image: Ford
If you’re looking to get more out of your Bronco on road and off, suspension is a critical component to look at. The 6th gen Bronco comes with great offerings from the factory, but with tweaks like swapping shocks, you can turn up the control and comfort of your Bronco.
The Boss HOSS System
Bronco Nation has covered Ford’s four levels of the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system before. Since that article, small changes have been made to the lineup, namely the standardization of HOSS 3.0 for Wildtrak and the inclusion of the HOSS 3.0 steering gear on the 2024 Badlands.
This article is an updated refresher on the HOSS 1.0-4.0 systems for 2021-2023 Broncos. Learn, or be reminded of, what comes on your Bronco, and see how Ford upped performance through parts. It’s also our first piece in a series focused on arming you with a basic knowledge of shocks and using them to upgrade your suspension.
image: Ford
Why Focus on Shocks?
Shocks are not just for off-roaders, heavy modifiers, and professional racers to pay attention to. Everyone who wants to maintain control of their vehicle can benefit from good shocks. The job of any shock is to keep your tires in contact with the ground. At a simple level, they do that by absorbing the force of bumps (desert whoops or city potholes) that would otherwise destabilize your Bronco and make it difficult to handle.
In addition to handling, shocks play an integral part in your Bronco’s braking performance. Worn-out shocks can cause you to lose precious feet when coming to a sudden stop, as much as ten feet when braking from 60 mph to zero. Shocks have a lifespan of approximately 50,000 miles before they need to be replaced or rebuilt, so even if your Bronco is a daily driver and never taken off-road, shock knowledge is for you.
Lastly, unlike some modifications, it’s possible to change shocks without affecting other components of your Bronco’s suspension. Geometry applies, but you may prefer one brand’s tech over another, making shocks an “easier” part to switch out and benefit from.
Future articles in this series will go into topics like shock components and construction; upgrading your shocks; lifting your vehicle with coilovers; and tuning shocks for your expectations, driving style, terrain, and vehicle set-up. For now, let’s look back at the suspension Ford has put on your Bronco.
Quick Reference: Your HOSS System
- 1.0: standard on 2021-23 Bronco Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Black Diamond
- 2.0: standard on 2021 Wildtrak, First Edition, and 2021-23 Bronco Badlands, Everglades, Heritage, Heritage Limited, and Sasquatch-equipped Broncos
- 3.0: standard on 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and optional on 2022s.
- 4.0: standard on 2022-23 Bronco Raptor
What’s Included in My Suspension Level?
All Broncos are set up to be safe and capable on road and off, but more demanding terrains and driving styles require higher-performance, heavier-duty parts. What is the takeaway for those interested in benefits over specifics? HOSS systems get better and stronger as the levels increase.
HOSS 1.0
- Hitachi twin-tube shocks (1-zone damping)
- 190mm IFS axle
- 220mm solid rear axle
- Base-level steering rack, steering gear, and tie-rod system
HOSS 2.0
- Bilstein ESCV monotube shocks with external piggyback bypass reservoirs (3-zone damping)
- 210mm IFS axle
- 220mm solid rear axle
- Two steering rack, steering gear, and tie-rod systems: base and Sasquatch. Model year 2024 Badlands receives the HOSS 3.0 steering gear.
- Rear stabilizer bar with 4-door Sasquatch on model year ‘22+
HOSS 3.0
- FOX 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks with external remote and piggyback reservoirs (5-zone damping)
- 210mm IFS axle
- 220mm solid rear axle
- Ford Performance Severe-Duty steering rack, Raptor motor, and upgraded tie rods
- Rear stabilizer bar on both 2-doors and 4-doors
HOSS 4.0
- FOX 3.1” internal bypass semi-active shocks with Live Valve technology (infinite-zone damping)
- 210mm IFS axle
- 235mm solid rear axle
- Ford Performance Severe-Duty steering rack, motor, and tie rods
- Rear track bar
Come Back for More
Though we’ve just scratched the surface, know that the shocks on your Bronco play an important part in handling and performance. While the factory shocks are more than sufficient for many, upgrades and adjustments can let you push your Bronco faster and harder while maintaining control. And even if you are using your Bronco to drive around town, you may want to customize ride stiffness for your needs and preferences.
Follow along as we cover getting the most from your Bronco by the shocks you put on it, and if you’ve changed yours from OEM, tell us what you went with and why below!
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