At matched lift heights, here is how the main shock lines differ. Prices are MAP, which is the same everywhere, so pick on ride and build, not price.
| Line | Body | Reservoir | Adjustable | Rebuildable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 5100 | 46 mm monotube | No | Ride height (front) | No | Level and replace, daily driving, towing |
| Fox 2.0 Performance IFP | 2.0 in aluminum | Optional | Ride height (front) | Yes | Slightly softer than 5100, good on washboard |
| Bilstein 6112 / 5160 | 60 mm front coilover, 46 mm reservoir rear | Rear | Ride height | No | Most ride quality per dollar in a 2 to 3 in lift |
| Fox 2.5 Performance Elite | 2.5 in aluminum | Yes | Compression (DSC option) | Yes | Fast dirt, heavy trucks, tunable |
| King 2.5 OEM Performance | 2.5 in | Yes | Compression (adjuster option) | Yes | Plushest ride at speed, fully serviceable |
| ICON 2.5 VS | 2.5 in | Yes (RR) or internal | Compression (CDCV option) | Yes | Balanced street and trail, deep stage-kit system |
| Bilstein 8112 | 2.65 in | Yes | Ride height, position-sensitive valving | Yes | Bilstein's answer to King and Fox 2.5 |
How to choose
- Daily driver, tows sometimes, wants the rake gone: Bilstein 5100 front and rear. Add Air Lift or Firestone in the rear if you tow heavy.
- Wants the truck to ride better than stock and sit 2 in higher: 6112 plus 5160, or Fox 2.0 front and rear.
- Runs dirt roads fast, carries weight, wants to tune it: King 2.5, Fox 2.5 or ICON 2.5 with reservoirs. Budget for upper control arms.
- HD truck, solid front axle: 5100 front and rear plus a steering stabilizer. King and Fox also make HD-rate shocks.
Every product page carries the exact lift height, drivetrain and any trim exclusions so the comparison above turns into one part number for your truck.