Affiliate Disclosure: TruckBench participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our recommendations — we only feature products we’d put in our own trucks.
Top 10 Shocks & Suspension Upgrades for the 2015–2020 Ford F-150
Updated: February 2025 | Reviewed by the TruckBench Team
The 2015–2020 Ford F-150 uses an independent front suspension (IFS) with struts up front and a leaf-spring rear — a traditional truck layout that differs from the coil-spring rears on the Ram 1500 and XK70 Tundra. This means rear shock upgrades work alongside the leaf-spring pack rather than replacing it, and rear lift comes from blocks or add-a-leaf packs rather than coil spacers.
The F-150 Raptor uses a completely different suspension system — wider track, Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks, and different geometry. Products on this list are for standard P552 F-150 models unless specifically noted.
Always confirm 2015–2020 P552 compatibility and perform a professional alignment after any suspension modification.
Quick Picks — Jump to Your Favorite
- Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks — Best Overall
- Fox 2.0 Performance Series — Best Performance
- Rancho RS9000XL Shocks — Best Adjustable
- Rough Country N3 Shocks — Best Budget
- Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 — Best Premium Kit
- Bilstein B8 5160 Remote Reservoir — Best Off-Road Shock
- Monroe Reflex Truck Shocks — Best OEM Replacement
- Carli Suspension Leveling System — Best Daily Driver
- Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Spring Kit — Best Towing Assist
- Fox Racing Shox 2.0 Performance Elite — Best Premium Shock
#1: Bilstein 5100 Series — Best Overall
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Editor’s Choice
“Monotube construction that delivers consistent damping on the F-150’s IFS front and leaf-spring rear — the most recommended shock upgrade for the P552.”
Bilstein’s 5100 series uses a single pressure tube with a floating piston eliminating aeration and fade. Front shocks available in multiple ride height settings — a popular pairing with leveling kits on the P552. Rear shocks work with the existing leaf spring pack. Lifetime warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Monotube |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Front Lift Range | 0″–2.5″ (position-dependent) |
| Rear | Works with factory leaf springs |
| Fade Resistance | Excellent |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros: Best ride quality improvement per dollar — Monotube fade resistance — Multiple front lift settings — Works with leaf-spring rear — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Not adjustable — Front install requires strut disassembly — Confirm P552 SKU — Not for Raptor
Price: ~$110–$175 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | Bilstein.com →
#2: Fox 2.0 Performance Series — Best Performance
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Performance
“A 2.0-inch body that holds more oil for better heat dissipation during sustained off-road use on FX4 builds.”
Fox’s 2.0 Performance Series shocks step up from the Bilstein 5100 for F-150 owners wanting noticeably better off-road performance. Larger body diameter dissipates heat better. Rebuildable. Works with the F-150’s IFS front and leaf-spring rear. 2-year warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body Diameter | 2.0 inches |
| Design | IFP monotube |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Fade Resistance | Excellent |
| Rebuildable | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 Year |
Pros: Race-derived engineering — 2.0″ for better heat dissipation — Rebuildable — Progressive damping — FX4-appropriate performance
Cons: Premium price — 2-year warranty vs. Bilstein lifetime — Confirm P552 SKU — Not for Raptor
Price: ~$215–$320 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | FoxShox.com →
#3: Rancho RS9000XL — Best Adjustable
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Adjustable
“Nine damping positions on the fly — one shock for commuting, trail driving, and towing on the P552 F-150.”
Rancho’s RS9000XL provides 9-position manual damping adjustment via external knob — no tools, no removal. Ideal for F-150 owners whose use cases vary widely. Works with IFS front and leaf-spring rear. Lifetime warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Adjustment | 9-position manual |
| Design | Twin-tube with adjustment |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Adjustment Access | External knob |
| Best For | Variable use case trucks |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: 9-position on-the-fly adjustment — One shock for all conditions — No tools needed — Lifetime warranty — Widely available
Cons: Twin-tube — less fade resistant than monotube — Manual not electronic — Confirm P552 SKU
Price: ~$110–$195 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | Rancho.com →
#4: Rough Country N3 Shocks — Best Budget
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best Budget
“A meaningful improvement over factory at budget pricing — valved to pair with Rough Country’s P552 lift kits.”
