Your Ford F150 is a great truck and it’s one of the most popular light trucks in America. You depend on your truck for work and play, so when it’s time to replace the shocks, you need a top-quality product that gives you a better-than-factory ride and lasts for years to come. There are lots of options on the market, but not all shocks are equal. We did the hard work of researching the best shocks for your 2WD Ford F150 and ranked them so it’s easy for you to find the right parts for your truck. We will show you our picks for the best shocks for the 10th, 11th, and 12th generation Ford F150 2WD.
Best Shocks for Ford F150 2WD – Top picks
- Bilstein 4600-Series
- DTA 40011-Series
- Detroit Axle OEM Replacement
- FCS Strut and Spring Kit
- DTA 70018 Strut and Shock Kit
- AutoShack Strut and Shock Kit
- Bilstein B6 4600-Series
- Detroit Axle Strut and Shock Kit
- DTA 70008 Strut and Shock Set
| Bilstein 4600-Series | DTA 40011-Series | Detroit Axle OEM Replacement | FCS Strut and Spring Kit | DTA 70018 Strut and Shock Kit | AutoShack Strut and Shock Kit | Bilstein B6 4600-Series | Detroit Axle Strut and Shock Kit | DTA 70008 Strut and Shock Set | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 24-187442_187459 | 40011 | 4AQ2500074 | FCSG-13802-168-3918232 | 70018 | CST100118-263 | BBGL-48166-168-3802728 | 10398-4A | 70008 |
| Model Years | 1997 - 2004 | 1997-2003 | 1997-2003 | 2004-2008 | 2004-2008 | 2004-2008 | 2009-2014 | 2009-2014 | 2009-2014 |
| Exterior | Smooth | Smooth | No data | No data | Painted | No data | No data | No data | No data |
| Item Weight (pounds) | 30 | 20 | 13.11 | 64.2 | 70 | 70 | 23 | 58.6 | 66 |
| Latest Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
10th Generation-1997-2003 F150 2WD
It shouldn’t be a surprise to see Bilstein shocks as our top pick for the 10th generation F150. These are better than stock and will improve everything about your truck.
Bilstein 4600-Series
When it comes time to replace the factory shocks on your F150, nothing beats Bilstein 4600-series shocks. This full set replaces all four shocks with better-than-OEM equipment. You’ll notice an immediate difference driving over bumpy roads and when going too fast around corners, but these shocks really show off their stuff when it comes time to load the bed with a bunch of weight. You’ll see less suspension compression and a more stable, predictable ride from your 2WD Ford F150.
Pros
- Excellent shock for rough roads
- Significant improvement in steering control
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Blue and yellow paint isn’t for everyone
DTA 40011-Series
When you are looking for a top-quality factory-type replacement, DTA has you covered. This full set replaces the factory shocks at all four wheels with a durable shock that takes abuse better than most other options in the price range. A teflon-bonded piston seal prevents friction for a smoother response to irregular surfaces and all-around welding prevents premature shock failure that you’ll experience with lower quality shocks.
Pros
- Excellent option on a budget
- Provides a quiet ride
Cons
- Lower mount does not include welded nut like OEM
- Many installers had fitment issues requiring modification to the mounting points
Detroit Axle OEM Replacement
Detroit Axle manufactures thousands of shocks for use on factory vehicles, so it makes sense that you might seek an ideal original equipment replacement for your F150. These shocks are better quality than OEM and provide a firmer ride. Detroit Axle says these shocks will improve handling and cornering while providing better control over rough surfaces. The piston seal even adjusts as the shock wears to prevent leaks and prolong the service life of the shocks.
Pros
- Factory fitment on 2WD Ford F150 trucks
- Looks stock but performs better than OEM
- Affordable upgrade over stock
Cons
- Rides rougher than more expensive products
- Best for street trucks that don’t haul heavy loads often
11th Generation 2004-2008 Ford F150 2WD
The 11th Generation F150 uses MacPherson struts, so it’s easiest to change the enira assembly. Our pick is the FCS kit. Precision engineering and strict quality control will give you a better than original ride while restoring the proper height of your truck, all in an easy to assemble package.
FCS Strut and Spring Kit
Your Ford F150 is a great truck for work or play, but over time, the shocks are going to let you down. When it’s time to replace them, take a good look at this complete kit from FCS. The front struts are already assembled, so you don’t have to hassle with a strut compressor. You will get a smooth ride from this combo kit on rough roads and an improvement in the way your truck feels when hauling loads.
Pros
- Great stock replacement fit and function
- Provides a soft and supple ride
- Ideal for street trucks
Cons
- Ride is too soft for off-road driving
- Not the best option for trucks that haul heavy loads frequently
DTA 70018 Strut and Shock Kit
DTA produces some high quality parts for your F150 2WD truck. His kit includes front shocks and struts already assembled and upgraded rear shocks to restore the performance of your suspension. The shocks feature nitrogen gas charging and teflon seals for long life. The heavy-duty design is ideal for work trucks.
Pros
- Excellent quality at a low price
- Provides a comfortable ride on the street
- Surprisingly well-built product
Cons
- Not ideal for trucks that don’t haul loads regularly, too firm for street trucks
AutoShack Strut and Shock Kit
Sometimes, you just need a good quality strut and shock kit that isn’t expensive. Autoshack has your back with this kit for your F150 2WD. AutoShack produces a very good quality product at a price that’s easy to handle. These are engineered to replicate the factory system as close as possible and will give you a stock ride height and driving comfort. Pre-assembled shocks and struts for the front mean a trouble-free installation and no risk of injury from a strut compressor.
