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
If you want a stock-like ride on your Jeep Wrangler JK but with better handling, less body roll, and extreme longevity, the Bilstein 4600 shock is a great option. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling adventure loads, and may outlast your Wrangler.
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 your Jeep Wrangler JK. The Excel G shock is the closest thing you're going to get to a factory ride like the Wrangler comes off the lot. Soft, comfortable, but only for stock height - and will need replacement within 50k miles.
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
The RS5000X shock is a stock-upgrade to the Wrangler JK's stock Rancho shocks, or the dark red ones that come from the factory. The twin tube high gas design is essentially an economical-performance oriented shock, more oil volume, slightly firmer damping, delivering better handling in the dirt or the rocks.
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 monotube shocks for the Jeep Wrangler JK gives more consistency and overall more comfort and handling when compared to the factory shocks. The linear valving is a lot more forgiving, and closer to the response you get from a Fox 2.0 than you get from a Bilstein shock; more comfortable on small bumps, and a little more comfortable on the trail.
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
Heavy Load / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
The Bilstein 5100 shock for the Wrangler JK has options for any ride height up to 6" - the superior option to handle a taller ride height on oversized tires. These shocks provide a sportier ride, keeping the Wrangler JK flat through the turns, and composed over rough terrain or pavement commutes.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Appropriate lengths up to 6" Lift Kits
  • Handles heavier loads better than most other options at this price
  • Extremely durable
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
The adjustable RS9000XL shock is the beefier and adjustable version of the Rancho RS5000X shock. That means more oil, and being able to adjust to a softer ride than the RS5000X, or a lot firmer to handle loads, or offroad speeds for better handling when the terrain gets chunky. If your Jeep Wrangler JK does it all; daily driver, weekend trail rig, and occasional family outting-mobile - this is the go-to shock to adjust the ride behavior.
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
Teraflex Falcon SP2 2.1 Monotube Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL 4 Door
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Overview
Falcon's 2.1 shocks for the Jeep Wrangler JK lean towards performance - rather than pillowy comfort. If you're looking for shocks that perform when either the heat or the speed increases while offroad, the Falcon 2.25in shock handles it. Whether you have a factory height Wrangler JK, a 3" or 5" lift - Falcon has an option for you.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • SP2 - Shock Mode Adjustment alters between a softer feel or high performance handling.
  • 2.25-inch body goes beyond the competition in size and materials
  • Multiple adjustment options and upgrades
Cons
  • Premium price point, without being self serviceable (DIY Rebuild Kits unavailable)
  • Valving leans towards the firmer side, surprising some drivers
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Teraflex Falcon SP2 3.3 Fast Adjust Piggyback Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
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Overview
Falcon's 3.3 shocks deliver fast adjustment for the Wrangler JK which changes compression-damping levels to change how bumps are absorbed. The SP2 feature allows the adjustment of the internal bleed function of the shock that switches between standard damping and a softer base-level that is more comfortable over bumps and rough terrain. The 2.25-inch body is valved for a sportier feel and offroad performance that delivers confidence in knowing exactly what Jeep Wrangler JK is doing.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • SP2 - Shock Mode Adjustment alters between a softer feel or high performance handling.
  • 2.25-inch body goes beyond the competition in size and materials
  • Multiple adjustment options and upgrades
Cons
  • Premium price point, without being self serviceable (DIY Rebuild Kits unavailable)
  • Valving leans towards the firmer side, surprising some drivers
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 shocks for the Jeep Wrangler JK are one of the most consistent and comfortable shock both on and off the trail. While these shocks are built around better offroad performance and bump compliance, the daily drive is massively improved over the stock Rancho shocks.
Price

3 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
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Piggyback Shocks Front Pair 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

3 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 Performance Elite Adjustable w/ Reservoir Shocks Set for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
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Overview
If you want your Jeep Wrangler JK to be the master of all trades, the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite is one of the few options. On top of the 2.5 inch bodies and reservoirs, the dual speed compression adjuster allows you to move between very soft or very firm bump response, onroad or off. When your Jeep Wrangler is doing serious duty as an adventure rig, or a desert runner, the Fox 2.5 stands up to the heat and speeds on the trail.
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