Fox ELITE 2.5 Series User manual

DIRECT-REPLACEMENT
INSTALLATION GUIDE
FORD F-150 (2015-2020)
PERFORMANCE ELITE SERIES 2.5
DUAL SPEED COMPRESSION
883-06-190 - Kit: 15-20 Ford 4WD F-150, Front, 2.5 Truck PES, R/R, 4-6” Lift, DSC
883-06-181 - Kit: 15-20 Ford F-150, Front, 2.5 Truck PES, R/R, 0-2” Lift, DSC
883-06-189 - Kit: 15-20 Ford 2WD F-150, Front, 2.5 Truck PES, R/R, 0-2” Lift, DSC
883-26-119 - Kit: 15-20 Ford F-150, Rear, 2.5 Truck PES, P/B, 4-6” Lift, DSC
883-26-114 - Kit: 15-20 Ford F-150, Rear, 2.5 Truck PES, P/B, 0-2” Lift, DSC
605-01-323 REV 1

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
SUPPLIED PARTS 2
SHOCK DIAGRAM 3
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 4
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES 5
FRONT SHOCK INSTALLATION 6
REAR SHOCK INSTALLATION 10
FOX FACTORY DSC 11
WARRANTY INFORMATION 12
SHOCKS NEED LOVE TOO 13

605-01-323 1
Thank you for choosing FOX direct-replacement shocks for your vehicle. FOX products are designed, tested,
and manufactured by the finest professionals in the industry.
FOX recommends that you become completely familiar with the handling characteristics of your modified
vehicle before operating it under rigorous conditions, helping to avoid potential rollover situations and other
loss of control events. FOX further recommends that you use appropriate protective equipment at all times
when operating your vehicle.
To achieve the best performance and product longevity, periodic service and maintenance is required.
Please refer to the Service and Upgrades section for more information.
• Mounting Hardware
• Reservoir Mounts
• Front Shocks
• Rear Shocks
• Installation Guide
INTRODUCTION
IN THE BOX

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SUPPLIED PARTS
SHOCK ASSEMBLY
FOX PN DESCRIPTION QTY NOTES
983-06-190-L/R FRONT, LEFT/RIGHT SHOCK 2 4WD, 4-6” Lift
983-26-119 REAR, LEFT/RIGHT SHOCK 2 4-6” Lift
983-06-181-L/R FRONT, LEFT/RIGHT SHOCK 2 4WD, 0-2” Lift
983-26-114 REAR, LEFT/RIGHT SHOCK 2 0-2” Lift
983-06-189-L/R FRONT, LEFT/RIGHT SHOCK 2 2WD, 0-2” Lift
FRONT RESERVOIR BRACKET ASSEMBLY
FOX PN DESCRIPTION *HARDWARE REF. QTY NOTES
026-01-073 FRONT RESERVOIR MOUNT A 2
Brackets mount the
remote reservoirs to
the vehicle.
018-01-049 SCREW: 1/4”-14 X 3/4” HEX HEAD, SELF-TAPPING B 2
Each bracket uses
one self-tapping
screw.
018-01-066 SCREW: 8-32, 3/4” C1 8Each bracket uses
two clamps and
a clamp uses two
screws.
026-01-167-1 2.5 RESERVOIR CLAMP, TOP C2 4
026-01-167-2 2.5 RESERVOIR CLAMP, BOTTOM C3 4
FRONT TOP HAT HARDWARE
FOX PN DESCRIPTION *HARDWARE REF. QTY NOTES
018-05-030-A WASHER: M10 D1 6 Each top hat uses
three washers and
three nuts.
019-00-013 HEX NUT: M10 X 1.25” D2 6
FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM HARDWARE
FOX PN DESCRIPTION *HARDWARE REF. QTY NOTES
018-04-036 BOLT: M12 X 1.75” E2 4Each bar-pin utilizes
two washers and
two bolts.
018-05-026-A WASHER: M12 E3 4
*Hardware Reference is used throughout the installation manual to provide notation of the supplied kit.

