The Best Shock Absorbers (Review) in 2023 | Autance

Kicking off our list are these Bilstein shocks. These rear shock absorbers are suitable for use with most heavy stock vehicles, including trucks, jeeps, and SUVs. Thanks to Bilstein’s gas pressure technology, they’re able to deliver excellent handling both on and off road, while also offering an impressively smooth ride. Each gas charged shock is able to remain stable even when strong forces are involved. Filled with inert nitrogen gas at 360 PSI, the shocks limit fade and resist shock fluid foaming.

Compared to other options, they’re easy to install, too, thanks to a custom fit design that works well with a variety of lift combinations. Thanks to a monotube design, the rod is especially suitable for rough and rugged terrain – even with heavy loads. This design makes the shock stiffer than its twin-tube counterparts, for improved wear resistance. Finally, an attractive chrome finish makes these shocks look great on any vehicle.

The next components to find a place on our list are these Monroe shocks. Each half inch piston rod has been hardened and precision ground, for consistent performance and an impressive service life. Inside, the shocks feature all-weather fluid, carefully blended to reduce friction for consistently smooth rod reaction. Both the compression and extension cycles on each unit have been improved through valving range alterations, for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The shocks make a perfect fit for Buicks and Cadillacs. If you regularly use your vehicle for towing or carrying heavy loads, these are the perfect rear shock absorbers for you. They’ve been carefully engineered to maintain your vehicle’s ride height, when loaded with up to 1,100 pounds of extra weight. For normal driving, the shocks can be adjusted to 150 PSI, so they’re great for day to day use, too. Thanks to a monotube design, these components are very hard wearing, even on challenging terrain. Drivers say that the shocks offer a fantastic ride and excellent value for money.

The next shock absorber to earn a spot on our list is by ACDelco. The first front shock absorbers to make our list, these light duty components help to adsorb and dampen all the bumps and vibrations from the road, without weighing down your vehicle. If you drive a GM vehicle, these could be the perfect option for you – they’re specifically designed for use with GM manufactured cars and trucks. In fact, along with shocks and struts, ACDelco make a whole range of high quality GM-compatible components.

Each versatile shock has been carefully engineered to perform well with cars, light duty trucks, and even SUVs. Each shock comes with a 24 month warranty – regardless of how many miles you travel – so you can rest assured they’re built to last. Drivers say that these durable shocks helped their suspension system feel brand new again, significantly improving ride quality and handling for an overall safer, more comfortable driving experience.

These Monroe air shocks have earned the manufacturer a second spot on our list. Each high quality shock features a carefully blended all-weather fluid, which helps to reduce friction in the system, for smooth rod reaction. The components also utilise full displaced valving to deliver a consistent ride, that adapts to even the most extreme road conditions.

Meanwhile, fluon banded pistons offer consistent sealing between the piston itself and the pressure tube, for improved durability and increased handling control. If you often expose your vehicle to a wide range of surfaces and conditions, these shocks could be the perfect match for your lifestyle. They’re also a great option for towing and heavy truck bed loads – thanks to heavy gauge calibrated springs, they can maintain ride height even when the vehicle is loaded with up to 1,100 pounds of cargo. Drivers say these shocks are excellent value for money, and a simple but effective upgrade for almost any truck or SUV.

Bilstein has also earned a second spot on our list, thanks to these monotube shocks. These rear shock absorbers are specifically engineered to improve the performance of your lifted truck, Jeep, or SUV. Featuring a monotube design, the deliver sturdy durability through gas pressure technology. Each component is finished with multi-layer zinc, for industry leading corrosion resistance.

For your peace of mind, the shocks also include a lifetime warranty – they truly are built to last. In use, the shock’s self-adjusting deflective disc valving ensures a consistent ride whatever terrain you tackle. Finally, with a little mechanical knowhow, these shocks are surprisingly easy to install. They can be directly bolted on, without the need for modification.  Drivers report that these shocks offer a smooth ride and effective handling. They’re attractive, too – fitted with black boots as standard.

