A shock absorber is an assembly of mechanical parts that offers a dampening effect and absorbs any type of vibration. This ultimately leads to comfortable ride quality and improved life of the tires. Since they have to undergo tremendous loading conditions and sudden shocks, certain factors need to be understood before buying a shock absorber for your vehicle.
Shock absorber type: The current generation of the shock absorber is no longer an assembly of metallic parts and springs. Different types of shock absorber configurations have been developed which offer different comfort levels and ride quality. These types differ from each other based on design, use of shock-dampening fluids, and other factors. Vehicle compatibility: Another important factor is the compatibility of the shock absorber with your vehicle. The mountings of a shock absorber might differ from a vehicle’s mounting arrangement. To avoid this, various brands offer technical specifications on the shock absorbers to give an idea about the unit’s compatibility. Driving conditions: The driving conditions change according to the region. Suspensions are designed for certain terrains on which they offer good controllability and comfort. Some shock absorbers adapt to changing terrains without the need to replace them. By keeping the vehicle’s application in mind, selecting a light-duty or heavy-duty shock absorber becomes easy.
The stock suspension setup of an automobile is tuned to the default factory setting. Automotive sports enthusiasts or even normal users have been upgrading their suspension systems according to their riding style. Hence various aftermarket shock absorbers are available that offer a wide range of customization. Such options are discussed below along with a “Buying Guide“, to help you choose your favorite shock absorber.
Best Shock Absorbers List
Best Shock Absorbers
1. Monroe MA822 Shock Absorber
The first option on the list comes from a well-known brand in the automotive industry. Monroe’s suspension solutions are trusted by consumers due to their high quality. Due to its 100+ years of experience, innovation can be seen in its product range. The Monroe MA822 Shock Absorber is a rear position unit. It is an air-charged shock absorber capable of bearing a maximum load of 1200 lbs. The air chamber of this model can is designed to contain compressed air up to 150 PSI. This helps in adjusting the height of the shock absorber as per the required application. It uses a sintered iron piston paired with a hardened piston rod for better durability. The unit uses all-weather fluid to lubricate the moving part even in extreme temperature conditions. A special air valve is fitted to allow compressed air in the shock absorber. This valve also avoids any type of air leakage. Best Features:
Gas-charged rear shock absorber The maximum load-bearing capacity of 1,200 lbs Compressed air capacity up to 150 PSI Sintered iron piston and hardened piston rod Sleeve valve with lubrication against wearing All-weather fluid for lubrication
Pros:
The shock absorber’s height can be lowered or raised by adjusting the air level Due to the full displacement valving process, it can damp sudden shocks and offers great comfort to the user It is suitable for the heavy-duty applications
Cons:
It does not come with extra retainer nuts and bolts
2. Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber
Bilstein is a manufacturer of performance-oriented suspension systems. Its high-quality shock absorber range offers a great amount of tuning to the users. They perform excellently on any road conscious, from offroading to racing tracks. The Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber is suitable for regular roads as well as for off-roading. It is made up of a blend of alloy steel and zinc which offers great strength to the overall structure. Being a rear shock absorber, it offers a great level of comfort to the rear passengers of the vehicle. The length of the shock absorber rod extends from 16-inch up to 26-inch. This helps in adjusting the riding height of the vehicle and thereby changing shock damping levels. It has black bellows boots that keep the internal rod safe from dust particles and offers good sealing to the fluid. This monotube shock absorber is compatible with trucks. Best Features:
Rear monotube shock absorber Alloy steel parts with zinc plating on the outer surface Adjustable length of 16-inch to 26-inch Compatible with trucks
Pros:
It is suitable for heavy-duty applications The model has good off-roading capabilities It comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
This model has no reservoir for storing the shock absorber fluid
3. ACDelco 580-435 Shock Absorber