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SHOCK DIAGRAM
1
1
11
14
4
4
5
5
3
8
7
9
12
8
9
12
10
10
11
13
6
2
PART NO. NAME PART NO. NAME
1Eyelet 8DSC adjuster
2Reservoir bridge 9Reservoir
3Hose 10 Bumper
4Wiper seal 11 Shock body
5Shaft 12 Schrader valve
6Hose coupler 13 Top hat
7Preload ring 14 Bar-pin bolt
FRONT SHOCK REAR SHOCK

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• FOX direct-replacement shocks are designed to fit and allow proper clearance with the stock
suspension. If aftermarket suspension components are installed it is the customer’s responsibility to
ensure that interference between the FOX shocks and other vehicle components does not occur at any
point in the shock stroke.
• FOX direct-replacement shocks should always be installed as a set for maximum performance.
• Proper installation and service procedures are essential for the safe and reliable operation of the
suspension components, requiring the experience and tools specially designed for this purpose.
Installation and maintenance procedures for this product must be performed by a qualified service
technician, to avoid potentially unsafe vehicle handling characteristics, which may result in SERIOUS
INJURY or DEATH.
• Modifying your vehicle’s suspension will change the handling characteristics of your vehicle. Under
certain conditions, your modified vehicle may be more susceptible to loss of control or rollover, which
can result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the modified vehicle
handling characteristics before any rigorous vehicle operation. Wear protective body gear and a helmet
when appropriate. Installation of vehicle roll bars or cage is highly recommended.
• FOX direct-replacement shocks are gas-charged and are highly pressurized. Placing shocks in a vise or
clamp, applying heat, or attempting to open or service the shock without the proper tools and training
can result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH. Do not attempt to modify, puncture or incinerate a FOX
direct-replacement shock absorber.
• Any attempt to misuse, misapply, modify, or tamper with any FOX product voids any warranty and may
result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING

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• Always use a chassis lift for the installation of shocks, and make certain that the raised vehicle
is securely attached to the lift to prevent the vehicle from slipping, falling, or moving during the
installation process.
• DO NOT install any FOX product without the necessary special tools, expertise and chassis lift or you
will subject yourself to the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH. If you elect to not use a chassis lift
(which may result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH), ensure that the vehicle is: (1) on level ground, (2) that
all tires on the ground during installation are blocked to prevent vehicle movement, (3) that at least two
tires are on the ground at all times, and (4) that adequately secured jack stands are used to support the
vehicle. NEVER get under the vehicle until you have checked to ensure that the vehicle will be stable
during installation.
• FOX direct-replacement shocks are designed to fit your vehicle’s shock mounts without modification
except the reservoir placement on specific models and applications.
• If a preload adjustment is necessary for your application DO NOT adjust preload with the coil-over on
the vehicle. Remove the coil-over from the vehicle and use a spring compressor to remove the spring
hardware and spring. Once the spring is removed, you can adjust the preload ring. DO NOT exceed
more the 1/2” of additional preload. If more than 1/2” of preload is required, you will need to go up in
spring rate or get a longer spring that fits the application.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
WARNING

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NOTICE: Medium-strength thread-lock is recommended on all bolts.
1. Please read the installation guidelines on page 5 for instructions on how to properly lift and secure
the vehicle.
STOCK SHOCK REMOVAL
2. Remove front wheels from vehicle.
• Manufacturer Torque Specs
• Torque Wrench
• Medium-Strength Thread-Lock
• 13/64” Drill Bit
TOOLS REQUIRED
FRONT SHOCK INSTALLATION
3. Remove front stock shocks.
3A. Remove the 3 nuts that secure the stock shock assembly to the vehicle at the upper support. DO NOT
remove center nut; doing so will release the spring from the stock assembly and could result in SERIOUS
INJURY or DEATH!
3B. Remove the (2) nuts connecting the shock to the lower control arm.
3C. Disconnect both steering tie rod ends at the spindle steering arm for removal and installation clearance.
3D. Disconnect upper ball joint at the knuckle for removal/installation clearance and carefully remove OE
shock assembly.
TIP: Use a large pry bar to control the upper control arm from springing upwards when disconnected from
the steering knuckle. Disconnect any brackets that fasten wires or lines to the steering knuckle to prevent
damage. After the knuckle is disconnected from the upper control arm, restrain the free movement of the
knuckle to prevent damage to wires and lines. In some cases, if the steering knuckle is not controlled, the
driveshaft might pull out from the driveline and release oil.

