What is the best riding shocks for Jeep Wrangler? Well, that depends on what you use your rig for the most.
Is your Wrangler mostly street driven for open-air freedom? Do you occasionally take your rig out for lightweight trail rides with some ruts, mud, or small rocks?
Or … do you take your highly modified Jeep Wrangler rock crawling beast outputting it to the test with huge rocks and deep ruts?
How you drive your rig really mandates what kind of shock absorbers would be best for your Jeep Wrangler.
Another thing to consider about purchasing new shocks is tire wear. Yes .. bad shocks can create bad tire wear such as “cupping”. The term “cupping” means that the tire wears in random places making low and high spots in the tread footprint. The low places are where the term “cupping” comes from. So, buy QUALITY shocks … not the cheapest set on the shelf. Think about it, cheap shocks will need to be replaced more often, and wear your tires much faster. In the end, you will have to spend LOTS more money!! Buy quality … save money, better ride, and most of all a safer ride.
Now, in this article, I’m not going to get into what’s best for a CJ, YJ, TJ or JK .. etc. This is just a general discussion of what type of shock would be best for your driving or playing habits. But .. I will say this. You DO NOT NEED “Heavy Duty” shocks. Jeep Wranglers are lightweight little rigs. Heavy Duty shocks are valved tight with the firmer rebound for heavy vehicles or trucks carrying heavy loads. To put that in English .. Heavy Duty Shocks on lightweight vehicles ride VERY ROUGH!!
Best Riding Shocks for Jeep Wrangler – Factory Replacement
If you daily drive your Jeep Wrangler on all highways and streets, then simple factory replacement shocks will be fine. You really need to make sure you stay with “Light Duty” style shocks for the most comfortable ride. Now, that’s not saying to opt for the “cheapest” shock you can buy. Shocks are one of those items that you get what you pay for. Go cheap and you will be replacing them sooner and possibly faster tire wear. Pay for quality so they last longer, therefore saving you money in the long run.
These Bilstein 5100s would be my first choice for a factory replacement shock. Bilsteins are probably the most popular purchased shock in the Jeep community. They aren’t crazy expensive, they look and perform great. Yes I know that link is rear shocks. You will have to find the shocks that fit your Jeep. Click here to find your application.
Rancho RS5000 Series shocks are another very popular selection among the Jeeping community. For a factory replacement shocks I typically do not recommend twin tube shocks due to they tend to ride a bit more firm. These shocks have a special valving system that soaks up the pot holes for a smoother ride and much better handling. Click here to find your application.
Here we have KYB MonoMax shocks. Coming in as the least expensive of the 3 featured in this category, but not any less on quality. These shocks will give you an excellent ride, great handling. These are the closest to being like factory replacement .. but better! Click here to find your application.