Just like the name suggests, shocks were specifically designed with one single purpose: to absorb all the bumps on the road and ensure a smooth, evened out ride quality. They come in all shapes and sizes, and different shocks fit different Jeep nameplates. In this post, you’ll find four separate comparison tables with shocks that fit the Wrangler JK, TJ/LJ, and the Cherokee WJ and XJ.
That’s right: every single Jeep driver will find a set of shocks that will greatly improve his/her off-roading experience. Alright, so, if you’re ready to check out the Best Shock Absorbers for Jeep, let’s go right ahead and see what the market has to offer! I also included a Buyer’s Guide and a FAQ right after the reviews to help you learn more about shocks and how they work.
1. Rancho RS5000X for Jeep JK
With this set of shock absorbers, you’ll get smooth ride quality off the road, no matter how bumpy the terrain may be. Designed to hold their own against abnormally hot and cold temperatures, these shocks will be a good pick for the fans of extreme driving. They carry excellent value and will be money well spent. Rancho has been on the market for quite a long time and knows exactly what the drivers need.
My only complaint is about the paint. Even though the red looks good, it wears off quickly. But, that’s a rather minor con. Besides, company officials have promised to fix this in the nearest future.
Smooth, strong against harsh weather conditions, and durable – that’s the RS5000X set for you. It comes at a reasonable price and won’t disappoint you in the long run. The paint doesn’t hold very well, though.
2. Bilstein 5100 Series for Jeep JK
If you’re a beginner Jeep enthusiast and want something that will be easy to install, the Bilstein shocks might be right up your alley. They are one of the most “user-friendly” options on the market and fit Wrangler JKs perfectly, without any “hiccups”. The build quality also deserves our praise. The engineers did an excellent job with it and the 5100 series shocks boast durability and reliability.
However, they’re not as smooth as I wanted them to be. While most of the bumps on the road will be neutralized, compared to the more “gentle” shocks, these are kinda rough.
If you’re not looking for smoothness in shock absorbers, this Bilstein package might be a good investment. It is very easy to install (especially on a Wrangler JK) and is made from high-quality materials to last long.
3. FOX Performance Series
This is one of those all-in-one types of sets. What I mean is it will perform equally well both on highways and off the road. The ride quality is, indeed, impressive – you’ll be able to drive wherever you want to. Another standout feature is the complex heat dissipation system. It makes sure to keep everything nice and cool and prevent overheating.
Installation can be a pain, though, particularly if you have little experience with third-party gear. The reason – some of the nuts (mostly, the top ones) are hard to screw unless you have the right equipment. I wasted a lot of time (and nerves), but did actually screw them with a regular tool.
If not for the challenging installation process, these shocks would’ve been a bargain. Unlike most rivaling equipment, they perform equally flawlessly on highways and rough terrain.
4. Bilstein 4600 Series
Some aftermarket shock absorbers have a hard time keeping the Jeep steady. That’s especially true when you’ve got aftermarket tires installed and they mess with the ride quality. If that’s the case with you, this Bilstein pack might be worth your attention. With it, you can also forget about installation problems. No pro-grade tools will be required, and the whole process doesn’t take much time.
As for the design, some folks like it, while others find it to be too bright. What’s more important, the bushings that come with the package are quite dull, to say the least. I recommend getting a more decent set at your local store.
The Bilstein 4600 shocks can keep your steel friend nice and steady on the road. They are very easy to install and will definitely grab the attention of fellow Jeep drivers.
5. Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Series
The off-road tends to be quite bumpy and jumpy, and without a proper set of shock absorbers, the ride will be less than enjoyable. The good news is – with a set like the Fox Reservoir, the road will feel smoother than ever. It also comes with an increased oil and nitrogen capacity, which is always a big pro for shocks. The material quality is well above average and ensures longevity and durability.
Sadly, some users experience quality control issues. I’m talking about shipped boxes that were previously open, broken seals, and a lack of protective plastic. Only a very small percentage of buyers experienced this, but still.
The disappointing quality control issues are this shock set’s biggest con. As for the pros, it handles rough terrain easily and eliminates all the bumps. Above-average capacity (both oil and nitrogen) and premium-grade materials/build quality are a part of the deal as well.
Best Shocks Absorbers Upgrade for Jeep Wrangler JK, JKU
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Rancho RS5000X for Jeep JK |
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2) Bilstein 5100 Series for Jeep JK |
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3) FOX Performance Series |
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4) Bilstein 4600 Series |
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5) Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Series |
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1. Rancho RS5000X for Jeep TJ
With this set of shocks, Rancho decided to bet on affordability. If you’re on a tight budget, it could be the right purchase for you. This makes the Rancho RS5000X arguably one of the best shocks for Jeep TJ. I also want to mention that these shocks will be a particularly good addition to a 4WD Jeep. The manufacturer backs this product by a three-month free-ride guarantee, by the way. That means you’ll be able to get a complete refund within those 90 days.
