I’m trying to get latest updates around the fx4 shocks. I know most suggest the OEM shocks are crap but also know there’s been changes over the years. I’ve been looking at replacing mine rear stock ones with the Bilstein 4600 but stuck on the fence. Maybe just January blues and looking for something to keep me busy.

I’ve read the FX4 shocks are now mono-tube and better than previous years prior to 2018, is that true? Anyone here do a swap with the FX4 ones and notice significant improvements?

I’m mostly a highway warrior with little weekend off road. Mostly just back roads, snow, etc. No towing anymore but hauling dirt, dump runs, etc here and there.

 

Despite what many have and WILL continue to say,, the stock shocks are hard to beat...by any aftermarket shock. Every one of these shock absorber threads ends up with the fan-bois touting up their favorite shock, but offering absolutely nothing insofar as measured performance improvements.

Let it begin, lol!

 

Yea that’s my problem. I’ve been researching a lot but results are various over many years. Found some good videos of folks showing rebound results of OEM with poor results, but those where rather aged as well. Very little details on what the current gen OEM shocks are.

 

After 3 years and 50000 miles of highway, gravel, and dirt roads, and pasture trails; including about 5000 miles towing a 6000 lb travel trailer, my factory 2019 FX4 shocks are still a strong and comfortable ride. I have a new FX4 on order and if the new shocks perform as well, I'll be happy; but they are supposed to be better.

 

Most of the people complaining were with FX4 packages.

I have had non-FX4 trucks in 2010, 2012, 2016, and now 2019 with absolutely no ride issues. In fact, I wouldn't change a thing as my 2016 and 2019 trucks have the best ride I've had in a truck, even sporty feeling.

 

I'm guessing you two have a nice heavy crew cab, because on my regular cab short bed they are ****e. I have literally been side ways driving over a RR track because of the crappy bouncy qualities of these "great performing shocks" and would recommend ditching them ASAP. I went with Bilstein 5100's because of past use on multiple vehicles. The rebound of the factory shocks is abysmal at best, the slow response makes for a scary ride.

 

That is a fair point about size/weight. Yes I’m running screw. Is your vehicle a 2021 FX4 currently and did you swap out your OEM with the 5100’s? If so, curious how you found the OEM’s when you removed them? Did they have degraded rebound?

 

Wouldn't know if it was degraded rebound, or just a crappy shock. Compared to the 5100's they acted as though they were filled with mashed potatoes......lumpy ones. .

 

Prior to 2021 all shocks other than Raptor’s were twin-tube. Now FX4 and non FX4 on higher trims are mono-tube. The old shocks were inferior no matter what some revisionists want you to believe. Bilstein, Fox, and other mono-tubes are all superior to the old ones. My plan is to level with the Fox setup but the stock ones are much better than on my 2019. On my way to work I drive on the worst road in SE Michigan and there is a noticeable difference. I guarantee you there is not one person who ever went to Bilsteins, Fox or others and then went back to stock.

James

 

The FX4 on my 2021 feels too soft. The truck doesn’t settle over bridge expansions and the ride is floaty. I will be upgrading as soon as I can. My 2020 max tow was a much nicer ride IMO.