Pros
- Ideal choice for stock replacement
- Incredibly affordable product
- Longer lasting than OEM
Cons
- Some owners report excessive noise after only a few months of use
12th Generation 2009-2014 Ford F150 2WD
Again, we’ve selected a Bilstein shock set for the 12th Generation F150. Sure, these are pricey shocks, but the improvement in ride quality, load leveling, and overall performance is money well spent.
Bilstein B6 4600-Series
Bilstein is a legendary name in the aftermarket suspension world. The 4600-series shocks -our top pick for two generations of F150- are simply phenomenal. Once you install these shocks on your truck, the ride will be transformed for the better. You’ll have more control around town and much better dampening on rough roads. Plus, when you have to haul a load, the 4600-series shocks will keep your truck level and stable.
Pros
- Much better than stock shocks
- Provides stability in corners and better load handling than stock
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than OEM replacement shocks
Detroit Axle Strut and Shock Kit
Unlike other kits that require you to separate the strut from the shock before replacement, Detroit Axle simply sells them to you assembled. Detroit Axle manufactures many OEM suspension components, so you know the quality is there. These are a direct stock replacement and will restore the original ride quality of your truck for an affordable price. If you just want your truck to ride right again, and you don’t want to break the bank or spend a whole weekend swapping parts, this is the way to go.
Pros
- Restores stock ride height and handling
- No need to rent a strut compressor
Cons
- Too “comfortable” for hauling heavy loads
DTA 70008 Strut and Shock Set
This set is a solid upgrade over your stock shocks. Advanced valving and a 4-lip teflon seal ensures these shocks will take a beating. The assembled front strut and shock is a great way to save time and your knuckles. This is a solid way to upgrade your work truck’s suspension without throwing money away on overpriced parts. You’ll notice an improvement in ride quality, particularly if you haul a trailer.
Pros
- Ideal for an upgrade to your work truck when you need a little firmer suspension
- Easy to install pre-assembled strut saves time and money
Cons
- Too firm for many street trucks, can cause bounciness when unladen
Ford F150 2WD Shock Buyer’s Guide
How Do You Know it’s Time to Replace Your Shocks?
Shock absorbers dampen sharp impacts from causing a jarring motion when driving. You’ll notice a rougher ride, longer braking distances, and poor cornering when your shocks are wearing out. The best way to test your shock absorbers is to push down forcefully on one corner of your truck. Shocks in good working order will not allow the truck to “bounce”. Worn out shocks will let the body move up and down several times before settling. If you own 4×4 F150, this FOX 2.0 shocks review might be relevant.
Another sign that your shocks are bad is unevenness from side to side or front to rear that isn’t normal. This indicates the shock has lost the ability to hold pressure and is partially or fully collapsed. Usually when this happens, you’ll notice oil leaking from the shock. There is no way to re-seal the shock, so you’ll need to purchase a replacement part.
Should Shocks be Replaced in Sets?
Like changing brakes or headlights, you’ll be most happy and have the best success replacing shocks in sets. About the only time you may replace only one shock is when something happens to damage a shock that is in otherwise good condition. At a minimum, you should replace shocks in pairs, both front or both rear shocks at once. But, with the above list, you can see that replacing all four shocks on your truck isn’t expensive.
What Do Upgraded Shocks Do For Me?
You can purchase shock absorbers that work for your truck the way you use your truck. Do you carry lots of heavy loads or pull a big trailer? You should buy shocks that help level the load like the Bilstein set we have selected as our best replacement. These fit like stock, but help keep your truck comfortable and controllable while loaded.
One of the biggest differences many truck owners notice when they upgrade shocks to better-than-factory parts is an increase in braking efficiency. When you press the brakes, the weight of the truck moves forward, making it more difficult to stop. With upgraded shocks, your truck won’t nosedive so much and you’ll stop sooner and more safely.
You will also notice improvements in the way your Ford F150 2WD truck goes around a corner when you replace the factory shocks with upgrades. Just like braking, when you corner, the weight of the truck moves against the direction of the turn, making it more difficult to accurately go around a corner. With upgraded shocks, your truck will stay flat in corners and provide predictable feedback to the steering wheel.
You might even notice an improvement in the way your truck accelerates. Just like braking and cornering, when you accelerate, the nose of your truck will rise as the weight is transferred backward. Good shocks will keep your truck flatter when accelerating hard, giving you more traction and control.
Do I Need Special Shocks for My Lowered or Lifted Truck?
Whether you need different shocks depends on how the truck was lifted or lowered. Many kits use replacement spindles to alter suspension height, while keeping factory shocks in the correct position. Lift kits that use longer coil springs will need longer shocks. A minor lowering kit may allow the use of factory shocks, but going too low will mean your shocks will bottom out before absorbing a bump, making the ride harsh and jarring.
Conclusion
When we started to look at the best shocks for the 10th, 11th, and 12th-gen Ford F150 2wd pickup truck, we wanted to find the best shocks for you, no matter how you use your truck. The Bilstein shocks were far and away the best on the market. They offer the best compromise between on-road comfort and rough-road stability while improving braking, handling, and load capacity. You’ll have good success installing any of the shocks on this list because they are the best parts you can find on the market today.