Depending on the terrain, off-road drives, either for work or adventure, tend to be so bumpy and sometimes even uncomfortable. However, shock absorbers ensure that you have a smooth and comfortable ride.
When you buy your car or truck, it will come with shock absorbers or struts that influence the ride quality. However, these may wear out over time since they're often of poor quality. For this reason, you need to ensure that your lifted truck has the best off-road shocks to protect you from bumps and vibrations on off-road terrains.
Getting the best off-road shocks on the market can be challenging, especially when you don't know what to look for. Fortunately, we have curated this handy guide of the best shock absorbers to help you narrow down your options.
Which Shocks Give the Smoothest Ride?
To have an idea of which shock absorbers(shocks) will be best for your truck, it would be better first to understand how they work. Shock absorbers were not always there, especially in early motor vehicles. This is because of the low speeds attained by the vehicles; hence there was no need to control the motion of the suspension.
As technology improves, resulting in modern high-speed vehicles, the types of terrain vehicles are expected to navigate have become demanding. For this reason, trucks need the best off-road shocks to ensure that the vehicle is stable and increases handling when driving.
Shock absorbers technically consist of a body, can, or tube filled with oil. There is also a rod and a piston with a set amount of holes in the valves that go up and down in the tube. In addition, the valve design is specific for a particular use and weight of the car, determined pre-production.
The holes in the valves allow a certain amount of oil to pass through. As the oil passes(or air in some stock shocks), it places resistance on the piston by dampening it. In turn, this slows down the piston as it moves through the body or tube. In addition, the damping helps control the action between the frame rail and the axle at the bottom of the vehicle. These two chassis parts are either pushing up or pulling down on the two ends of the shock absorber.
In summary, shock absorbers:
- Manage impact and rebound movement of the truck's springs and suspensions. By managing the vibrations on rocky trails and terrains, you and your passengers will have a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Maintain contact between the ground(road) surface and the tire's bottom surface. In turn, this improves vehicle handling and makes it easy to control and stop the car when need be.
Which is the best off road shocks?
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Let's get into the best off-road shocks on the market.
1. Monroe Shocks & Struts Max-Air MA822 Shock Absorber
Monroe Shocks & Struts Max-Air MA822 Air Shock Absorber
- MAINTAIN RIDE HEIGHT UNDER LOAD -- Air chamber can be inflated or...
- EASY TO ADJUST -- Special air fitting resists air leakage and...
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING -- Full-displaced valving on compression and...
- BUILT TO LAST -- Hardened and precision ground piston rod for...
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- OE all-weather fluid contains special...
Monroe has been in the shocks industry for ages and their quality products are why they are still relevant today. The Max-Air MA822 shock absorber works well with vehicles with an automatic leveling system and even those carrying heavy loads or are used for towing.
The monotube shock absorber has hardened pistons that better control and performance and less resistance. In addition, the hardening helps with durability. The internal design is air inflatable, meaning that you can inflate and deflate the shocks to adjust the height and handle different weights from different vehicles.
The full displaced valve is another feature that makes these shock absorbers the best in the market. This type of valving changes the compression and extension cycles, making your ride super comfortable. In addition, these rear shocks have an OE weather fluid that handles high temperatures, reduces friction and smoothes the rod's reaction.
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2. ACDelco Professional 530-301 Front Shock Absorber
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ACDelco Professional 530-301 Premium Gas Charged Front Shock Absorber
- A hardened, chromed piston rod with micro cracks provides an...
- Drawn over mandrel (dom) pressure cylinder for high quality...
- Gas charged for reduced fluid aeration, which can result in...
- Full perimeter, multi lip, piston rod seal is permanently...
- O ring hydraulic piston seal resulting in minimized piston blow...
This ACDelco 530-301 front shock provides quality and durability to ensure that you enjoy comfortable rides for a long period. The shock is an excellent choice, especially if you are looking to replace worn-out front stock shocks.
The chromed piston rod is hardened and has mini-cracks that offer an ultra-smooth, self-lubricating, scratch and corrosion-resistant surface. This, in turn, enhances the seal life and longevity of the shock components. In addition, the drawn-over mandrel pressure cylinder reduces internal friction by providing top-quality sealing properties.
