Talk to a Sales Tech
1-888-706-1096
M-F 8:30A-11P, Sat-Sun 8:30A-9P

Best F150 Shocks

AT Staff
By: 

AT Staff

 / Feb 5 2020

2003 5.4L V8 F150 on Rough Country Shocks

Table of Contents
  1. Lift Shocks and Why They’re Necessary for Lifted F150s
  2. F150 Shock Types and Coil Overs

Lift Shocks and Why They’re Necessary for Lifted F150s

The secret to the best F150 shocks is the valving as well as extension and collapsed lengths. From the factory, Ford tunes the shocks for stock loads, stock heights, etc. in order to provide the best ride on-road. As soon as you go off-road or lift your truck, the dampening you need is substantially different. Lift shocks feature different valving and even adjustability to compensate for the added height and load. Some aftermarket shocks are setup to enhance your stock rideability and upwards of 2-inch lifts. Others are valved for 3-6 inches of lift, meaning they are not adequate for stock height F150s. Manufacturers will also list the extended length and the collapsed length of the shock so you know how much additional articulation your F150’s suspension has.

F150 Shock Types and Coil Overs

There are two shock types on your truck. The front are MacPherson struts while the rear are coil-less shocks. MacPherson struts have the spring incorporated into the assembly exactly like a coilover system. The main benefit of this is in its adjustability. Coilovers have rotating caps on the top, effectively giving you the ability to raise or lower your F150. In most cases you’ll be lifting the suspension, but when acquiring a coilover that can handle 3-6 inches, you’re going to have to make adjustments to retain the desired ride height. Other shocks have remote reservoirs. Aside from adding a little cylinder next to your shock, these increase oil capacity. Now, shocks use said oil for both cooling and dampening. The more oil available, the more abuse your shocks can handle.