A smooth and secure ride is what every driver counts on when they invest in the reliable and potent vehicle that a Jeep is. However, it would help to realize that the millions of tiny bits working in sync make the whole mechanism work flawlessly. Should there be one part missing, the whole operation will be altered. The assumption is especially true when it comes to shock absorbers. No matter how good the stock variation is, a dedicated off-roader will always wonder about what shock absorbers are best for Jeep. Luckily for you – the range is close to being unlimited. Yet, it takes time and effort to pick the suitable option you may actually need. I will try to help you with that in this detailed review!
All the Jeep owners are indeed exceptional people. The minute you get the first Jeep, you want to make it last as long as possible. However, relying on factory settings and accessories is not always the best policy so that many drivers choose to modify their ride, and I think that it is a wise suggestion.
When it comes to the shock absorbers, it is vital to realize that their main aim is to absorb the impact from the spring, and since it is the off-roader that we are talking about, that is a crucial function. That is why if you are looking for the Best Shocks for Jeep YJ, you have come to the right place!
Contents
Best Shocks for Jeep YJ with 3.0-4.5 Lift
| Product | Short Description |
|---|---|
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Expert’s Choice
Skyjacker Shocks for lifted Jeep YJ
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Bilstein 5100 Shocks for Jeep Wrangler YJ
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Rubicon Express Shocks for Jeep YJ
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PRO COMP Shocks for Jeep YJ with 4 inch Lift
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Best Shocks for Jeep Wrangler YJ with 5.5-6.0 Lift
| Product | Short Description |
|---|---|
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Expert’s Choice
Rough Country N3 Shocks for Jeep YJ
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Skyjacker Hydro Shocks for Lifted Jeep YJ
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Best Shocks Absorbers for Jeep YJ with 0-2.5 Lift
| Product | Short Description |
|---|---|
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Expert’s Choice
Rancho RS5000X Shock Absorber Set for Jeep YJ
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SENSEN Riding Shocks for Jeep Wrangler YJ
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Best Shocks for Jeep YJ Reviews
Bilstein 5100 Shocks for Jeep Wrangler YJ
At times it is easy to underestimate the importance of excellent shock absorbers. The thing is that the primary function of the shocks is to accommodate the stance that is usually heightened as well as the suspension demands. Since it is such an essential function, you certainly need the best shocks in the industry. That is when Bilstein shocks come in handy. The fact that the brand has been in for a while does not make it trustworthy and reliable.
The shocks design, as well as the Digressive Valving, meet those demands mentioned above perfectly. The fact is that the shocks are built to quickly react to road conditions so that the ride is always balanced, controlled, and comfortable. The monotube design makes it possible for the oil heat transfer to the outer surface so that it evenly dissipates. The dividing piston is built to allow the oil to expand to prevent aeration as well as viscosity loss. All these combined results in full damping preservation no matter the heat increase.
- Improved shock performance
- Simplified installation and extended warranty
- Innovative monotube design
- None found so far
Recommendations
If you are looking for a set of shock absorbers that are going to last you a lifetime due to the trusted brand producing them, then Bilstein shocks is a worthy option to consider.
| Lift Height | View in Amazon |
|---|---|
| 3.0-4.0″: | Set of 4 Shocks |
| 3.0-4.0″ | Rear Shocks |
| 3.0-4.0″ | Front Shocks |
Rubicon Express Shocks for Jeep YJ
Rubicon belongs to the brands that never give up when it comes to enhancing the quality of their products. The shocks that are on offer are not only easy to afford, but they come packed with a list of advantages that should not be treated lightly. To begin with, when you get rid of your worn-out shocks, it is essential to consider the new ones that are designed to improve damping in the first place. As you may have already guessed, Rubicon shocks deal with the task effectively.
Apart from that, the shocks will introduce enhanced ground clearance into the play so that you can easily get over more obstacles. Besides, wider tires are no longer an idea. With these shocks, it becomes a reality. It is true that no matter the number of perks, shock absorbers are of no use if they are made of poor-quality material. Aluminum alloy construction of Rubicon shocks makes them durable and abrasion and distortion resistant.
Lastly, even though professional installation is recommended, the simplified bolt-on installation makes it possible to succeed with your own setup.