ACDelco is a sub-brand of the automotive giant, General Motors. It was a genuine parts division for GM which later transitioned into a well-trusted brand. Innovative engineering and testing help in offering products with premium quality. The ACDelco GM 580-435 shock Absorber is a sturdy unit suitable for front wheels. It has a chrome-finished piston rod that offers great corrosion resistance. The pressure cylinder is made from the “drawn over mandrel” process. This helps the cylinder withstand the high pressure of the compressed nitrogen gas. This unit is compatible with vehicles that use GM parts. 2 bolts are provided for the T-brackets to mount the shock absorber assembly onto the vehicle brackets. This mounting arrangement is easy to fit and helps in the quicker installation of the suspension setup. It is designed to work in sync with a vehicle’s ABS for improved stability. Best Features:
Front shock absorber Piston with anti-rust chrome finishing High-pressure cylinder charged with nitrogen gas Genuine part for GM vehicles
Pros:
The shock absorber can absorb sudden shocks and dampens it This model offers unmatched durability and reliability Vehicle’s stability increases on uneven surfaces
Cons:
The unit has an expensive price tag
4. KYB 349105 Shock Absorber
KYB produces various types of hydraulic as well as electronic suspension equipment. It manufactures parts for automobiles and aircraft. By providing consumers with premium quality products, it has captured a major share of the global market. The KYB 349105 Excel-G Shock Absorber is designed especially for minivans. It is a nitrogen gas-charged unit consisting of twin-tube construction. These tubes are housed inside a pressure cylinder that can handle the gas compression. The sintered iron rod guide helps in positioning the piston rod and retaining control over the vehicle. The piston rod is plated with 3 layers of chrome plating and bears heavy loads easily. The piston has a Teflon-coated band which creates a positive seal for the gas thereby minimizing the chances of gas leakage. The oil seal is made up of multiple leaps that offer wear resistance and keeps dust particles away. Best Features:
Rear-mounted shock absorber Pressure cylinder filled with compressed nitrogen Teflon-coated piston band Chrome-plated piston rod with a guideway Compatible with minivans
Pros:
The leakage of gas is avoided by creating a positive seal The lighter weight of the model helps in reducing the overall weight of the suspension system It works with the electronic stability control system of a vehicle to reduce tire wear and improve stability
Cons:
Being a vehicle-specific unit, the number of compatible vehicles is lesser
5. Gabriel 43162 Shock Absorber
The name Gabriel is synonymous with suspension systems as it is the pioneer of automotive shock absorbers. For a brand that underwent development through the 20th century, building high-performance products with innovation are quite natural. The Gabriel 43162 Shock Absorber is a front-mounted unit. It uses a combination of spring and regular piston-cylinder arrangement, specially designed for heavy-duty vehicles. This increases the bearing load up to 500 lbs per unit. The shock absorbers offer great stability as the spring helps in maintaining the overall riding height. The length of this unit can be extended from 14-inch to 23-inch, as per the terrain conditions. The chrome finished rod is assembled inside the pressure cylinder. A piston seal is fitted over the piston to avoid leakage of the fluid when in use. Best Features:
Front-mounted shock absorber Spring coils paid with a piston-rod arrangement Combined loading capacity of 1000 lbs (500 lbs per unit) Overall length extension range of 14-inch to 23-inch Piston road with anti-corrosion chrome finish
Pros:
The riding height of the vehicles remains unaffected while driving Chances of leakage are low due to the use of proper seals Suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
Cons:
Fluid needs replacement after a certain number of kilometers
6. BROSCONE A0308 Shock Absorber
Whenever good performance is needed at an affordable price, Broscone comes to your aid. It is a sub-brand of the JINBO group which produces aftermarket accessories for automobiles. It adheres to ISO standards to maintain the quality of its products. The Broscone A0308 Shock Absorber is a rear-side unit. It has a tube-into-tube construction that extends or retracts as per the road surface conditions. Compressed nitrogen gas is used to work as shock-dampening fluid for this shock absorber. The high-quality pistons compress the gas resulting in the absorption of the vibrations and shocks from the tires. A piston rod with chrome plating is housed inside the pressure tube that slides easily and offers smooth movement. This piston rod is designed by keeping heavy loading conscious of a vehicle. Proper sealing is provided to avoid any leakage of gas from the pressure cylinder due to piston rod movement. Best Features:
2 rear-mounted shock absorbers Compressed nitrogen gas shock absorbing fluid High-quality piston rod with chrome plating Sealing between piston rod and cylinder to avoid leakage
Pros:
The smooth dampening of shocks helps in improving the stability of the vehicle Anti-corrosion property of the piston rod keeps oxidation away The unit comes pre-assembled and does not require any assembly
Cons:
Non-availability of the spare parts
7. Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber
Another product from Monroe made it to the list. This option also performs on par with its previously discussed sibling. This product has a premium appeal to it. The Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber is perfect for the rear axles of a vehicle. It uses a coil spring and piston-rod configuration to improve the overall shock absorption rate. This setup helps in loading the shock absorber pair up to 1,200 lbs capacity. The displaced valving helps in restricting the gas movement and hence improves the dampening effect. The piston is banded with PTFE material to reduce friction with the inner walls of the pressure tube. Nitrogen gas is used due to its compressibility which helps in keeping the tire in contact with the road. The piston rod is nitrocarburized and offers good strength for heavy-duty applications. A self-lubrication seal keeps the gas from leaking away when the piston rod extends. All-weather oil is used to work under harsh temperatures and reduce the wearing of metallic parts. Best Features:
Rear shock absorbers charged with nitrogen gas Piston-tube configuration backed with heavy-duty spring The combined capacity of 2 units is 1,200 lbs All-weather fluid for lubrication Piston with PTFE band for reduced friction
Pros:
It is suitable for heavy-duty applications like towing and hauling The spring does not sag easily and keeps the tires in contact with the surface Quick response from the shock absorber helps in improving the vehicle handling
Cons:
In no-loading conditions, the shock absorbers become stiffer
8. AUTOSAVER88 Shock Absorber
Autosaver88 is one of the fast-growing brands in the OEM replacement market. It has a goal of providing reliable products to consumers at a good price range. Using its expertise, the brand promises to deliver a safer driving experience to the user. The Autosaver88 Complete Strut Set comprises front and rear shock absorbers. The front struts are provided with mounting holes that assist in easy installation on the front side of a vehicle. The rear shock absorber set has a heavy-duty coil spring. It also has upper strut mounting to fit the rear shock absorbers on the chassis. Oil seals are placed to avoid leakage during the running of the vehicle. Rubber dust boots are placed on the piston rod to keep any dirt from entering the cylinder. By using hydraulic oil, the absorption of the shocks is done smoothly. This offers a comfortable ride along with good handling of the vehicle. This unit is tested for fatigue, impact, and performance over 5,00,000 times to ensure a safer experience. To avoid corrosion, the surface of this unit is covered with paint. Best Features:
2 pairs of front struts and rear shock absorber Heavy-duty coil spring Upper strut mount with hole for quick installation Rubber boots to keep dust away Oil seals to restrict leakage
Pros:
Thanks to the fatigue testing done on this model, it offers unmatched durability Compatible with sedan and mid-size passenger vehicles Easy to install and can be fit onto factory-spec strut structure
Cons:
Not suitable for heavy-duty trucks
9. Belltech 9145 Shock Absorber
Belltech has been involved with the development and production of suspensions for over 4 decades now. It introduced lowering shock absorbers for larger vehicles in its early days. This tells us about its innovative approach to providing suspension solutions. The Belltech 9145 Shock Set is specially designed for trucks and SUVs. It has a lower friction piston that does not hamper the low-speed compression process and gives a smooth ride quality. This shock absorber is thereby suitable for lowered suspension setup. The 30mm diameter piston is enclosed inside a 45mm diameter cylinder. This allows an enclosed environment for the shock absorbers to work. A cavitation-free valve is installed to avoid the build-up of air which hampers the effectiveness of shock absorbers. Rubber bushings and dust boots do a great job of keeping dust away from entering the unit. These performance-oriented shock absorbers help maintain the stability of the vehicle and improve handling. Best Features:
Rear-positioned shock absorbers A low-friction piston of 30mm diameter size 45-mm diameter cylinder Anti-cavitation valve Rubber boots and bushings for dust protection
Pros:
It is suitable for low ride height suspensions This model is compatible with SUVs and trucks The shock dampening is smooth and improves the user’s comfort
Cons:
The vehicle’s ground clearance is reduced
10. cciyu 172695 Shock Absorber
