There are a few things to consider before buying new shock absorbers for your vehicle. Some top considerations include your driving style, how you use your vehicle, and your budget.
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With so many shock absorber options available for popular cars and trucks, it can feel overwhelming to make the right decision. This guide simplifies the shock-buying process by helping you match your shocks to your vehicle’s usage and your driving style—whether you’re looking for off-road ruggedness, high-performance cornering, or comfort for everyday commuting.
Shocks and struts are crucial parts of your vehicle's suspension, providing comfort, control, and safety. While they may be used interchangeably, they are not the same:
Choosing the right option depends on your vehicle’s specific suspension system and your driving needs. Learn more about the differences between shocks and struts.
Shocks and struts are key components in your vehicle's suspension system, playing a pivotal role in ride comfort, handling, and safety. They work by absorbing the bumps and vibrations from the road, providing passengers with a smoother ride. More importantly, they keep your tires in constant contact with the road surface, which creates control and braking efficiency.
While the terms shocks and struts are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Shocks, or shock absorbers, are standalone components that don't support any weight. They're primarily designed to control the movement of the springs and suspension.
Struts, on the other hand, are a structural part of the suspension system, supporting the weight of the vehicle and providing a mounting place for the coil spring. They perform two jobs: damping, like a shock, and providing structural support to the vehicle's suspension.
Off-Road and Towing - For trucks and SUVs that tackle rough terrains or tow heavy loads, you'll need heavy-duty shocks that offer durability, heat resistance, and control under load.
Daily Driving and Commuting - For vehicles that are primarily used on well-paved roads, comfort is key. These shocks offer smooth rides for daily commutes and can even enhance handling slightly over stock shocks, without sacrificing comfort.
Choosing the perfect shocks for your vehicle is not just about the make and model. It's also about matching the shocks with your lifestyle and driving habits. If you're an off-road enthusiast who regularly navigates rough terrains, you'll need heavy-duty shocks that can withstand the rigors of such environments.
On the other hand, if you use your vehicle mainly for commuting on well-maintained roads, comfort-oriented shocks would be more suitable. These are designed to provide a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease.
For performance enthusiasts who engage in high-speed driving or racing, high-performance shocks are the go-to choice. These shocks offer superior handling and responsiveness, allowing for precise control at high speeds.
In essence, the perfect shocks for your vehicle should align with your driving needs and lifestyle. By considering your driving habits and the conditions you frequently encounter, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect shocks.
High performance shocks and struts (in this guide we'll use the terms interchangeably, click here to learn more about the difference between shocks and struts) are designed to give your car or truck the best handling possible. For drivers who push their vehicles to the limits, an extra inch or two of grip can mean everything, so they are willing to sacrifice a bit of road comfort for a lot of safety. These shocks and struts will keep your car glued to the corners and help your truck stay on the trail. For towing applications, these shocks will keep your truck and trailer driving straight and true, no matter how windy or bumpy the road gets.
Bilstein Sport (B8) High pressure monotube shocks and struts available for trucks and sports cars. Bilstein B8 Sport shocks will have a stiffer valving than the B6 Heavy Duty, giving you the most precise handling possible. The Bilstein Sport is specially designed to work with lowering springs up to 2" lower than stock. Only available for select sports cars and sporty sedans.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: High Performance Driving, Lowered Cars.
KYB AGX Adjustable shocks and struts give you the option to dial in your sports car's handling performance. The KYB AGX's adjustable damping is the best way to tune your car's damping short of a full coilover kit. Ride around all week with a soft, cushioned ride and then crank up the performance for the weekend or tune your ride at the autocross for perfect performance. Designed to work with lowering springs up to 2" lower than stock. Only available for select sports cars.
Recommended in our guide to shock buying for: High Performance Driving, Lowered Cars.
Bilstein Remote Reservoir Offroad Shocks for lifted trucks and SUVs. The Bilstein Series uses high pressure monotube technology and a remote oil reservoir to prevent overheating even in the toughest situations. Remote Reservoir Bilstein shocks are available for stock height and lifted trucks. Built to withstand the intense heat and abuse of Baja Mexico, the Bilstein will keep your truck handling like a go-kart through the toughest dirt, mud, silt, and rocks in the world.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: High Performance Offroad Driving, Lifted Trucks, Offroad Towing.
