2000 ford excursion shock replacement

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Green Country Offroad

Best Shocks for Ford Excursion Review & Buyer’s Guide

Since your Ford Excursion is one of the most improved and powerful vehicles, it needs to be serviced on time. The best hits for a Ford Excursion should be fixed when there is a problem, but this is a time when you need to avoid the temptation to spare money on low quality and unreliable component. The comfortable operation of a truck suspension certainly varies on the productivity of the shocks. This enables you to maintain the efficiency of your vehicle for many years to come. Our review presents the greatest shocks for the front and rear suspension of a Ford, which are accessible on the market.

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Best Shocks for Ford Excursion Review

1. bilstein – best shocks for a smooth ride in a ford excursion.

Before buying this product, you should know the main characteristics of the item. Firstly, Bilstein 24-185479 is one of the most developed and durable shock absorbers. Moreover, these items are adjusted independently at various changes on the road. Since they have a super damping capacity, this product is exactly suitable for off-road driving.

Secondly, the appearance of these shocks is visibly pleasing and ensures a balance between hard and soft when placed at the right height. These upgraded nitrogen shocks are charged with nitrogen to decrease attenuation and enhance control. The piston plate of the items is fully corrosion-resistant and ensures a long service life. The shocks fulfill the expected high productivity. However, you will receive a limited lifetime warranty on your shocks. This product is number one on our list due to it represents the greatest performance at an accessible price.

• enhanced ground clearance
• affordable price
• high quality
• simple setup
• great fitment
• no negatives

Final Words

With these shock absorbers, you’ll forget about rough roads and unnecessary noise in your vehicle. It also ensures safety for everyone in the truck.

2. Monroe – Best Shocks for 2000 Ford Excursion 4×4

Not many drivers are knowledgeable about this brand, because Monroe spare parts have been generated since the last century, and therefore there is no doubt about their quality. But among domestic vehicle owners, these shocks are not as in demand as among European residents. And all because Monroe performs perfectly only on smooth roads without serious bumps and pits. And the resource of American shock absorbers is not very impressive, which is rarely compensated by a loyal price.

is rarely compensated by a loyal price. The Monroe Gas-Magnum SUV shock absorber is constructed for mid to full size, hard-working pick-up trucks, and vans. These units ensure real control without a harsh ride. With up to twice the fluid capacity of standard 1-inch bore shocks, Monroe Gas-Magnum truck shocks work more efficiently with less effort.

• Double valve disks
• Innovative design
• Intelligent Suspension System
• Two-pipe mechanism
• Perfect handling
• Sustainability
• Protection against corrosion
• quite expensive

These shock absorbers are another winner in our review. You won’t regret purchasing this product, as it is also the number one sales product on the market.

3. KYB – Best Shocks for a Ford Excursion 4wd

For sure, you need to pay careful attention to one of the greatest manufacturers of hydraulic equipment in the world, Japanese KYB Corporation. It has achieved impressive outcomes in the shipbuilding, aviation, and automotive industries. It has been on the automotive aftermarket since 1947 and currently covers 25% of the world market of shocks, creating about 75 million pieces each year at its 15 factories.

Products of this corporation are represented in markets in 100 countries. It is safe to say that every fourth vehicle in the world comes off the conveyor with its shocks. Three-stage double valve system, piston valve with Teflon coating, seamless inner cylinder, and lugs, no liquid leaks, chrome-plated piston rod, excellent quality of Kayaba shock absorbers.

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• extra control
• great customers’ reviews
• best fitment
• they can be a bit noisy in your truck

All in all, we can say without a doubt that these shocks are right for your Ford Excursion due to its beneficial characteristics and amazing quality.

4. Skyjacker – Best Shocks for Ford Excursion to get best smooth ride

Shock absorber Skyjacker series Black Max is designed for installation in vehicles with different elevator heights. Skyjacker Black Max – is a high-performance oiled shock, made by two-pipe technology with the option Foam Cell for use on the road and off-road. Skyjacker Black Max shock absorbers use a patented, speed-sensitive valve system, which limits the stiffness of the shock, varying on the speed of the damper rod, which provides maximum comfort for the crew, and ensures the maximum stain of contact of the wheel with the ground.

In addition to the self-adjusting valve system, Foam Cell technology has been added to the Black Max series, which prevents oil foaming at high temperatures and high speeds. The latest innovative Skyjacker technology ensures the longevity of shocks and the stability of the truck on the road.