The ACDelco 530-301 shock absorber is gas charged. This greatly reduces the fluid aeration and results in a better response and less foaming. In turn, this gives you consistent control compared to when using non-gas charged shocks.
Another interesting feature about these front shocks is that they have a multi-lip piston seal rod that helps keep them permanently lubricated while keeping dirt and contaminants away from the interior. Additionally, the O ring piston seal is hydraulic to ensure better control and minimized piston blow.
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3. Bilstein 24-186742 5100 Series Rear Shock Absorber
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Shock, 5100 Series, Monotube, Steel, Zinc Plated, Rear, GM Fullsize SUV/Truck 1999-2010, Each
- Package Dimensions: 67.5 H x 7.5 L x 7.8 W (centimetres)
- Package Weight: 2.6 kilograms
- Country of Origin : United States
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
Bilstein is another brand with the best shock absorbers to make your ride smooth. This 24-186742 rear shock is made from a strong and durable metallic material that ensures its long-lasting performance.
Bilstein also uses advanced technology to ensure that you are content with the working of the shock absorbers. The 46mm monotube construction, for example, ensures that you get consistent control and performance when driving on and off-road. In addition, the digressive valving reacts fast when you change the road surface to keep up with the consistency.
These Bilstein 24-186742 5100 rear shocks are super easy to install as they come with mounting hardware. All you'll need to do is bolt them in. Additionally, you will find that each shock absorber component has a multi-layer of zinc finish. This helps to provide resistance against corrosion.
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4. Monroe 31000 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber
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Monroe Shocks & Struts Monro-Matic Plus 31000 Shock Absorber
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- Velocity Proportional Valving (VPV) technology...
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE -- Nitrogen gas-charge maintains...
- RESTORES RIDE AND HANDLING -- Larger bore provides more efficient...
- BUILT TO LAST -- Self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and...
- GET MORE MILES FROM YOUR RIDE -- Designed and validated to meet...
The Monroe 31000 Monro-Matic shock features a half-inch diameter piston that helps with durability. The bore(diameter of the piston and the interior of the pressure tube) is 1-3/16 inches bigger than others to provide consistent control and performance. In addition, the rod is nitrocarburized to provide a lifetime of performance.
The shock body has an all-weather fluid that helps improve the ride quality by reducing friction. The fluid also enhances a smooth rod reaction. Additionally, the gas-charged design helps to reduce fluid aeration.
Another exciting feature is the velocity-sensitive valving. Combined with the gas charge, you will get the most comfortable and smooth ride on rough terrain. In addition, this shock absorber is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective choice.
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5. ACDelco GM Original Equipment 580-435 Front Shock Absorber
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 580-435 Front Shock Absorber
- Helps absorb and dampen road input into your vehicle’s...
- GM-recommended replacement part for your GM vehicle’s original...
- Offering the quality, reliability, and durability of GM OE
- Lower Mounting: T Bracket 2 Bolt
The ACDelco 580-435 front shocks are designed to be compatible with GM manufactured cars, SUVs and light trucks. Their form and function resemble and fit like factory stock shocks to ensure you get more control while driving off-road.
These shocks ensure that the vehicle is not weighed down by absorbing and dampening bumps and vibrations that you will encounter on rough terrain. In addition, the gas charge design is perfect as it helps you and the vehicle adapt seamlessly as you change the terrain.
The 580-435 shock has a chrome-plated piston rod. This helps to prevent rusting and corrosion. Additionally, since this shock absorber is best to replace the subpar OEM shocks, it comes with all the required hardware to make your work easy.
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6. Bilstein 24191203 Shock Absorber
Bilstein 24191203 Shock Absorber
- Country of Origin : United States
- Package Dimensions: 7.62 L x 67.818 H x 8.128 W (centimeters)
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- Package Weight: 2.676 kilograms
- Zinc coating for resistance to off-road elements
This Bilstein 24191203 model, like any other Bilstein shock absorber, does not disappoint when it comes to performance and quality. Additionally, it has a monotube design that ensures consistent and fade-free performance.
This shock absorber by Bilstein has a digressive piston that ensures a fast reaction when the terrain changes. This feature is great as it makes the shock suitable for smooth and rough terrains. In addition, the unusual velocity is a plus and helps with road surface adaptation.
