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While there’s nothing like driving on a smooth and buttery road, I am sure most jeep owners will agree that cruising on rocky and hilly terrain has its lure. No wonder many jeep JK enthusiasts embark on the off-road trails to enjoy the thrills of driving past challenges.
However, let’s not forget that there’s a price your vehicle has to pay for the thrilling adventures. It takes a lot of beating from bumps, rocks, stones, pebbles, and pits on the unknown track. Unless your jeep has good quality shock absorbers, your vehicle and the passengers will have a rough ride.
A good set of well-fitting shocks is the secret to a stable and smooth ride even on the off-beaten tracks. They do the job of soaking or absorbing any impact from the road to prevent its effect from reaching the driver or passenger. Replacing stock shocks or worn-out pairs can bring about a world of difference in the quality of the ride.
So, if you are in the market looking for the best shocks for jeep JK, expect to feel confused with a plethora of options available. We know it’s not easy for you to choose one out of so many different brands and models, so our team has taken the stress out of your decision making.
We have reviewed over a dozen shock absorbers for jeep JK to shortlist a few based on features, performance, compatibility, and customer reviews. Read on to find a detailed review of each product. If you are in a hurry to order, we suggest that you go with our editor’s choice – Bilstein 5100 (see Amazon) because the brand speaks for itself and delivers optimum results at a reasonable price.
| Product Name | Dimension | Weight | |
| #1. Teraflex 1545200 Shock Absorber Kit | 6.25 x 6.25 x 24 inches | 22.6 pounds | Shop Now |
| #2. Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Adj Shock Set | 10.00 x 8.00 x 38.00 inches | 25 pounds | Shop Now |
| #3. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set | 10.00 x 12.00 x 5.00 inches | 25 pounds | Shop Now |
| #4. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks with 3-4″ lift kits | 10 x 12 x 5 inches | 25 pounds | Shop Now |
| #5. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks Set | 10.00 x 10.00 x 30.00 inches | 25 pounds | Shop Now |
| #6. Bilstein 4600 Series Shock Absorbers | 10.00 x 10.00 x 30.00 inches | 30 pounds | Shop Now |
| 7. Fox PERF. Series IFP Shocks | 8 x 28 x 8 inches | 28 pounds | Shop Now |
#1. Teraflex 1545200 Shock Absorber Kit
This set of shock absorbers by Teraflex is specially designed and developed for the 3-4 inches lifted Jeep Wrangler, which implies that you get optimum off-road performance. The four shocks are precisely engineered, tuned, and valved to give you an unparalleled highway ride.
As the shocks are made from high-quality rubber bushings, they aid you to improve make the ride smoother and more stable. There are specific mounting ends that are vulcanized to the bushing to give you a smooth and hassle-free installation without the need for any complicated tools.
The shocks feature an in-house velocity valving that is tuned to perfectly react with the TeraFlex suspension systems. It includes a triple-chromed rod that offers trouble-free operation, with oil block and seal wipe to ensure an extended lifetime performance of the product. We also love the heavy-duty twin-tube design that provides extra protection from any trail damage.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 6.25 x 6.25 x 24 inches
- Weighs 22.6 pounds
- 4 shocks for a 3″-4″ lift
- Easy hassle-free installation
- Premium-quality rubber bushings
- Limited lifetime warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Some users have mentioned that these shocks are not only strong and good looking but also made a day-and-night difference from the old shocks. People find this a great entry-level replacement to upgrade the jeep by substituting the stock parts. A few customers have reported that the product did not come with all the required hardware hence they had to get them separately.
Conclusion
This is a robust and well-made shock absorbed set for your jeep JK that can start showing a remarkable difference in ride quality right after installation. These products come backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty which takes the risk out of your purchase. Overall, it gives you a good return for your investment.
#2. Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Adj Shock Set
The next set of shock absorbers comes from the house of Fox, and they are perfectly compatible with 2WD & 4WD vehicles having 1.5-3.5″ front lift and w/1.5-3.5″ rear lift. Made from high-grade aluminum for lightweight, the 2.0 Performance parts deliver a race dominating feat.
FOX’s industry-leading shocks feature a heat minimizing design that comprises of a metal-impacted anodized aluminum body that dissipates heat much faster than any conventional steel. The external reservoir also ensures an enhanced oil and nitrogen capacity while delivering an unmatched performance.
The package includes a black-anodized mounting clamp, CNC machined components, hassle-free bolt, necessary washers, bushings, and nuts for installation. We are impressed with the fact that the CD Adjuster delivers about eight licks of adjustability from soft to firm for handling different road conditions.
