At our shops, we like Bilstein. That said, it's your truck, and we're happy to install Fox or whatever shock you prefer.
If you're leveling or lifting a truck, the shocks matter more than the height. Two inches of lift on worn factory struts rides worse than stock. The same two inches on good shocks can ride better than the truck did new. Bilstein and Fox are the two brands customers ask us about most, and both are excellent. They're just built for slightly different drivers.
Both brands build monotube, gas-charged shocks. That design runs cooler and fades less than the twin-tube shocks most trucks come with from the factory. The differences come down to valving, body size, and how far up each lineup goes.
| Bilstein 5100 | Fox 2.0 Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Daily drivers, leveled and lightly lifted trucks | Daily drivers that see more dirt |
| Ride feel | Firm and controlled | Often a little softer over small bumps |
| Front height | Adjustable on many trucks | Depends on the part, coilover versions are adjustable |
| Size | 46 mm piston | 2-inch body |
| Price | Usually lower | Usually a bit higher |
| Next step up | 6112 coilovers, 5160 reservoir shocks | 2.5 Performance Elite, Factory Race |
Where each one makes sense
The Bilstein 5100 is the shock you'll see on a lot of leveled Silverados, F-150s, and Tacomas. On many trucks, the front 5100 has several spring-seat positions, so it levels the truck and replaces worn struts in one job. It's firm in a way most owners like. There's less body roll and less nose-dive under braking, and the truck feels planted on the freeway. If you drive mostly on pavement, tow, or carry weight in the bed, it's hard to beat for the money.
Fox shocks come on factory off-road trucks like the F-150 Raptor and the Tacoma TRD Pro, and that tells you where their strength is. The Fox 2.0 Performance Series does the same daily-driver job as the Bilstein 5100, and owners often say it feels a touch softer over small bumps. Fox pulls ahead when you step up to 2.5-inch bodies, remote reservoirs, and compression adjusters for trucks that see real off-road miles.
That brings up the question we hear a lot. Do you need reservoirs or coilovers? Probably not, if your truck is a daily driver with a 2 to 3 inch lift. Bigger bodies and reservoirs hold more oil, so they stay cool and consistent over long stretches of rough dirt. On the 710 and surface streets, you won't feel the difference, but you'll see it in the price. They earn their cost on desert trails, washboard fire roads, and long trips south of the border where the shocks work hard for hours.
Pick the shocks and the lift together. These guides cover the trucks we see most:
We order Bilstein and Fox shocks and coilovers and install them at both shops. You can browse the suspension catalog, call us at 562-422-4449, or stop by Cherry Ave or Paramount Blvd and tell us how you use your truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bilstein or Fox better?
We like Bilstein, but neither is better across the board, and we'll install whichever you prefer. The Bilstein 5100 is usually the better value for a daily-driven truck that's leveled or lightly lifted. Fox is the better choice if you want a softer ride over rough dirt, or if you plan to step up to reservoir shocks and adjustable coilovers for serious off-road use.
Can Bilstein 5100s level my truck?
On many trucks, yes. The front Bilstein 5100 for trucks like the Silverado 1500, F-150, and Tacoma has several spring-seat positions, so you can set the front height. That lets one set of shocks level the truck and replace worn factory struts in the same job. The available heights depend on the truck.
What is the difference between Fox 2.0 and Fox 2.5?
The number is the shock body diameter in inches. A Fox 2.0 is common on leveled and lightly lifted trucks. A Fox 2.5 has a larger body that holds more oil, so it stays cooler on long, rough off-road runs. Fox 2.5 shocks often come with remote reservoirs and compression adjusters.
How long do Bilstein and Fox shocks last?
Both typically last 50,000 miles or more on a daily driver. Off-road use, heavy loads, and rough roads shorten that. The signs they're worn are the same as factory shocks, like bouncing after dips, nose-diving under braking, cupped tires, or oil leaking from the shock body.
Do I need an alignment after new shocks?
If the front ride height changes, yes. Adjustable shocks used to level a truck change camber and toe. Truck alignments at Ochoa's start at $125, and lifted and extra-large trucks start at $145, done at our Cherry Ave shop.
Have this problem right now? Our Cherry Ave shop is open 7 days a week and Paramount is open Monday through Saturday. No appointment needed for most services.