Choosing Shocks for your Jeep Wrangler JK

We made this guide specifically for the Wrangler JK, based on thousands of miles running these shocks ourselves, and thousands of customers' feedback. We address different budgets, different vehicle uses & needs (plush daily comfort, more handling, off-road, etc), and identifying exactly what these shocks mean for your Jeep. We truly test these products ourselves, and are open to any and all questions for your vehicle, reach out to us with any questions!

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Introducing

Wrangler Buyer's Guide Video

We break down the pros and cons of the most popular Jeep Wrangler suspension upgrades.

Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
  • Long lasting, very durable
  • Reduces nose dive and body roll
  • Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Higher tier shock, higher price
  • Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
KYB Excel-G OEM Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
The Excel-G shock is KYB's direct factory replacement shock (for most applications) to restore factory-like handling characteristics. KYB is an OEM supplier, and produces aftermarket parts with as much precision as factory parts, ensuring exact fit and restoration.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Budget level factory replacement shocks
  • Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
  • Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
  • Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
Serving as an upgrade option on factory trucks, the Rancho RS5000X is a thick bored twin tube gas shock, meant to increase performance in a budget package. The thick body of this shock ensures that it can handle tough situations and loads without much problem, and the budget price means its accessible to a large application base.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to performance longevity
  • Reliable twin tube technology
  • Great price for a 2" gas shock
  • 90 Day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Ride quality leaves something to be desired
  • Mass produced, shows in the details
Special Notes
These shocks are similar to the shocks that come equipped from factory, but we categorize the damping a bit firmer overall.
Rancho RS7MT Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
The Rancho RS7MT is a monotube shock that delivers the most consistent performance and comfort out of the Rancho lineup. The 46mm piston in the RS7MT delivers more comfort onroad, and better handling offroad in the tough stuff.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • On-road and off-road comfort upgrade
  • Better rebound damping than RS5000X and RS9000XL alternatives
  • A more consistent and comfortable upgrade to the RS5000X
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Control for soft or firm compression damping
  • Thick bodied, large oil volume
  • Excellent adjustable shock for the price
  • 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
  • Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
  • Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Overview
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD RWD
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
  • Excellent High Performance entry level shock
  • Handles hard hits well
  • Improves handling and traction in all terrains
  • Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
  • Higher price point compared to similar offerings
  • Requires servicing for optimal performance
  • Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
Icon 1.75-4" Coilover Conversion System Stage 1 Kit for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD RWD
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Improved handling on and off-road
  • Built for moderate to high speed
  • Rebuildable and serviceable
  • Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
  • Requires servicing for optimum performance
  • Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Piggyback Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
King's tried and true offroad shocks for your application are unmatched in ride comfort and performance, offering legendary tuning out of the box. These shocks really excel in high speed environments and aggressive terrain, for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • One of the highest performing shocks available for OE apps
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Compression adjustment and reservoir options
  • Badass Blue color
Cons
  • Lacking on features from competitors
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Fox 2.5 Factory Series Internal Bypass Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD RWD w/2.5-4" lift
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Overview
Stepping up to the Fox 2.5 Factory Race series shocks brings significant improvements in both comfort and ride control. The increased size of the 2.5" shock offers increased shock oil, lower operating pressures, and allows high speed driving on aggressive terrain while maintaining great control of the vehicle through race-level tuning.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
  • Adjustable & Reservoir options
  • Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
  • Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
  • Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks w/ Reservoir Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD RWD
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Overview
The 2.0 Performance Reservoir shocks are the upgrade you may be looking for in order to smash through those offroad trails and terrain a bit faster. The addition of the reservoir allows for higher offroad speeds with improved heat dissipation, and slightly increased travel in the main shock body.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Significantly improved off-road capability
  • Improved road handling and bump compliance
  • Serviceable and rebuildable
  • Custom Tuneable
Cons
  • Requires servicing at approximately 50,000 miles
  • May be too firm for some drivers