2.0 vs 2.5 Shocks for Overlanding

[Maverick9110E]

So i'm on the fence about going with a Fox Stage 1 setup which is 2.0 coil overs for the front and smoothies for the rear or if i should bite the bullet and go with a 2.5 setup in the front and 2.0's in the rear from either Fox or Icon. Cost difference is about $6-$700. Rig is a full size F150 FX4 Super Crew. Plan is a daily driver with Overlanding two weekends a month. Not interested in rock crawling style overlanding. More Forest Roads and the next level up from washed out roads so to speak. Part of me is saying everyone always goes overboard on their suspension setups and the 2.0's will be more than enough. The other side of me (the Tim the toolman taylor side) says always go bigger. I COULD spend the money but don't really want to. $700 goes a long way these days for me for other things. Someone talk me off the ledge.

 

[Wyotroutguy]

I had a similar battle with myself... Finally said fuggit and spent the extra money, what’s it hurt to give your rig a little extra love, and not end up kicking yourself in the ass down the road for not getting what you really want just to save a few bucks.

 

[Maverick9110E]

LOl i just realized with the cost savings i could also get my full upgraged skid plates and/or some other gear.

 

[rho]

As truck weight goes up a 2.5 shock will better deal with the additional weight/loads. But honestly either will be a massive upgrade from stock!

 

[RoarinRow]

I'm no mechanic, but if you go with the better shocks, is there an advantage when you load up the bed of your truck? Will one shock handle pay load better than the other? If not, then maybe the 2.0 is all you need as you said.

 

[MMc]

I have melted 4 set of shocks over the years. 2 sets on the same road. 65 miles of washboard and a heavy foot will do that. Most of my driving is Baja back roads and 2 tracks not crawling. I am running 2’ Fox with a bypass reservoir all the way around. I love them. The shock was recommended by a fabricator that I know, he knows what I do and how I drive. I was thinking a tuned set of Kings and he saved me big money.

 

[RoarinRow]

As truck weight goes up a 2.5 shock will better deal with the additional weight/loads. But honestly either will be a massive upgrade from stock!

If that's the case, then going from stock to 2.0 should be a significant improvement for your needs. Go for it! :)

 

[Maverick9110E]

I wonder if you can buy the Fox 2.0's with resi's? It looks like Accutune might have them.

 

[rho]

I wonder if you can buy the Fox 2.0's with resi's? It looks like Accutune might have them.

Should be able to. Fox has a HUGE catalog...

 

[Maverick9110E]

Should be able to. Fox has a HUGE catalog...

Does Ben sell Fox? I know he is big on King and he used to do Fox but wasn't sure if he still did.

 

[rho]

Does Ben sell Fox? I know he is big on King and he used to do Fox but wasn't sure if he still did.

I don't think so, the accutune folks are awesome to work with too. They answered most of my inane questions and purely theory 'what if....' with a lot of patience, lol. Shoot em some mail and see...

 

[jeeper_4_life]

Should be able to. Fox has a HUGE catalog...

I have Fox 2.0 w/res on my Jeep Cj that I got from Accutune. They are good to deal with and you would be basically getting shocks valved for your setup. So if you can find some scales to weigh all 4 corners loaded the way you plan to use it they can set it up as such. They can also revalve them if it doesn't feel right or you want to change it some. You would also need to know your fully extended and collapsed lengths to find the right size.

 

[Maverick9110E]

Ok so I pulled the trigger on the 2.0 Front and Rears from Fox with the SPC UCA's. I just can't beat the price. The extra $600 it would have cos me to get into a front 2.5 setup can easily go to RCI skid plates, Lighting, Extra Recovery Gear, you name it. I can apparently add resi's to the Fox 2.0's if and when i want to as well which is a nice option.

 

[OverlandOzzy1]

@Maverick9110E You could always go with the 6112s if they make them for a F150? and 5160s in the rear. I think its the best setup your going to find for the price hands down

 

[OverlandOzzy1]

I just read the last post.....too late oops

 

[Maverick9110E]

I just read the last post.....too late oops

LOL, i feel ya, was all ready to pull the trigger and then boom.. National backorder for 6-8 weeks.

 

[MidOH]

2.0's are fine for mild roads. For only $700 more I would have went 2.5's. In too many cases, 2.0's ride the same as 2.5's until they get too hot from hairy roads, that you might never see.

I have the Fox 2.0's on my gas truck. They might be valves stiff for a diesel truck. But I think they could still be tuned firmer. They aren't too firm at all.

If I ever need a 4" lift for more travel, I'll go to firmly tuned 2.5's. The biggest perk to 2.5's is tuning and adjusting the shim stack yourself. Screw broken dials that hardly work, add a shim instead. They need regular maintenance anyways.