Best Shocks for Ford F250 (I love these shocks!)

Getting new parts for your vehicle is a big deal and you want to make sure you’re getting the best out there. Whether you rebuild vehicles or you are looking for ways to increase the life of your adventure car, good shocks are a must.

The Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks are the best shocks to get for a Ford F250. With a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, they are built to be stiff and durable. An improvement on factory shocks, these gas shocks are built to handle the roughest roads and boast a 100k mile lifespan.

Why do the Bilstein 51000 Monotube gas Shocks have such a high rating? Below, we’ll talk about the different reasons why you should look into these shocks for your Ford F250. 

Durability

When looking to change out any automotive part, one thing you should always consider is durability. The Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks boast a long life of up to 100k miles.

Because of the way they are built, these shocks can withstand rough rides and withstand them for a long time. If you’re looking for shocks that you won’t need to replace soon, these are the shocks you need.

Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers

Monotube

The Bilstein 5100 Monotube gas Shocks have only one chamber or tube, as the name suggests. This is actually a great benefit and works very well.

In a monotube shock absorber, the gas and the hydraulic fluid are in the same chamber but separated by a free-floating piston. When under pressure, the gas and the fluid never mix because they are separated by the piston.

Compared to the twin-tube shock absorbers, they can handle more intense bumps and dips at higher speeds. The twin-tube has an outer chamber and an inner chamber.

One is filled with gas and the other hydraulic fluid. When suddenly put under pressure, the two mix and create foaming. This foam is less resistant to pressure and won’t dampen the ride. 

Last update on 2024-04-16 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Gas Shocks

The chamber in these shocks is filled with gas instead of air. Some say gas shocks are stiffer and less responsive than air shocks and that the air shocks provide a more comfortable ride.

If you’ve come here looking for the smoothest shocks, it’s likely you want to use air shocks. For tougher roads with more intense dips and bumps, gas-pressurized shocks are a better bet.

Because air can compress and move around more easily than gas, air shocks are more responsive to bumps and dips. They compress and create spring for the vehicle. Some say the air shocks create a swaying effect on your vehicle because of their responsiveness.

This creates a smooth ride, but ultimately may not be the best way to go. Air shocks are a good option for easier roads for people who want a really smooth ride, but if you use your F250 for offroading or heavy work, you’ll want to consider the gas shocks more.

Because air shocks compress so easily and make a smoother ride, they also wear out more quickly. A gas shock will give you greater durability and will be able to handle rougher roads for longer. 

Although the gas shocks may seem stiffer, the rigid reaction to bumps and dips is actually a sign of good shocks.

Because the shocks are so stiff, they can handle bigger and faster bumps in the road. They can hit rougher roads and handle them just fine.

While your casual ride may be stiffer than the one air shocks provide, the off-road adventure is better taken with gas shocks. 

On-Road and Off-road

If you’re looking for a durable set of shocks, you probably intend to get some good use out of them off-road. The Bilstein 5100 Monotube gas Shocks are great for off-roading. Because of their components, they provide a sporty ride that can handle big obstacles. They are ideal for off-road excursions.

Because of the way they are built, they have a greater capacity to pressurize.

This means that sometimes they can feel like they have less give, but when you get to those weathered roads that lead to your favorite campsite, they’ll handle the dirt and rocks better than a smoother riding shock. 

While we’ve talked a lot about their rigidity, it’s also important to note that they still outperform many types of shocks out there. Many have reported a smoother highway ride than factory shocks or other sets they’ve tried. The shocks also improve vehicle movement while braking.

Some shocks have so much give that braking causes momentum to pressurize the front shocks, creating a slight nose-dive effect. The Bilstein 5100 Monotube gas Shocks hold the vehicle up when braking.

Reviews

The Bilstein 5100 Monotube gas Shocks have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, and plenty of great reviews to accompany that rating.

While customers have installed these shocks on a number of different vehicles, the response is the same for all: These shocks are worth it! 

Some reviews mention a smoother ride than stock shocks, but others mention that they feel stiff and ready for business. They boast great handling over rough terrain.

Some mention a firm, but not stiff, ride. And overall, most people didn’t have too much trouble installing them. For most, it was a relatively quick and easy job.

Other Good Options

While these shocks are the best out there, there are still other good options to consider based on your needs and budget. The Bilstein 51000 Monotube gas Shocks are currently priced at $306.34 on Amazon.

Another good gas-pressurized option is the Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks. They use gas, rather than air hydraulics. As the name implies, they are very adjustable.

With nine pistons, you can adjust the level of retention you get from these from a soft, smooth ride to a rigid off-road experience.

Because they are so adjustable, they are great for heavy work which can sometimes strain shocks. They are currently priced at $467.96 on Amazon and have a 3.7-star rating. While they might be a great option, they might be more than you need.

Some other good options to check out are the Rancho RS5000 Shocks, priced at $262.15 with a 4.5-star rating. The Monroe 911196 Shock Absorber and the Fox 2.0 Performance Shock Absorber are also recommended.

Last update on 2024-04-16 / If you click this affiliate link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.