Product features and specifications
- Weighs 25 pounds
- Measures 10 x 8 x 38 inches
- Set of 4 Shocks for vehicles
- Fits 2WD & 4WD vehicles
- Limited one year warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Most users have said that the Fox 2.0 shock absorber set offers a great fit and brings about a marked improvement in the performance of vehicles. Experts jeep mechanics can do the installation work DIY as the product comes with all the hardware.
Conclusion
This 4 pack shock absorbers by Fox is one of the compatible shocks for your jeep CJ to upgrade your ride and enjoy the optimum quality performance. We are happy that the manufacturer backs up the product with a one-year warranty. Overall, this product is worth your hard-earned money.
#3. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set
If you are someone who thinks about aesthetics in everything, check out the attractive white and red-colored Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks set. Comprising of four different shock absorbers, this set fits 4WD vehicles and is suitable with 0-2″ front lift and 0-2″ rear lift jeep JK.
Developed by ride engineers at Rancho, the shock set comes with an advanced compression phase and a patented rebound valving system for both on and off-road experiences. This twin-tube, the gas-pressurized shock has a lot of advantages, such as it provides a placid boost of spring rate.
The product comes with all the hardware including necessary washers, bushings, and nuts. Installation is easy for someone who knows about jeep and the factory shock mounting bolts can be reused. Rancho backs up its product with a limited lifetime warranty against premature failure and defects.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 10 x 12 x 5 inches
- Weighs 25 pounds
- Fits 4WD vehicles
- Twin-tube
- Gas pressurized shocks
- Limited lifetime warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Most users have said that the installation process was pretty simple and straightforward, and they were able to install shocks within 3 hours without jacking the jeep. Several jeep riders have mentioned that the shock absorbers offer an improved nose dive and grounded ride. A few users have also appreciated the way the shocks reduce harsh initial impacts on off-road trail obstacles.
Conclusion
This innovative shock from Rancho is developed to efficiently handle both the on-road and off-road experiences with ease. With an improved design and larger shock body with all-weather fluid, the shocks can sustain internal temperatures between -40 and 248 degrees F. Overall, it gives you an amazing price to performance ratio.
#4. Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks with 3-4″ lift kits
The next product on our list also comes from the family of Rancho and this time we recommend their gas pressured shock absorbers with 3-4″ lift kits. This attractive looking, brand new, and innovative set of shock absorbers are designed for jeeps JK (2005 to 2017).
Talking about the design, the valving system of the shock is rebound and it sports an advanced compression phase. With every shock gas-pressurized to a 150 psi, the product promises to improve the performance as well as the handling on the of-road tracks.
It’s worth noting that the Rancho RS5000X boasts a twin-tube gas shocks design and the shocks minimize the air to oil mixture so that there is reduced shock fade. With a shock body of 2-1/4-inch diameter, it increases the fluid capacity to operate cooler and increase the control over your jeep on various types of terrains.
Product features and specifications
- Twin-tube gas-pressurized shock
- Comes with patented rebounds and compression discs
- Works with 3-4″ lift kits
- Minimizes harsh impacts
- Withstands internal temperature -40 and 248 degrees F
User/ Customer reviews
Users are impressed with the innovative design and large shock body that ensures a minimal ground impact. Customers have also mentioned that after installing the shocks, they were able to feel a noticeable difference in the ride with improved stability and control. Overall, we feel that it delivers an incredible price to performance ratio at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The Rancho RS5000X gas pressurized twin-tube shock absorbers are one of the best that is perfectly suited for 3-4″ lift. Equipped with an advanced technology and design, this unit promises to deliver an optimum performance both on as well as of road.
#5. Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks Set
The Bilstein 5100 (see Amazon) is one of the well-known shocks for SUVs and trucks and they are also one of the most recommended by expert jeep users. This monotube gas shock set comprises of two front and two rear shock absorbers, with an extended length for 1.5-3 inches front lift and 1.5-3 inches rear lift systems.
What makes this gas shock set so special is that they provide enhanced comfort and improved ride quality. As the shocks by Bilstein are strongly built, they offer enhanced security for both the driver and passengers. These shocks sustain minimal wear and tear no matter how long they are used.
This single tube body shocks set comes with a 46mm digressive piston to give you a better road handling capacity both on and off-road. With a perfect blend of German engineering and US manufacturing, this product offers optimum longevity and performance up to 100k miles.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 10 x 10 x 30 inches
- Weighs 25 pounds
- Hardware included
- Single tube body
- Mounting plates sold separately
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Owners of Jeep JK who replace their factory shocks with these were able to install and take their vehicle on the road in about two hours. Several users have said that they were able to feel the difference right after the installation with a smoother ride over small and large bumps Most people are of the opinion that these shocks are any time better than the stock versions.
