Shock Buying Guide Table of Contents

• Introduction to Shocks
• Finding the Right Shocks For Your Vehicle
  • Understanding Shocks and Struts
  • How To Find The Right Shocks For Your Driving Style
• High Performance Shocks
  • Bilstein Sport (B8)
  • KYB AGX Adjustable
  • Bilstein 5160 Remote Reservoir
  • Fox Performance Series
• Performance Daily Driver Shocks
  • Bilstein Heavy Duty (B6)
  • KYB Monomax Shocks
  • KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks
• Comfortable Daily Driver Shocks
  • KYB Excel-G Shocks
  • Bilstein B4 Touring Class Shocks
  • Monroe OESpectrum Shocks

Introduction to Shocks

There are a few things to consider before buying new shock absorbers for your vehicle. Some top considerations include your driving style, how you use your vehicle, and your budget.

Here's an overview:

Why you need Shocks and Struts

• Function: Shocks and struts are critical components of your vehicle's suspension system, designed to absorb and dampen shock impulses, maintain tire contact with the road, and manage spring motion.

Types of Shocks and Struts

• Standard (Twin-Tube): Suitable for standard driving conditions, offering adequate shock absorption.
• Gas Charged: Contains nitrogen gas to reduce aeration and foaming, providing a smoother ride and better handling.
• Monotube: Ideal for severe driving conditions or performance vehicles, offering quick damping response and better heat dissipation.
• Adjustable: Allows the driver to adjust the damping to suit different terrains and preferences.

Selecting the Right Shocks and Struts

• Assess Your Needs: Consider your typical driving conditions (city roads, highways, rough terrains) and what you prioritize (comfort, durability, performance).
• Vehicle Type and Usage: Tailor your choice to your vehicle type and usage—daily commuting, off-road driving, or performance activities.
• Load and Towing Requirements: Consider shocks that can handle additional weight if you frequently tow trailers or carry heavy loads.

Installation and Maintenance

• DIY vs. Professional Installation: Evaluate whether you have the skills and tools to install the shocks yourself or if professional installation is needed.
• Maintenance Tips: Regularly inspect your shocks for signs of wear such as leaks, rust, or damage, and replace them as recommended by the manufacturer or if you notice a decline in ride quality.

FAQs

• How often should shocks and struts be replaced? Generally, it’s recommended to inspect shocks and struts every 50,000 miles, but this can vary based on vehicle and driving conditions.
• Can I replace just one shock or strut? It’s advisable to replace shocks and struts in pairs (either both front or both rear) to maintain balanced vehicle handling.
• Do shocks and struts come with a warranty? Many manufacturers offer warranties; check the terms when purchasing to understand what’s covered.

Benefits of Quality Shocks and Struts

• Improved Safety: Enhances vehicle handling and braking efficiency.
• Increased Comfort: Reduces ride harshness, vibrations, and noise levels.
• Better Performance: Improves vehicle stability and tire performance.

With so many shock absorber options available for popular cars and trucks, it can feel overwhelming to make the right decision. This guide simplifies the shock-buying process by helping you match your shocks to your vehicle’s usage and your driving style—whether you’re looking for off-road ruggedness, high-performance cornering, or comfort for everyday commuting.

Finding The Right Shocks For Your Vehicle

Understanding Shocks and Struts

Shocks and struts are crucial parts of your vehicle's suspension, providing comfort, control, and safety. While they may be used interchangeably, they are not the same:

• Shocks: Control spring and suspension movement.
• Struts: Provide both damping and structural support to your vehicle’s suspension.

Choosing the right option depends on your vehicle’s specific suspension system and your driving needs. Learn more about the differences between shocks and struts.

Shocks and struts are key components in your vehicle's suspension system, playing a pivotal role in ride comfort, handling, and safety. They work by absorbing the bumps and vibrations from the road, providing passengers with a smoother ride. More importantly, they keep your tires in constant contact with the road surface, which creates control and braking efficiency.

While the terms shocks and struts are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Shocks, or shock absorbers, are standalone components that don't support any weight. They're primarily designed to control the movement of the springs and suspension.

Struts, on the other hand, are a structural part of the suspension system, supporting the weight of the vehicle and providing a mounting place for the coil spring. They perform two jobs: damping, like a shock, and providing structural support to the vehicle's suspension.

How To Find The Right Shocks For Your Driving Style

• High-Performance Driving - If you prioritize handling and precise control, especially at high speeds or on performance-oriented vehicles, you'll need shocks designed for performance driving. These options sacrifice a little comfort for sharper response and safety.

• Off-Road and Towing - For trucks and SUVs that tackle rough terrains or tow heavy loads, you'll need heavy-duty shocks that offer durability, heat resistance, and control under load.

• Daily Driving and Commuting - For vehicles that are primarily used on well-paved roads, comfort is key. These shocks offer smooth rides for daily commutes and can even enhance handling slightly over stock shocks, without sacrificing comfort.

Choosing the perfect shocks for your vehicle is not just about the make and model. It's also about matching the shocks with your lifestyle and driving habits. If you're an off-road enthusiast who regularly navigates rough terrains, you'll need heavy-duty shocks that can withstand the rigors of such environments.

On the other hand, if you use your vehicle mainly for commuting on well-maintained roads, comfort-oriented shocks would be more suitable. These are designed to provide a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease.

For performance enthusiasts who engage in high-speed driving or racing, high-performance shocks are the go-to choice. These shocks offer superior handling and responsiveness, allowing for precise control at high speeds.

