If you’re looking at upgrading your vehicle with a lift kit, you’re in the right place. Getting a lift for your truck has a lot of advantages, like better comfort, ride height, improved handling, both on and off the trail. If you want to read more about the advantages of lift kits, click here.

Now, if you’re looking for lift kits on the market, there’s no doubt you’ve run into a BDS lift kit by now. Depending on the lift height you’re going for your options may vary, but typically you will be deciding between Fox and Nitro series’ shocks for your kit. The three shock series’ we are focusing on today are:
- · Nitro NX2 Series
- · Fox 2.0 Performance Series
- · Fox 2.5 Performance Series
Nitro Series Shocks
Nitro shocks are going to be a much more affordable option, and because of that lose out on some of the durability and strength boasted by the Fox Performance shocks. That said it’s certainly still a step above stock.
Nitro NX2 Series Shocks:

- · The first thing to be mentioned is the affordability; some options on the market can make the final price skyrocket. Choosing the NX2 over other options can put a pretty decent dent in the price.
- · Comfortable everyday driving with Nitro NX2 shocks is a given and although isn’t as customizable and durable as the Fox counterparts, it’s a great option for casual off-roading.
- · Being simpler overall, this shock is much lower maintenance and requires less servicing in general, though the trade-off is the lack of adjustability and tuning.
So if you’re not too serious about the off-roading you do, but want a nice, affordable upgrade for your truck or SUV, don’t sell these shocks short. A new set of Nitro NX2’s will certainly do well under casual driving conditions and even the occasional off-road adventure.
Fox Series Shocks
The main difference to take note of between Fox 2.0 and 2.5 is the size. As the number indicates, the Fox 2.5 has a half-inch larger body, and because of that brings a lot of improved strengths.
While you might gravitate towards the better, and generally stronger option it does come with a proportionally larger price tag, however the benefits are there. To start, the Fox 2.0 shocks provide a great ride with significant improvements from stock that you’ll notice instantly. With reservoirs made from high quality aluminum the Fox shocks provide a lightweight and durable option. Let’s break down the Fox Series shocks a little more:
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks:

- · Fox Performance series shocks are typically made from aluminum which increases heat dissipation and reduce foaming.
- · Some kits with the Fox 2.0 will include an external reservoir which allows for better oil management and reduces shock fade.
- · Depending on weather you get fixed of adjustable damping, you can get a little extra customization to improve your ride.
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series Shocks:

- · Larger diameter than the Fox 2.0s and because of that has a greater oil capacity, strength and overall performance under more stress.
- · More often than not Fox 2.5 shocks will come equipped with external reservoirs and like the 2.0s improve the heat dissipation, and reduce shock fade.
- · With adjustable dampening, you would have an even bigger scale to work with in the fine-tuning process for the perfect ride.
Overall, if you’re going to be demanding a lot more from your vehicle in way of off-roading or racing conditions, the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks might be the ones for you. However, if this is your first suspension upgrade and you’re looking at some trails and want better handling and comfort, there’s no reason the Fox 2.0 would steer you wrong.
Depending on what you’re looking for, these 3 options should have you covered. For something stronger, more durable, and can be customized to your specifications, the Fox Performance Series Shock will get you there, with the Fox 2.5 being the premium option. A casual driver who just wants a lift kit without the huge price tag that can come with it might be more interested in the Nitro series shocks. The NX2 is going to have you covered for the everyday driving with a better overall feel. If you are interested in the options BDS provides to your specific truck, click here for a truck-specific search result in BDS lift/leveling kits.

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