks is charging you way too much, and you better be sure that they are the best pair of shocks you can lay eyes on.
In most cases, if you aren’t looking for the most upscale products, we’d recommend Bilstein, Fox, or Ranch Country shocks, which tend to cost somewhere between two to four hundred dollars.
3. The Terrain You’re Going to Use Them On
Remember when we said shocks were made for various purposes? The most significant point of difference between most shocks is whether they’re made for pounding the pavement or going off-road. Off-road shocks are generally more rugged and durable, but they’re also much more expensive than pavement pounders.
The pavement pounders, on the other hand, are meant for riding highways, roads, and freeways and don’t handle uneven ground very well. Plus, they’re much cheaper and will work longer as long as you don’t drive off a hill.
4. Material and Durability of the Shocks
The last thing you should ensure to check up on is the material the shocks are made of and how long they’ll work for you. You might get the most expensive, upscale pair, but that’s no use if you have to buy new ones just later in the year, right? Thankfully, selecting the suitable material isn’t very hard since there are mainly two different materials used for making shocks: aluminum and steel.
Steel shocks are the cheaper alternative and are usually bulkier in construction. They’re also pretty heavy, which is why many older users don’t like them. Aluminum shock absorbers are a little more expensive, but they’re way lighter, easy to install, and have a service life stretching for years.
Final Verdict
We outlined several things for you to check up on when looking for new shock absorbers, but the most important for us were two factors: durability and comfort. We wanted shocks that would make our rides comfortable, smooth, and bump-free but would also last at least a couple of years.
Thankfully, the winner didn’t take too long to pick. One set of shocks was the best among all of these, and unless you’ve never used them before, we know you’re thinking the same thing we are:
The Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Set! Fox has long made some of the best suspension systems, and the 2.0 Performance Shock Set met our expectations and then some! Comfortable rides and a long-lasting body, combined with great lift on trucks, made it a good choice for professional upgrades. The one drawback would be its slightly high price.