View on Skyjacker

• good buyers’ reviews
• makes your ride smoother
• easy installation
• the ventilation opening must be changed

Now we confidently tell you that these shock absorbers justify their cost. Their quality is unsurpassed and most importantly, they will assist to make your trip reckless and quiet.

5. Rancho – Best Shocks for 2005 Ford Excursion

Now we present you with some of the best shock absorbers on the market. They are good gas-oil shocks with good potential. The owners of many trucks liked them the most. The fact is that they have good rigidity and can easily withstand even higher loads. And all thanks to the dual-circuit design: only one of them works with a slight impact, and on a bad road damper begins to function in full force.

The resource of shocks is surely enough for more than 50 thousand mileage. The owners have noticed that the unique technical solution has a positive effect on the vehicle suspension resource as a whole. It is especially noticeable by the example of front levers as overhaul intervals are prone to increase. As for the rear shock absorbers, according to the feedback, they serve an order of magnitude longer, even if the vehicle is constantly loaded.

View on Shock Surplus

• adjustable damping
• easy to set up
• super durable
• dual-circuit mechanism
• can’t stand the frost
• small trade row

We advise you to buy these shock absorbers without any doubt, as they are the most advanced and high quality on the market. Moreover, their work has already been appreciated by thousands of customers.

Buyer’s Guide

First, you need to figure out which shocks are better to choose and which ones are superior. For this reason, we have made a special guide to help you make the right choice.

WHICH SHOCKS to SELECT BETWEEN OIL or GAS-OIL?

There are two types of vehicle suspension shocks – oil and universal (gas-oil), mistakenly called gas shock absorbers, there are no purely gas ones. Now let us specify all this. According to statistics, car diagnosticians estimate that at least 25 percent of vehicles in operation require shock absorbers to be replaced, but due to various reasons, they continue to drive. In case of catastrophic condition of our roads, even new trucks are not protected from this. If you get into a pit, you will have a serious problem.

What is the danger? The comfort of movement drops, the swinging of the truck increases, foreign knocks appears and even the braking distance grows. And it means that something has to be done with these. The conclusion is to change, but the variant is not cheap, and you also need to decide which shock absorbers are better. The fact is that the shocks only change in pairs on the axle because when one is replaced, very little will be altered. The main thing is that they work synchronously and the difference in resistance should not be felt, otherwise the suspension imbalance will remain, which will accelerate the wear of the new shock absorber and “kill” the old one.

Which Shocks are Better?

Now we are going to talk about the brands. There are a lot of them and many others are still little-known, a huge layer of fakes, and of course used original ones at the disassembles (in the case of shock absorbers there is a way to financial losses, in a week maximum you will have to change), how to get out of the situation is normal and find an answer to the question: “Which are the best shocks? High-quality parts are not cheap, so an unreasonably low price, especially for well-known brands, should at least be suspicious. In any case, you should see with your own eyes the main document of detail which is the certificate.

Best Shocks for Ford Excursion

As a result, in this article, we presented you with the top 5 highest quality and most modern shock absorbers for your Ford Excursion. Our choice was based only on first-class performance, reasonable price, and advantageous characteristics. But remember that none of the companies can guarantee the quality and long service life of shock absorbers in case they will be installed on a vehicle with faulty suspension, without bumpers, and the installation itself will be carried out in violation of technology. Generally, thanks to the special guide, we hope we’ve helped you to better understand the types of shock absorbers and find out which ones are right for you.

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2000 Ford Excursion  Shocks and Struts

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Suspect your ride is suffering from worn dampers? Then invest in a set of shocks and struts from RealTruck to significantly improve handling. RealTruck carries the largest assortment of shocks and struts, ranging from factory-style replacements to upgraded aftermarket units designed for lifted applications. 

If you’re struggling to narrow down your search, check out our shock buyer’s guide for lifted trucks on RealSource ! 

For additional assistance, contact our knowledgeable sales team.

Why Should I Replace My Shocks/Struts? 

Shocks and struts are a critical component of your vehicle’s suspension. When your suspension compresses or expands during normal driving conditions, shocks and struts help to dampen this movement for a smooth and comfortable ride. Once worn excessively, shocks no longer function correctly, resulting in poor ride quality. 

It’s also essential to match your struts with your vehicle’s lift; IE: a 4-inch lift will typically require 4-inch longer shocks.  

To restore like-new ride quality, consider replacing your shocks and struts. We offer drop-in replacements for all ride heights, including strut/coil combos for ease of installation.

How Do I Know When My Shocks/Struts Need Replacing? 

Poor ride quality.