- Simplified and user-oriented installation
- Affordable price for excellent quality
- Durable and withstanding construction
- Improve lift and ground clearance
- None found so far
Recommendations
If you are looking for a complete set of quality shock absorbers, then the Rubicon product is to be considered. The quality for the price is truly supreme.
Rancho Shock Absorbers for Jeep YJ
Your suspension upgrade would be incomplete without suitable absorbers, and that is when Rancho shocks come in more than welcome. What makes Rancho shocks differ from all the others is the rebound valving system as well as the enhanced shocks compression phase. It is true that no one likes to overpay, especially when it comes to such an essential accessory. That is why the brand-new shocks from Rancho will moderately impact your wallet while they will serve you a lifetime.
The double-welded loops, as well as increased-capacity Twin-tube Design, will allow your Jeep to conquer both the off-road as well as on-road. That fact that you will feel no difference between switching from the pavement to a muddy off-road speaks about supreme item quality. Lastly, the shocks are easy to install, and that makes the purchase even more appealing.
- Ease of installation appeals to first-timers and not only
- Improved durability and lifetime warranty
- Unique valving system for a reasonable price
- None spotted so far
Recommendations
Those of you who are tired of getting used to either on or off-road and are willing to enjoy every ride equally should consider getting a set of Rancho Shock Absorbers.
Skyjacker H7000 Hydro Shocks for Lifted Jeep YJ
The main reasons why Skyjacker shocks are so popular and requested at the moment are the precise fitment for Wrangler YJ and enhanced durability. The fact is that when working on the product, the company pointed out what the shocks were designed for – extreme terrains and trails with severe riding conditions.
The Hydraulic Shocks are beneficial due to their possibility to adjust to any driving conditions you put your vehicle under. Whether it is a highway or an off-road track, you won’t feel a change in the ride’s comfort.
Lastly, the patented design will add that significant unique flair that many drivers seek without any significant customization. Not to mention the ease of installation that the shock absorbers feature.
- Comfortable ride no matter the conditions
- Secure fitment and simple adjustment
- Unique and identifying design
- Operate best when both front and rear shocks are installed
Recommendations
Should you be interested in a set of shocks that are designed particularly for your vehicle and tough off-roading – Skyjacker is the brand to entrust your Jeep too.
| Lift Height | View in Amazon |
|---|---|
| 5-6″ Front, 3-6″ Rear: | Set of 4 Shocks |
| 3.5-4.0″ | Set of 4 Shocks |
PRO COMP ES3000 Jeep YJ Shocks
Another shocks set that is attention-worthy is certainly the one from Pro Comp. Just as the name has it – they know what they are doing and how to improve your off-roading experience to the point when you can’t tell it from a highway ride. One of the primary peculiarities about the item is its supreme durability. All due to the quality of the material the shock absorbers are made of.
Aside from making the road more comfortable, the shocks from Pro Comp are also responsible for better vehicle performance along with its handling no matter the difficulty of the trail. Such an approach adds up to general ride safety. If that wasn’t enough, the enthusiastic mechanists decided to increase the load capacity of the item so that it could withstand almost twice as much as average shocks.
- Come as a complete front and rear set
- Affordable price for the quality
- Enhanced capacity load
- Improved durability
- Offer ultimate performance when paired with Pro Comp suspension system
Recommendations
Despite of being such a simple but practical item as a shock absorber, Pro Comp shocks are able to reduce internal operating temperature almost by half.
Best Shocks for Jeep JK
Each system in your Jeep JK has a precise task to carry out, and not all of them are spotted by the naked eye. For instance, you can see how the suspicion works, but the shock absorbers aren’t that easy to grasp. In fact, often, the shocks’ effectivity remains underrated.
The best shocks for Jeep JK are responsible for the seamless up and down movement of your suspension system. Yet, that is not where their practicality ends. The shocks are designed to dampen the vibrations that the vehicle undergoes on the road, especially when there’s an off-roading terrain in question. However, aside from such a relatively simple act, the quality shocks ensure that no matter the obstacle the tires hit, you remain in utter control of your Jeep Wrangler JK.
