Ford ships the 6G with four distinct HOSS suspension levels. HOSS 1.0 (base) runs twin-tube shocks. HOSS 2.0 (Badlands, Wildtrak, any Sasquatch-package truck) runs Bilstein position-sensitive monotubes with remote reservoirs and internal end-stops. HOSS 3.0 is the Bronco Raptor's Fox Live Valve setup. HOSS 4.0 came with the 2024 Bronco Raptor refresh. Knowing which one is under your truck dictates what aftermarket parts actually fit.
The HOSS naming gets confusing because trim level and shock package don't always match. Sasquatch is a package, not a trim — you can order Sasquatch on a Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, or Badlands. Sasquatch automatically pulls in the Bilstein HOSS 2.0 dampers, the 35-inch Goodyear tires, the high-clearance fender flares, the 4.7 final drive, and the front and rear electronic lockers. Badlands trim includes the same Bilstein dampers but only the rear locker as standard — front locker requires adding Sasquatch.
HOSS 1.0 (Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks without Sasquatch) runs twin-tube shocks tuned more for on-road compliance than articulation. The truck still drives well off-road but tops out earlier and lacks the bottom-out resistance for high-speed dirt. Aftermarket replacement is manageable and cheap because you're swapping common twin-tube geometry.
HOSS 2.0 is the part you actually want for any meaningful off-road use. The Bilstein position-sensitive end-stop control valve (ESCV) dampers stiffen progressively as the shock approaches full compression or full extension — that's what "position-sensitive" means. The middle of the travel range is plush; the last inch on either end ramps up hydraulic resistance to prevent metal-on-metal bottom-out. The remote reservoirs add oil volume so the shock doesn't fade under sustained high-frequency work.
HOSS 3.0 is Bronco Raptor-only — Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks with electronically variable damping. Different mounts, different geometry, not a drop-in for non-Raptor trucks.
There was a recall on early HOSS 2.0 trucks (model years 2021–2023, roughly 150,000 units) for rear shock reservoir bracket failures. If you bought a used Badlands or Sasquatch, confirm the recall was performed by entering your VIN at ford.com/support. The fixed brackets are straightforward to spot — they're noticeably beefier than the original.
The aftermarket replacement question depends on what you're trying to do. For HOSS 1.0 trucks, dropping in HOSS 2.0 Bilsteins or aftermarket monotubes (Icon, Old Man Emu, Zone, RPG) is a real upgrade. For HOSS 2.0 trucks, stay with Bilsteins or step up to Fox 2.5 / King 2.5 if you're chasing high-speed desert capability — there's no point downgrading to a generic monotube.
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.