When a shock/strut fails, your vehicle’s ride will be noticeably impaired. Symptoms such as excessive bouncing, instability at speeds, and squatting during acceleration and braking are all signs of worn dampers.

Leaking Fluid

Notice an oily coating on the shock body? This is a direct symptom of a failed shock/strut resulting from torn or damaged seals allowing shock oil to leak around the piston. 

Irregular Chassis Noises

Experiencing irregular noises from your vehicle’s wheel wells, especially when traversing bumps? Worn shocks tend to exhibit banging, clanking, or rattling noises with failed components.     

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No matter how spectacular your favorite places are, getting to them is more fun when the road is smooth and easy to navigate. That’s the role your shocks and struts play. If you suspect you may have an issue with your car’s suspension, make an appointment and let us help ensure your suspension is working properly and in good condition.

• Your vehicle feels less stable
• It’s harder to handle your vehicle when turning
• White smoke is coming from under the hood—another sign your vehicle may be overheating
• Your tires are wearing faster than normal
• You experience excessive bouncing after driving over a bumpy surface

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What’s included in a shocks & struts repair at goodyear auto service.

During our shocks and struts service, we'll inspect the shocks, struts, and springs in your vehicle's steering and suspension systems for signs of wear or damage.

If we find any areas of concern, we'll work with you to help you decide whether a Shocks & Struts repair service is what you need to get you and your vehicle back on the road. This service typically takes 2-3 hours.

Where Can I Get My Shocks & Struts Repaired Near Me?

All Goodyear Auto Service locations offer repair services for your vehicle’s shocks and struts. If you feel your car’s suspension is less stable, find a service center near you and call us today for an appointment. Find a Service Center

What Do Shocks & Struts Do?

Working shocks and struts help provide a smooth, stable ride on the way to your destination.

Having your steering and car suspension routinely checked by our service technicians can also help you avoid premature tire wear, saving you money in the long run.

How Long Do Shocks & Struts Last Before Needing Replaced?

The good news is, shocks and struts last a long time and wear out slowly. It’s a good idea to have your shocks and struts checked after 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers).

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2000 Ford Expedition

2000 Ford Expedition - Shocks And Struts

• Bilstein B6 4600
• Bilstein B8 5100
• KYB Excel-G
• KYB Gas-A-Just
• KYB MonoMax
• MasterPro Shocks
• Monroe Gas-Magnum
• Monroe Monro-Matic Plus
• Monroe OE Spectrum
• Monroe Reflex
• Rancho RS5000X Series
• Rancho RS7MT
• Rancho RS9000XL Series

Shock/Strut Color

Boot included, parts pack included, upper mount type.

• Loop Bushing
• Loop Bushing, Sleeve

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• Cross Pin, Loop Bushing

Shock/Strut Extended Length (mm)

Shock/strut extended length (in).

• 14-1/16 Inch
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Shock/Strut Compressed Length (in)

• 9-3/16 Inch
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• 9-13/16 Inch
• 10-1/16 Inch
• 10-1/8 Inch
• 10-1/4 Inch
• 10-3/8 Inch
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• 13-3/16 Inch
• 13-1/2 Inch
• 13-5/8 Inch
• 13-3/4 Inch
• 13-7/8 Inch
• 14-1/8 Inch
• 14-5/16 Inch
• 14-11/16 Inch
• 14-3/4 Inch
• 15-5/8 Inch
• 16-1/8 Inch
• 16-1/4 Inch
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Shock/Strut Compressed Length (mm)

Adjustable damping, outer housing diameter (in).

• 2-3/16 Inch

Outer Housing Diameter (mm)

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Monroe OE Spectrum Shock Absorber

Monroe monro-matic plus shock absorber, monroe reflex shock absorber, monroe gas-magnum shock absorber, kyb excel-g shock absorber, multiple applications, kyb gas-a-just shock absorber, reduce the cost of replacing shocks & struts.