The bad news is – off-the-road performance leaves a lot to be desired. I’m not saying it’s horrible, of course, but if you’re planning on doing a lot of mountain climbing and “desert storming”, you might want to reconsider.
These shocks are all about highway and city driving. Owners of 4WD vehicles that mostly drive on “civilized” terrain will find them to be quite a reasonable investment. They’re not nearly as good for off-roading, though.
2. Bilstein 5100 Series for Jeep TJ
Lifted vehicles aren’t as flexible or nimble as we all want them to be. And, they put an extra amount of pressure on shock absorbers, pushing them to the limit. But, with the 5100 series shocks, you can rest assured that all the bumps will be even out. Their damping characteristics are, indeed, quite impressive. This is mostly achieved through digressive valving – Blistein’s patented technology.
The advanced heat dissipation system is even more reason to consider them over the competition. The only downside is the somewhat steep price-tag.
If you’re not turned off by the expensive price-tag, these shock absorbers might be exactly what the doc ordered. Their superior damping capabilities, along with the advanced heat dissipation system are all worth the extra cost.
3. FOX 2.0 Performance Series for Jeep TJ
TJ drivers in search of an easy-to-install set should probably check out what FOX has to offer. The 2.0 Performance Series shocks follow the bolt-on design and will be very easy to install and to remove. On top of that, they eliminate body roll and front-end dipping, which can be a problem with some aftermarket gear. Add a (limited) one-year warranty, and you’ll get a bargain.
A quick note: while these shocks are 100% compatible with the Jeep TJ, the list of supported vehicles/brands is rather limited. This is only a minor con, of course, as we’re only talking about the TJ in this post.
Backed by a 12-month guaranty, decent at fixing body roll and dipping, and easy to install – that’s the Performance Series shock set in a nutshell for you.
Best Shocks for Jeep Wrangler TJ, LJ
Both TJ and LJ are off-road-ready monsters. Even if you’re not rocking any aftermarket parts, the factory gear will be a good place to start. But, as I mentioned in the beginning, a premium-grade set of shocks will dramatically improve handling and control over the road. A quick note: LJ is mostly known as the Wrangler TJ Unlimited and has a longer frame than the “traditional” TJ. That’s pretty much the only significant difference.
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Rancho RS5000X for Jeep TJ |
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2) Bilstein 5100 Series for Jeep TJ |
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3) FOX 2.0 Performance Series for Jeep TJ |
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1. Front and Rear Shocks by Sensen
As I already mentioned, when you install a set of new (and big) tires, the handling and ride quality significantly worsen. Well, with these shocks, that won’t be a problem anymore. They’re pretty awesome at giving the driver back control over the wheel. And, all the components meet and exceed OE specifications, which means there won’t be any issues with the installation.
On the downside, the package doesn’t include all the necessary installation hardware. For some reason, Sensen decided to save on bolts and bushings (mostly, for the front shocks).
Dreaming of restoring your Jeep’s ride quality after installing larger-than-life off-roading wheels? These shock absorbers might be a good place to start. They are easy to install and come packed with a limited warranty.
2. Monroe 58647 Monroe Load Adjust Shock
Thanks to the built-in modifiers, these load adjust shocks ensure a smooth ride quality. This is achieved by reducing friction. The fluon banded piston, in turn, adds to the overall control level and longevity of the shocks. And you’ll be able to get all of this for cheap. Based in China, Monroe offers quite an attractive price and easily competes with the best US-made competitors.
The shock absorbers tend to get noisy, however, especially on highways and city streets. The noise isn’t too frustrating, but if you’re sensitive to these types of things, that could be a major con.
Low-budget, great at reducing friction, reliable, and durable – that’s what the Monroe shock set is all about. It makes weird noises on highways sometimes, though.
3. Bilstein 5100 Series for Jeep XJ
Thanks to forward-thinking engineering, these Bilstein shocks are capable of maintaining a controlled and comfortable ride quality regardless of the terrain. The dividing piston, in turn, keeps the oil “in check” and prevents it from foaming, which is always bad news for shock absorbers. Add industry-leading cooling methods, and you’ll get one of the best offers on the market.
There’s one tiny con: unless you extend the bump-stops, these shocks will “bottom out”. That’s because they are about four inches longer than the factory shocks.
For a controlled, steady ride quality on any terrain, these shocks might very well be the best offer on the market.
Best Shock Absorbers for Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ
This is the 2nd-gen Grand Cherokee SUV, and it was first introduced to the world back in 1998 (more than two decades ago). The Jeep engineers had one goal with this model: to make it the best sport utility vehicle for off-roading and they did exactly that. To this day, WJ is considered as one of the best choices for the fans of climbing mountains, pushing through mud, and riding into the sunset.
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Front and Rear Shocks by Sensen |
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2) Monroe 58647 Monroe Load Adjust Shock |
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3) Bilstein 5100 Series for Jeep XJ |
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1. Bilstein 5100 for Jeep XJ
Most Bilstein shocks boast decent ride quality on any terrains, but the 5100 set takes everything a step further. With it, you’ll always be in control, both on and off the road. And, thanks to the highly effective cooling system, the shocks will serve for a very long time. Overall, they carry amazing value and will be money well spent for off-roading fans.
