F150-LT

Folks, I'm as new to the F-150 Forum as my new 2019 Limited truck with the EcoBoost H.O. engine. I'm searching for solid recommendations on whether or not to replace the stock 2019 F-150 shocks with aftermarket performance shocks and if the stock units are good enough to keep. I don't drive off-road, mostly highway and urban driving.

Slammed68

Personally I found that replacing the rear shocks made for a big improvement in ride quality. I have a 2018 lariat FX4 with max tow and the rear end would shudder a bit over bumps. I installed ICON shocks in the rear and noticed an immediate improvement.

I later installed ICON coilovers upfront but I also went from a factory 20s to Raptor take offs so I cant comment much about how the coilovers affected the ride.

bowhunterwi84

if you are just riding on paved roads, i don't see the point. yes, you'll notice a difference but the stock parts were designed with the paved road in mind. if you want improved performance off-road, then go for it.

tvsjr

The stock shocks *suck*. If you aren't off-roading, upgrading to the Bilstein 5100s makes sense for the improved ride and handling.

DeltaNu1142

No need to qualify... the 5100s are leaps and bounds above the stock garbage, on road or off.

tvsjr

Point is, if he's offroading or thrashing the truck, he may want to consider Kings, Icons, etc. For a pavement princess, 5100s are quite sufficient, and a massive improvement over stock.

DeltaNu1142

Definitely... but he's not doing any thrashing, if the first post here is any indication.

I literally threw the stock struts, front springs, and rear shocks into the garbage. The springs probably could have benefitted someone, but I left the FS ad up with a $30 price tag for probably 6 months, IIRC, with no interest.

bowhunterwi84

I'm curious what you noticed about the ride and handling that was better on the highway?

And just for clarity, i'm not being sarcastic. I'm genuinely interested. I noticed my front end didn't dive when braking and taking fast corners, but didn't notice a difference in the rear end until i was going over repeated bumps on gravel.

tvsjr

The biggest difference on the highway is handling over any sort of washboard surface or bridge expansion joints. The rear end has a bad habit of wanting to "walk out", which the Bilsteins fix.

I had them on my 16, and will be installing them on my 18 soon. Although I'm considering stepping up to the 6112/5160 combination... and perhaps replacing the UCAs.

2015LariatFX4dude

I have Bilstein 6112s and 5100s. Absolutely love them.