With all that in mind, you may be wondering what the best accessories are available on the market. That’s precisely what we will try to figure out in today’s review!
| Product | Short Description |
|---|---|
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Expert’s Choice
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Jeep JK
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FOX Perf. Shocks for Jeep Wrangler JK
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Rancho Gas Shocks for Jeep JK
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Fox 2.0 Perf. Reservoir Shocks Jeep JK
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TeraFlex Fast Adjust Piggyback Shocks for Jeep JK
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Best Shocks for Jeep Wrangler TJ
Even the beginning off-roader knows how unpleasant it is to drive around the barely-there trails with poor-quality shocks installed. Under the mentioned conditions, it is not only the annoying vibrations that can ruin the whole off-roading experience. It is also the control of your Jeep Wrangler TJ. No one would like to tip over when making a quick turn to pass over a pitfall or any other type of obstacle.
Coming up with the set of the best shocks for Jeep TJ may not be the easiest task on the map since the aftermarket is overfilled with those. Yet, with a set of personal requirements in mind and a thorough review at hand, there is barely anything that you can’t do! Read carefully, and you will find a worthy accessory to improve your off-roading ventures in no time!
| Product | Short Description |
|---|---|
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Expert’s Choice
Rancho Shocks for Jeep Wrangler TJ
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Bilstein Jeep TJ Shocks
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Fox 2.0 Perf. Shocks for Jeep TJ
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What are the Best Shock Absorbers for Jeep
The main goal of all the shock absorbers in existence is to dampen the impact of the road on your vehicle. Should you try driving around without shock absorbers intact, the vibrations will drive you mad and make the experience as miserable as possible, especially if you hit a bumpy road or off-road.
So, what type of shocks are best for Jeep? There isn’t a single answer to that. It takes a complex approach and evaluation to pick the fittest option for your personal case. Yet, the better you understand the difference between the shock absorbers available on the market at the moment, the easier it will be to finalize your decision.
Based on Type of Fluid
It may hit you as a surprise, but there’s a special type of fluid added to shock absorbers to make the accessory tick. Depending upon the type of the mentioned fluid, you can pick the best option to install.
Gas
Gas-run shocks use the fluid as a damper when it is put under pressure. Gas shocks are known to improve ride control when put to use.
Gas-hydraulic
This type of shocks is fueled by both gas and oil. The combined fluid type ensures that these shock absorbers are less susceptible to bottom part damage due to extreme loads exposure.
Hydraulic
This type of shocks is fueled but oil. Under the effect of the piston, the oil will travel from one level to another, ensuring that the part works to the fullest.
Based on a Damper Mechanism and Construction
Aside from the difference in fluid, there are various mechanisms and constructions that modern shocks are represented as.
Single Tube (Monotube) Shock Absorbers
Often when you brood on which shock absorbers to buy single-tube option comes up. The fact is that monotube shocks are the standard version of the popular accessory. The shocks are run by gas. The peculiar design allows it to be installed in the position you find the fittest. Besides, these absorbers are known to cool down fast since the tube is open to the air.
When it comes to the downsides, you should know that the option is among the expensive variations. If that is okay with you, you have to bear in mind that monotube shocks aren’t fit for reparation.
Twin-Tube Shocks
One of the most widely required shock absorbers at the moment are twin-tube ones. The peculiar design, along with the hydraulic fluid, ensure that the ride is smooth and comfortable. Besides, the price range that these accessories are available at is more than affordable. On a slight downside, you should realize that the item may get overheated because of the piston act, and thus the wheel movement is often reduced. Things like that happen quite often when the vehicle is exposed to off-roading terrains.
Adjustable Shock Absorbers (Reservoir Shocks)
The main feature that makes adjustable shocks stand out is the fact that they offer a chance to pick the type of surface you are driving through. By design and functionality, they closely resemble two-pipe shocks but with additional reservoir added. There are different control knobs added to the shock absorbers so that you can pick either of the following settings:
- Standard
- Highway
- Comfort
- Sports
The most recent addition to the pool of shock absorbers is the one with the external reservoir. The reservoir ensures that the oil in it cools twice as fast when compared to stock shocks. Such an approach ensures that the accessory works to its fullest without overloading the vehicle’s performance and control. Yet, if you’re not driving a racing car, you may not need to invest in these shocks. Not only are they expensive, but also you won’t manage to reap all the benefits by driving on the highway or even off-roading.