Your vehicle's shocks and struts absorb shock and impact from rough terrain, and help stabilize the vehicle by insulating the chassis and cabin from excessive suspension movement. Shocks and struts are designed to improve the overall control, stability, and comfort of a vehicle and also help maintain braking performance. Over time, the shocks or struts on your vehicle can wear out or suffer damage due to high temperatures, especially bad roads and impact, deterioration, and weather conditions, and if left unchecked, damaged shocks or struts can negatively affect the ride quality and safety of the vehicle. Signs of bad shocks or struts include bottoming out, excessive vibrations or bouncing when on rough roads, cupping wear on the tires, or extended braking time. The performance and lifespan of your shocks or struts may depend on your driving habits, road and climate conditions, as well as your towing loads, which makes routine car inspection especially important to ensure continued safety. It's recommended that you have a trusted mechanic inspect your suspension system for signs of damage or wear every six months or 12,000 miles. Damaged or underperforming suspension components can not only decrease the comfort of your ride, but may also put you in danger due to a lack of traction and increased braking distance. Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs at each end of the vehicle, since they have likely experienced similar amounts of wear and may fail around the same time. When the time comes to replace your shocks or struts, check out the selection at O'Reilly Auto Parts. We carry shocks and struts, as well as complete strut assemblies and parts, for most vehicles. If you'd like step-by-step guidance on your next suspension repair, visit our How-To Hub for topics like how to replace rear shocks , the differences between shocks and struts , and much more.

Best Shock Absorbers: Smooth the Bumps, Feel the Road

Bouncing around? Time to get that ride back under control.

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While cars and trucks certainly have made strides in design and engineering, the shock absorber is one part that really hasn't changed too much over the years. Many production cars still rely on them, and they're still a major part of a vehicle's ride quality and performance. They fail from time to time, however. Whether that means they fail to function or fail to perform as needed depends on your situation. As with any part that fails, you will eventually need replacements, and we're here to help you track them down. We'll show you some of our top picks and set you up with a buying guide. These options should serve as representations of what to consider, regardless of specific applications.

Monroe Shocks and Struts Reflex Shock Absorber

• Improved performance
• Close to original ride quality
• Matches factory quality
• May lower ride height
• Stiffer nature can be a setback to some
• Quality control issues are somewhat common

ACDelco Professional Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber

• Direct match to factory ride quality
• Original ride quality
• Application listings are misleading
• Missing hardware is a common issue

Bilstein Monotube Gas Shock Set

• Superior blend of performance and comfort
• Quality construction
• Covers all four shocks for the listed application
• Premium price
• Changes in performance might not be desirable
• Quality control issues are common

Summary List

• Best Overall: Monroe Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber
• Best Value: ACDelco Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber
• Honorable Mention: Bilstein Monotube Gas Shock Set
• Best Off-Road: Fox Performance Series IFP Shocks
• Best for Classics: KYB Gas-a-Just Gas Shock

How We Selected the Best Shock Absorbers 

There are a lot of great shock absorber brands on the market, but when it came time to choose the best, we made sure to try and stick to the brands we know work for most people or are the most popular.  We have experience with every brand we've suggested. Ride quality and reliability aside, we also made sure to consider some custom applications to come up with a list that we feel covers the widest market. 

Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.

Best Shock Absorbers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Monroe Reflex Monotube Shock Absorber

Monroe’s reliability, quality, and affordable pricing are good enough for most people, so this is an upgrade that is nearly impossible to ignore. Monroe has long been an industry leader and a supplier of original parts for many manufacturers. The Reflex is a monotube, gas-charged shock that balances performance and comfort, and the general design lends itself toward stability and consistency. This shock also sits at a competitive price point, which helps it to land within the budget of many vehicle owners. 

While this shock is a direct replacement for many trucks and SUVs, it does have some issues. One of the most common is the lower ride height when it's installed, and lighter applications will notice that the shock absorbers stiffen the ride, which might not be desirable. It also seems that quality control is an issue, but Monroe stands behind the product.

• Manufacturer: Monroe 
• Part Number: 911506
• Shock Type: Gas-charged monotube
• Improved performance 
• Close to original ride quality 
• Matches factory quality 
• May lower ride height 
• Stiffer nature can be a setback to some 

ACDelco Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber

ACDelco is a high-quality trusted brand by General Motors, and the affordable price tag makes it a must-have for appropriate applications. If you own a GM vehicle, then you're probably familiar with ACDelco. Its reputation as a high-quality supplier of original parts make it the brand you look for any time you're performing general maintenance. This shock is a direct match to the original equipment, and it's designed to restore factory ride quality and performance. It will also endure everything your original shocks did. 

There are some issues, however. The application guide attached to this particular shock is misleading for some vehicles. Missing parts such as hardware and bushings are also rather common, so you may have to reuse old hardware.

