Posted by Corey Decker on 5/6/2022 to
Before you Buy
Is it time for you to upgrade shocks on your 2017-2022 F250 or F350? Maybe you have to anyway but want to upgrade in the process or you are finally at the point in your build plan to greatly increase your Super Duty's off-road performance. Either way, you will most likely find yourself coming across Fox Performance. This company has been in business for 45 years and has earned a reputation as one of the best manufacturers of racing shocks in the marketplace today. This company has recently come out with their brand new 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks which feature a new design and some other newer features not seen on the previous 2.5 Factory Series shocks. That being said, which is better? And why? Let's take a closer look at each to better answer these questions and hopefully make the buying process an easier decision.
Please be sure to double-check and read each listing for any special fitment notes and more information regarding these shocks. Also depending on where you are at and what you picture for your build whether it's upgrading your front bumper, adding some new headlights, or a maybe a performance tuner or monitor. Check out what at we have to offer here at Stage 3 Motorsports.
Products Mentioned In This Article:
Fox 2.5 Factory Race Series Shocks For 2017-2022 Super Dutys
Let's first take a look at the Fox 2.5 Factory Race Series shocks. Though Fox considers these the "base" level of their shocks they are still extremely capable and have been one of the top-performing shocks for several years. A pair like the 2017-2022 F250 & F350 4WD Fox 2.5 Factory Race Series Front Reservoir Shocks - For 2-3.5" Lifts (Pair) would still provide greater performance than the stock shocks on your Super Duty. That being said, what makes these shocks so special? It starts with the 2.5" smooth-bore zinc-plated seamless steel body that is created with high-quality aircraft-grade Aluminum that provides superior heat dissipation. Though the material is not the biggest thing that makes this series as capable and dependable as their reputation (and our tests) have shown. The answer to why they are so capable and trusted by everyone from Average Joes with off-road builds to even Baja 5000 drivers is actually on the inside of the shock. The Factory Race Series shock creates "near endless" suspension travel thanks to Fox's exclusive internal bypass technology. This technology allows more oil to flow around the strong, race-inspired internal piston while providing serious pressure at other points that help to support your Super Duty. With the Factory Race Series, Fox also includes an external reservoir that has a dial on it which you can choose high- and low-speed compression adjusters quickly adjust the shocks to a wide variety of terrain and vehicle speeds. Meaning these shocks can be controlled to whatever it is that you are doing off-road. Before these Factory Series shocks get to you the design is tested in harsh climates and conditions to ensure the absolute best performance according to Fox.FOX Performance Elite Series 2.5 Reservoir Shocks For 2017-2022 Super Dutys
Though the Factory Race Series shocks were and are extremely capable. Fox asked themselves, "how is it we can build off of these and make them better?" This is how they came up with shocks like the 2017-2022 F250 & F350 FOX Performance Elite Series Front 2.5 Reservoir Shock (Pair). This series takes what's great about the Factory Series and builds off of them. One way they build off of the Factory series is the internal oil. When Fox manufactured and designed the Performance Elite Series, one of the things that they did was add more internal oil volume which helps and allows for greater control. The increased internal volume also meant taking the previous body and expanding it to allow more efficient heat dissipation so the shocks perform better under greater duress than the previous series. The previous series also had those high and low-speed compression adjusters built into the design of the shock that allowed for ultimate control. The Performance Series also has something like that, but better. Fox took the need that some more extreme off-roaders have for control and made these shocks to provide greater adaptability than the previous series. On the Factory Series, the control relied upon the speed of the Super Duty that you would be driving over the obstacle. The new set of compression adjusters provides more settings so that you can alter the amount of oil that enters the main shock body depending on your specific need and driving style. One of the last new features of the Performance Elite Series to highlight is the chrome shock shaft that is paired with a redundant seal pack for maximum durability.So Which Is Better For 2017-2022 Super Dutys?
All of that wonderful information about these shocks and you may still be left asking which is best. The objective answer is the Performance Elite Series considering that its entire existence is to be the next level up from the Factory Race Series. That being said, it is important to note that both series are of extremely high quality, and depending on what you would like to accomplish what will separate which series to get for your build. If you are someone that enjoys going off-road but doesn't necessarily want to take your Super Duty down some of the more challenging or professional difficulty level trails then honestly the Factory Race Series would be just fine. However, if you are someone that is looking to build the ultimate off-road Super Duty, then you may want to spend the extra money and get the Performance Elite Series. The reason for that as previously stated is because the level of control is much higher with the Performance Elite Series thanks to the external compression adjusters. More control means that you can conquer obstacles on trails that require the utmost attention to detail and patience. As far as regular on-road performance? Each of these series will provide a smooth ride no matter what while on road. The separation between these two shock series and other off-road sets from other companies comes into play when you leave the pavement. Fox advertises that both series sets are completely rebuildable and include instructions for an easier rebuild and installation process.