Coilover Shock Absorbers
Finally, the coil-over shocks are known for their adjustability and spike in performance that they offer upon installation. Depending upon the ride’s height, you can lengthen or fold them due to the spring coil implemented into the design. The cost that the accessory comes at is relatively average.
Type of Ride
Depending upon the terrains you drive through, you can also consider a particular type of shocks. So, which shock absorbers are best for Jeep? Let’s have a closer look at the surface types that you come across regularly.
Highway
If you stick to regular terrains in the form of city streets and highways, you may want to center your attention on either oil or gas shocks.
Off-road
In case you are seriously into off-roading and uneven terrains, then gas shock absorbers will come of the greatest use for you.
Combined
Those of you who like to combine the mentioned experiences and types of roads may want to consider hydraulic shocks in the first place.
Who Makes the Best Shock Absorbers for Jeep
The aftermarket is filled with all sorts of shock absorbers produced by different brands. Knowing what to expect from a certain brand, you can save yourself some time browsing through the options that are either too expensive or unreliable for you.
Fox
It belongs to the brands that present the shocks of the utmost quality. Yet, the price range is higher than average.
TeraFlex
It is known to produce reliable and lasting accessories, yet the high price policy may be a downside to face.
Billstein
If you are interested in average shocks’ quality that wouldn’t cost you a fortune, this is a brand to pay attention to.
Rubicon Express
Produces affordable shock absorbers, yet the quality of the accessories isn’t the highest on the market.
Rancho
This is a cheap shock absorber producer, but the quality of their offers leaves much to be desired.
Budget
One of the crucial points to memorize when it comes to shock absorbers is that their lifespan is quite extensive. Thus, you won’t have to buy a new set every few months. That is why if you don’t want the accessory to let you down when you expect it least, it’s advised to consider reliable brands that offer great quality for a bit higher price.
FAQ
When should shock absorbers be replaced?
Some brands indicate the number of 40-50K miles, after which it is advised to change the shocks. However, you should realize that the numbers are derived from the sole benefit of the manufacturer. You need to observe your vehicle to determine if the accessory should be replaced.
How do you check your Jeep for bad shocks?
These are the common indicators that may indicate that your shocks are bad:
- Vehicle instability at high speeds
- The vehicle is tipping to one side
- The front dives when you hit the brakes
- You notice shocks leaking
- The tires wear out prematurely
Will new shock absorbers improve ride?
Yes, they will improve the ride. Not only will it become a lot softer and smoother, but also the braking will be better along with the cornering.
What Jeep shock absorbers give the smoothest ride?
The experts point out the main shock brands that give the smoothest performance, and they are the following:
- TeraFlex
- Rancho
- Bilstein
Yet, you need to know your precise model to find the fittest among the mentioned manufacturers.
Is it safe to drive a Jeep with a broken shock absorber?
It isn’t safe to drive around with broken shocks since the vehicle will be a lot harder to control. Let alone the fact that your ride will be diving, bouncing around, and tipping to the side all the time.
Should I replace front and rear shocks at the same time?
It is possible to replace the shocks separately, yet the drop in performance will be noticeable. So, it is best to replace them in pairs and both rear and front ones at the same time.
The Final Thoughts
Your Jeep is like a live organism. For it to operate to its fullest capacity, it needs to be attended to and treated when needed. The notion of shock absorbers is at times underrated by some drivers. Yet, vibration dampening isn’t the only benefit that well-chosen and properly installed shocks offer. There’s much more at stake, including the Jeep’s performance and control. This shock absorber guide has been compiled with the sole purpose of helping you understand the matter of shocks on a deeper level and picking the best option that suits your requirements.
All in all, it is safe to say that if you are looking for a comfortable and balanced ride in your lifted Jeep, then investing in a set of quality shock absorbers is a must. Luckily, there is a list of options to consider so that you can pick the option that fits your needs and preferences the most. If you consider either of the mentioned above options, you will forget about uncontrolled driving either on or off-road for a long time!
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