Rough Country’s N3 shocks use a twin-tube nitrogen-charged design improving over factory at budget pricing. Designed to work with RC’s specific lift heights on the P552’s IFS front and leaf-spring rear. Lifetime warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Twin-tube nitrogen charged |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Compatibility | Pairs with RC lift kits |
| Rear | Leaf-spring compatible |
| Best For | Budget builds |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros: Very affordable — Better than stock — Pairs with RC lifts — Nitrogen charged — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Twin-tube — less fade resistant — Confirm P552 SKU — Not for Raptor
Price: ~$55–$95 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | RoughCountry.com →
#5: Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 — Best Premium Kit
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Premium Kit
“A complete front and rear suspension overhaul — the ceiling for what a bolt-on P552 F-150 suspension can achieve.”
Icon’s Stage 2 for the P552 F-150 includes HEIM joint tubular upper control arms, front coilovers with adjustable ride height, and rear leaf spring components — a complete overhaul. The result is a dramatically better-riding, better-handling F-150 in every condition. Lifetime warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Includes | UCAs, coilovers, rear leaf components |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Front | Adjustable coilovers |
| UCAs | HEIM joint tubular |
| Lift Range | 0″–3.5″ (adjustable) |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Complete overhaul — Adjustable coilovers — HEIM UCAs — Geometry-corrected — Best performance — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Most expensive — Complex professional install — Confirm P552 SKU — HEIM joint maintenance — Not for Raptor
Price: ~$2,700–$4,200 depending on configuration
Check Price on Amazon → | IconVehicleDynamics.com →
#6: Bilstein B8 5160 Remote Reservoir — Best Off-Road
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Off-Road
“Double the oil volume of a standard shock — zero fade during sustained off-road use on a lifted FX4.”
The Bilstein B8 5160 uses a remote reservoir to roughly double oil capacity, dramatically improving heat dissipation and fade resistance. Works with the P552’s IFS front and leaf-spring rear. Lifetime warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Remote reservoir monotube |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Oil Volume | Double standard shock |
| Fade Resistance | Maximum |
| Reservoir Mount | Separate — braided hose |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros: Maximum fade resistance — Doubles oil volume — Bilstein quality — Lifetime warranty — Best for serious off-road
Cons: Premium price — Complex installation — Confirm P552 SKU — Heavier — Not for Raptor
Price: ~$275–$425 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | Bilstein.com →
#7: Monroe Reflex Truck — Best OEM Replacement
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Badge: Best OEM Replacement
“A direct OEM replacement for worn factory shocks with speed-sensitive damping — the lowest-risk upgrade path.”
Monroe’s Reflex Truck shocks are direct OEM replacements — same mounting points, similar ride character, but better than a worn factory unit. Speed-sensitive Reflex damping. Lifetime warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Twin-tube OEM replacement |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Ride Character | Similar to factory |
| Technology | Speed-sensitive Reflex |
| Install | Direct drop-in |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Direct OEM replacement — Speed-sensitive damping — Easy install — Lifetime warranty — Affordable
Cons: Twin-tube — not performance upgrade — Confirm P552 SKU
Price: ~$65–$115 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | Monroe.com →
#8: Carli Suspension Leveling System — Best Daily Driver
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Daily Driver
“Carli’s ride-quality-first philosophy delivers a leveled P552 F-150 that rides better than stock — the best daily driver leveling upgrade.”
Carli Suspension’s leveling system for the P552 F-150 reflects their obsession with on-road ride quality. Precisely valved components matched to the F-150’s IFS weight and geometry result in a leveled truck that rides better than factory. Confirm P552 SKU. Limited component warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lift Height | 2″–2.5″ (leveling) |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Focus | On-road ride quality |
| Components | Carli-valved |
| Max Tire Size | 33–34″ |
| Warranty | Limited (components) |
Pros: Best daily ride quality in leveling category — Carli-valved — Better than stock ride — Respected by enthusiasts
Cons: Premium price for leveling — Smaller dealer network — Confirm P552 SKU — Not for Raptor
Price: ~$380–$680
Check Price on Amazon → | CarliSuspension.com →
#9: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Spring Kit — Best Towing Assist
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Towing Assist
“Adjustable air assist for the F-150’s leaf-spring rear — particularly valuable for owners regularly towing toward the 3.5L EcoBoost’s substantial rated capacity.”
