Rear Shock Upgrade Help

[Littlefield82]

I'd like to upgrade my rear shocks on my stock FX4. I'm using a 2020 F-150 search and not 2021 F-150 b/c a lot of places don't have something for the 2021 but I'm guessing they are the same shock in the rear. Seems like my choices are

- Fox 2.0
- Bilstein B8 5100 ( BIL-33-253190 ) 0"-1" lift
- Bilstein B6 4600 (BIL 33-253183) no lift

I'm guessing there is no reason to go with the B8 if I don't want to lift the rear? The Fox are a little more expensive but not sure they offer anything that the Bilstein don't.

Thoughts?

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[Graygoose2021]

Stage 3 has just the rear Fox, relatively inexpensive. I used them on my Ram after I lifted it, huge upgrade.

 

[Littlefield82]

I pulled the trigger on the Fox 2.0 from Stage 3. Will report back if I can tell any difference when I get them installed hopefully next week.

 

[Littlefield82]

Just finished the install. Will test them later today. Here are my tips:
1. jack up on the rear axle and install jack stand. I did one side at at time.
2. remove rear wheel one side at a time (gives you way more room to work. it can certainly be done without removing the wheels but it's just harder)
3. unbolt stockers using an impact gun (15mm bolt head and 18mm nut)
4. when installing the new shocks put the bolt through the bottom eyelet first because it's easier to manipulate the top of the shock to line the bolt up. pushing from the bottom up is much harder as it's how I did the first one.
5. cut the retainer band so that the shock extends to the upper mount
6. not likely you can run the bolt through as the shock extends so plan to use both hands to pull it back down (not easy) and get the bolt ready to run it through as it extends back up while you slow it down with your other hand
7. torque to 66 ft lb
8. stand back and admire your work

 

[Mladen5375]

I pulled the trigger on the Fox 2.0 from Stage 3. Will report back if I can tell any difference when I get them installed hopefully next week.

Any difference between the stock FX4 rear shocks and the Fox ones you installed? I am looking into doing similar thing.

 

[Graygoose2021]

the OEM's are pretty weak, the Fox 2.0, takes some umpff to get them to compress!

 

[Lippy]

The rear end was floaty on my FX4 PowerBoost so I changed just the rears to Bilstein 5160s. They solved the problem completely and look cool too. Happy with them.

 

[Wvmtneer]

Just finished the install. Will test them later today. Here are my tips:
1. jack up on the rear axle and install jack stand. I did one side at at time.
2. remove rear wheel one side at a time (gives you way more room to work. it can certainly be done without removing the wheels but it's just harder)
3. unbolt stockers using an impact gun (15mm bolt head and 18mm nut)
4. when installing the new shocks put the bolt through the bottom eyelet first because it's easier to manipulate the top of the shock to line the bolt up. pushing from the bottom up is much harder as it's how I did the first one.
5. cut the retainer band so that the shock extends to the upper mount
6. not likely you can run the bolt through as the shock extends so plan to use both hands to pull it back down (not easy) and get the bolt ready to run it through as it extends back up while you slow it down with your other hand
7. torque to 66 ft lb
8. stand back and admire your work

Can you describe driving impressions and comparison? My truck is scheduled to be built in 2 weeks and looking to upgrade immediately. Fox, bilstein are eibachs are my choices.

 

[JerseyMike]

Also looking for driving impressions, I've never just updated rear shocks but thinking about it on mine too

 

[Mauimaikai]

Also looking for driving impressions, I've never just updated rear shocks but thinking about it on mine too

I had installed my rear Fox 2.0 (21+) only and had them on for a few days while I did my usual runs on gravel, mud, offroad etc. If you currently enjoy the oem feel, changing out the rears alone wont make much of a difference in how it feels while driving around town. I noticed zero difference on the rail road tracks in town, but once I hit washboard roads I could tell it had less bounce and rattle to it.

 

[tbinmd]

I installed the Bilstein 5100's on my 22 FX4. Made a huge difference in the ride and control of the rear. The front is still floaty at times, but still waiting on my 6100's that are on back order.

 

[Littlefield82]

Any difference between the stock FX4 rear shocks and the Fox ones you installed? I am looking into doing similar thing.

It's not a night and day difference. The rear is more composed over chattery roads but also a tad bit stiffer. I'd do it again without a doubt but don't expect a huge change, at least in my opinion.

 

[ndnashlenss]

Is it necessary to jack up the truck and take off the wheel? Seen a few youtube videos that says the previous gen didn't need to have the wheel taken off and the install would be better on the ground.

 

[JDinNFLA]

Did mine in the driveway on the ground. Very easy. You just need a pry bar. Total time for job 30 minutes max.

 

[tbinmd]

No need to jack up the truck or take the wheel off, if you have 4x4. Very easy to do, like JDinNFLA says 30 minutes max. I was shocked at how much of a non event it was.

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