The benefits of well-made shock absorbers go beyond making your ride smooth and stable. They can prevent expensive tires from accumulating uneven signs of wear as well as skidding and rattling regardless of the road condition.
If you want to keep your F350 brake mechanism and steering fully functional, getting the best heavy duty shocks for F350 super duty is the way to go. After all, driving off-road with friends and towing travel trailers in the camping season feels surreal indeed! The irksome front-end swerves and dips can also be eliminated with worthy shocks.
Additionally, when you install a pair of brilliant shock absorbers or dampers in your truck, a vibrating steering wheel will no longer spark a headache nor spoil the day!
Best Rated Heavy Duty Shocks for Ford F350: Top Pick in 2023
Image | Name | Rating | Compatible | Price |
 | Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set Ford for F350 4WD | 2005-2016 Ford F350 4WD | ||
 | Bilstein (24-186025) 5100 Series Ford F350 Shock Absorber | 1999 2000 Ford F250 Super Duty, 2002 F250 Crew Cab | ||
 | Southwest New Bilstein 4600 Series Front & Rear Shocks | 1999-2004 F250, F350 4WD, XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Harley Davidson | ||
 | Rancho RS5000 Shocks For Ford F-350 Super Duty | 2005-2014 Ford F250, F350 Super Duty 4WD | ||
 | Rancho RS9000XL Adj Shock Set for Ford F250 Super Duty | 2005-2016 Ford F250, F350 Super Duty 4WD |
Best Shocks for Ford F350 Super Duty 2023: Reviews & Guide
The shock absorbers we are reviewing down below are thoroughly looked into and researched; not to mention, they have admirable qualities packed into a versatile price range befitting every budget. Let’s get to know about them!
1. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set
Longevity
Rapid Heat Transfer
Optimum Performance
This set of good shock absorbers can not only ensure a smooth ride in your precious F350 truck but also keep the brake system and stability at their optimum levels. The Bilstein 5100 shocks sport a monotube frame alongside a 46 mm digressive piston, which enhances the truck’s performance on and off the roads.
Its monotube body was a great feature because it assists in a rapid transfer of heat between the shock body and oil. Other than that, the tube design also helps the heat to dissipate further for preventing shock fade.
You wouldn’t have to worry about bad shocks for a long time; rather, you can now enjoy a smooth and safe ride all the way. If you’re noticing uneven wear signs on the tires, chances are the existing shocks have worn out, and as a result, they are unable to support the tires firmly on the road.
In that case, the Bilstein 5100 can be the best shocks for Ford F350.Compared to the Bilstein 4600 series shocks, these new and upgraded 5100 shocks are specially made for off-road integrity. When you’re driving off the roads and highways, the terrain can be patchy, gravelly, or even wet.
That said, these Bilstein shocks are configured by German engineers and made in a modern facility in the USA. Their quality and durability are also top-of-the-line. The shocks will maintain a premium performance for more than 100k miles.
And lastly, this set of 4 shocks are suitable for 4WD with a 2-inch front lift and up to 1-inch rear lift. With every Binstein 5100 shock, you’ll get shock boots unless you ordered a special fitment for your truck.
All the required nuts, bushings, and washers are included except for the mounting bolts. The bolts are already present in your truck, holding the existing shock.
2. Bilstein (24-186025) 5100 Series Shock Absorber
Super Duty
Zinc Exterior Design
Compatible with 1999-2000 F-250
If you’re on the hunt for top-notch shock replacements for your mighty F350 Super Duty truck, this one by Bilstein will be a decision you’re likely not going to regret. Driving over minor to major road bumps will feel much more smoothed out once you install this shock absorber to your ride.
To begin with, the Bilstein 5100s shock absorber is coated with zinc as a rust-prevention measure. Rusted parts are a prime concern when you opt for third-party hardware kits but choosing a premium one for your vehicle has all the potential to improve your experience and give you the best ride on all terrains.
Moving on to its installation, you don’t have to remove the rear wheels or elevate the truck’s rear to gain access to the shocks. It’s roughly a moment’s work, and you won’t require a mechanic for setting the shock absorbers up for you.