Fox Performance Series shocks are designed for extreme offroad use and abuse. Our Fox Performance monotube shocks use an internal floating piston to deliver reliable offroad performance in a bolt-in package.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Lifted Trucks, High Performance Offroad Driving (remote reservoir models), Towing.
Performance daily driver shocks for drivers who use their car or truck as their primary means of transportation but also sometimes push their vehicle harder than the average person. Most drivers shopping for performance shocks fall into this category. If you use your truck for your daily commute but also tow a trailer a few times a week or need to get down unpaved trails, or if you like to open your car up when the road allows it, these are the shocks for you.
Bilstein Heavy Duty (B6) shocks and struts are engineered for the perfect blend of comfort and performance. Bilstein's B6 Heavy Duty shocks and struts use a high-pressure monotube design to prevent overheating along with valving designed for performance while towing or driving on rough roads without being too stiff for daily use.
Recommended in our guide to buying shocks for: Towing, Rough Roads, Light Offroading, Aggressive Performance Driving, Work Trucks, Plowing, Diesel Trucks.
KYB Monomax truck shocks are KYB's answer to the need for a heavy-duty monotube shock. Built only for trucks and the tough use they see towing, offroad, and driving everywhere with heavy loads.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Towing, Rough Roads, Light Offroading, Work Trucks, Plowing, Diesel Trucks.
KYB Gas-a-just is KYB's monotube shock for trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
Recommended in our guide to buying shocks for: Aggressive Street Driving, Rough Roads, Muscle Cars, Commuting, Worn Suspensions.
Comfortable daily driver shocks for vehicles used primarily on normal roads for every day driving and only occasionally used for towing or aggressive driving. Drivers not looking for performance upgrades should use these shocks for the best ride possible, slightly better handling and a longer shock life than original equipment units.
KYB Excel-G shocks and struts are available for most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Daily Driven Cars, Commuting, Worn Suspensions.
Bilstein B4 Touring Class shocks offer the legendary reliability of Bilstein shocks without the rougher ride of a high-performance monotube.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Daily Driven Cars, Commuting.
Shock absorbers are important elements for the safety of a vehicle. The shock absorber is a device that dampens the vibrations and shocks that occur as the wheel goes over bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections. Shock absorbers connect the wheels and springs to the chassis. As the vehicle travels, the springs bounce according to the variation in the ground surface resulting in vibrations at the wheels. The job of the shock absorber is to smoothen out these constant and sudden changes in wheel movement, providing a plush ride. Shock absorber assists in keeping the car’s tires in permanent contact with the road, helping to provide optimum grip, when cornering and braking.
The arrangement of the springs and shock absorbers can vary based on the suspension system and also from the front to the rear of a vehicle. The shock absorbers can be either mounted separately from the springs or be integrated with the springs. Shock absorbers with integrated coil springs are called struts and are commonly used on McPherson-type suspension systems. Struts are structural suspension components since they carry the weight of the vehicle as well as act as traditional shock absorbers. Struts are mostly used on the front wheels of many modern vehicles due to their simple and effective design.
Monroe Load Adjusting Shock
Best High-Performance
Option
KYB MonoMax Shocks
Best For Trucks, Off-Roaders & Heavy-duty
Vehicles
Monroe Matic Plus Shock
Best
Value
BilStein Shock Absorbers
Best
Overall
Monroe OESpectrum Shocks
Best For Daily
Commuters
Shock absorbers are integral suspension system components that dictate many important suspension and vehicle characteristics. This is why they can be classified based on many different categories. The most important categories are as follows:
Certain shock absorbers are structural components of the vehicle like a strut and so the construction can vary according to the suspension type. Essentially there are three types of shocks that can be distinguished based on construction: Spring-seated or coilovers, struts, and shock absorbers. Shock absorbers have a chamber with a piston. This chamber is filled with some sort of fluid that resists the movement of the piston arm. Struts and coilovers have a shock absorber as the main component but the construction is varied. They usually have coil springs attached to the housing.
