argoldst

So I'm still debating the fx4 package with upgraded shocks. I occasionally tow and go off road (dirt roads, no rock climbing or anything crazy) but 98% of the time my truck will be a highway girl. I really want a smooth luxury type ride for my long road trips.

With that being said, should I just stick with the stock shocks, upgrade to the fx4, or get some other brand (please recommend a brand if you pick this option).

Thanks in advance.

TexasRedfish

FX4 shocks are not much of an "upgrade" compared to non FX4 shocks. Many here would agree that stock shocks, regardless of FX4 or not, sucks donkey *****. Many have upgraded to Bilstein 5100, Fox 2.0, etc.

I have ran Bilstein 4600 and 5100 on 3-4 trucks now including my current F150 and have zero issues.

argoldst

I have read a lot about the bilstein 5100 but some refer to it helping towing and etc. Have not seen much feedback on normal highway driving and if it is better there. Do you know first hand?

tomjv

The rear OEM FX4 units are DEFECTIVE. Period.
The front OEM FX4 units are POOR QUALITY.

What you purchase will depend on your expectations for handling, your end-game preferences for your rig and your wallet.

Based on what you said, I'd say you may be satisfied by just replacing the rears and calling it a day. Fox 2.0 or Bilsteins are good.

Personally, I'd recommend doing Bilsteins all around. After you do, you're likely to be pleasantly surprised at how well your rig can handle with proper equipment.

If you have money to blow, take a look at a fully adjustable 2.5" unit like the ICON CDCV. The 2.5" units offer tons more support and can be adjusted really soft. I'd guess they'll still be more firm than stock try to demo a similar setup. In fact, WHATEVER you buy, you should demo them.

TomJV

TexasRedfish

From my experience with stock shocks, if you were to ride on the highway with zero bumps, pot holes, etc then the stock shocks ride like a Cadillac. Once they hit those bumps, pot holes, etc then they ride like a floor jack (a little exaggeration but you get the point). I remember turning into a highway curve at 70+mph and hit a bump which cause my rear end to kick out so bad the guy driving next to me thought I lost control and jolted two lanes away from me.

With 5100s, it's not as a Cadillac feel, but a smooth, firm, and controled ride. Going over bumps almost drives like all my other trucks.

tomjv

The rear OEM FX4 units are DEFECTIVE. Period.
The front OEM FX4 units are POOR QUALITY.
The FX4 units aren't work beans, but I think the package has other stuff you may want, like skid plates.

What you purchase(aftermarket, that is) will depend on your expectations for handling, your end-game preferences for your rig and your wallet.

Based on what you said, I'd say you may be satisfied by just replacing the rears and calling it a day. Fox 2.0 or Bilsteins are good.

Personally, I'd recommend doing Bilsteins all around. After you do, you're likely to be pleasantly surprised at how well your rig can handle with proper equipment.

If you have money to blow, take a look at a fully adjustable 2.5" unit like the ICON CDCV. The 2.5" units offer tons more support and can be adjusted really soft. I'd guess they'll still be more firm than stock. Try to demo a similar setup. In fact, WHATEVER you buy, you should demo them.

TomJV

argoldst

Thanks tomjv. I can get rci skidplates and Bilsteins 5100 for about the same price as the fx4 package. Seems like a much higher end way to go for about the same price.

Anyone else recommend a better shock for my needs?

Also anyone agree or disagree on doing all 4 or just the rear? I wasn't planning on leveling it since I will lose mpg.

Marklite

I went with SkyJacker 7000's, 80 bucks a pair and now a smooth solid ride.

crownroyal

When I go to their webstie and autoanything it doesn't have applications for our F150s

bamorris2

I have a '16 non-FX4 SCrew 4wd. I was after the same as you, a more comfortable ride. Plus I was looking to reduce or eliminate the rear end hop at highway speeds. I went with Bilstein 5100's on the rear (left fronts alone). That was about a month ago, and I am very happy with my decision. The ride is more comfortable, more controlled and more compliant. No shock is going to make a leaf-sprung pickup ride like a Cadillac though.