10 Best Shocks for Jeep Wrangler JL, JK & TJ
Jeep wranglers are prone to bouncing and jumping especially when you are off-roading. This can hamper your overall riding experience and can disturb you throughout the journey. However, a durable pair of shocks can reduce the vibration and bouncing to a great extent and offer you a comfortable and stable riding experience.
Shock absorbers, commonly referred to as shocks, are tools that can be installed in jeeps to reduce wobbling. These products are mostly manufactured using steel and aluminum and steel and come with specialized pistons that help in reducing aeration and vibration significantly. In this article, I have outlined the best shocks for jeep wrangler based on construction material, installation mechanism, tube design, and price. Moreover, all the options have been reviewed in detail to help you find out the best ones for yourself.
Best Shocks For Jeep Wrangler Overview
10 Best Shocks For Jeep Reviews
1. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set For Jeep Wrangler
Best Overall
Features
- 0-2” front life
- Fits 4WD vehicles
- Factory shock mounting bolts
- Rancho’s 90-day ride guarantee
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for Jeep Wrangler might lie on the pricier side, however, they are worth the try especially if you own a small jeep. The product is not only durable in nature but also possesses exceptional vibration absorption abilities, which prevent your jeep from bouncing continuously during the ride. Similar to the majority of the gas shocks available around the market, these options are also highly durable in nature and thus, can be used for years without any underlying concerns about the durability and the damage.
What I loved the most is the limited lifetime warranty available on these shocks, which can be used in case of some manufacturing defect or technical fault that might affect the performance of the shock absorbers or might render them useless in severe cases. You will also find all the nuts and bolts required for installation with the main package and do not need to purchase them separately.
This feature of these best shocks for jeep wrangler makes them an ultimate choice for the majority of the consumers as nobody wants to go through the hassle of finding the appropriate nuts and bolts for installation. Similarly, if you already own factory shock mounting bolts, you can also reuse them for installation without any difficulty or inconvenience. Users also reported that the installation is easy and can be carried out at home by themselves. Hence, eliminating the need for experts and reducing the overall capital cost of these shocks. Rancho RS5000X is one of the best shocks for jeep XJ.
What we liked
- Smooth performance
- Easy to install
- Withstands extreme pressure
What we didn’t like
- Paint might wear off quickly
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for Jeep Wrangler features an aesthetic outlook and comes in an extremely beautiful white and red color combination. The model is long-lasting and less prone to weathering. So, you can use it for years without any major damage to the outer surface of the shocks. Moreover, because of the easy installation, these shocks are also easier to replace and are highly popular among consumers.
2. FOX PERF. SERIES IFP SHOCKS
Premium Pick
Features
- Aluminum construction
- Internal floating piston
- Mono-tube design
- High flow damping piston
FOX PERF. SERIES IFP SHOCKS are manufactured using high-grade aluminum and are one of the highly durable and performance-efficient shock absorbers you will find on the market these days. These exceptional abilities coupled with the long life of these products make them the best shocks for Jeep Wrangler available in 2022. You might find these shock absorbers more expensive than other options on the list but that’s understandable as they are highly durable and performance-oriented in nature.
This is the reason for their high demand in the market despite their pricier nature. Since the aluminum is lightweight in nature, you will observe that the shocks also feel extremely light when held in hand and display unrivaled shock absorption abilities. You can easily install them in your Jeep Wrangler or SUV and let them take care of you along the way irrespective of the path roughness and terrain type.
Their damp-controlling abilities allow you to enjoy a comfortable riding experience even when you are off-roading and it is difficult to control the bouncing of the jeep in the absence of these tools. In addition to this, the aluminum used for manufacturing this particular option is rust and corrosion resistant in nature and therefore, can be exposed to intense environmental conditions without any underlying concerns.
What we liked
- Suitable for on/off-road
- For multiple terrains
- Exceptional heat dissipation
What we didn’t like
- Nuts might be tricky to screw
FOX PERF. SERIES IFP SHOCKS are integrated with Internal Floating Piston and feature a mono-tube design that is highly appreciated by the users and helps in keeping the oil and nitrogen gas away from each other by placing them in separate chambers. Furthermore, the monotube design also offers ease of installation and makes these shocks a perfect choice for novice users.