CCIYU is also one of the emerging brands in the automotive suspension market. It produces heavy-duty products which offer a good amount of customization. It thereby caters to performance-oriented consumers. The CCIYU Complete Struts Shock Absorber is a pair of 2 units. It is a strut shock absorber unit that has a combined piston, tube, and spring assembly. This offers a good load-bearing capacity for heavy-duty applications. The upper strut mounting is provided which eliminates the need for upper control arms. It reduces the overall weight of the suspension system and saves unnecessary wastage of money. The Coilover spring effectively absorbs the shocks transferred by the wheels. It gives the user confidence for turning the vehicle at higher speeds by offering great stability. The overall life of the tires also increases due to less wearing. No external bushings are needed for the shock absorbers as it comes equipped with dust-proof bushings Best Features:
A pair of rear strut shock absorbers Heavy-duty Coilover spring Strut mountings for installation Rubber bushings for dust protection
Pros:
Effective shock absorption even on the corners helps in keeping the vehicle stable Suitable for regular travel and racing-related applications It comes with a 1-year warranty on all the parts
Cons:
Non-availability of the spare parts makes it harder to get back up parts
11. Monroe 34690 Shock Absorber
Monroe has decided to go all out against the other options by offering products for light to heavy-duty applications. This below-mentioned option is a smaller version of its siblings which offers good performance. The Monroe Gas-Magnum 34690 Shock Absorbers are designed for full-size trucks and vans. Just like its siblings, this unit offers very good performance. The sintered iron piston is fitted on a nitrocarburized piston rod that offers high strength to the shock absorber. The piston rod is kept away from wearing with the help of a self-lubricating seal. By using an all-weather fluid, moving parts of the shock absorber are kept safe from friction. A larger bore and the 2-inch tube are capable of holding more oil for controlled rod movement. Compressed nitrogen is used to keep the riding height constant on all terrains and achieve a comfortable ride. Best Features:
Nitrogen gas-charged rear shock absorbers Sintered iron piston and nitrocarburized piston rod All-weather fluid for efficient working at high-temperatures 2-inch tube with a larger bore to store more oil Self-lubricating seal for leakage prevention
Pros:
Due to the use of high-quality materials, this model is suitable for big trucks and vans The shock absorption is smooth and easily fades away resulting in improved comfort This unit comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
Improper maintenance leads to rusting of the metallic parts
12. ECCPP Shock Absorber
ECCPP Auto Parts is an innovative brand that offers various automotive solutions. Adopting new technologies creates products that enhance the consumer’s driving experience. The ECCPP Complete Strut Spring Assembly is a front shock absorber. Being a premium unit, it houses a spring made up of SAE9254 high-quality spring steel. Proper surface treatment is given to this model for improved corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength. It is capable of absorbing vibrations and decreasing shock waves quickly. This creates a smooth dampening effect while the user senses no bumps. The struts are provided with mountings to make the installation process easy. The coil spring is wrapped around the strut which also assists in absorbing shocks while driving the vehicle. For protection against dust particles, rubber boots cover the sensitive parts of the shock absorber. Best Features:
Pair of front shock absorbers Surface-treated struts with improved strength Spring coil made up of high-quality spring steel Accessories like strut mourning and bearings are provided Rubber boot for dust protection
Pros:
The spring and strut work together to smoothly dampen the shock waves The durability of this unit is imposed further by surface treatment against corrosion The shock absorbers have a 1-year warranty
Cons:
This unit weighs more compared to other options
Buying Guide For The Best Shock Absorbers
The shock absorbers help in maintaining the comfort level while you are driving. Providing the user with absolute control over the vehicle in rough road conditions also increases overall safety. Since we have already discussed a list of such shock absorbers, your selection process might have become easier. To further assist you by addressing any confusion, we are presenting this buying guide.
1. Shock Absorber Type
Shock absorbers are available in various types that are suitable for certain applications. They have different constructions and hence their working is different from each other. Some types of shock absorbers are discussed below:
2. Telescopic Shock Absorbers
This type is the most commonly used shock absorber. They consist of tubes arranged into each other like a telescope. To allow dampening of shocks, oil is used with a valve arrangement. The tubes compress leading to the compression of the oil through a small opening of the valves.