In order to prevent seizing, galling, and corrosion, using anti-seize over all the bolts and fasteners will go a long way. Otherwise, disassembly might be a bit of a hassle.
And if your F350 truck comes with an OEM 2-inch front and 4-inch rear block for raising the truck, then the Bilstein 5100 shocks, the best shocks for F350 dually, are perfect for you. It will help your vehicle tackle the rigors of dirt roads, hilly tracks, and wet patches alike.
Riding over potholes and other bumps will feel a lot more comfortable once this effective and heavy-duty shock is securely installed in your truck.
3. Southwest Bilstein 4600 Series Front & Rear Shocks
Excellent Super Duty
Smooth Exterior Design
Ensure Comfortable Ride
This set of two front and two rear shock absorbers will make long rides comfortable for you. They control the suspension’s rebound and thus keep your F350 truck tires evenly on the road. The best thing about shock absorbers for your truck is their adjustability with road conditions.
As the suspension travels slower or faster, the movement of hydraulic fluid inside the shock absorbers slows down or speeds up the piston, which later on affects the suspension’s motion positively. This way, the Southwest New Bilstein shocks work relentlessly to keep your journey as comfy as it can get!
Not to mention, it plays an important role in ensuring your safety as it decreases the risk of hydroplaning. Oftentimes we notice that whenever we hit the brakes on our truck, the front end clearly dips or swerves without any particular reason.
And this situation can prove to be dangerous in monsoon, considering that is the time you especially don’t want your truck to slip or skid on wet surfaces. Installing this top-notch shock will help you eliminate this problem.
Among our Ford F350 shocks reviews, only this outstanding set of front and rear shocks is compatible with Ford F350 trucks, XL, XLT, Harley Davidson, Lariat, Ford 1999-2004 Super Duty, SUV and vans of various models.
They do an impressive job of keeping cargo, and delicate work equipment secured no matter the mileage. There’s no doubt about the fact that these Bilstein 4600 series dampers will allow your truck to glide over any type of road with superior comfort all the way.
4. Bilstein 24-158848 Shocks
Smooth Exterior Design
Reduce Steering Vibrations
Compatible with 2002-2003 Ford Excursion
Being slightly bigger than the stock shocks, these Bilstein shocks will add comfort to your long drives for a daily commute, towing as well as adrenaline-pumping sand dune racing. It is going to be of tremendous help in battling excessive vibration, rocking, and rattling as you take your beautiful truck for a spin.
Worn out shocks can be one of the worst things to ever happen to your truck. They can increase or delay the braking distance by 20-percent, which amounts to a substantial risk to yourself and the vehicle. Worry not; the Bilstein shocks are here to save the day.
They are manufactured in the USA, incorporating high-end German engineering to their shock absorber line. Their heat dissipation also calls for praises because the better the heat transfer mechanism, the smoother your car rides on and off the roads.
Buying new shocks for F350 Super Duty and replacing the stock shocks is something you’d want to get done right away because of all-around benefits for both the engine health and driving experience.
Whether the problem lies in your brake pads, suspensions, or shocks, changing the shock absorbers will bring that much-needed relief and comfort to your Ford F250 Super Duty. In addition, you can use the stock shock mounting hardware for setting up the Bilstein stock in its place.
There are no adjustable damping levels, though, which might be a downside if you prefer making manual adjustments to the piston travel and shock responsiveness. Other than that, you can enjoy a smooth ride anyways and maneuver the track with all controls at their prime.
5. Hood Lift Support Shocks
Super Duty
Clever Design
Compatible with 2003-2005 Ford Excursion, 1999-2000 F-250 Super Duty
Rusty, old and fragile lift supports are no good when it comes to carrying cargo in your Ford F350 Super Duty. You’ll frequently need to open the rear liftgate, window, and front hood for better maintenance and access.
This pair of hood lift support struts will be an affordable choice considering its reasonable price and corrosion-resistant, non-shedding structure.
For starters, the lift support shocks are compatible with 2000-2005 Ford Excursion, 1999-2007 Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 Super Duty trucks. Their sturdy connection heads are of incredible quality, to say the least; the steel-tube cylinder body is one step ahead of the game.
