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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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
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
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
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 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
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
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 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL
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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
  • Noticeable improvement to rough pavement or rocky terrain
  • Serviceable and Rebuildable
Cons
  • Performance / Premium level price point
  • Despite the price, cannot do extended periods in high heat environments without fade
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)
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
  • 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 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