The difference between struts and coilovers is that struts are designed to bear larger side loads and are mounted directly to the vehicle’s chassis. Coilovers are commonly used in place of conventional shock absorbers and also replace the factory suspension springs. An advantage of this arrangement is the adjustability of the ride height. By altering the spring length, you can change the ride height of the car. Struts can be further classified into repairable and non-repairable types where the repairable ones allow the replacement of individual components like springs and shock absorbers.
Shock absorbers can be classified based on the internal design of the chamber that produces many different types of shock absorbers. The most common types are Mono-tube and Twin-Tube shock absorbers. Mono-tube shocks have a single tube in which the piston is suspended, whereas in the twin-tube design there are two chambers – outer and inner tube. Twin-tube shock absorbers are commonly used in commercial vehicles due to their agreeable characteristics whereas mono-tube designs are common in sports applications.
Adjustable Shock absorbers allow the user to fine-tune the shock absorber in many different ways to suit their exact needs. The user can adjust the compression and rebound damping. These parameters determine how the shock absorber will react when operated. However, you require a keen understanding of the device to be able to effectively tune the shocks and get useful results. For most folks, non-adjustable type shock absorbers are the better fit.
Shock absorbers can be further categorized into two types based on the fluid used inside the chamber. Although all shock absorbers have some sort of hydraulic oil, some shocks use special gasses along with the conventional oil to prevent aeration, enhance heat dissipation, and ultimately perform better. On this basis, you can classify shocks into hydraulic and gas shocks. Gas shocks usually have pressurized nitrogen gas inserted into the chamber. Gas shocks usually come with a reservoir where pressurized gas is stored. This reservoir may be directly attached to the shock absorber housing or can be placed away and have lines running to the shock. Gas shocks tend to be aimed toward off-roading and heavy-duty applications where there is a constant requirement of shock absorption like when driving over rough terrains.
As you can tell from the many types, shock absorbers vary in many different ways and so it is easy to get confused when purchasing new ones, especially if you want something better than what came from the factory. The below list provides an insight into factors you should be considering before you buy new shock absorbers for your vehicle.
Your shock absorber choice largely depends on your driving condition and style. Everyday commuters that stick to highways and roads can opt for reliable and durable steel twin-tube shock absorbers. Within twin-tube shock absorbers is Position sensitive damping and Acceleration sensitive damping twin-tube shock absorber. These offer many advantages over standard twin-tube shocks like faster damping response, providing more comfort, and can be an upgrade over the factory twin-tube shocks.
For those who often track their vehicles or go on unpaved surfaces like off-roaders and racing vehicles, the better choice is mono-tube shock absorbers. These types of shocks are capable of withstanding harsher driving conditions that can be found in racing and off-roading applications.
The cost of shock absorbers can get really steep the more high-performance they are. Twin-tube shocks are usually an affordable replacement choice for most users. However, position and acceleration sensitive damping twin-tube shocks can be more expensive but worth the extra cost due to the better performance they give. Monotube shocks can get quite expensive but are a necessity in performance applications. Heavy-duty shock absorbers and struts also cost more but are a long-lasting and durable choice for those who have larger vehicles.
If you want high-performance shock absorbers then you need to look to the aftermarket as OE replacements are pretty limited. Different manufacturers have different offerings that are suited to different users. OE counterparts are designed for a broad user base and do not cater to any specific applications. On the other hand, aftermarket brands can provide solutions for even the most unique shock absorber needs. The features mentioned along with each brand can help you decide which brand meets your shock absorber requirements.
Another shock absorber variation you need to consider is the material they are made of. The material the shock is made of can influence many important characteristics like performance, weight, and price. Shock absorbers are available in steel and aluminum. Steel shocks are affordable choices and have a good lifespan and performance. However, they are heavier, cannot be adjusted, and are susceptible to corrosion after prolonged usage. Aluminum shocks are lightweight which helps reduce unsprung mass and can be adjusted which allows the user to alter the ride height. Although these performance benefits come at a premium price.