3. Bilstein Pair Of Front And Rear Shock Absorbers
Editor’s Choice
Features
- Monotube design
- Gas pressure technology
- Direct bolt-on installation
- Lifetime Warranty
Bilstein Pair of Front and Rear Shock Absorbers as the name indicates contains both front and back shock absorbers and provides you multiple benefits at relatively reasonable rates. Similar to their previously mentioned counterparts, these shocks also feature a mono-tube design, which is characterized by the ease of installation especially if you own a small jeep or another related vehicle.
The main installation mechanism is the direct bolt-on assembly, which can be carried out at home by yourself if you possess some experience in installing the shock absorbers. You can also attempt it for the first time if you are a beginner since the installation is extremely easy, however, you will have to be patient in your first attempt as it might require some time. All in all, you do not need to spend money on this, as the installation can be carried out by yourself.
Furthermore, the mono-tube design also protects the vehicle from bouncing excessively by absorbing the excessive energy and shocks that might be generated from hard impact when the jeep is riding over rough terrains. All of this is attributed to the gas pressure technology and the high-quality dampening system that can offer improved control and stability, without compromising the comfort and overall performance of the jeep.
What we liked
- High stability
- Quick installation
- Trendy design
What we didn’t like
- Not the best bushings
Bilstein Pair of Front and Rear Shock Absorbers are characterized by high durability and outstanding efficiency. You can use these in different environmental conditions and expose them to intense moisture, without much consideration about rusting and corrosion. The high-quality material used in manufacturing this model is corrosion resistant in nature and contributes to its extended average life.
4. Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Shock Set
Budget Friendly
Features
- Aluminum and alloy steel construction
- Fits 2WD and 4WD vehicles
- 1-year warranty
- Shock mounting bolts
Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Shock Set features a combo of aluminum, metal, and alloy steel, all of which are used in manufacturing this remarkable option. This contributes to the exceptional strength of these shocks and allows you to use them continuously year after year without fear of corrosion and rusting.
The steel used in the system is also scratch-resistant in nature and you do not need to go through complex maintenance procedures in order to extend their average life. The set contains four shocks that are designed for both front and rear use. This increases their versatility to a great extent and enables you to focus on your driving experience, rather than worrying about the bouncing of the vehicle or excessive wobbling especially if you are off-roading.
Similarly, you can be relieved from the concerns of separately purchasing all the nuts and clamps, as these accessories are available with the main package and can be used to install the shocks without any difficulty. You can follow the installation guide offered by the manufacturer and install these shock absorbers at home without contacting any technical expert for this purpose.
What we liked
- Perfect for uneven terrain
- Above-average oil capacity
- Premium quality construction materials
What we didn’t like
- Mounting plates are separately sold
Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Shocks are indeed the best shocks for jeep wrangler and come with a one-year warranty. This means that you can get the product replaced in case of defects or premature failure and obtain a new one from the manufacturer. Similarly, you can rest assured about the dampening effect of these shocks as they are the best for controlling vibration and offering stability.
5. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks Set
Most Durable
Features
- Fits 4WD vehicles
- Monotube design
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- 1.5-3” front life system
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks Set again belongs to the category of monotube shock absorbers. This means that you can get maximized performance output without compromising on durability or installation procedure. The set includes two front and two rear shock absorbers, which can be used to increase the vibration dampening abilities of the jeep wrangler especially when you are off-roading.
Thus, enabling you to enjoy a stable and comfortable ride with your friends and family. Their specialized design with quality construction allows you to use these shocks continuously for years without any change in their overall strength or durability, which is highly appreciated by the users.
Similarly, you can also use these in areas with relatively high moisture content without any regard for corrosion as the product is corrosion resistant in nature and will not be affected by the intense moisture and other related factors. You can also make use of the limited lifetime warranty and get the model replaced in case of premature failure and other manufacturing defects that are affecting its abilities and performance.
What we liked
- Perfect for Jeep Wrangler JK
- Long-lasting construction
- User-friendly
What we didn’t like
- Not the smoothest option
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks Set features an extended length, which makes it easier to install as compared to other shock absorbers available around the market, Moreover, the 46mm digressive piston helps you achieve maximized performance both on and off-road and displays unmatched results. Thus, making them the best shocks for jeep wrangler.
