Bilstein vs Eibach vs FOX 2.0 Rear Shocks

[Frenchy]

Hey, quick question for you guys. I just put some Bilstein 5100s on the rear. I like how it’s less bouncy, it is smoother… but I’m hearing more noise when I go over bumps than I did with my stock ones. Is this normal, considering they are stiffer? It almost sounds like I have something in the bed, which I don’t at the moment. It happens most on an uneven street going 15-25. It seems like every bump I’m hearing things. Maybe I didn’t take notice before, but it does seem to be louder. Anyways… what do you think?

In reality it's your tailgate telling you it needs a damper!! ??

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[puckdodger]

Hey, quick question for you guys. I just put some Bilstein 5100s on the rear. I like how it’s less bouncy, it is smoother… but I’m hearing more noise when I go over bumps than I did with my stock ones. Is this normal, considering they are stiffer? It almost sounds like I have something in the bed, which I don’t at the moment. It happens most on an uneven street going 15-25. It seems like every bump I’m hearing things. Maybe I didn’t take notice before, but it does seem to be louder. Anyways… what do you think?

Stupid questions maybe (it's my go-to move lol) but you only removed/replaced the four bolts on the shocks? Tightened everything up to spec? Did you lower the spare tire for easier access, maybe it isn't all the way up?

And to the OP, Eibach on my truck and the ride is much improved.

 

[AzScorpion]

In reality it's your tailgate telling you it needs a damper!! ??

He has one that he won in the damper giveaway. On second thought maybe that's what's causing the noise.

 

[puckdodger]

He has one that he won in the damper giveaway. On second thought maybe that's what's causing the noise.

And the reduced resale value, and the decay of the tailgate lifter muscle group, whatever they may be.

 

[Progeny2021]

Looking to swap out the stock shocks on my 2021 FX4 and can't figure out which will be best for my needs. Figure around 90% on-road driving, 10% gravel/mud/snow forest roads. Sometimes towing a boat. Looking to reduce the floatiness / bounciness. Any thoughts?

The stock shocks are 'budget busters' Ford chose to install for unfathomable reasons. Buy a matched set for all four corners. You have struts in the front so the install will be labor intensive and require a 4 wheel alignment afterwards.

I just had Bilstein 4600s installed - HUGE improvement. $985 total out of pocket for what should be a warranty issue. Bought the struts from one vendor and the rears from another vendor - just received a refund from the first vendor for the rears that never arrived. Stock image.

 

[BettaRanga]

I’m torn between these 3. Looking for a rear shock replacement to make the ride and bumps a less noticeable for young kids in the back. Sometimes it tosses them back and forth a bit.

Any advice?

Also, I had read the fox shocks need to be replaced or serviced after 50k street miles. Does anyone know the life on the stock, Eibach, and Bilstein shocks?

 

[Progeny2021]

I’m torn between these 3. Looking for a rear shock replacement to make the ride and bumps a less noticeable for young kids in the back. Sometimes it tosses them back and forth a bit.

Any advice?

Also, I had read the fox shocks need to be replaced or serviced after 50k street miles. Does anyone know the life on the stock, Eibach, and Bilstein shocks?

My Bilsteins are OEM style units with lifetime warranties. Suspect the same for Eibach. Not familiar with Fox shocks but have noticed some obscene prices for obscene applications - it's your money.

 

[Strobes]

Stupid questions maybe (it's my go-to move lol) but you only removed/replaced the four bolts on the shocks? Tightened everything up to spec? Did you lower the spare tire for easier access, maybe it isn't all the way up?

And to the OP, Eibach on my truck and the ride is much improved.

Nothing is a stupid question for me, I don’t know much of what I’m doing! But to answer, I paid a shop to install them. I took everything out of the bed and inspected further and when I add weight to the bumper by pumping it up and down I do hear a knocking sound coming from the rear passenger shock. I go under the truck and push it up and get it moving and I hear it more. So it’s just that one new shock.

Do you know if something like that can be fixed by readjustment or does that sound like a faulty shock from Bilstein? I just put them in Friday, and I didn’t notice the sound until Saturday morning? Normal street driving since then…

 

[Bob902]

I’m torn between these 3. Looking for a rear shock replacement to make the ride and bumps a less noticeable for young kids in the back. Sometimes it tosses them back and forth a bit.

Any advice?

Also, I had read the fox shocks need to be replaced or serviced after 50k street miles. Does anyone know the life on the stock, Eibach, and Bilstein shocks?

I have the Fox right now and am very pleased with ride quality. As far as rebuilding or replacing at 50k, I guess I will see. If that is the case, I will probably switch to either the bilstein or eibach.

 

[LT Dangle]

I have the Fox right now and am very pleased with ride quality. As far as rebuilding or replacing at 50k, I guess I will see. If that is the case, I will probably switch to either the bilstein or eibach.

all shocks have a service life... the difference is that (typically) the more expensive brands or models can be sent back to the manufacturer to be rebuilt/refurbished. whereas the cheaper ones can only be replaced.

having a 50k recommended service interval is not a bad thing....

 

[Bob902]

all shocks have a service life... the difference is that (typically) the more expensive brands or models can be sent back to the manufacturer to be rebuilt/refurbished. whereas the cheaper ones can only be replaced.

having a 50k recommended service interval is not a bad thing....

The only problem is being without a vehicle for a week or so while they get rebuilt.

 

[LT Dangle]

The only problem is being without a vehicle for a week or so while they get rebuilt.

true.....

 

[Utah_Bound]

If you are on a tight budget you can get a set of Rough Country shocks from Stage3 for $100, for a set. So, $50/ea. They are a huge improvement above stock FX shocks. RC used to be crap, now it is the budget king (in my opinion)!

 

[Progeny2021]

all shocks have a service life... the difference is that (typically) the more expensive brands or models can be sent back to the manufacturer to be rebuilt/refurbished. whereas the cheaper ones can only be replaced.

having a 50k recommended service interval is not a bad thing....

Thinking the quality OEM style shocks like Eibach, Bilstein, etc, are good for well beyond 50k miles....just replace them when you feel its necessary.

 

[EJH]

Stupid questions maybe (it's my go-to move lol) but you only removed/replaced the four bolts on the shocks? Tightened everything up to spec? Did you lower the spare tire for easier access, maybe it isn't all the way up?

And to the OP, Eibach on my truck and the ride is much improved.

I removed the spare for easier access when I did my Fox rear shocks. It was also good practice at accessing the spare in preparation for a flat tire I had a year later

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