Just came across this today and thought it would be helpful for those debating between these two shocks since it comes up a lot.

https://www.shocksurplus.com/blogs/s...ormance-shocks

 

They also have lots of useful YT videos comparing different options.

 

Actually... I have that very exact question. Thanks for posting...

ETA: I wish they had a comparo with the Rancho 9000 with the 5100... I guess that's my real question.

 

Did I read that wrong? Fox is more "Plush" so recommended for off road use?

 

I would think that either shock would result in a stiffer feeling ride than the stock shock from Ford?

 

I'm eagerly waiting for my 24 F350 (for who knows how long), but I installed 5100's on my current HD (I'll not say which manufacturer ). Been quite pleased with their ride comfort though, my wife even commented how much nicer it is, especially with our 14k fifth wheel hooked up.

I tend to think any aftermarket shock is probably a notch up from OEM, depending on what ride quality you want. And once I have my new truck, I'll probably put a set of 5100's on it too.

My $0.02. And I'm fairly new here, but thought I'd share.

 

We often associate a stiffer ride as being more performance oriented, but the real job of the performance shock is to let the suspension work and keep the tires in contact with the ground as much as possible. This can often mean a softer ride.

 

fox valving is softer so on the street its going to feel a bit better. Bilstein uses digressive valving, stiffer until you really push it. doubtful either will matter as youre still working with an HD truck using stiff AF spring.....


mehhhhhh....missing lots of context here lol.

 

Ask and you shall receive! https://www.shocksurplus.com/blogs/s...l-world-advice

 

The progressive valving of the Fox setups is going to be softer for slower shaft speed events (low speed bumps, g-outs, body roll, pitching from braking/acceleration, etc.). But the damping force is going to go up for higher shaft speeds (hitting bumps and holes at speed). The Fox factory tech I talked to said they put quite a bit of float in so the cracks in the pavement don't get rough at high speed though. He also said they go really heavy on rebound damping in their truck shocks to help control the stiff springs on HD trucks. I can confirm this seems to match up with what I feel in my truck.

Bilstein valving is basically opposite of that. So they feel more stable, planted, and sporty on the pavement, but give up some comfort and bottoming resistance on bigger bumps.

Generally the smoother the surface the stiffer you want to be to improve handling. As the terrain gets rougher you need to soften the low and mid-speed valving for comfort at the expense of handling. It's a balancing act. A guy I work with put Fox 2.0 his 2016 CCSB and noted it had more body roll than he expected. He's 100% pavement in town and highway and probably would have been better suited with the Billsteins. I'm 95% pavement in my F-450, but with the stiff springs and wide stance body roll isn't a concern. I wanted more bottoming resistance when loaded hitting holes and frost heaves and good rebound control so the Fox still fits the bill for me.

 

I don't know why I couldn't find that... my GoooogleFu sux.

Actually, that's a pretty good article... it covers the Rancho 7-series shock as well. Interesting to note... the R9000 on Full is the equal to the B 5100 by itself, or thereabouts.

 

I have had both. Yes the Fox will ride a little better. But they don't last as Long due the seals they use are more of a racing style. I have had a few sets and 99% of the time drive on road. The Fox only lasted 30k ad most before starting to leak. Bilstein has a reputation of there shocks lasting a very long time. 100k is not uncommon. But you have a little firmer ride with thr Bilstein shocks.

 

I cant even find stock height Bilstein 5100's for my 2019 F250 4x4 XLT with the 6.2.................

 

That's because Bilstein does not list their 5100 front shocks correctly. It has been reiterated in numerous threads and posts that the 5100 listed as being for 2-2.5" lift is actually not much longer than stock, and works without issue on a non lifted Super Duty. IMO that shock should be listed as a 0-1.5" lift shock.

 

Thank you, I just joined this forum 2 weeks ago after having F150's forever. I appreciate it the answer.