It can easily withstand high pressure without faltering or disrupting the opening and closing mechanism. The high-temperature resistant frame flaunts an anti-rust exterior with QPQ surface treatment for extended service life.
Looking at its anatomical drawing, the stroke rod is safely tucked in between the seal ring and the premium cylinder block. The seal ring and multi-layered interior prevents gas leakage and helps the struts to perform with maximum functionality. We also loved how easy the installation had been made for inexperienced truck owners. With a few simple hand tools, you can set up this rear liftgate lift support within 5 minutes, like a pro!
6. Rancho RS5000 Shocks
Affordable Price
Comes with Protective Boot
Compatible with 2005-2014 F250 F350 Super Duty With 4WD
Getting a smooth ride in your Ford truck without equally competent shock absorbers is not on the table when you’re talking about rough, bumpy terrains. That said, the Rancho RS5000 shocks will be a remarkable addition to your Ford F350 Super Duty truck.
Protective boots on car shock absorbers increase their longevity to a great extent. While there’s no doubt about the fact that these shocks are absolutely worth the buy, Rancho surprises you with yet another outstanding addition.
These shocks are equipped with ten-step velocity-sensitive valves. You can expect the smoothest ride with its efficient piston travel control that adjusts in real-time with the road conditions, not to mention, since you’re in the driver’s seat, a sand dune racing in your F350 can be tempting enough.
With the help of these quality valves, you can adjust the shock responsiveness as well as stability in extreme situations. And with the best shocks for F350 Super Duty, you can use your truck for not only daily commuting and highway driving but also towing trailers, carrying heavy equipment, and so on.
Mild off-road racing and load-bearing tasks are no match to its durability; the Rancho shocks ride a bit firmer than your basic factory shocks, but they hold up nicely under pressure.
For example, towing travel trailers will now be noticeably more stable and comfy than it had been on stock shocks.
7. Rancho RS9000XL Adj Shock Set
Super Duty
Great Stability
Compatible with 2005-2016 F250 F350 Super Duty 4WD
We are concluding our list with another high-end shock absorber set by none other than Rancho. The RA9000XL shocks are ideal for 2005-2016 F250 and F350 Super Duty 4WD vehicles. Rancho is a leading brand in the automotive hardware arena, and they manufacture the world’s first five-way adjustable shock absorber.
The reason why Rancho shocks are in for a trailblazing start is that they allow you to make adjustments to the level of rebound damping or compression. It helps you drive in your preferable style in various road conditions.
On top of that, the absorbers provide a rugged performance no matter the extent of wear and tear you expose them to; no wonder why the Rancho shocks are best known as off-road, performance shocks. The ride quality, boot, and paint are also satisfactory.
They have a larger diameter and thus provide a firmer and more stable riding experience, although their bigger size might present you with some fitting issues. F150 trucks accept a smaller size shock absorber; so, this one will not be as compatible.
And the knob is for adjusting the valve responsiveness. When you’re towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads in your truck, dialing up the level will help you attain a much smoother ride quality. Although when the truck is empty, setting the rear shocks at 3 and the front at 5 does the job beautifully.
But when you’re carrying, say, a 7000 pounds travel trailer, turning up the rear to a 7 or 8 and keeping the front at 5 suffices. This is hands down the best F350 rear shocks for towing.
Lastly, the installation might not be the easiest considering that you’ll have to torque the bolts to 80 pounds, install the shocks and torque them to 80 pounds once again for the best fit and longevity. Otherwise, getting a good fit on the bottom shocks attachment might not be possible.
Watch the video: Front Shock Replacement Ford F350 Super Duty
Buying Guide: Features to Look for Before Buying Shocks for F350 Super Duty
Choosing the best shocks for a Ford F350 super duty truck has its fair share of troubles because there are issues about fitting, compatibility, and mounting. Help yourself to our buying guide below to find extraordinary, best budget shock absorbers for your truck!
Compatible Truck Models
The first thing you need to do is to match the product against your truck model and year. Many times it so happens that customers are shipped a size too big or too small because of forgoing this important procedure in the first place.
Most shock absorbers, which are specially designed for Ford trucks, will fit multiple yearly versions of F250, F350 Super Duty trucks, as well as an XL, XLT, Lariat, Harley Davidson, King Ranch, Super Cab, SUVs, vans, and so on.
