Any suggestions on what are the Best rear shock options for my 2024 ford f150 4x4?

Walt1960

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Jan 29, 2025
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Lakewood CA
Hello, I’ve had my Hawk for over ten years now. Just recently purchased a 2024 ford f150 4x4. What are some of you using for rear shocks?
I’m sure the shock ones aren’t up to the task with the additional load.
Thanks, Scott
 
I just had my front and rear shocks replaced with Fox 2.5" with external reservoirs. Shocks don't really support the weight but greatly contribute to ride quality and control. Also added airbags which support the weight and add a bit of leveling control for my Fleet which comes in under the payload rating for my new F150. Eventually plan on switching out to a heavier camper, probably a Hawk or ?? At that point I will upgrade the springs. Of course I quickly upgraded from the factory rubber to E-rated KO3s.
Hope this helps -
 
I have had 4 different F150's, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2023
I have tried the rancho RS9000 adjustables and currently have the Bilstien 5100s

They are both a significant improvement over stock shocks. The Rancho adjustment feature was ok, but also didn't really see much difference and eventually was almost impossible to turn. I like the 5100s and have the front kit with a 1.5 inch leveling kit. My current truck has the heavy duty payload package (2639#) with heavier springs and sits very high in the back unloaded. I still use air bags, mostly for leveling the side to side roll.
 
I have a tundra not a Ford, but I'm also running the 5100s and I'm very satisfied with the ride quality. As far as carrying the weight, the Roadmaster RAS is almost unbeatable. It's like a sway bar on steroids! I paired it with bags because I'm admittedly over payload by about 150 lbs.
 

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Generally speaking:
  1. A good aftermarket shock like the 5100's will typically improve your ride. If excess sway is an issue, a sway bar can also help. These components do not support load...they act to control ride/bounce/sway.
  2. If your camper is on/off the truck and thus the truck loading goes from light to near gross weight, then airbags can help you level the load and assist the OEM springs.
  3. If your camper stays on the truck...you can forgo airbags as your loading is static. Get truck weighed with actual load and get replacement springs spec'ed to the real-world load.
  4. Another "ride" component is tire inflation. With your truck actual weight known - both front/rear, go to your tire makers website and find the inflation chart for your specific size tire and load rating. The chart will give you the recommended inflation based on loading. Too many folks run off a door decal (likely for a different size or load rated tire) or just inflate to max pressure.
Our rig is on/off. Front/rear sway bars, aftermarket shocks, airbags, proper inflation of tires. Rides nice with or without the camper. It all works together.
 
I installed the 5100's on my Chevy Trail Boss last year. With the camper on they are great. Camper off truck , not so great.
 
I installed the 5100's on my Chevy Trail Boss last year. With the camper on they are great. Camper off truck , not so great.
Just a thought. The 5100s are adjustable for ride height. This adjustment also changes the preload. Might be worth seeing if there is a middle ground setting the works with the camper on and off.
 
Just a thought. The 5100s are adjustable for ride height. This adjustment also changes the preload. Might be worth seeing if there is a middle ground setting the works with the camper on and off.
Never thought of that CPT .I'll look into
it . Thanks.
 
I tried the Ranchos. 5100s are much better. I no longer try and avoid bumps. Mine don't have any kind of adjustment for ride height though.
 
I tried the Ranchos. 5100s are much better. I no longer try and avoid bumps. Mine don't have any kind of adjustment for ride height though.
Agreed! I have blown out several Rancho 9000s. The adjustment in the 5100s is in where the snap ring is placed for the spring seat to rest. Adjustment must be done with the shock removed. There are 4 different positions.
 
I concur with the Bilstein 5100's. A simple but excellent shock for these trucks.
 
I have the Bilstein 5100 on back and front (The front as the ability to adjust the height (not a lift) from 0-2" ...these are call 'ride adjustable'. I have a diesel Colorado and did not like the rake with the back high and front low. I prefer the look and ride of the level look. So mine is 2" higher and now level.
 
Okay, if you do not live within easy driving range of Red Bluff, Ca (south of Redding, Ca) file this. In 2005 I got a Granby mounted on my 99 f-150 1/2 ton 4x4 and had all sorts of problems like you have had-springs, shocks, blowing out air bags, tires. reverse dump, bad ride, etc. One day, I was at the local ford dealer and mentioned my problems to one of the mechanics (a recent transfer from over the mountain) and he mentioned and recommended a shop in Red Bluff that specialized upgrading a 1/2 ton 150s into a 3/4 ton capacity for like using a camper. Moore's Blacksmith shop in Red Bluff-I called, set up an appt.. went over the hill and it took about a half a day later with a new set of specialized springs and I was off into the wilds.
I have never had any more problems with ride or anything -okay this was about 15years ago, and I just checked the phone book, and he is still there! The phone number is: 530-527-4501, address is 742 Oak Street.

I have no idea if they still do that work, so it might be worth a call. Next to a nice park that borders a nice river across the street and there is an okay RV park down the street. I have no idea where this line came from and iI cant figure out how t get rid of it-sorry!!!

Smoke

PS: I think the cost back then was around $800.00-could be wrong.
 
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