• Manufacturer: ACDelco
• Part Number: 530-301
• Shock Type: Gas-charged twin tube 
• Direct match to factory ride quality 
• Original quality 
• Affordable price point 

Honorable Mention

These shocks cover the bases for many vehicle owners who need a suspension update. While these particular shocks are designed for F-Series trucks, Bilstein is one of our favorite manufacturers. And the 5100 series shock is a step up for many vehicle owners as these shocks offer improvements in performance, comfort, and virtually anything else you want from a shock absorber. These are some of the best shocks on the market, which is why you'll find the name in many corners of the industry. 

This particular option replaces all four shocks. But there's no denying that quality comes at a high price. In addition, the shocks will make noticeable changes to ride characteristics, which is worth reading into before buying. Also, quality-control issues may occur.

• Manufacturer: Bilstein 
• Part Number: SIA19015408
• Shock Type: Gas-charged monotube 
• Superior blend of performance and comfort 
• High-quality construction 
• Premium price point 
• Changes in performance might not be desirable 
• Quality control issues are not uncommon

Best Off-Road

Fox Performance Series IFP Shocks

Fox Performance is a line you can’t ignore for off-roading. The quality and performance vastly separates it from the competition. When you take your SUV or truck off the beaten path, the factory shocks are not the best option. Fox has made its name as the manufacturer of some of the best off-road shocks because of its ability to perform and due to the high-quality parts it uses. This particular kit covers JK Wranglers with 1.5-3.5 inches of lift for all four corners. The improvements make this a solid option, and that's especially true considering their ability to handle on and off-road conditions.

The price, however, may deter many off-roaders. We also didn't place it higher on our list because it fits limited vehicles. On top of that, these are a big change from factory ride quality, which might not be ideal in certain situations. 

• Manufacturer: Fox Performance 
• Part Number: 7ETMPS4
• Major improvements for off-road driving 
• Covers all four corners 
• Limited application coverage 
• Ride-quality changes might be too harsh

Best for Classics

KYB Gas-a-Just Gas Shock

KYB shocks are popular for older vehicles because they make major improvements to performance at a competitive price point. If you're working on a classic car, moving to KYB shocks is worth the time and effort, and this particular set is a direct match for many popular classic GM models. They're much stiffer than what most of those cars came with, helping the vehicle stick to the road during launches and in corners, and they even help correct stance.

In addition to everything these shocks bring to the table, they're more affordable than many performance shocks for the classics and even sit right in line with many original-equipment shocks.

• Manufacturer: KYB 
• Part Number: KG4513
• Major performance improvements for classic cars
• Can improve stance 
• Noticeably harsher than stock 
• Limited to select demographic 

Our Verdict on the Best Shock Absorbers

We feel safe in saying that the Monroe Shocks & Struts Reflex Shock Absorber is a good choice for most applications. However, something like the ACDelco Professional Premium Gas-Charged Front Shock Absorber is great on a budget. 

It's all open to interpretation, though. Which shocks you use is dependent on your personal tastes, driving styles, and application. 

What to Consider When Buying Shock Absorbers

Types of shock absorbers .

There are three basic types of shock absorbers on the market. These can each be broken into their own subcategories to really help you hone in on the characteristics you need. Still, you will need to understand the general differences to ensure you're in the right territory. 

Traditional shock absorber 

Traditional shock absorbers are the most basic offering, and they're nothing more than a telescoping body with valving and hydraulic fluid to control damping. You'd find these on all four corners of older vehicles but are generally reserved for the rear of modern cars. 

These shocks are generally the most affordable, but that doesn't mean they're all basic. They can feature monotube or twin-tube configurations, gas charging, external reservoirs, and even adjustable damping, making for some massive improvements in control and ride quality. 

Strut 

Most modern cars use what's known as a strut on the front end. On older vehicles, shock absorbers were a little simpler because the springs that support the vehicle and the shock absorber were two separate components. A strut essentially combines the two together, making for major gains in overall control. 

You can see the difference between a shock and a strut because a strut features a coil spring that wraps over a shock absorber. While coilovers are generally viewed as the next step up, you can still find struts that feature all of the same aftermarket upgrades a traditional shock could come with. It’s important to keep in mind that the shock absorber and coil spring can often be replaced independently of one another. 

Coilover 

Coilovers and struts have a lot in common, and they are generally viewed as a step up. We say that because coilovers are designed to give you total control over both the spring and shock absorber within. 

To keep things short, you can adjust the ride height and dampening abilities of the assembly to virtually infinite configurations. That's great for performance applications. Because it's generally not something you need on a street vehicle, we opted to save any coilover suggestions for another day. 

