Shock absorbers are one of those car parts that you rarely think of unless you start having problems. The purpose of a shock is to keep your tires making contact with the pavement and stop the bouncing and jarring of rough roads.
To give you a list of the best Jeep Wrangler shocks I went to a local suspension shop and asked for professional guidance. The professional recommendations were compiled with recommendations from my Jeep Wrangler owning friends, and the following are the top suggested shocks for the jeep.
Top Jeep Wrangler Shocks Comparisons
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Top 7 Jeep Wrangler Riding Shocks Review
1. Rancho Gas Jeep Wrangler JK Shocks
Compatible with the Jeep Wrangler JK manufactured between 2007 and 2015. The shocks work on a vehicle that is still at the factory height and also works with a vehicle that has had a 2-inch lift kit added on the front or rear of the vehicle.
These shock absorbers utilize the factory mounting bolts when they are installed. All other washers, bushings, and hardware that you will need are included in the purchase package. The shocks are easy to install because they bolt up exactly as the original equipment did. You should be able to make the installation in about three hours.
These are twin-tube shocks designed to fit a large number of Jeep vehicles including the Wranglers and the Rubicon. They measure 10x 12 x 5 inches and weigh about 25 pounds. Hence, You can read our comparison guide on Wrangler Sport and Rubicon.
Rancho Gas Jeep Wrangler JK Shocks have a painted exterior designed to help reduce or prevent corrosion and rust from building upon them.
2. Fox Racing Perf Series Shocks for JK
Fox Racing Perf Series Shocks kit includes 4 shock absorbers that are a perfect fitment on Jeep Wrangler JK 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles that have been upgraded with a 1.5 to the 3.5-inch lift kit.
These are easy-to-install parts that make the most of the original factory bolts that held the previous shocks in position. The other hardware items you need to complete the installation are provided with the set of shocks. You can accomplish the change over in about four hours if you do not have air tools to help you. The hardest part of the changeover is the removal of the old shocks.
The shocks measure 8” x 28” x 8”. They are most beneficial to vehicles that travel over off-road terrain, go up steep inclines, or across rocky areas. They help to maintain the comfort of the interior of the vehicle and protect the rest of the vehicle suspension from undo stress and damages.
Not only will the comfort of your ride be improved the look of the vehicle will be improved because the shocks will give your vehicle a lift.
3. Bilstein Monotube Gas Shocks for Smooth Ride
Complete shock kit with two shocks designed for the front of the vehicle and two shocks designed for the rear of the vehicle. These shock absorbers are specifically designed to be used on four-wheel-drive vehicles that see more dirt roads, off-road driving conditions, and extreme use.
These shocks are easy to install. They use the original mounting bolts that were first put on in the factory when the vehicle was manufactured. They include the majority of other hardware pieces you need for installation unless you need mounting plates and those are sold separately.
These shocks are extremely affordable. They weigh about 25 pounds and measure 10” 10” x30”. They are an exact fitment on vehicles that have a 1.5 to 3-inch lift kit installed. They are not going to work on a Jeep Wrangler JK that has no lift kit and is being driven at factory height.
Once these shocks are in place your vehicle will return to stock ride quality and be noticeably smoother and more comfortable. You will also notice a significant improvement in the steering and handling of the vehicle.
4. Rough Country N3 Jeep TJ LJ Shocks
This is a lift kit and not just shock absorbers. The shock absorbers you need to accommodate the new height of your vehicle after the lift is included with the other components.
Fitment of this lift kit is perfect for the Jeep Wrangler LJ, and the Jeep Wrangler TJ manufactured between 1997 and 2006. The ground clearance you will have after the installation of this lift kit will allow you to go more places and drive across a varied type of terrain without damaging your under-carriage or vehicle.
This kit brings the front of the vehicle level to the ground clearance and position of the rear part of the vehicle. It gives you a smoother ride and the ability to have greater control when traveling at higher rates of speed or around tight corners.
To maintain superior performance, you should check the nuts and hardware connections every 1,000 miles. Every three thousand miles you should have your suspension, steering system, wheel alignment, and driveline evaluated by a professional suspension installation expert.
5. Bilstein Front and Rear Shocks for Jeep JK Rubicon
Perfect shocks for the Jeep Wrangler JK manufactured from 2007 to 2018 that has a lift kit of 1.5 up to 3 inches. These are gas shocks that also align perfectly under the Island Mountain Rubicon, the Sahara Sport Unlimited, and other Jeep manufactured vehicles.
These shocks maintain a smooth and easy ride on vehicles driven on paved streets. They allow the vehicle to haul heavy loads without causing the comfort of the ride to be affected. They are also great for light off-road usage, but they are not intended for strictly off-road travel.
The front shocks have a collapsed length of 14.98” and an extended length of 24.63 inches. The rear shocks have a collapsed length of 15.39 inches and an extended length of 25”. When you change to these shocks you need to have changed the springs of the vehicle for the greater lift because they will not fit on a factory height vehicle.
Their quality is much greater than similar shocks from other manufacturers. They are affordably priced and you can do the installation yourself without seeking help from a mechanic.