Performance
If the shock absorbers cannot handle the rigors of off-road performance riding, then spending a couple of hundred bucks on a third-party shock is of no use. Heavy-duty shocks will allow you to have the option of speeding up on a dirt road with muddy patches all over.
You can also enjoy towing, howling, and riding along bumpy off-road trails filled with potholes other than commuting on streets and highways.
Configuration
Shocks with a monotube design are becoming popular because they have an unbeatable quality when it comes to a speedy and effective heat transfer since shock absorbers transform the kinetic energy from the suspension movement and turn it into thermal energy or heat.
That said, the heat transfer quality of the shocks need to be top-notch.
Functionality
Among the few types of shock absorbers available for an F250 Super Duty truck, monotube and strut type shocks are our top favorites. Strutted ones are conveniently put together into repairable and sealed units.
Then there are spring shocks, which are a damper and a suspension unit altogether. High-quality shocks will efficiently reduce vibration in the steering wheel, loose front end, delayed stopping distance, rattling and uneven rolling of the wheels, and so on.
Important FAQs’ of Shocks for F350 Super Duty
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the best shocks for Ford F350:
What are the signs of bad rear shocks?
If you bring your truck to a stop and the front part swerves or dips noticeably, then the factory shocks must have worn out over the days. Moreover, increased or delayed stopping distances after hitting the brake is either the result of damaged brake pads or bad shocks.
Will new shocks make the ride smoother?
New shocks with a good fitting will make the ride a lot smoother. A wobbly ride, slow response in the gears, and brakes can be fully eliminated if you install new and compatible shock absorbers. Although performance shocks with adjustable velocity-sensitive valves are best for off-road finesse.
How much should replacing shocks cost?
Replacing the factory shocks and getting the best replacement shocks for your Ford F350 Super Duty truck should cost below four hundred dollars considering that you’re able to install them yourself.
However, there are decent and affordable shock absorbers that you can buy within three hundred dollars. Bilstein 4600 series shocks are the most basic options.
In similar pricing, you can try out the Rancho RS5000 shocks that come with a 10 stage velocity sensitive valve system available for both lifted and stock applications. These reasonably priced Ford F350 shocks might not cover you in sand dune racing, but they’ll do exceptionally well in heavy-duty load-bearing or towing.
Can I replace shocks myself?
You can easily replace Ford F350 Super Duty shocks all by yourself. Since the present shocks are mounted with hardware, you’re not going to need any extra hardware other than a few simple hand tools for a hassle-free installation.
Most shock sets will come with their own hex wrench, bushings, and washers. You’ll have to check if the support of the shock lifted trucks or not.
How do I make my F350 ride smoother?
If you have been experiencing rattling, unnecessary rolling, and skidding on your Ford F350 Super Duty, you can take a look at the brake pads, suspension, and shocks to see if everything is in place.
Not to mention, if the shocks appear worn out or they are leaking oil, invest in a good third party shock and see how dramatically better the riding quality becomes for you. Towing trailers, carrying loads, or driving off roads will be significantly easier on your truck with good shocks on.
How long do F350 shocks last?
New Ford F350 shocks can easily last 100k miles and more if you take care of them right and if they are made of quality material, to begin with. Lubricating the shocks and checking for rust are two maintenance chores you’ll have to do for going without buying new shocks in 4 to 5 years.
Since shocks, struts, and similar automotive parts are best replaced in pairs, investing in high-quality ones will be fruitful in the long term.
What are the best shocks for F350?
Shocks from Bilstein 4600 or Bilstein 5100 series are very popular for their remarkable durability and benefits. Vibrating steering wheel, skidding tires, slow braking action, and inability to tow trailers are some of the things you can entirely get rid of with a pair of Bilstein shocks.
They are priced reasonably and will also improve your off-road riding performance.
Final Words
Other than making your everyday ride a smooth one, shock absorbers ensure full-on functionality of the brakes, steering, and load-bearing. The best shocks for F350 will enhance your truck’s stability and performance for a ride that feels as effortless and luxurious as that in a limo.
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