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RESERVOIR BRACKET INSTALLATION
4. Install the supplied Group A remote reservoir mounting brackets to the frame of the vehicle (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1: Left side of the vehicle is shown.
Fig. 2: The OE radiator bracket is used to mount the
reservior bracket.
4B. Drill a 13/64” pilot hole in the frame using the
obtained location.
4C. Secure the reservoir bracket to the frame using
one of the Group B self-tapping screws. Torque the
radiator bracket bolt to OE specifications.
4D. Repeat steps 4A-4C to the other side of the
vehicle.
4A. Utilize the OE radiator bracket’s bolted joint to
locate the reservoir bracket’s front mounting hole
(Fig 2). Adjust the bracket to fit flush to the frame.
Mark the frame for drilling the remaining bolting
location. In the absence of the OE radiator bracket
hardware use the supplied bolt and clip nut.
NOTICE: The purchase of appropriate clip-on nuts
and bolts may be required for vehicle variants
where the pictured radiator bracket is not used.

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5. Place shock with “Left” sticker on the driver
side. Route the reservoir hose to avoid suspension
contact while the reservoir is mounted to its bracket
(Fig. 3). Connect the shock’s top hat to the vehicle
using the Group D bolts and washers. Tighten all
three nuts to 24 ft* lbs.
NOTICE: The hose and fitting that connects the
reservoir to the shock body should point outward
from the vehicle’s center.
FOX COIL-OVER INSTALL
Fig. 3: Driver’s side wheel well.
Fig. 4: Remote reservoir and bracket assembly.
6. Connect the FOX shock to the lower mount using the Group E bolts and washers. Torque the bar-pin
bolts to 50 ft-lbs
7. Mount the reservoir to the mounting bracket, installed in step 4, with the Group C clamps (Fig. 4).
TIP: Loosely pre-assemble the clamp assembly closest to the front of your vehicle. Tighten the clamp to
50% when the reservior is centered with proper hose positioning (Fig. 3). Slide the bottom half of the clamp
into position for the second clamp assembly (Fig. 4). Complete the installation and torque to 19 in-lbs.
TIP: Tighten both screws on each clamp assembly evenly until tight. Utilize the slots in the bracket to locate
the clamps. Do not feed the clamps through the slots in the brackets.

605-01-323 9
10. Check that the suspension has proper clearance by steering completely in both directions.
11. Set vehicle back on the ground and drive it back and forth several feet to allow the suspension to settle.
Now measure ride height and make adjustments if necessary. * PLEASE READ INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST PRELOAD
12. It is highly recommended that you have your wheel alignment checked.
CHECK AND FINAL DETAILS
8. Reconnect the upper ball joint at the knuckle, torque to OE specifications. Make sure to reinstall any
brackets or wires that were previously removed.
9. Reinstall the outer tie rod ends and torque to OE specifications.

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REAR SHOCK INSTALLATION
NOTICE: Medium-strength thread-lock is recommended on all bolts.
1. Please read the installation guidelines on page 5 for instructions on how to properly lift and secure the
vehicle.
Fig 5: Driver side rear shock orientation. Fig 6: Passenger side rear shock orientation.
4. Install the new FOX shock by reusing OE bolts and nuts. For piggyback reservoir models, make sure
the reservoir is pointing toward the rear of the vehicle on both driver and passenger sides. Torque to OE
specifications. View the images below to correctly orient the left and right rear shocks (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).
FOX SHOCK INSTALL
STOCK SHOCK REMOVAL
2. Remove rear wheels from vehicle.
3. Remove the OE shocks. Removal of the OE shock absorber may allow the axle to drop and possibly
damage brake lines. A support for the axle is recommended.
NOTICE: Do not discard bolts and nuts. They are used to install your Fox shocks.