Monroe products are designed, engineered, fit and ride checked, and built with each vehicle’s specific ride and handling profile in mind. The strict performance standards at Monroe, with their OE expertise, ensure OE-quality fit and function from each individual component as well as how the finished parts work together once installed. The high-carbon steel and premium components that go into premium Monroe shocks, struts, and strut assemblies make each one a top-quality product.
i) Monroe Range Of Strut Assemblies:
A. Roadmatic™ Complete Strut Assembly
RoadMatic™ strut assemblies include all the components required for strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit.
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B. Quick-Strut® Complete Replacement Strut Assembly
Monroe Quick-Strut units include all the high-quality components required for strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit.
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C. Magnum™ Loaded Strut Assembly
Specifically designed for ½ ton trucks, Monroe Magnum Loaded Strut Assemblies are ideal for hard-working trucks engaged in towing, hauling, and plowing.
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ii) Monroe Range Of Struts:
A. Monro-Matic® Plus Struts
Monro-Matic® Plus struts provide an ideal balance of comfort and control for any driving condition.
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B. Reflex® Struts
Reflex® struts valving technology automatically adjusts the shock to absorb rough road impact, leaving the strut with greater control for improved handling, safety, and comfort.
The company is the world’s best coil spring and shock absorber supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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C. OESpectrum® Struts
OESpectrum® struts provide an unprecedented level of handling precision and control while filtering out noise, vibration, and harshness.
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iii) Monroe Range Of Shock Absorbers:
A. Monroe® Gas-magnum® Truck Shock Absorber:
Gas-Magnum truck shock absorbers provide firm control without a harsh ride.
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B. Reflex® Truck Shock Absorbers
Truck shock absorbers valving technology automatically adjusts the shock to absorb the impact, leaving the shock with greater control for improved handling, safety, and comfort.
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C. Reflex® Monotube Shock Absorbers
Monroe Reflex® monotube shocks are specifically engineered to provide better handling, control, and performance.
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D. Monro-Matic® Plus Shock Absorbers
Monro-Matic® Plus shock absorbers provide an ideal balance of comfort and control for any driving condition.
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E. OESpectrum® Truck & Passenger Car Shock Absorbers
Featuring their latest global Original Equipment valving technologies, Monroe® OESpectrum® ride control products are designed with the right technology specific for each application to provide added control while reducing harshness experienced with rough, bumpy road conditions. OESpectrum® shock absorbers provide an unprecedented level of handling precision and control while filtering out noise, vibration, and harshness.
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F. OESpectrum® Monotube Shock Absorbers
Featuring their latest global Original Equipment valving technologies, Monroe® OESpectrum® ride control products are designed with the right technology specific for each application to provide added control while reducing harshness experienced with rough, bumpy road conditions. OESpectrum® monotube shock absorbers provide an unprecedented level of handling precision and control while filtering out noise, vibration, and harshness.
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G. Monroe® Load Adjusting Shock Absorbers
Monroe load adjusting shock absorbers adjust rapidly to changing road and weight conditions, delivering enhanced control with uncompromised ride comfort.
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For more products, you can visit our Monroe Shocks and Struts Section.
The company’s complete strut assemblies include all the components required for a strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit. They feature pre-assembled replacement bearing plates, top mounts, upper and lower spring isolators, upper spring seat, coil spring, premium rubber dust boot, and a gas-charged premium quality strut. This breakthrough design saves on installation time by eliminating the safety hazards associated with the decompression of the coil spring. Every strut assembly features application-engineered valves to optimize each vehicle’s unique ride and handling characteristics.
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For more products, you can visit our Unity Automotive Shocks and Struts Section
TMC shocks are an exceptional quality aftermarket option for everyday vehicle use and are easy to install. TMC shock absorbers will increase your control over your vehicle’s ride and handling in response to unexpected jolts. TMC shock absorbers maximize braking effectiveness by keeping the vehicle’s tires in contact with the pavement and controlling all unwanted motion, including bounce, sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat.
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For more products, you can visit our Transit Warehouse Shocks and Struts Section.
