No Products in the Cart
If you drive a diesel truck used for towing, farming, heavy hauling, or even off-road adventures, suspension plays a huge role in ride quality, safety, and performance. Two of the most popular shock manufacturers in the diesel world are Bilstein and Fox Shocks. They both offer excellent performance, but they excel in different areas. This guide breaks down their strengths so you can choose what fits your build best.
Thinking about upgrading your suspension?
Contact Plowboy Diesel for recommendations:
https://www.plowboydiesel.com/pages/contact-us
Factory shocks are built for general everyday driving. Once you tow heavy loads, haul equipment, or drive on rough terrain, stock suspension quickly shows its limits:
- Sagging under load
- Poor handling or sway
- Harsh ride on rough roads or gravel
- Reduced safety when towing
- Faster wear on tires and suspension components
Upgrading with high‑quality shocks improves ride comfort, safety, and long-term durability.
Bilstein shocks are known for reliability and consistent performance under towing, hauling, and daily driving.
Strengths:
- Durable and long‑lasting
- Excellent for towing and hauling
- Smooth ride on pavement or gravel
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for stock or mildly modified trucks
Best for:
- Work trucks
- Farm rigs
- Heavy‑duty tow vehicles
- Daily drivers wanting comfort and stability
Fox shocks are designed for higher performance, lifted setups, and rough‑terrain driving.
Strengths:
- Superior off‑road damping
- Better control on uneven terrain
- Great for lifted or modified suspension
- Excellent for heavy load handling
- More adjustability for performance builds
Best for:
- Off‑road driving
- Rural property or field roads
- Lifted trucks with bigger tires
- Heavy‑haul or modified diesel builds
Daily driving/towing:
- Bilstein: Excellent
- Fox: Good, may feel firmer
Heavy load hauling:
- Bilstein: Very stable
- Fox: Excellent control, especially lifted setups
Off‑road performance:
- Bilstein: Acceptable
- Fox: Outstanding
Ride comfort on pavement:
- Bilstein: Smooth and stable
- Fox: Firmer, performance‑biased
Maintenance:
- Bilstein: Low maintenance
- Fox: High quality but may need more servicing depending on use
Choose Bilstein if:
- You mainly tow, haul, or drive daily
- You want comfort and stability
- You prefer a simple, reliable, low‑maintenance shock
- Your truck is stock height or lightly modified
Choose Fox Shocks if:
- You drive on rough terrain or farmland
- You run a lifted or modified suspension
- You want maximum damping control and performance
- You haul heavy loads or run larger tires
Bilstein is best for work trucks, daily drivers, tow rigs, and farm trucks that need stability and comfort.
Fox Shocks are better for lifted trucks, off‑road conditions, or performance‑focused builds needing maximum control and damping strength.
Contact Plowboy Diesel for a custom suspension recommendation:
https://www.plowboydiesel.com/pages/contact-us
We can help you choose the right shocks for how you use your diesel truck.
