What brand of shocks does Ford use?
Ford does not rely on a single shock brand across its lineup. The brand varies by model and year, with a well-known example being the F-150 Raptor, which uses FOX Racing Shox for its performance suspension. To confirm the exact brand for a specific vehicle, check the official specification sheet for that model year and trim.
How Ford selects shock suppliers
Ford collaborates with external manufacturers to supply shock absorbers that meet each model’s performance targets, ride characteristics, and market requirements. On mainstream trucks and SUVs, shocks are chosen for durability and serviceability, while high-performance variants receive dampers designed to handle extreme conditions. The exact supplier can change from year to year as engineering teams refine tuning and negotiate supplier agreements.
Notable examples by model
The following sections summarize the brands Ford has publicly associated with shocks in some key configurations. The exact brand for a given vehicle should be verified on the manufacturer’s official documentation for that year and trim.
F-150 Raptor and Raptor R
Ford has publicly cited FOX Racing Shox for the F-150 Raptor and Raptor R’s front and rear suspension, reflecting the model’s emphasis on peak off-road capability and articulation.
Other mainstream models
Across the broader lineup, Ford uses a mix of shock suppliers depending on the market and model year. Brands such as Monroe and Bilstein have appeared in various configurations over time, but the exact brand and part numbers vary by trim level and region. Checking the vehicle’s official specification sheet is the reliable way to confirm the shock brand for a given vehicle.
Summary
Ford’s shocks come from multiple brands rather than a single supplier. FOX Racing Shox are associated with the F-150 Raptor family for its high-performance off-road duties, while other models rely on different OEM suppliers that can change by year and market. For precise information, reference the vehicle’s official documentation.
What OEM brand does Ford use?
Motorcraft
In fact, Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford and has been since its inception in the 1950s. Ford used Autolite as its parts manufacturer for a brief period in the 1960s. Ford owns Motorcraft.
Who manufactures Motorcraft struts?
Motorcraft struts are made by Ford Motor Company itself, as Motorcraft is Ford's dedicated parts brand. These parts are designed by Ford to meet the original factory specifications for its vehicles, ensuring a precise fit and performance that aligns with the original components.
- Ford-owned brand: Motorcraft is an in-house brand of the Ford Motor Company, similar to "Genuine Ford Parts".
- Designed for Ford vehicles: The parts are designed by Ford and are recommended for use in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
- Factory specifications: Motorcraft struts are manufactured to meet precise factory specifications to ensure the proper build quality, integrity, and long-lasting performance of Ford vehicles.
What brand of struts does Ford use?
Ford Parts Center offers the Only Motorcraft OEM-Spec loaded struts for Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Is BILSTEIN better than OEM?
Yes, Bilstein shocks are generally considered better than OEM shocks for performance and handling, offering improved damping and responsiveness through advanced technology like their gas-pressurized monotube design. However, for some, this can result in a stiffer, sportier ride, which may be less comfortable than a standard OEM shock designed for comfort. The "better" choice depends on whether you prioritize performance or the factory-tuned soft ride.
Advantages of Bilstein shocks
- Improved handling: Bilstein's designs, such as the digressive piston, allow the shock to react instantly to changing conditions, leading to less body roll and more precise steering.
- Consistent performance: The gas-pressurized monotube design prevents the hydraulic fluid from foaming (cavitation), ensuring consistent damping performance even under stress.
- Durability: Bilstein shocks are engineered to be durable and long-lasting, with some models offering a lifetime warranty.
- Direct OEM replacement: Bilstein offers direct-fit OEM replacement dampers (like the B6) that can be swapped in without changing other suspension components.
When OEM shocks might be "better"
- Comfort: If your primary goal is to maintain the soft, comfortable ride of a factory-equipped vehicle, OEM shocks are specifically tuned for that purpose.
- Cost: In some cases, a comparable OEM replacement part may be less expensive.
- Factory option: If your vehicle already came with performance shocks from the factory, such as a modern TRD Off-Road Tacoma which may come with Bilsteins from the factory, replacing them with OEM units of the same type might be the most cost-effective option with little to no performance change.
How to choose
- For a sportier, more performance-oriented ride: Choose Bilstein shocks to significantly upgrade your handling, responsiveness, and control.
- For a factory-like, comfortable ride: Stick with OEM shocks to maintain the original soft feel.
- For a direct replacement of worn-out shocks: Replacing old OEM shocks with Bilstein's OEM replacement line will provide a significant improvement in performance and durability without a drastically different feel (though still an upgrade).