There are some (minor) quality control issues, though. Some buyers claim that they don’t get bolts or round mounting pieces that the shocks can’t be installed without.
The #1 job of any shock is to restore the stock ride quality. And with this gear, you’ll get even better handling and feel more in control than ever before. Fans of all-terrain, all-weather shock absorbers might want to check it out.
2. Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber
Reduced friction, automatic adjustment to the environment, and above-average durability are these shocks’ biggest selling points. Smooth rod reaction is achieved thanks to patented modifiers. The self-adjusting valving, in turn, is pre-tuned for each application and thus provides steadiness and consistency.
Too bad the shocks arrive uncompressed. And, to use them, you’ll need something really powerful. Ratchet straps might be a good place to start (don’t even try to compress these shocks by hand).
Looking for a durable, self-adjusting, and friction-free set of shock absorbers? If the answer is yes, this set might be exactly what you’re in the market for. Sadly, it comes uncompressed – that can be a problem for most regular drivers.
Best Shocks for Jeep Cherokee XJ
This is one of the most “international” Jeep models to date. The very first edition hit the dealerships in 1983, and, over the years, it had been manufactured in China, Egypt, Venezuela, and other countries. The experts are calling it an important link in the progress of the 4×4 concept, and there’s a lot of truth to that. The stock shocks are quite decent, by the way, but still no match for aftermarket gear.
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Bilstein 5100 for Jeep XJ |
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2) Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber |
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Buyer’s Guide
Shocks come in different shapes and sizes. So, before you commit to one of the products that we discussed today, it’s very important to consider a couple of key factors. Without understanding the concept of a shock absorber, you’ll most likely pick something that won’t be a 100% match. Here’s what you’ll need to always check when shopping for a brand-new set of shocks:
The Price
First things first, make sure to set budget limits for your purchase. If you’re really passionate about aftermarket Jeep equipment, chances are, you’ll end up with a really expensive piece of gear. But, with a strict budget limit, that won’t happen. Next, check out what the market has to offer in that price range. A quick note: a standard Jeep will make do with relatively cheap shocks. However, for a lifted Jeep, you’ll have to invest a little bit more.
Ease of Installation
This only applies if you’re planning on handling installation on your own. The good news is – most leading brands do their best to make installation as easy as possible. On the other hand, some shocks require modifications for a proper install. Always make sure that the package includes a detailed user’s guide and preferably a mounting kit. And, look for the bolt-on design. With it, no pro-grade tools will be required.
Material and Build Quality
The vast majority of shock absorbers are either crafted from steel or aluminum. Steel is a relatively reliable material, but if you want the best quality, go with aluminum. It’s more lightweight and more durable, which makes it a better choice. Anti-rust/corrosion protection is also a must. As for the build quality, it can be pretty hard to determine how good or bad it is. So, check some customer reviews for that.
Different Tubes and Styles
There are several tube types and styles when it comes to shock absorbers. The monotubes are very easy to install and will be a good choice for off-roading. The twin-tube shocks, in turn, are perfect for the highways.
As for the styles:
- Gas shock. This is one of the most popular options on the market, and it will be an excellent choice for a smaller Jeep because it easily handles bumps and bounces.
- Oil shock. If you’re on a budget, an oil shock might be the right decision. It’s not very durable, though, and will wear out relatively quickly.
- Overloud shock. AKA the coil-over-shock, this one boasts high-quality components and is specifically designed for off-roading.
The Driving Condition
This is probably the most important decision you’ll have to make. But, it’s quite simple: if you do a lot of city and highway driving, choose a set of standard or gas shocks. In contrast, fans of off-roading won’t be satisfied with the smooth characteristics of these shocks. Instead, they’ll need something tougher (the overloud shocks, for example, will do).
FAQ
Right now, you can get a decent shock for 100-150 US dollars (that’s 400-600 bucks for a set of four). There are much cheaper options available (like 50-70 dollars), but I recommend staying away from those kinds of offers. As for the labor cost, mechanics and auto shops charge up to $300 for a complete shock replacement. If you have “communication skills”, you might be able to have it done for half the price.
A quick note: shocks are considerably cheaper than struts, which is even more reason to go with shocks if you’re on a somewhat tight budget.
Conclusion
Alright, ladies and gentlemen – that’s it for my big review of the best shock absorbers! We checked out thirteen leading products that are equally reliable, easy to install, and reasonably priced. It took me a lot of research and manual testing before I made this list. So, no matter which shock absorber you end up with, I’m more than confident that it will be money well spent.
As always, if you prefer doing some of your own “digging” instead of just choosing something from the comparison tables, the Buyer’s Guide will be of great help. Take care of your Jeep, only invest in third-party equipment/gear that you’re 100% sure about, and keep your eyes on the road! And don’t forget to share your own thoughts and suggestions in the comments section. I’ll make sure to hit you back!
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