Trying to decide on shocks?

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MoparFin

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I have talked to two different salesmen, both have been very helpful in trying to sell me what they think is best for what I need/want. Problem is, they recommend different items. I am looking to improve the road ride, I do tow a camper, and do very little off-road. I considered a lift, but have decided not to right now.

I have an 18 quad cab, 4x4, v6, currently lifted 2.5" up front, 2" rear with spacers and have 35x12 1/2s on 22s. I will be keeping rear spacers, replacing front struts, rear shocks and adding a 1 1/2" body lift.

Option 1: Fox 2.0s up front, Fox shocks in the rear. One salesman recommends these the highest. Recommends these since they would fit my budget and are just a little more than Option 2 and are a better all around shock. Will still sell me Option 2, but struts will not be pre-assembled. I will lose 1/2" of lift from the struts with this set up.

Option 2: Bilstein 6112s up front, 5100 rear. 6112s are pre-assembled with springs, etc. so I can just put them in. Other salesman says that these will preform best for towing application as the Fox shocks are designed for off-road performance. Told Salesman I was considering the Fox shocks and he said that these would be better. Basically said since I will be doing very little off-road the Fox shocks are overkill. 6112s aren't listed for the v6, but salesman said they can build them to give me the 2 1/2" lift I have now.

Total prices from both places on both set ups (subtracting the cost of the 6112s being assembled) are very close.

To me, I think the Fox shocks would be cool honestly because of my motocross days, LOL. But if they are focused on off road performance, I think I should get shocks that would be better for my application, road use and towing with very little off road. Any off-roading I do is on dirt roads in state game lands, that's about it. So this makes me lean more towards the Bilsteins.

Let me know what you guys think!
 

danielmid

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I have about the same use case as you (daily driver, occasional camper towing, and some forest roads), although I'm not lifted as high and don't run a bodylift. I changed from the 5100s to Fox 2.0s in the rear and it was a noticeable upgrade, I'm very happy with the change. The rear shocks are paired with Icon 1.5" lift springs. Maybe consider lift springs for the rear for the next upgrade, there are some decent options for the 2"ish lift range.

For the front I think Fox 2.0 and 6112s would be a wash, with the 6112s maybe edging out the Fox. For the lift amount, you can throw a small spacer (1/4-1/2") on top of the Fox to keep the lift amount where you want it.

Is there a problem you're currently having with towing that you're trying to fix with parts? Or just making sure towing doesn't suffer with the new suspension set up?
 
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MoparFin

MoparFin

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I have about the same use case as you (daily driver, occasional camper towing, and some forest roads), although I'm not lifted as high and don't run a bodylift. I changed from the 5100s to Fox 2.0s in the rear and it was a noticeable upgrade, I'm very happy with the change. The rear shocks are paired with Icon 1.5" lift springs. Maybe consider lift springs for the rear for the next upgrade, there are some decent options for the 2"ish lift range.

For the front I think Fox 2.0 and 6112s would be a wash, with the 6112s maybe edging out the Fox. For the lift amount, you can throw a small spacer (1/4-1/2") on top of the Fox to keep the lift amount where you want it.

Is there a problem you're currently having with towing that you're trying to fix with parts? Or just making sure towing doesn't suffer with the new suspension set up?
No issue towing and just want to make sure what I get doesn't make an issue.

And you are right, Ill probably do new lift rear springs at some point. Probably along with a track bar.
 

danielmid

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No issue towing and just want to make sure what I get doesn't make an issue.

And you are right, Ill probably do new lift rear springs at some point.
Based on how my truck drives now, I would go back in time and skip the 5100s from the start if that helps.
 
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MoparFin

MoparFin

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Anyone else have input on the Bils vs Fox?
 

16WhiteQC

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Good read - https://www.shocksurplus.com/blogs/...ilstein-6112-vs-fox-2-0-performance-coilovers

6112's for more street use than off road
2.0's for offroad use over street

I love my 6112's except they do not hold up in the salt belt and have corroded, I even sprayed them with Fluid Film when new!

My rear fox look new years later!

I don't do any crazy offroading, just mild dirt roads and orachards. For my use (95% street) my truck handles and rides amazing!
 

huntergreen

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I chose Fox 2.0s because I was lazy and didn’t want to assemble struts and heard the ride was relatively soft.
Do you tow or haul any significant weight ? Thanks
 
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MoparFin

MoparFin

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Ended up having some things come up so I went with Rough Country 3” loaded shocks up front and Bils 5100 in the rear. Rides great. Towed camper great. Way better than stock b
 
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