If you need to replace all four of your vehicle’s shock absorbers, this suspension kit by Rancho could be the perfect solution. The RS5000 is a popular shock absorber, and for good reason – they perform excellently off the beaten path, without compromising on highway performance. Equipped with 10 stage high velocity sensitive valving, the shocks are carefully designed to provide different vehicles with specific tuning. Meanwhile, a 5.8 inch diameter piston rod improves strength and durability.

Each shock includes its own protective boot, preserving the component against dirt, dust and rain in its environment. Each set of Rancho shock absorbers includes a limited lifetime warranty, demonstrating the faith that this manufacturer has in their products. Drivers across the board were impressed with how the shocks stood up to potholes and other challenging road surfaces, noting a significant improvement in ride comfort compared to standard shocks.

These Gabriel shock absorbers have also earned a spot on our list, thanks to their unique and reliable design. Founded back in 1907, Gabriel actually invented the original shock absorber, and continue to be the home of suspension innovation to this day. Each component carefully combines shock and spring technology, adding up to the perfect solution for heavy duty use – all at a budget friendly price point. The constant-rate front coil springs help improve stability, while also maintaining and restoring ride height. Meanwhile, variable-rate rear coil springs allow each shock to handle loads up to 500 pounds in weight.

Given that these are ‘Load Carrier’ shocks, this impressive capacity should come as no surprise. These components are the perfect option for towing trailers, or supporting heavy cargo in your truck bed or SUV. Suitable for both front and rear use, each shock absorber features a chromed piston rod, which effectively keeps corrosion at bay for a long and effective service life. Meanwhile, excellent seal lubrication ensures even wear, and helps improve durability.

ACDelco have also nabbed themselves a second spot on our list, with these premium gas charged from shock absorbers. Each shock features a chromed piston rod engraved with unique ‘micro cracks’, for a surface that’s ultra-smooth, self-lubricating, and resistant to scratches and corrosion. Not only does this surface improve the shcock’s seal life, it also helps to extend the component’s overall lifetime.

Inside each shock, a drawn over mandrel (DOM) pressure cylinder provides excellent sealing properties, along with reduced internal friction. They’re also gas charged, significantly reducing fluid aeration. This in turn leads to improved responsiveness, less foaming, and more consistent control than non-gas charged shock absorbers can offer. Meanwhile, a self-lubricated multi-lip piston rod seal helps to keep dirt, dust, and other contaminants away from the rod’s interior, improving performance and service life. Like all ACDelco components, these shocks are made to a consistently high standard of quality, and specifically designed to work in harmony with General Motors vehicles.

KYB have snagged the penultimate spot on our list, thanks to their MonoMax shock absorbers. Designed to tackle heavy duty use, these shocks can improve your vehicle’s dampening by as much as 40% compared to standard shock absorbers, making for a smoother ride with improved control – an overall better driving experience. Although these shocks are compatible with a wide range of vehicles, they’re carefully tailored to work best with GM vehicles.

Trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs are all ideal candidates for these impressively durable shock absorbers. Thanks to their monotube design, each shock will consistently out-perform standard twin-tube options. This design also helps to improve the component’s durability, for an excellent service lifetime. The shock’s piston ring is constructed from zinc coated stainless steel – the perfect combination when it comes to keeping corrosion and staining at bay. Meanwhile, the included rubber boot helps to protect the shaft against dirt, dust, and debris, further adding to the component’s overall durability. If you regularly use your vehicle for towing, off-roading, or carrying heavy loads, this could be the perfect solution for you.

Here comes Monroe, making its third appearance on our list thanks to its 31000 Monro-Matic Plus shock absorber. The component hinges on a 1/2 inch diameter piston rod are much wider than other options for ultimate hard-wearing durability. The rod has been nitro carburized for an extra-long service life, while a larger than average bore provides more efficient and consistent control.

Meanwhile, the shock’s all weather fluid contains modifiers specially engineered to reduce friction and ensure smooth rod reaction. The shock’s gas charged design, along with its velocity sensitive valving, combine to offer drivers of passenger cars a smoother ride and improved comfort – all at an affordable price point. Drivers who have tried the shocks say that these cost effective shocks are perfect for trucks, SUVs, and more, making for a much softer ride.