I was all set to buy some Bilstein 6112's for the front and 5160's for the rear, but both shops I called said they were going to be overkill given I have a 2018 with an FX4 package and instead recommended 2" spacers. When I asked about potential problems with CV joint angles / stress, they said it's not an issue on modern trucks--especially for 2" spacers--though this seems to counter what a lot on this forum believe. Anyone have any data or technical explanations for why 2" spacers are a problem?

From searching previous threads, it sounds like Ford claimed they were going to fix the shocks in '18, though I haven't found confirmation anything has changed. The parts for '17 and '18 look identical (and super cheap at $56 a shock) on fordparts.com:

https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/ri...assy-7833213-1

For those of you with the FX4 package on 2018s, what's the consensus on factory ride quality? Asking because this is my first truck and have nothing to compare it to. I'll probably take this thing off-road 5-6 times a year for the next 10 years.

 

I've been running my 2.5" for about 30k miles and so far so good. As far as ovekill? Yeah the 6112 probably are but since the 5100 are out of stock that's the current choice.
Personally I would wait until they are back in - I'm ordering a set when they're back.

 

What is the difference between the 5100-5160's in ride quality or function for the rear??

I see the 6112's are front kit only, I dont need that--yet

 

 

Finally ordered a pair of Rancho RS9000XL part #RS999384 adjustable rear shocks gives me ability to dial it into my preference

 

Since we are back on shocks again---Has anybody with a 2018 swapped out the "Supposed Reported" upgraded stock shocks to the 5100's in the rear and noticed a big difference?

 

I have a 6 inch RC lift on my 2018 and just switched to Fox 2.0's in the rear (replacing the RC shocks). The difference is night and day. With the RC stocks my truck would hop all over the place. The RC shocks can be easily compressed by hand (same with stock shocks), whereas the Fox shocks I had to use my floor jack to compress to install them. That shows you how much stiffer they are and how that will reduce the wheel hop.

 

From what I've read, the 5160's introduced a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity for greater heat dissipation, though they're double the price of 5100's, which are about $40 more than the stock rear shocks.

Really curious about this as well!

 

The 5160 do have an extra (piggy back) reservoir. I do not know about valving....that's the real question to ask.

99/100 of us have zero need for a remote reservoir. Those are handy when you're cycling a shock a bunch and the fluid heats up. More fluid, away from the shock itself means lower fluid temps. It's important offroad if you're going fast.....it means nothing on road.

The 6112s are for the front - they include different valvling than the 5100s....and come with a coil spring.

I have 6112 on my front / 5100 rear. The difference is very noticeably improved. (mine is FX4 - but 2017 - so, don't know about changes from the 17 to the 18)

 

I just checked Tasca auto parts and the same part number is listed for the rear shocks for 16/17/18--Im betting they did not change a thing lol