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.

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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.

Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
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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 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
Cons
  • Ride quality leaves something to be desired
  • Mass produced, shows in the details
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 shock for the Wrangler JL is a step up in handling compared to most shocks on the market, even the Bilstein 5100s. Where these win-out against other IFP monotube options is the SP2 adjustment that affects internal bypass mechanisms in the shock, producing a 'soft' or 'standard' baseline to damping.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Adjustment requires removing the shock from the lower shock mount
  • Sportier / Firmer than people expect out of the box
Special Notes
More questions about Falcon shocks? Check our FAQ
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
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Overview
BIlstein 5100 shocks for the 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL provides a noticeable improvement to overall handling - especially on a lifted Jeep. If you're running a lift kit, and bigger wheels and tires, the Bilstein 5100 is the go to shock for more confidence and stability. They aren't the softest shock on the block, but they are one of the longest lasting and most predictable.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
Special Notes
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks Set for 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD RWD
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Overview
Fox's 2.0 Performance Series shocks for the Wrangler JL is where you start to feel how much improvement you can see from a set of 'premium' shocks. The first thing we noticed in our tests was the reduction of up and down and side to side behavior we felt on rocky trails. These shocks fit lift kits up to 6", and can be rebuilt down the line to extend total lifespan.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
Special Notes
We installed these Fox 2.0 on the trail - check our before & after review for the Wrangler JL
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for carrying heavier loads or towing small trailers
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
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Overview
If you're looking for a performance-oriented shock option for your Jeep Wrangler JL, but dont want to step into a high-pressure gas monotube option like Bilstein, Fox, or Falcon - the RS9000XL may be your best bet. Still delivering a softer daily driven feel due to the twin tube design, this shock offers 9-stages of compression adjustment to provide a soft daily drive, or more damping for offroad use.
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
Special Notes
Get the inside scoop on the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shock
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD
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Overview
We insist on putting the Bilstein 5100 in the haul and tow category for those lifted Jeep Wrangler JL owners that are overlanding or towing a trailer. The Bilstein 5100 serves as a good daily driven shock, but excels at handling increased loads when compared to a factory twin tube shock.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Firmer than stock-like shocks
  • Performance Shock, higher price
Teraflex Falcon SP2 3.3 Fast Adjust Piggyback Shocks Set for 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD
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Overview
This is the shock package for the Wrangler owner who's serious about how their Jeep performs off and on-road, not just how it sits. The Falcon SP2 3.3 is a top tier option that addresses all driver needs through compression adjustment on the external knobs, and rebound through the shaft rotation adjustment. If you want to do it all, comfort on the weekdays - performance on the weekends, these shocks are a top contender.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
Special Notes
See our Falcon Shocks Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The range of offroad shocks spans entry level comfort or high end performance, we aim to help you figure out what level is appropriate for your driving style
Old Man Emu BP-51 Internal Bypass Reservoir Shocks Set for 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD w/2.5-3.5" lift
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Overview
The rebound and compression adjustment on the BP51 shocks for the Wrangler gives you a massive range of ride feel that spans extreme pillowy comfort to high performance offroad handling. The internal bypass feature keeps these shocks riding soft and compliant in the normal ride zone, while adding damping where its needed in the end strokes during heavy suspension use. The BP51 achieves the ultimate in both comfort and offroad control through the massive amount of ride control tuning.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Compression/Rebound Adjustment is slightly tougher to change than competitors
Special Notes
See our Old Man Emu BP51 Review - a staff favorite
Teraflex Falcon SP2 3.3 Fast Adjust Piggyback Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD
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Overview
Falcon's 3.3 SP2 shocks give a huge amount of damping adjustment for your Jeep Wrangler JL. The SP2 adjustment gives your Wrangler a 'soft' or a 'standard' damping baseline, while the red fast adjust knobs give more control over bump compliance. These 2.25in reservoir shocks are geared towards Wranglers that see a lot of dirt, see some speed, and want control over all else.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Have to remove the lower shock mount in order to make SP2 adjustments
  • Rides sportier / firmer than people expect (but we're a fan)
Special Notes
See our Falcon Shocks Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
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Overview
Fox's 2.5 Performance Elite shocks are what Jeep Wrangler JL owners go for when they want more performance and capability in the dirt and on the trail. The Dual Speed Compression adjuster helps dial in your preferred ride quality for the daily drive on pavement, while being able to rapidly adjust for heavier loads, or faster speeds offroad. The low and high speed adjusters give you fine tune control over all manner of bumps and vehicle behavior.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Requires eventual maintanence for long term ownership
  • Limited ride height options available
Special Notes
Not sure which Fox shock is right for your rig? Check out our FAQ
Fox 3.0 Factory Internal Bypass Shocks Set for 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
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Overview
Stepping into the Fox 3.0 for the Jeep Wrangler JL isn't just adding another half inch. These shocks come with internal bypass, which is a position sensitive design that means the daily drive is very comfortable, without sacrificing any offroad performance. With the adjustability of these shocks through the dual speed compression adjusters, and the 3in bore, most drivers will never see the limits of what these shocks can deliver for your 2019+ Jeep Wrangler.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Ultimate ride comfort from Internal Bypass technology
  • Extreme damping refinement through DSC features
  • Unstoppable with top of the line heat dissipation
Cons
  • Limited ride height options available
  • Many moving parts, service and maintenance should be on the calendar