You will love that this shock absorber model has shock tuning. Although the oil dampening is relatively soft compared to other models, this shock is perfect for lifted light trucks and SUVs to provide quality and comfortable rides. In addition, you can use the shocks with a jeep. However, if you decide to buy these shocks, make sure that you give them enough thought beforehand.
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7. KYB 565102 MonoMax Gas Shock
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KYB 565102 MonoMax Gas Shock
- Maximum performance upgrade with up to 40% more damping...
- Perfect solution when you need to upgrade suspension performance...
- Truck monotube design outperforms all other standard shock...
- Zinc-coated, stainless steel piston ring provides a positive seal...
- Rubber boot to protect the shaft and keep dirt and debris away...
If you are looking for a gas shock with the ACDelco 580-435 GM performance and more on the affordable side, this KYB 565102 will be a great alternative. Unlike with a standard gas shock, you get 40% more dampening performance with this MonoMax model. In addition, you are guaranteed quality results as KYB utilizes its suspension knowledge to make durable shocks.
This MonoMax shock absorber by KYB features a monotube design that helps with consistent, reliable and durable performance. Although the damping power makes them more suitable for heavy trucks, you can also use these shocks on light trucks, jeeps and SUVs. In addition, this would also make a great choice if you are looking to upgrade your vehicle's suspensions from the OEM ones.
The shock piston ring is zinc coated and made of stainless steel. This type of construction comes in handy to prevent shock fade and wear and tear from corrosion. The rubber boot protects the shaft and keeps dirt and debris from penetrating the seal. In rough terrain, this means that small rocks will not compromise the perfect seal's integrity.
If you are a frequent off-road driver, these front shocks will come in handy to ensure that you have a smooth ride. The same applies if you use your truck for towing. In addition, to address the problem of fluid leaking, the rod of this KYB MonoMax model is chrome plated, making it smooth. In turn, this helps to reduce the resistance.
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8. KYB 349105 Excel-G Gas Shock
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KYB 349105 Excel-G Gas Shock, Black, Silver
- #1 recommended Original Equipment replacement choice for Asian...
- Specifically calibrated to help restore the original handling and...
- Uses a seamless working cylinder matched with a Teflon coated...
- Triple chrome plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals that...
- Features a precision, sintered iron strut rod guide to help...
Back with another KYB shock alternative, this 349105 Excel-G gas shock provides top-notch performance for off-road driving. This rear shock is specifically calibrated to ensure that your vehicle's original control and handling have been restored. In addition, it is an excellent OE replacement choice for light trucks and minivans.
KYB uses a seamless working cylinder matched to a Teflon-coated piston band. This shock technology ensures that you get a positive seal and a long life of superior performance from this shock. Additionally, the sintered iron strut rod has precision, making wheel alignment a breeze.
The piston has triple chrome plating and multiple lip oil seals, which help prevent corrosion and wear and tear. The seal also ensures dirt and debris do not contaminate the interior components. In addition, the package comes with bolt bushings and mounting eye rings that help to deal with the rattling sound.
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9. Monroe Shocks & Struts Reflex 911262 Shock Absorber
Monroe Shocks & Struts Reflex 911262 Shock Absorber
- Package Dimensions: 23.13 L x 2.6 H x 4 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 5.3 pounds
- Country of Origin : China
- Part Number: 911262
The Monroe 911262 shock absorbers are also among the best shocks for off-road driving. They are reasonably priced and do not disappoint on performance. In addition, these rear shocks utilize ASD technology in the valving design. In turn, this provides consistent control, improved handling and a comfortable off-roading experience.
The all-weather fluid is also a great additional feature to ensure smooth rod reaction and also reduce friction. Unlike other best shocks that we have seen in the review, this model includes a Fluon Banded piston that ensures the pressure tube and the piston have consistent sealing. Additionally, you will have better control and maximum durability.
The ASD valving technology helps the off-road shocks sense acceleration, improving the vehicle's handling, comfort, and other aspects. Unfortunately, the paint on this shock absorber is quite thin and susceptible to rust and corrosion. However, the overall performance and built will make this a worthy purchase.