Air Lift’s 1000 series installs inside the F-150’s rear leaf springs, providing 5–35 PSI of additional support to level the truck under heavy tongue weight or payload. Unlike coil-spring trucks where the air spring kit goes inside the coil, on the leaf-spring F-150 the kit installs between the axle and frame. Manual inflation valve, optional cab compressor. Confirm P552 SKU. Lifetime warranty.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Leaf Spring Air Helper |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Pressure Range | 5–35 PSI |
| Inflation | Manual valve (compressor optional) |
| Squat Elimination | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros: Adjustable rear support — Works with leaf spring rear — Eliminates squat under load — Factory-like empty ride — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Manual valve requires adjusting outside — Compressor kit additional — Confirm P552 leaf spring SKU
Price: ~$205–$315 (manual kit)
Check Price on Amazon → | AirLiftCompany.com →
#10: Fox Racing Shox 2.0 Performance Elite — Best Premium Shock
Rating: ★★★★★ | Badge: Best Premium Shock
“Fox’s Elite Series adds external reservoir cooling in a more compact package than the B8 5160 — excellent for serious FX4 off-road use.”
Fox’s 2.0 Performance Elite adds an external bypass reservoir to the standard 2.0 body, providing expanded oil volume and improved heat dissipation in a slightly more compact package than the Bilstein B8 5160. Works with the P552’s IFS front and leaf-spring rear. Rebuildable. 2-year warranty. Confirm P552 SKU.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | External bypass reservoir |
| Generation | P552 (2015–2020) specific |
| Oil Volume | Expanded vs. standard 2.0 |
| Rebuildable | Yes |
| Rear | Leaf-spring compatible |
| Warranty | 2 Year |
Pros: External reservoir cooling — Rebuildable — Compact reservoir package — Excellent off-road — Fox quality
Cons: Premium price — 2-year warranty vs. Bilstein lifetime — Confirm P552 SKU — Professional install
Price: ~$310–$470 per shock
Check Price on Amazon → | FoxShox.com →
F-150 Suspension Buying Guide
IFS Front + Leaf-Spring Rear — The P552 Architecture
The P552 F-150’s front independent strut suspension and rear leaf-spring setup is a traditional truck configuration — different from the coil-spring rears on the Ram 1500 and XK70 Tundra, but similar to the Silverado/Sierra. Rear shock upgrades work alongside the leaf springs (they don’t replace them), and rear lift comes from blocks or add-a-leaf packs rather than coil spacers.
Raptor — Completely Different
The F-150 Raptor’s Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks, wider track width, and different suspension geometry are not compatible with standard P552 F-150 suspension products. If you have a Raptor, always look for Raptor-specific upgrades. No product on this list applies to the Raptor unless specifically noted.
Monotube vs. Twin-Tube
Monotube (Bilstein 5100, Fox 2.0, Bilstein 5160, Fox Elite) — Floating piston design. Better fade resistance, more consistent damping. The correct choice for performance, off-road, and towing.
Twin-tube (Monroe Reflex, Rancho RS9000XL, Rough Country N3) — More compliant for basic road use, less expensive, but prone to fade under sustained use.
Geometry at Higher Lift Heights
At 4 inches or more of lift on the IFS front, factory upper control arms are stressed at angles beyond their design intent — accelerating ball joint wear. BDS, Fabtech, and Icon include UCAs in their premium kits at these heights. For lifts of 3.5″ or more, UCAs are a worthwhile investment.
Leaf Spring Rear — Squat Under Load
The F-150’s leaf-spring rear can squat noticeably under heavy tongue weight — particularly relevant given the 3.5L EcoBoost’s 13,200 lb. potential tow rating. Air Lift’s helper spring kit is the most effective aftermarket solution, adding adjustable support without replacing the leaf pack.
Always Align After Suspension Changes
Any modification to the F-150’s suspension affects alignment. Budget for a professional four-wheel alignment after any suspension work.
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Professional installation recommended for kits over 2 inches. Always confirm P552 (2015–2020) compatibility. Raptor owners need Raptor-specific products. Replace YOURTAG-20 with your Amazon Associates tag. TruckBench earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.
Leave a Reply