In essence, the perfect shocks for your vehicle should align with your driving needs and lifestyle. By considering your driving habits and the conditions you frequently encounter, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect shocks.

Guide to Shock Buying: High Performance Shocks

High performance shocks and struts (in this guide we'll use the terms interchangeably, click here to learn more about the difference between shocks and struts) are designed to give your car or truck the best handling possible. For drivers who push their vehicles to the limits, an extra inch or two of grip can mean everything, so they are willing to sacrifice a bit of road comfort for a lot of safety. These shocks and struts will keep your car glued to the corners and help your truck stay on the trail. For towing applications, these shocks will keep your truck and trailer driving straight and true, no matter how windy or bumpy the road gets.

Bilstein Sport (B8)

• Ideal for: Lowered cars, high-performance driving
• Features: Stiffer valving, monotube design for precise handling.
• Buy Bilstein Sport (B8) shocks.

Bilstein Sport (B8) High pressure monotube shocks and struts available for trucks and sports cars. Bilstein B8 Sport shocks will have a stiffer valving than the B6 Heavy Duty, giving you the most precise handling possible. The Bilstein Sport is specially designed to work with lowering springs up to 2" lower than stock. Only available for select sports cars and sporty sedans.

Recommended in our shock buying guide for: High Performance Driving, Lowered Cars.

KYB AGX Adjustable

• Ideal for: High-performance driving, customizable damping for different needs.
• Features: Adjustable damping, designed for lowered cars.
• Buy KYB AGX Adjustable shocks.

KYB AGX Adjustable shocks and struts give you the option to dial in your sports car's handling performance. The KYB AGX's adjustable damping is the best way to tune your car's damping short of a full coilover kit. Ride around all week with a soft, cushioned ride and then crank up the performance for the weekend or tune your ride at the autocross for perfect performance. Designed to work with lowering springs up to 2" lower than stock. Only available for select sports cars.
Recommended in our guide to shock buying for: High Performance Driving, Lowered Cars.

Bilstein 5160 Remote Reservoir

• Ideal for: Off-road driving, lifted trucks, off-road towing.
• Features: Remote reservoir, monotube design for heat dissipation.
• Buy Bilstein 5160 shocks.

Bilstein 5160 Remote Reservoir Offroad Shocks for lifted trucks and SUVs. The Bilstein 5160 Series uses high pressure monotube technology and a remote oil reservoir to prevent overheating even in the toughest situations. Remote Reservoir Bilstein 5160 shocks are available for stock height and lifted trucks. Built to withstand the intense heat and abuse of Baja Mexico, the Bilstein 5160 will keep your truck handling like a go-kart through the toughest dirt, mud, silt, and rocks in the world.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: High Performance Offroad Driving, Lifted Trucks, Offroad Towing.

Fox Performance Series

• Ideal for: Lifted trucks, high-performance off-road driving.
• Features: Internal floating piston, corrosion-resistant aluminum.
• Buy Fox Performance Series shocks.

Fox Performance Series shocks are designed for extreme offroad use and abuse. Our Fox Performance monotube shocks use an internal floating piston to deliver reliable offroad performance in a bolt-in package.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Lifted Trucks, High Performance Offroad Driving (remote reservoir models), Towing.

Guide to Shock Buying: Performance Daily Driver Shocks

Performance daily driver shocks for drivers who use their car or truck as their primary means of transportation but also sometimes push their vehicle harder than the average person. Most drivers shopping for performance shocks fall into this category. If you use your truck for your daily commute but also tow a trailer a few times a week or need to get down unpaved trails, or if you like to open your car up when the road allows it, these are the shocks for you.

Bilstein Heavy Duty (B6)

Bilstein Heavy Duty (B6) shocks and struts are engineered for the perfect blend of comfort and performance. Bilstein's B6 Heavy Duty shocks and struts use a high-pressure monotube design to prevent overheating along with valving designed for performance while towing or driving on rough roads without being too stiff for daily use.

Recommended in our guide to buying shocks for: Towing, Rough Roads, Light Offroading, Aggressive Performance Driving, Work Trucks, Plowing, Diesel Trucks.

Buying KYB Monomax Shocks

KYB Monomax truck shocks are KYB's answer to the need for a heavy-duty monotube shock. Built only for trucks and the tough use they see towing, offroad, and driving everywhere with heavy loads.

Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Towing, Rough Roads, Light Offroading, Work Trucks, Plowing, Diesel Trucks.

Buying KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks

KYB Gas-a-just is KYB's monotube shock for trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
Recommended in our guide to buying shocks for: Aggressive Street Driving, Rough Roads, Muscle Cars, Commuting, Worn Suspensions.

Guide to Shock Buying: Comfortable Daily Driver Shocks

Comfortable daily driver shocks for vehicles used primarily on normal roads for every day driving and only occasionally used for towing or aggressive driving. Drivers not looking for performance upgrades should use these shocks for the best ride possible, slightly better handling and a longer shock life than original equipment units.

Buying KYB Excel-G Shocks

KYB Excel-G shocks and struts are available for most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Daily Driven Cars, Commuting, Worn Suspensions.

Buying Bilstein B4 Touring Class Shocks

Bilstein B4 Touring Class shocks offer the legendary reliability of Bilstein shocks without the rougher ride of a high-performance monotube.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Daily Driven Cars, Commuting.

Buying Monroe OESpectrum Shocks

Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts are low pressure twin tube replacement units built for imported cars.
Recommended in our shock buying guide for: Daily Driven Cars, Commuting.