6. Detroit Axle – Front And Rear Shock Absorber
Features
- Detroit Axle Suspension components
- 10-year warranty
- 2x shock absorbers
- Front lift system
If you are not impressed by the above-mentioned options and do not want to invest in them because of their high price, then the Detroit Axle – Front and Rear Shock Absorber might be a suitable alternative for you. This product is not only budget-friendly but also displays exceptional performance. Hence, it is highly recommended for all the Jeep Wrangler owners out there.
Designed specifically for the front life, the shock absorber comes with intense vibration control abilities that will protect your jeep from bouncing excessively when riding over rough and patchy areas. In addition to this, you can also enjoy stable and comfortable rides thanks to its long-lasting performance, which eliminates the hassle of frequently replacing it with the newer versions.
I also observed that the shock absorber is highly durable in nature and offers tough competition to its other counterparts in terms of durability, performance, and quality construction. So, you can use it in the long term without going through complex maintenance procedures in order to keep it in good condition.
What we liked
- Impact resistance
- High versatility
- Meet the rigorous demand
What we didn’t like
- Lack of rear lifting abilities
Detroit Axle – Front and Rear Shock Absorbers are available with a 10-year warranty, which is extremely good in my opinion for an option available in this price range. The whole set contains four different shock absorbers that are designed for the front life and are compatible with a variety of vehicles including trucks, jeeps, and SUVs.
7. NEW Front & Rear Shock Absorbers
Features
- Front and rear position
- Fits 4WD vehicle
- Set of four
- Metal construction
NEW Front & Rear Shock Absorbers are highly recommended if you are searching for budget-friendly and the best shocks for Jeep Wrangler. As the name indicates, these shock absorbers are available for both front and rear life and display outstanding performance without compromising the durability and vibration absorption abilities in any case.
Their quality construction coupled with the corrosion resistance allows you to use these shocks in intense atmospheric conditions without any precautionary measures. This is because they are not prone to corrosion and will remain in good condition even after years of use if looked after properly.
In addition to these, you can enjoy a comfortable riding experience without making any compromise on stability and other associated performance indicators. This is because of the intense shock dampening abilities of the product, which reduces the bouncing and vibration to a great extent and helps you enjoy both on-road and off-road riding experiences on different types of terrains.
What we liked
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Reduced bouncing
What we didn’t like
- No warranty
NEW Front & Rear Shock Absorbers are my personal favorite and offer you a cost-effective alternative to some pricier options included in the list. You also do not need to put in much effort in order to maintain these shock absorbers as they are sturdy in nature and possess great strength which prevents them from getting damaged easily.
8. Rough Country 3.5-5 N3 Rear Shock Absorbers
Best Seller
Features
- 10-stage variable valving
- Nitrogen Charged rubber bushings
- Spring-loaded piston rod seal
- 36kN Tensile strength
Rough Country 3.5-5″ N3 Rear Shock Absorbers are different from their previously mentioned counterparts and are manufactured using rubber, which is not only famous for its durability but also offers exceptional strength and flexibility, The high flexibility of the rubber makes these shocks an ideal option for use in jeep wranglers. The outer surface of the shocks is coated with paint, which is weather resistant in nature and will not scratch or peel off easily.
Similarly, the rubber bushings also offer tensile strength and prevent the shocks from breakage and damage when exposed to excessive and intense vibrations. This makes them a perfect choice for those that love the off-roading experiences and enjoy riding over rough mountainous terrains and patchy pathways.
During the trial sessions, I also found out that these shocks are relatively easier to install and do not consume a lot of time in the process. Therefore, I highly recommend installing these at home as well. Hence lowering the overall capital cost to a great extent and making them the most inexpensive and the best shocks for jeep wranglers available in 2022.
What we liked
- High flexibility
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Fast cooling
What we didn’t like
- Not suitable for front position
Rough Country 3.5-5″ N3 Rear Shock Absorbers are backed by a limited lifetime replacement warranty by the manufacturer, which allows you to get the model replaced by a new one in case of any premature failure, or performance issue, or manufacturing defect. Additionally, the spring-loaded piston rod seal is highly beneficial and adds five stars to the performance of these shocks.
9. Rubicon Express SK010702RXJ 2 -3.5 Monotube Shock
Most Attractive
Features
- Monotube design
- 2-3.5” shocks
- Compatible with Jeep TJ/JL
- 21 pounds weight
Rubicon Express SK010702RXJ 2″-3.5″ Monotube Shock, similar to the majority of other options listed in this review, falls under the mid-price category and offers you a perfect balance between performance and price. If you do not want to purchase an expensive model and are concerned about investing in a cheap option, mainly because of the fear of poor performance, you can try considering this option for your jeep.