6. TeraFlex Front and Rear Off-Road Shocks for Lifted Jeep
Complete set of shocks designed to be used on a Jeep Wrangler JK that has a 3 to 4 inches lift kit installed. The rubber bushings have been upgraded on these shocks to provide you with the ultimate in smooth rides and to dampen any external noises.
The mounting ends of these shocks are made to specifically fit Jeep vehicles. These mounting ends and the vulcanized bushings make the installation hassle-free so you can change them at home.
The shocks are affordable and covered by the standard lifetime warranty that TeraFlex has on devices of this nature. They provide the control and comfort you are looking for. They are good for city driving and for off-road adventure driving.
TeraFlex Front and Rear Shocks Kit are affordable, durable, and beneficial to your vehicle. They give you the peace of mind you need to take the unbeaten path, and they maintain a factory smooth ride for when you travel around town.
The extra support they give your vehicle increases the symmetry of the lifted vehicle and the aggressive appearance of the Jeep. The extra ground clearance makes riding rough roads easier and less traumatic to your vehicle.
7. Bilstein Front and Rear Shocks for Jeep Wrangler
If you drive a Jeep Wrangler or a Wrangler JK that was manufactured between 2007 and 2017 then these shocks were designed for you. They are a perfect fit on these Jeep vehicles without any alterations, adapters, or changes. They bolt right up to the exact location the factory shocks were bolted to.
They are a monotube gas pressure shock that will improve how your vehicle handles. They will give you greater control so you can drive faster, take sharper turns, and keep your vehicle on the path you have chosen.
They resist rust and corrosion. They are painted to protect their exterior, and they will work on vehicles that do not have a lift kit installed.
The installation will generally take about 45 minutes for each shock. In just over three hours you should have all four units installed and be ready to hit the road.
Heavy Duty Shocks for Jeep Wrangler – Short Buying Guide
Shocks are standard equipment that you need on your vehicle. The control and handling of your vehicle suffer when the shocks become worn. The smoothness and comfort of the ride inside the vehicle also suffer when the shocks need to be replaced.
Replacing shocks is not a really hard job. The most important thing to remember about shock replacement is you need the right shock according to how you drive, where you drive, and what you drive.
Take a few moments and consider whether you drive more often on paved streets or dirt roads. Also, consider the speed that you travel and whether you ever leave the beaten path altogether to travel across rough terrain that requires more ground clearance.
When your list of driving habits has been created then compare shocks designed for your vehicle type, that can be beneficial in the type of driving you do.
Shocks Styles
When you go to buy shocks there are two main shock types that most people buy.
Twin Tube
These have valve controls to balance the fluid levels in the two cylinders. The inner tube is for the piston cylinder and the outer tube serves as a reservoir for the fluid. These are less expensive to manufacture and they offer a softer ride for everyday street driving scenarios.
Mono-Tube
These shocks have one single cylinder. That cylinder is divided so that it can accommodate the fluid area and the gas chamber of the shock. This design has greater performance capabilities.
Compatibility
You want shocks that are compatible with the type of vehicle you drive and the amount of ground clearance your vehicle has. You need to consider whether your vehicle is the standard factory height or if it has a lift kit installed. The height of the lift kit will alter how the shocks fit, and the length of the shocks you need.
How to Change Jeep Wrangler Shocks Easily
Changing shocks can be done at home, or you can hire a mechanic to do the work for you. The first order of business is to park the vehicle on a smooth and level surface. Jack the vehicle up and be sure to take safety precautions and chock the wheels so the vehicle cannot roll forward or backward while you work.
Look for the vertical bolt that holds the shock absorber in place. You need to remove this bolt to remove the existing shock. Most new shocks have you use the mounting bolt that you take off the old shock so do not lose this bolt.
Clean the mounting areas of the shock with a high-quality metal cleaner. Check your mounting plates and areas to be sure they are secured properly and all of the gunky build-ups has been removed.
Fit your new shock onto the suspension arm. You may need some assistance while you are balancing the shock and getting the screws started. The shock may need to be constricted to get it maneuvered into proper placement. Check your service manual to discover the proper torque specifications and then tighten the bolts that hold the shock into position.
Repeat this process for all four wheels.
FAQs
When to Change Jeep Wrangler Shocks
If you drive on paved streets and not on rough roads or off-road terrains then, after approximately 50,000 miles your shocks will start to need replacing. If you drive off-road or over rough roads, your chocks are going to need replacing much sooner. When your car begins to ride rougher then, you should consider new shocks.
How Much Does it Cost to Change Shocks at a Garage?
A mechanic will usually charge you about $81 to $102 to change shocks. The price of the change over may be changed if any other front end or suspension repairs are needed on the vehicle.
How Much are Shocks for a Jeep?
On average, the replacement cost for a set of shocks on a Jeep is somewhere between $293 and $392 for parts only. If you hire a mechanic to do the installation it will cost more.
Final Words
The shock absorbers for your jeeps are determined by the way you drive and the vehicle that you drive. When you are choosing shocks you have to make sure they are compatible with your vehicle model and with the ground clearance your vehicle has.
Choosing the best shocks for a jeep wrangler depends on your driving style. If you drive strictly on paved roadways then original equipment shocks are more than likely going to be your best choice. If you frequently drive off-road or you haul heavy loads then you are going to want to get shocks designed for that kind of driving.
