Choosing Shocks for your Jeep Wrangler JL
We've taken the Jeep Wrangler JL across every terrain you can imagine, flexing the Metal Cloak 3.5in lift to its max. We paired the lift kit with numerous shock options to inform this guide. 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 Wrangler JL.
OEM Shock Information
This table of shocks are the current part numbers for the 2019-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL model, across numerous trims. The guide below with our shock recommendations are confirmed to fit without any modification necessary.
| Part # | Trim | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Front Shocks (2019–2026) | ||
| 68330209AA | Rubicon / Willys | Red-bodied monotube performance shock, factory upgrade. |
| 68382828AB / 68383631AD / 68552761AA | Sport / Sahara | Black-bodied standard shock, across running-change supersessions. Replaces 68382607AA, 68382607AB. |
| Rear Shocks (2019–2026) | ||
| 68330210AA / 68509434AA | Rubicon / Willys | Red-bodied monotube performance shock. 68509434AA supersedes 68330210AA in later production. |
| 68527797AB | Sport / Sahara / Altitude / Recon / Willys Sport | Standard shock. Replaces 68382853AA, 68527797AA. |
Introducing
Wrangler Buyer's Guide Video
We break down the pros and cons of the most popular Jeep Wrangler suspension upgrades.
1 dollar signs out of 4
- Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to heat dissipation and sustained use
- Reliable twin tube technology, similar to stock-level shocks
- Economical performance, budget friendly
- Multiple height options for leveling kits and full lift systems
- Ride quality leaves something to be desired
- Mass produced, shows in the details
3 dollar signs out of 4
- One of the only adjustable monotube IFP shocks on the market
- Soft or Standard damping settings through the SP2 adjustment
- Available for a range of lift kits on your Wrangler JL
- Adjustment requires removing the shock from the lower shock mount
- Sportier / Firmer than people expect out of the box
2 dollar signs out of 4
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
3 dollar signs out of 4
- Available for factory height up to 6" lift kits
- Linear damping for predictable feel over big and small bumps to increase comfort
- Noticeable improvement to rough pavement or rocky terrain
- Serviceable and Rebuildable for extended ownership
- Premium price point compared to similar 2-inch shock offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance at approximately 50k miles
- Warranty requests and service goes through Fox directly
2 dollar signs out of 4
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
2 dollar signs out of 4
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
4 dollar signs out of 4
- Fast Adjust knobs allow for quick and easy 3 position compression adjustment (Soft, Medium, Hard)
- Micro Position Knob allows for 8 additional compression adjustment settings for more precise adjustment
- Rotating the shaft activates the SP2 adjustment that changes baseline compression/rebound valving
- Digressive Valving allows vehicle to retain excellent handling characteristics and minimal body roll even in softer compression settings
- 2.25" Digressively valved design can be somewhat limited for drivers looking for more all out performance off road
- Even at the softest shock settings, some drivers may find bump compliance not forgiving enough
4 dollar signs out of 4
- Compression adjustment to handle varying vehicle loads or adjusting to higher speed environments
- Rebound adjustment allows further troubleshooting of ride quality or dialing in load handling
- Internal Bypass addresses comfort in every-day driving conditions
- Compression/Rebound Adjustment is slightly tougher to change than competitors
4 dollar signs out of 4
- Internal bypass adjustable
- Big knob adjustability for bump compliance / comfort
- 2.25in aluminum shock body gives a higher standard for damping at this price range and package size
- Have to remove the lower shock mount in order to make SP2 adjustments
- Rides sportier / firmer than people expect (but we're a fan)
4 dollar signs out of 4
- Ultimate ride comfort upgrade from Internal Bypass technology
- Extreme damping refinement through DSC features
- Unstoppable with top of the line heat dissipation and big bump compliance - big bore handles big hits
- Requires eventual maintanence for long term ownership
- Limited ride height options available
4 dollar signs out of 4
- Ultimate ride comfort from Internal Bypass technology
- Extreme damping refinement through DSC features
- Unstoppable with top of the line heat dissipation
- Limited ride height options available
- Many moving parts, service and maintenance should be on the calendar