When it comes to building any lifted truck, the suspension system is often the backbone of your whole build. It determines the basis of your off-road capability, on-road comfort and overall drivability, so making sure you have the right system is incredibly important. While we’ve looked at all kinds of lift kits and types of suspension systems as a whole here on the Glover Customs blog, we’ve yet to narrow our focus and look specifically at shocks.
So today, we’re going to compare two of the most common types of shocks against one another: Bilstein vs Fox. Let’s dive into some of the benefits and drawbacks of each brand to help you figure out which you might want to lean on the next time you decide to augment the suspension system on a lifted truck.
Build Quality & Engineering
Known for German-engineered precision, Bilstein shocks like the 5100 and 5160 series have become go-tos for lifted setups. They use monotube design, offering excellent heat dissipation and fade resistance. A zinc coating helps fight corrosion and their digressive valving delivers stable performance across many different types of terrain.
Fox brings motorsports heritage and race-ready tech to the table. Their shocks feature an anodized aluminum body that resists rust and reduces weight. Like Bilstein, they use a monotube design, but Fox leans heavily into customization. Remote reservoirs, adjustable compression settings and advanced damping tech often put Fox a notch above when you want to dial in control.
On-Road Comfort vs. Off-Road Control
Bilstein shocks excel at maintaining a level of comfort on par with the stock vehicle, but with better control on and off the road. If you’re going to spend most of your time commuting, hauling or doing weekend trail runs behind the wheel of your lifted truck, Bilstein might be the perfect fit. You’ll get a noticeable upgrade in steering response and shock rebound, especially when under load, for a more affordable price.
With Fox, you're trading a bit of cushy ride for aggressive off-road control. Their shocks soak up hard hits and rapid terrain changes better than Bilstein, but when driving through the city you’ll likely feel more road texture. Some drivers love that "connected" feel, but plenty of others prefer something smoother.
Price & Value
Generally more budget-friendly, Bilstein shocks provide excellent long-term durability without draining your wallet. The 5100 series hits the sweet spot for trucks lifted less than 6" and is often plug-and-play with stock mounts.
On the flip side, Fox shocks tend to be pricier — especially when you factor in remote reservoirs or adjustability features. But for serious off-roaders, that investment pays off in longevity and ride optimization.
Installation & Compatibility
If you plan on customizing your truck yourself, Bilstein shocks are a great option thanks to their quick installation and compatibility with factory mounting. You can often find lift-ready options with pre-set valving designed with many popular trucks in mind, from the Chevy Silverado to the Toyota Tacoma and everything in between.
Installation on Fox shocks can be more involved, especially with remote reservoir models. Some systems require additional brackets or adjustments. You might want to consider professional installation if opting for one of the many great Fox options out there, which we’d be happy to take care of right here at Glover Customs.
Which Should You Choose?
Now that you have much of the important information, it’s time to choose which brand makes the right shocks for you and your lifted truck. If you’re looking for affordability, solid performance and day-to-day comfort from your lifted truck setup, you may want to consider Bilstein shocks. If instead you’re looking for off-road domination, impressive adjustability and high-speed damping – and aren’t afraid to spend a little more – then Fox shocks should be the perfect fit.
We’re willing and able to install shocks from either brand right here at Glover Customs, and would be happy to help you decide which brand or which specific shocks from that brand is right for you. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a consultation, we can’t wait to get to work with you.