Not only is this product durable but also displays extreme strength, which makes it an ideal option to withstand intense vibrations without breakage or damage. Thus, you can use this shock absorber on a continuous basis, without paying too much attention to maintenance because of its high-quality construction, which is highly appreciated by the masses.
Moreover, it is exceptionally lightweight in nature and therefore, does not increase the overall mass of the jeep when installed in it. The lightweight also supports the installation procedure and enables you to hold and carry it easily while inserting it inside the internal system without requiring any assistance in this regard.
What we liked
- Lightweight
- Improved design
- Affordable price
What we didn’t like
- Lacks flexibility
Rubicon Express SK010702RXJ 2″-3.5″ Monotube Shock has evolved over the years and has surpassed its predecessors in terms of shock absorption, durability, lightweight, and performance. With its improved design and unrivaled abilities, the product is considered the best among others available around the market in this price range.
10. Monroe Shocks & Struts 58647 Shock Absorber
Features
- 1200 pounds capacity
- Self-lubricating fluid seak
- Nitrocarburized rod
- Nitrogen gas charged
Monroe Shocks & Struts 58647 Shock Absorber is specially manufactured to offer shock absorption towards the rear end and comes with an overall 1200 pounds capacity. This means that you can load it with intense vibration and bouncing effects, and the product will display exceptional results and stability in different types of conditions.
It comes with fully-displaced valving, which is capable of functioning automatically and helps you achieve a consistent performance while you are riding on-road and off-road. This versatile performance of the shock absorber is highly admired by users of diverse backgrounds and is the reason for its high demand worldwide.
Similarly, you do not need to be concerned about the weather conditions with this option as it comes with special modifiers that help it in breaking intense conditions such as high temperature and heavy rain without any performance issues. This coupled with the inclusion of the PTFE banded piston into the system helps in reducing the friction between piston and pressure tube and improves the overall responsiveness of the shock absorber.
What we liked
- Reduced friction
- Extra durability
- Decreased sag under load
What we didn’t like
- Noisy
Monroe Shocks & Struts 58647 Shock Absorber is integrated with nitrogen gas which helps in maintaining tire-to-road contact, especially in the case of long-distance rides. This helps in maintaining control over the vehicle by reducing the aeration and the wobbling to a great extent and offers you a comfortable riding experience.
Factors To Consider While Purchasing The Best Shocks For Jeep Wrangler
Shocks for jeep wranglers might vary depending upon the size of the vehicle, construction material, off-roading abilities, installation mechanisms, and much more. Therefore, you should pay great attention to these aspects when choosing these products.
It is important to research these factors beforehand and read the reviews and analyses of other users and experts in the field to underline key factors that can affect the performance of jeep wrangler shocks. Here we have kept the requirements of different users into consideration and developed an in-depth buying guide to help you with the selection.
Price
Firstly, price is important and should always be given the required attention to avoid future financial issues. We suggest checking the price of every option you are interested in whether you are financially well off or not. This will not only help you develop a good habit of reading the price of every product, which will be useful in the future but will also enable you to keep a record of your investment and save some resources for future use.
We have often seen users who do not pay much attention to this factor and end up investing in inappropriate options that cost them a lot of physical and financial assets. Hence, straining their budget for the rest of the month. Therefore, it is important to always consider the price before moving on with the purchase.
Installation Mechanism
Next up on the list is the installation mechanism. This is highly important if you are planning to install the shocks by yourself and won’t be asking for any technical assistance in this regard. Installation of shocks can be extremely difficult especially if you are a beginner and doing it for the first time.
This can not only consume a lot of time but will also require great effort and skill. Hence, it is essential to look for products that are relatively easier to install and can be installed without any expert guidance. Also, check whether the installation manual or guide is available with the main package as it will help you a lot in assembling the whole unit and will guide you step by step to reduce errors and improve the accuracy.
Construction Material
Construction Material is another factor that can affect the overall abilities of the jeep wrangler shocks and therefore, it should be selected carefully. The most commonly used materials of construction for manufacturing shocks include steel and aluminum. Both of these materials are highly durable in nature and possess exceptional strength.
