I have a 2014 F150 Supercrew XLT 5.0 4x4 157wb 3.55 LSD. I think I want OEM Motorcraft strut assemblies for replacement. I use Motorcraft as often as possible for repairs. Many aftermarket companies leave 2014 out of the discussion. Having the same style lower front shock mount as later years, I would like to use takeoffs from a later model. I am currently looking at some from a 2023 model F150. I considered Bilstein, but I want a loaded strut. I also do not want to change height. (Rear shocks to be changed, too.) Does anyone have any experience with this idea? My VIN tag has VVAA for springs.

 

I removed my front assemblies from my 21 F150 Powerboost 2 weeks ago with 42k on them. I did so because I did not like the bounce of the factory system. I switched to Bilstein 6112s and love them. I cut the lower bolts off the factory strut in order to remove them easily. You can have them for free if you want. Someone else did the same with a set and installed onto and older F150 by using regular bolts/nuts similar to what Bilstein does. Let me know as I will be in Tomball this friday and leave on saturday. Im not sure if I kept the 3 upper nuts. I will check tonight.

 

2014-2020 all use the same front strut/shock. Ranch, KYB, and I think Eibach all have loaded struts. The KYB ones will keep you at stcok height with improved ride. The Motorcraft ones are too soft in my opinion and get worse after a short period of time.

The front suspension is significantly different on the 2021+ trucks, so the struts will likely not fit. If they do bolt in, there's no telling what results you would get.

 

We all have opinions. That's what I wanted. Personally I've used KYB on my Mustang and Grand Marquis. I removed them before they wore out. They are bone jarringly harsh. I disagree about all Ford shocks being the same for our F150s. There are multiple options from Motorcraft that are supposed to be valved according to the purpose or weight rating of a vehicle. Also, the F150s, as well as other trucks, have varying spring diameters correlating with weight rating. The shocks are 'supposed' to match for the best ride. Currently I am using Police car shocks on my Marquis. They are much stiffer than what is stock for this car. OEM does wear out sooner, but I want a smoother ride. Most of us don't do much offroading. Thank you.

 

I should have said same design. I get that there are different valving for different applications. Ford doesn't sell an assembled strut as far as I know. Just the shocks to be used with your existing springs.

I found the OEM shocks on my 2015 FX4 to be way too soft from the factory, but we all have our preferences. To make the ride better on your F150, also look at what wheels and tires you have. On my 2006, it came with 20" wheels, which combined with the short sidewall Pirellis that the factory put on made it ride harsh.

As far as Bilsteins, most agree that their ride is on the firm side. Another thing you may want to consider are Rancho shocks, which are made by the same company, Tenneco, that makes Motorcraft and Monroe shocks.

Now, if you can buy the 2023 take off struts cheap, then go ahead and see if they will work.

Here is a link to a bunch of options

https://www.shocksurplus.com/search?...Factory-Height