605-01-323 11
FOX FACTORY DSC
DUAL SPEED COMPRESSION (DSC) ADJUSTER SETTINGS
12 CLICKS
10 CLICKS
DSC HIGH SPEED COMPRESSION
DSC LOW SPEED COMPRESSION
OPEN
OPEN
CLOSED
CLOSED
(FULL
COUNTER
CLOCKWISE)
(FULL
COUNTER
CLOCKWISE)
(FULL
CLOCKWISE)
(FULL
CLOCKWISE)
CLICKS
IN
CLICKS
IN
LEAST AMOUNT
OF COMPRESSION
DAMPING SOFTEST
LEAST AMOUNT
OF COMPRESSION
DAMPING SOFTEST
GREATEST AMOUNT
OF COMPRESSION
DAMPING FIRMEST
GREATEST AMOUNT
OF COMPRESSION
DAMPING FIRMEST

605-01-323 12
FOX Factory, Inc., a Georgia corporation having an oce at 6634 Highway 53 Braselton, GA 30517 (“FOX”),
makes the following LIMITED WARRANTY with respect to its suspension products:
LIMITED ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON SUSPENSION PRODUCTS.
Subject to the limitations, terms and conditions hereof, FOX warrants, to the original retail owner of each
new FOX suspension product, that the FOX suspension product, when new, is free from defects in materials
and workmanship. Unless otherwise required by law, this warranty expires one (1) year from the date of the
original FOX suspension product retail purchase from an authorized FOX dealer or from a FOX authorized
Original Equipment Manufacturer where FOX suspension is included as original equipment on a purchased
vehicle. If law requires a warranty duration of greater than one (1) year, then, subject to the other provisions
hereof, this warranty will expire at the end of the minimum warranty period required by such law.
This warranty is conditioned on the FOX suspension product being operated under normal conditions and
properly maintained as specified by FOX. This warranty is only applicable to FOX suspensions purchased
new from an authorized FOX source and is made only to the original retail owner of the new FOX
suspension product and is not transferable to subsequent owners. This warranty is void if the FOX
suspension product is subjected to abuse, neglect, improper or unauthorized repair, improper or
unauthorized service or maintenance, alteration, modification, accident or other abnormal, excessive, or
improper use.
Should it be determined by FOX in its sole and final discretion, that a FOX suspension product is covered
by this warranty, it will be repaired or replaced, by a comparable model, at FOX’s sole option, which will be
conclusive and binding. THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY. ANY AND ALL OTHER
REMEDIES AND DAMAGES THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE APPLICABLE ARE EXCLUDED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
This limited warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, malfunctions or failures that result from
abuse, improper assembly, neglect, alteration, improper maintenance, crash, misuse or collision. This limited
warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights. The consumer may also have other legal rights which
vary from state to state or country to country. Some states and countries do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages or warranties, and if dictated by law the above limitations
or exclusions may not apply to you. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that a certain
provision of this limited warranty does not apply, such determination shall not aect any other provision of
this limited warranty and all other provisions shall remain in full eect.
THIS IS THE ONLY WARRANTY MADE BY FOX ON ITS SUSPENSION PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS, AND
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION HEREIN. ANY WARRANTIES
THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE IMPLIED BY LAW INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
FOX LIMITED WARRANTY
TERMS OF WARRANTY

FOX SERVICE AND UPGRADES
COMPLETE SERVICES
SERVICE MENUS AND PRICING
HAVE YOUR FOX SHOCKS SERVICED BY FOX TECHNICIANS. CALL OUR
OFF-ROAD AND TRUCK SERVICE CENTER AT 619.768.1800 TO GO OVER
THE SERVICE AND UPGRADE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PROD-
UCT. ONCE YOU’VE SETUP YOUR SERVICE AND/OR UPGRADES YOU
WILL RECEIVE A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER AND SHIPPING
INSTRUCTIONS.
100% street use: every 50,000 miles
50% street/ 50% o-road use: Every 10,000 miles
visit ridefox.com/service
SHOCKS
NEED
LOVE TOO