Therefore, they will not get easily damaged because of intense atmospheric conditions and other physical factors. However, among both these materials, I highly prefer using aluminum because of its lightweight, which makes it easier to carry and install as compared to steel. Aluminum is also a low-maintenance material and therefore, you will not have to put in a considerable amount of effort in keeping it new.
In addition to this, also monitor if the option you are purchasing comes with corrosion and weather resistance as it will help in protecting the shocks against the harmful effects of changing weather conditions and other related phenomena such as excessive rain and snow. If you are purchasing steel we also advise considering the stain and scratch-resistant shocks as steel is prone to scratching and might develop unintentional scratches after continuous use.
Different Tubes And Styles
Besides the above-mentioned attributes, different types of tubes and styles should also be considered and identified if they are compatible with the style and design of your jeep. For smaller jeeps, monotubes are an ideal option because of their easy installation and other associated abilities that make them relatively easier to use and improve their overall performance.
In contrast, if you have a relatively larger vehicle and are more inclined towards off-roading and driving on highways, then we suggest considering the twin-tube shocks because of their superior abilities to monotube shocks in terms of durability and supporting off-roading activities. Besides this, for those that are particularly concerned about the style of the jeep, some of the options that are widely available include gas shocks, oil shocks, and overloud shocks.
The gas shocks are preferable for smaller jeeps and feature high durability. Moreover, they are also capable of handling bumps and bounces and display outstanding shock absorption abilities. In contrast, the oil shocks are relatively cheaper and are available at affordable rates across the market. Hence, if you are short on budget you might want to consider those, however, you might have to compromise in terms of durability to some extent while using these.
Finally, the overloud shocks also referred to as the coil-over shocks are different from their previously mentioned counterparts and are specifically designed for off-roading activities. These shocks are manufactured using high-quality components and thus, are long-lasting and exceptionally durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Shock Absorbers And Struts?
In general, both shock absorbers and struts feature similar functionality. The only difference lies in their performance and installation abilities. The struts are usually located in the internal system of the jeeps and are difficult to replace as compared to their shock absorber counterparts. Furthermore, they are also highly durable in nature and usually last for a long time before displaying any major signs of damage or other related performance and durability issues. Moreover, though similar, both components can not be used as a replacement for each other.
How Do I Know That My Jeep Wrangler Shocks Are Worn Out?
Identifying the problems with the shocks is not a difficult task. The most visible sign, in this case, is the excessive bouncing and wobbling of the jeep. Since shocks serve the purpose of vibration absorbers and control the overall bouncing of the jeep, you can easily identify if they are worn out by monitoring the performance of your vehicle. If you observe that the jeep is vibrating excessively and jumping up and down continuously, then it is a clear sign that the shocks are worn out and need to be replaced immediately.
How Much Will A New Set Of Shocks Cost Me?
Shocks are available in different price options across the market. However, on average you can find a good pair of shock absorbers in the range of $150 to $200 for your jeep wrangler. Not only are these highly durable but also require considerably less maintenance as compared to other options on the list. You can also go for relatively cheaper options if you are short on budget, however, you might have to compromise on various factors in such cases for example durability.
What Are The Best Jeep Wrangler Shocks Wrapped Up
You might face issues and challenges while choosing the performance-efficient shocks for a jeep wrangler. This is because one has to consider a variety of factors before making an investment as it can affect the future financial status as well as the maintenance activities. Thus, based on construction material, tube style, installation mechanism, and price, we have reviewed the best shocks for jeep wrangler and have outlined the following recommendations.
- Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for its smooth performance, exceptional shock absorption, easy installation, and ability to withstand extreme pressure.
- FOX PERF. SERIES IFP SHOCKS due to their aluminum construction, versatile performance, excellent heat dissipation, and reduced bouncing.
- Bilstein Pair of Front and Rear Shock Absorbers because of their high stability, quick installation, trendy design, and outstanding shock dampening system.
Thus, they are perfect for you if you want to invest in durable shock absorbers for jeep wranglers.
Hi! This is Marcus Adams, an adventurer who has a passion for jeeps. I have been exploring terrains for about 10 years and has trailed on a variety of jeeps. My passion for off-roading has allowed me to learn everything jeeps have to offer. Now, I have turned his passion into a professional project in form of this SMOOTHDRIVES website, where I plan to share my expertise about all kinds of off-roading accessories for jeeps, trucks and SUV’s and provide readers with high-quality content.