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10. Bilstein 24-187374 Shock Absorber
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Shock Absorber B8 Rear Ram 1500 4WD
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- Package Dimensions: 7.366 L x 68.072 H x 7.62 W (centimeters)
- Package Weight : 2.540 kilograms
- Country of Origin : United States
Last on our list is this monotube shock absorber by Bilstein. This shock uses gas pressure technology to ensure extreme durability. It also has a sturdy construction and overall aims to give a consistent but fade-free performance.
The digressive pistons are velocity-sensitive, meaning that they react fast to any change in the road surface. In turn, you get a smooth ride whether you are on or off-road. In addition, these shock absorbers go through specific tuning for each application, making them one of the best shocks on the market.
Bilstein also ensures that each component in this model has a zinc coating. This then helps to prevent corrosion. In addition, installing the off-road shocks is very easy with little mechanical knowledge. Overall, you'll notice a significant improvement in these shocks' comfort level and handling capacity.
Pros
Cons
What Should You Consider Before Getting the Best Off-Road Shocks?
1. Monotube or Twin-Tube
Monotube shocks contain the pressure tube only. Inside the pressure tube, you will find the piston, rod, valves and the fluid in charge of compression and rebound movement. On the other hand, a twin-tube shock contains a reservoir tube and a pressure tube. In addition, the reservoir holds the extra fluid while the pressure tube works similarly to a monotube.
There are also gas-charged shocks that contain pressurized nitrogen in the reservoir tube. In turn, this minimizes oil aeration by maintaining a consistent pressure inside the twin tubes. Additionally, aeration(bubbles forming in the oil) makes the shock absorbers less effective as damping agents.
Monotube shocks have certain advantages over twin tubes. For example, monotubes perform better since a twin-tube design often cavitates(aerates). This is because the oil is not under direct pressure in the remote reservoir shock, unlike the pressure tube.
Unfortunately, monotube shocks have their drawbacks. The primary one is that since the pressure tube is the outermost layer of the shock cylinder, it becomes exposed to off-road driving hazards. For this reason, manufacturers will use covers and durable shock wraps to protect the interior components.
You will also find bypass shocks that offer help with the monotube drawback. Bypass shocks have a full-sized valved piston and a full diameter cylinder to blend the benefits of positive and velocity-sensitive valving. In turn, this acts as having two shocks in one rather than having a twin-tube.
2. Size
Size is also important to consider. Again, this goes back to the differences between a monotube and twin-tube design shock. With a monotube, the piston has more surface area, which expands the dumping capacity of the shock.
On the other hand, twin tubes have a low-pressure charge and a relatively small piston diameter than a monotube. Since the pressure and hydraulic fluid are not isolated, aeration ensues in the shock cycle(compression and rebound). In addition, since the opposite is true for monotube shocks, they offer better performance even in extreme conditions.
3. Heat
Heat is one of the primary reasons why shock absorbers fail. As the shocks control the vehicle's suspension, the hydraulic fluid converts the damped force into heat energy. Since monotubes have a single wall design, they can dissipate heat quicker and hence run cooler.
Conversely, twin tubes retain heat thanks to their design. This is because the inner tube where the piston is creating heat is insulated by the reservoir( outer) tube hence not exposed to cooler outside temperatures.
For this reason, you will find that some shock absorbers have remote reservoirs, meaning that there is more fluid and more heat dissipation. You will find most of these absorbers to be in race shocks.
4. Adjustable or Non-Adjustable
Finally, you need to make a consideration between adjustable and non-adjustable shocks. Adjustable shocks allow you to adjust necessary settings, especially in extreme conditions. Although they are a bit pricey, these shocks are important when encountering different terrains.
Non-adjustable shocks have a fixed valve that is often firmer than factory shocks. Therefore, if you have installed aftermarket products that increase the overall weight of your vehicle or use your truck to haul or tow, using adjustable shocks would be the better option.
Conclusion
The ten best off-road shocks that we have reviewed above stand out on the market for their features. Regardless of the shock absorbers you choose from the list; you will get excellent performance, great damping ability, improved handling and a better off-roading experience, either for work or leisure. With that, we believe that this guide will come in handy as you choose the best off-road shocks for your lifted truck.