Different brands/level of suspension?

[QCRanger48]

I'm probably over thinking this but this is the first truck that I have upgraded suspension on. I have a 2019 FX4 Lariat and I currently have Bilstein 5100s ordered for the rear and plan on doing the front within a few months. For the front, I was thinking about doing the Fox 2.5s. Will this be an issue since the 2.5s are going to be a level up from what is on the back? Should I just stick with the 2.0s for the front? Should I avoid the Fox coilovers and go with a different brand? I have also considered Icon.

My driving is 90% commuting, 8% fire roads that can be fairly rutted, and 2% anything more extreme than that. I'm still running stock everything and it has handled everything well, just looking to get a smoother ride and beef up the clearance a little bit. Like I said, this is my first time building a truck up so I am completely open to all suggestion.

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[RangerPNW]

If you're going for 5100's in the rear, just get the full kit. Its a lot cheaper and you can still level out the front. A 2.5 kit is massive overkill based on your described use case. At most get like a Fox 2.0 kit (which I have and love it) and jump up to like a 32" tire and you'll be quite happy.

 

[QCRanger48]

If you're going for 5100's in the rear, just get the full kit. Its a lot cheaper and you can still level out the front. A 2.5 kit is massive overkill based on your described use case. At most get like a Fox 2.0 kit (which I have and love it) and jump up to like a 32" tire and you'll be quite happy.

Sweet, thanks for the insight. I figured a 2.5 kit would probably be too much, I'm just a typical guy who likes to spend too much money on my hobbies lol. I still might go for the 2.0 kit, but the price difference of the 5100's is appealing.

I plan on getting into some tires in the 32-33" inch range.

 

[Joeiconic]

I have the 5100’s all around. My usage is much like yours and the 5100’s are great.

 

[madchassey]

For how much on road driving you do - 2.5s would definitely be overkill. I stay away from Icon like the plague. I've heard way too many issues with them even before when they were Donahue Racing. Something about the way that they're valved and overall QC, it just ain't it but that being said some people run them and have no qualms whatsoever.

 

[9zero1790]

im no expert, but bilstien has been around a long time. they make quality stuff and back it up. most of the stuff they sell is made in germany or usa. that does not automatically equal good lol however at least its something not from china for a change. they have earned a solid reputation without all the hype and flashy adverts of some of the current popular brands. brands come and go over the years and most sorta trend, peak then fizzle to just a brand name on a product that is not what it was before. an example of that is Rancho. at one time rancho was bees knees for 4x4 truck shocks they were "cool". these days they are not so popular and folks sorta shun them like smittybuilt or rough country. but the companies like arb, bilstien, detriot, spicer / dana, eaton etc. have weathered on strong. i may have to add fox on the list these days, they havent drifted off away and make good stuff. many of those brands are also selected for oem parts for manufactures that have a lot on the line and test for quality etc.

 

[RK Racing]

Go for it, Spend too much, Keep America rolling, 2.5’s, God Bless You, U.S.A. - U.S.A. - U.S.A…..

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I personally went with Bilstein due to good reputation, warranty, and a lot of positive reviews on this site.

Keep in mind that Bilstein and Eibach struts/shocks have basically a lifetime warranty (Bilstein is Lifetime, Eibach is 1,000,000 miles).

While the Fox may be superior, keep in mind that they need to be rebuilt at between 30k and 50k miles to maintain their performance, at a cost of around $90 per shock.

Here is a comparison video that was linked by a member here and it does a good comparison.



If the front struts were easily accessible it wouldn't be as big a deal. But they're not and require a lot of disassembly to get them out, plus another alignment when they go back in.

Weigh your use case.

It sounds like the Fox is overkill for what you want.

 

[Progeny2021]

Go all the way!!! Break out your wallet and you'll have bragging rights!!!!! Get better mpg, have more power, and be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize!!!!

 

[Frenchy]

A little late for me getting here but if you already have Bilstein on the way for the rear then go ahead and get them for the front. Chances are for what you are doing that will be just fine

 

[Deleted member 15875]

Had 5100's on the rear and they really improved the ride, plus really cost effective. Very impressed with them to be honest. I like them better than Fox's, at least in the rear.

I'd go Billstein's front and rear and don't look back. You'll be happy with money to spare. If you don't go with 6112's for the front, you'll need to find a shop that can compress the coils to install the 5100's in the front with your oem coils.

 

[Stic-o]

The Bilstein 5100's are a nice step up from the factory shocks. Truck will feel more in control. I'm not a big fan of the 5100's unless your doing more weight or towing a lot. There is just too much road feedback at low speeds for my tastes. 6112's are difficult to get right now.

Fox's 2.0's are much softer on the Ranger but you will get some additional body roll out of them. The recommended rear 2.0 is too long without a lift. We had a lot of issues with them bottoming out at stock height.

One of the other less know options are the Eibach Pro Truck Coilovers. Eibach has a cir clip version (Stage 1) and a steel threaded body coilover (Stage 2) . They are still a 2.0 body, but the steel body allows you to adjust them on the truck. (Fox 2.0's are aluminum and you risk damaging the threads, if adjusting them on the truck) These ride really nice, and sit in a ride quality in between the Bilstein and the Fox. These are comparable in price to the Fox 2.0 and Bilstein 6112.

Ride quality is subjective, so it really depends on what type of ride you prefer.

 

[scarchild35]

Can anyone help this modifying newbie?
I have a MY22 supercab fx2. I'm very happy with it all around. I'm aware that apparently the factory shocks aren't that great though it's difficult for me to tell what's what due to the fact that I'm coming from a 2000 Ranger. Obviously the new one is so much better there's just no comparison but I'd like to know if things can get better. So, my question is: can I do the Fox 2.0 shocks on an fx2? In the details I see that they are a replacement for the fx4 but it doesn't say anything about fx2. I'm not an offroader or anything, but I've heard about how much nicer these trucks are with upgraded shocks. If it gets better than it is now I'm sure I'd be extremely happy. Just wondering if they'll work on an fx2. And if they do, should I get them? I drive a lot because of my job with a fair mix of highway and city driving. I was considering getting the Ford tune but honestly the truck is plenty fast and powerful for my needs. If I need the extra response I just use sport mode. So I figure the money would be better spent on a suspension upgrade and keep the piece of mind that I'm not risking my power train. Also, I know a lot of folks don't like the height difference between the front and the rear with factory suspension but I personally like it. Can I upgrade the shocks and maintain the factory height and stance?
Thanks in advance for helping out the noob. Looking forward to responsibly modifying this amazing truck.
Thanks

 

[EJH]

The Fox 2.0s are a pain in the rear to adjust. If you want to keep the same factory height in the front, you will need to adjust the preload on the Fox 2.0s by about an inch lower. I have not done this, but have heard it is a pain. The challenge I hear is that the Fox springs are wide and most over the counter spring compressers will not fit them. A shop with a press could do it.

If you don't ride off road much, I'd be looking at the Bilstein 5100s on all corners. They are easy to adjust the ride height to keep the factory height. The are what is referred to as digressive shocks, which roughly means they are better/stiffer on-road and more harsh off-road (I am over simplifying).

For what it is worth. I have the Fox 2.0 rears and love them. I will do the Fox 2.0s in the front at some point. I will probably adjust mine to not raise the front as high (retain more rake due to towing).

 

[MXGOLF]

I have the Bilstein 5100 both front and rear and love them. Way better than stock. I have the fronts on the middle setting and it raised the front up a bit. I am super glad I did this. That was the first mod I did two years ago when I purchased my Ranger.

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