3. Strut Suspension
The strut is an integral part of a vehicle’s suspension system. It not only offers the shock-absorbing feature but also provides structural support to the whole setup and tires. The strut has a solid shaft that compresses the oil while retracting into the strut body. A spring is provided to add resistance to the shocks.
4. Coilover Shock Absorbers
The Coilover shock absorbers are a little bit similar to the struts. They have a piston and cylinder arrogant which is filled with gas or fluid medium. This medium is compressible and offers the dampening of the shocks. Furthermore, the spring is also attached to the cylinder body and piston which offers different riding heights and adjustable dampening.
5. Vehicle Compatibility
You don’t want to buy a shock absorber that won’t fit your vehicle’s chassis or suspension system. The specifications of a shock absorber help in checking its compatibility with your vehicle. Checking the riding height of the vehicle helps in selecting a unit with the right spring travel. The unit’s mounting specification must match that of the vehicle’s suspension mourning. The shock absorber must offer proper clearance between other parts of the vehicle while in motion, to avoid any wearing.
6. Driving Conditions
Every terrain exerts a different type of load on the ties and suspension system. Some shock absorbers are terrain specific. For off-roading, a heavy-duty shock absorber will be ideal. They offer a smooth dampening effect to adapt to the unevenness of the road. For perfectly paved roads, the regular shock absorbers will perform well and save you money on buying a heavy-duty unit. These shock absorbers have more dampening to increase comfort. The race-spec shock absorbers are stiffer to offer great maneuverability to the race car on the tracks.
7. Material
The material of a shock absorber plays a vital role in its durability and functionality. When a vehicle drives through changing road terrain, the suspension system experiences tremendous loading shocks. The slightest creep in the material can cause suspension failure leading to hazards. The material is chosen by keeping its ultimate strength in mind. Aluminum and steel are the common materials for shock absorbers. Steel is used due to its strength and cheaper pricing. But it is prone to corrosion and its heavy weight might not be suitable for some applications. Aluminum is corrosion-resistant and also has good strength, making it a good alternative to steel.
8. Loading Capacity
The loading capacity gives an idea of the maximum weight the shock absorber can endure. This helps in getting the desired performance from the suspension system. It also helps in avoiding the overloading of the suspension. Certain techniques are introduced to increase the loading capacity of a shock absorber. Using dual sprigs of different stiffness helps in offering comfort and control over the vehicle. Using a dampener with these springs can further increase the loading capacity. The user must calculate the gross weight of a loaded vehicle to select the proper shock absorber and avoid overloading.
Conclusion
The Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber is our first selection. It is a heavy-duty unit suitable for the rear axle of a vehicle. By using a piston-rod setup with coil spring, the pair of shock absorbers offer a combined loading capacity of 1,200 lbs. By using nitrogen gas with the displaced valving method, a smooth dampening of the shock waves is achieved. Hence this unit easily keeps tires in contact with roads and offers a comfortable ride. It uses an all-weather oil to reduce the wear of the moving parts. All these features help this unit in heavy-duty applications.
The Monroe 34690 Shock Absorber is the affordable sibling of the above-mentioned option. This nitrogen-charged unit is designed especially for trucks and vans. It offers good shock wave absorption even under heavy loading conditions. Due to the use of high-quality material for piston and piston rods, the shock absorber’s overall strength is improved. Using leakage protection seals and rubber boots helps in minimizing damage to the moving parts. The larger tube helps in storing more oil for proper lubrication of this unit. This level of performance is available at a lower price tag.
The Gabriel 43162 Shock Absorber combines good performance with an affordable price tag. It is a front shock absorber suitable for heavy-duty applications. The piston and tube setup is backed with a coil spring to increase the combined loading capacity up to 1,000 lbs. It has an adjustable height of 14-inch to 23-inch which helps in changing the shock absorber’s response as per the terrain conditions. Piston rods are chrome-finished to improve their corrosion resistance. This increases the overall life of the shock absorber. Using seals, fluid leakage is also minimized. These features indeed make this option a value-for-money deal.
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