Visual evidence of how bad FX shocks suck

[Jeff in Ohio]

These are off my 2020 FX2 extended cab with only 17,000 miles. Truck only sees summer time duty. Half those miles have been pulling a 1,000 pound pop up camper. Replaced them with Bilstein 4600 series. After seeing what crap the rears are, I now want to do the fronts…

You could hear fluid in the driver side also

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[AzScorpion]

The best thing I ever did was change out my Fx4 shocks on my 2019. It was a night and day difference going to the Eibach. They were so bad I couldn't even give them away for free on here. lol

 

[JohnnyO]

Mine has the standard suspension but I'm thinking the vibration I have isn't the tires or wheels (been balanced multiple times) or driveshaft but the shocks since it's worse on some roads than others. Finally got enough money to have the leveling kit put on next week, tried it myself twice and failed, next will be new rear shocks.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Once I did the Bilsteins on the rear of my truck, I knew that I had to do the fronts as well.

I will say that the fronts were not quite as dramatic an improvement as the rears were, at least in everyday driving. They were quite noticeably better on forestry service roads though.

I still have the full set of my illustrious FX4 springs and struts boxed up in my storage building.

If I ever decide to either trade or accept one of the cash offers I get for my truck, they'll be going right back on it.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Once I did the Bilsteins on the rear of my truck, I knew that I had to do the fronts as well.

I will say that the fronts were not quite as dramatic an improvement as the rears were, at least in everyday driving. They were quite noticeably better on forestry service roads though.

I still have the full set of my illustrious FX4 springs and struts boxed up in my storage building.

If I ever decide to either trade or accept one of the cash offers I get for my truck, they'll be going right back on it.

Bilstein son the front also? You replaced springs?

 

[jflogerzi]

Ford really missed the boat on the FX suspension. Totally botched it. I have really happy with the Bilsteins but if I were to do it again I think I would go straight to the fox 2.0s in the front and rear.

 

[Langwilliams]

I used the stock springs on Bilstein 5100 fronts set at 1.8" lift. Like Dr Z said the improvement in the front isn't that noticeable but to me the rear was night an day better. Towing you might notice it more up front.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Bilstein son the front also? You replaced springs?

Just the Bilstein struts in the front.

Mine are set at 1.8 and the truck rides and handles great.

 

[cclayton]

Replaced my FX4 struts and shocks this past Thursday with Bilstein 5100s. I couldn’t believe how easy they were to compress. The rears also showed signs of oil leaking. Absolute junk and Ford should be ashamed they advertise the shocks as “performance”.

 

[fusseli]

Ford really missed the boat on the FX suspension. Totally botched it. I have really happy with the Bilsteins but if I were to do it again I think I would go straight to the fox 2.0s in the front and rear.

Disagree. Stock FX4 is like a cloud on washboard dirt roads. Outside of those conditions they are not great.

 

[Frenchy]

I'm curious as to what @P. A. Schilke has to say about this especially since he was a big help in the Off-road side of Ford

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

My FX4 suspension and Hankook tires never made it off the dealer lot. Had them install the FP Fox Level Kit and Toyo Open Country A/T III LT's .

Dealer let me drive both a stock Ranger and one with the FP leveling kit installed. That sealed the deal to upgrade prior to taking delivery.

Sold the FX4 parts on fleebay for $150. Sold tires locally for $300. Happy buyers and I was glad to have them out of our garage.

 

[Todd Chapin]

Trashed the fx4 shocks and Hankooks for Eibach 2.0 and Cooper rugged treks 20k miles ago. A whole new truck since.

 

[Todd Chapin]

My FX4 suspension and Hankook tires never make it off the dealer lot. Had them install the FP Fox Level Kit and Toyo Open Country A/T III LT's .

Dealer let me drive both a stock Ranger and one with the FP leveling kit installed. That sealed the deal to upgrade prior to taking delivery.

Sold the FX4 parts on fleebay for $150. Sold tires locally for $300. Happy buyers and I was glad to have them out of our garage.

I pity the fool that bought those....

 

[Max Crafter]

I'm curious as to what @P. A. Schilke has to say about this especially since he was a big help in the Off-road side of Ford

I'm pretty sure its beating a dead horse from him, if you search the many fx4 shock threads, he's said his piece

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