Shock Absorber Key Features

The fact of the matter is that shock absorber selection is heavily influenced by application demands. These are application-specific parts, so unless you're going all in on a custom build, you'll need to replace the shocks with the same type of shock the factory used. Thankfully, that's made simple with year/make/model searches. In most cases, the features of the shock are what you really need to pay attention to. 

Hydraulic vs. Gas Charged 

Shock absorbers are filled with hydraulic fluid. That works with the internal valving to slow the motion of a shock absorber. The two work together to determine ride quality. As a shock cycles, the fluid heats up, aeration occurs, and performance dwindles. A way to reduce the issue is by charging the shock with nitrogen. 

Gas-charged shocks are essentially more stable but are generally associated with performance vehicles because they stiffen up the ride, while cushy hydraulics are more of a luxury thing. The fact is that most vehicles benefit from gas-charged shocks these days because of their resistance to diminishing ride quality. 

You'll find shocks declare that they're either a twin-tube or monotube design. What does this mean? The way a shock works is you have a tube filled with hydraulic fluid and a piston controls the motion with internal valving that slides up and down in that tube. A monotube shock features a wider piston in a larger tube, while a twin-tube has a smaller piston in a smaller tube with a secondary tube filled with hydraulic fluid surrounding it. 

The advantage of a twin-tube design is that it creates a softer ride as it's a low-pressure system. The larger piston in a monotube stiffens things up, which improves performance. What is appropriate for your vehicle depends on what the factory calls for, but monotube shocks are generally better.

Valving 

As we said before, the piston inside of the shock absorber features valving. The orientation of the valves determines how easily the piston can pass through the hydraulic fluid in either direction, which does impact overall performance and ride quality. For the most part, this isn't something most vehicle owners need to worry about. 

Manufacturers come up with a combination that is intended to suit their driving style, and keywords like comfort and performance are about as much as you need to know. However, shocks with adjustable valving do exist. They are a great option for those that really want to dial in the suspension of their vehicle. However, you should be careful before buying because you will need to spend a good amount of time messing with the adjustments to get them just right for your application. 

Build Quality 

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. If a shock is absurdly cheap but features adjustable valving and uses all the flashy keywords, it should throw up some red flags. It might have the general design down, but they are bound to fail you in short order. Take the time to read into whatever it is you're about to buy to make sure the shocks aren't prone to springing leaks or breaking and that they do fit correctly. 

Tips and Tricks

If you can nail down a year/make/model search and understand the basics of shock absorbers, you're ready to nail down the perfect shocks for your car. We have a couple of tips to share with you before you get rolling. 

Forums Are Your Friend 

The right set of shock absorbers can make a major difference in overall ride quality. Keywords will get you in the right vicinity, but each manufacturer uses its own recipe, meaning you might not know exactly what to expect. A great way to get the information you need is through an online forum. Find a forum for your make and model, and see what others have to say about the shocks on their vehicle to help you get a better feel of what to go with. 

Suspension and Steering Mods Need Matching Shocks 

As you start changing things on your vehicle, different demands will be placed on the shock absorbers. For example, tightening up the steering demands something more responsive, while changing ride height changes how much travel is needed. As you start making these changes, keep shock absorbers in the back of your mind to ensure you pick the perfect match. 

Don’t Forget the Springs 

Springs and shocks go hand in hand. The spring supports the vehicle and keeps the body elevated, and the shock dampens the spring rate. If you're looking to overhaul the characteristics of your suspension, you may need to address both to meet your end goal.

We might not know exactly what's bouncing around in your skull, but we can try and address it by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about shock absorbers. 

Q: What are the symptoms of a bad shock absorber?

Poor traction, excessive bouncing, vibrations, clunking, leaking oil, and poor ride quality are all symptoms of bad shock absorbers. If you're unsure which is bad, you can try compressing your vehicle's suspension at all four corners and keep an eye out for inconsistencies. 

Q: Can you drive with bad shocks?

You can drive a vehicle with bad shock absorbers, but it's not safe. A failed shock absorber is a compromise to performance and safety and causes stress on other vital components. Make sure your vehicle has good shocks on all four corners to prevent any issues. 

Q: How long should shock absorbers last?

Shock absorbers should last you about 40,000-50,000 miles under normal conditions. They can only take so much abuse, however. If you take a vehicle off-road, take corners fast, or often drive over pothole-littered roads, you can expect to replace them sooner. 

Q: Are front and rear shocks the same?

Front and rear shock absorbers are not the same. They might offer the same performance characteristics but are usually different from one another. The length and mounting styles of the shocks can vary, and most modern vehicles feature a strut shock absorber on the front end. 

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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