KYB Corporation is one of the largest worldwide manufacturers of shock absorbers for original equipment supplying around 50 million shocks every year to world-leading vehicle manufacturers. 1 in 5 of the worlds’ cars and light commercial vehicles leaving the production line are fitted with KYB shock absorbers as original equipment. High-level technology, manufacturing, and product quality, matched with superb aftermarket engagement, guarantee excellent shock absorbers. The range offers oil and gas shock absorbers, and high-pressure mono tubes – the best for more demanding driving.
A. KYB Excel-G Shocks And Struts
The most popular KYB series in the world, Excel-G shock absorbers are the absolute best product to restore original handling and control. Excel-G shock absorbers have been designed to compensate for wear in other suspension parts while providing superior handling and comfort to many other original equipment units.
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B. KYB Gas-a-Just Monotube Shock Absorbers
KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Shock Absorbers are designed for cars that require precise control and a high coefficient of traction with any road surface. Designed as original equipment for many vehicle manufacturers, this complete self-adjusting mono-tube shock absorber minimizes bounce and sway, to ensure superior steering and cornering response. The combination of high pressurized nitrogen gas and all-weather fluid creates the ideal shock absorber for both standard and performance vehicles.
Part Numbers: KG, KG, KG, KG, KG, and more.
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C. KYB MonoMax Shocks And Struts
KYB MonoMax shocks and struts feature a 46mm large cylinder bore that provides the additional stability that heavier, more powerful, or high center of gravity vehicles demand. It offers the most handling and control of any KYB truck shock – up to 40% more damping performance than standard shock absorbers! The MonoMax’s tough design automatically adjusts to driving conditions with fade-free performance and has an outstanding reputation for vehicles that do real work, go off-road, tow a trailer, or haul heavy loads. It uses a work-ready zinc-coated steel piston ring and includes an off-road dust boot to extend the life of the shock or strut. The KYB MonoMax is a high-pressure, Nitrogen gas-charged monotube shock absorber designed for trucks.
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For more products, you can visit our KYB Shocks and Struts Section.
Part Numbers: STR, ST, ST, STL, ST, and more.
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For more products, you can visit our Moog Shocks and Struts Section
Understanding the failures of the struts or shock absorbers before major problems arise and having them fixed is necessary for the best vehicle operation, a smooth ride, proper handling, and most importantly – stability. Here are a few shock absorber failure symptoms:
A. Bumpy Ride
If the ride feels very bouncy then it is an indication that the struts or shock absorbers have failed and do not dampen the road disturbances effectively. Experiencing a bumpy ride can mean that there is an issue with the dampening of the bumps which means that the shock absorbers or struts are failing to do their job. In such a situation, to verify if the shock or struts are worn out, one can do a bounce test. Simply push your entire weight down on your car’s bonnet. Release and count the number of times the car bounces. If it bounces more than three times, then there is a problem with your shock absorbers or struts.
B. Dipping, Leaning Or Swerving Of The Vehicle
Another prominent failure symptom of the suspension system can be observed while accelerating, braking or cornering. If the vehicle leans backward during acceleration, or nose-dives during braking, or leans from side-to-side while making a turn then the shock absorbers and struts are worn out causing a complete failure of the system.
C. Excessive Vibrations
The job of the shock absorbers is to absorb the shocks that occur as the vehicle goes over bumps and uneven surfaces on the road. If the shocks fail then these vibrations make their way into the cabin and create an uncomfortable ride. These vibrations can also be felt at the steering wheel and can hinder the movement of the vehicle causing the vehicle to pull to one side, involuntary turns, and loss of control.
D. Noticeable Leaks
The hydraulic fluid within the shock can start to leak if the shock casing is damaged or the seals wear out after prolonged use. The leak will cause the hydraulic fluid level to decrease to a point where the shock absorber loses functionality. If you find excessive liquid surrounding the shocks then have them replaced immediately. Note that a thin layer of liquid can be present over the shock after the piston has expended leaving behind some residue. This is natural and there’s nothing to worry.
E. Uneven Tire Wear
One of the functions of the shock absorbers is to maintain tire contact with the road surface. If the shocks are worn out, the tire contact patch is abrupt and so the tires do not wear evenly. However, uneven tires can be caused by many reasons so it is important to check the shock absorbers.
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