Conclusion
This monotube Bilstein 5100 boasts a fade-free design and sturdy constructions that do not wear away easily, so you can expect your new shocks to last pretty long. Although the Bilstein 5100 is slightly more expensive than the competitors, it offers a good value for money.
#6. Bilstein 4600 Series Shock Absorbers
When you want your jeep JK to deliver an optimum performance, equip it with the superior grade Bilstein 4600 shock set that includes front and rear absorbers. This single tube gas pressured shock is designed to perfectly fit the stock height Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 2007-14.
The Bilstein 4600 shocks also offer better control and stability, ultimate performance, incredible comfort, and precise handling. With the direct bolt-on design, they practically require no extra modification and the installation job is pretty easy with the hardware included.
With succinct and precise adjustments, you can greatly improve the suspension‘s carrying capacity and minimize the uncontrolled movement on the light trucks and SUVs. It helps your jeep achieve the pinnacle in terms of ride handling and performance. The manufacturer stands behind the product with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Product feature and specifications
- Measures 10 x 10 x 30 inches
- Weighs 30 pounds
- Easy to install
- Includes front and rear Shock Absorbers
- Monotube gas pressure
- Fits stock height
- Lifetime Warranty
User/ Customer reviews
Most users have said that they ordered this Bilstein 4600 Series shock absorbers believing that they are the best in the market and they did not regret their decision. Several customers have said that installation was pretty easy and the bumpy feeling on the road was almost gone. A few people have mentioned one slight design flaw that the top of the shock does not have a spot to hold the wrench.
Conclusion
With the Bilstein 4600 shock set, you can notice an instant and obvious improvement in the ride, as well as the handling of your jeep. It not only reduces movement in the vehicle but also gives you increased safety and better control on the road. Overall, we feel these are one of the least expensive and cost-effective upgrades for your jeep.
7. Fox PERF. Series IFP Shocks
Our seventh most recommended shocks for jeep JK is yet another one by the Fox 2.0 performance series. The product comprises of a set of four shocks that are perfectly compatible with 2WD and 4WD vehicles having a 1.5-3.5-inches front lift and 1.5-3.5-inches rear lift.
This smooth body monotube design shocks sports the latest in technology to completely overhaul the performance of your vehicle on various types of terrains. They use race-proven damping control to offer a much comfortable ride even in the most challenging conditions on or off-road.
Made from metal impact aluminum, the shock absorber body does not rust and this also increases the cooling capacity. It is equipped with advanced valving technology and the IFP removes oil aeration to enable optimum performance. It is also backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty to protect against premature failure and defects.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 8 x 28 x 8 inches
- Weighs 28 pounds
- Set of 4 Shocks
- Compatible with 2WD & 4WD Vehicles
- 1.5-3.5″ Front Lift and 1.5-3.5″ Rear Lift
- One year manufacturer warranty
- Installation hardware included
User/ Customer reviews
People have said that you can clearly tell the difference between rough country shocks and these precisely-engineered Fox 2.0 performance series. Users have even said that the shafts are much bigger than the Bilstein 5100, plus they are better in performance too. Customers feel that the ride has significantly improved both on-road and off-road after installing these shocks.
Conclusion
The Fox 2.0 performance series shocks look great and once installed, you can notice the difference in the ride even if you just go around the town. Although the shocks are pricey than others available in the market, we feel that the product is well worth the investment. It gets a thumb up from us.
Related Questions
How to tell that your jeep shocks have gone bad
When the shocks go bad, you can feel the vibration while driving and experience nose-diving when you take a brake. You may also notice that the tires wear unevenly and the vehicle takes longer than usual to stop. There might also be fluid leaking, so you need to keep a close watch over the condition of your jeep.
How often should I change the shocks
While this depends on several factors for example your style of riding, the type of terrain on which you normally drive, and so on. However, on average, it is recommended that you change the shocks after every 50,000 or 100,000 miles.
Is it mandatory to change all 4 shocks at the same time
Not at all. It’s not essential to change them all at once; however, jeep experts recommend that you replace them in pairs – front and rear for best results. When your jeep is still new, you may just need to change one damaged shock as the rest are probably still new.
See Also:
6 Best Tire Carriers For Jeep JK
8 Best Ball Joints For Jeep JK
8 Best Adjustable Control Arms For JK
Why Are Jeep Compasses So Cheap?