Best Car Shocks & Struts of 2025

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Car shocks and struts are essential components of any vehicle's suspension system. They work together to absorb the impact of bumps and uneven road surfaces, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers. Shocks and struts also help to maintain proper tire contact with the road, which is crucial for steering and braking. Over time, these parts can wear out and lose their effectiveness, leading to a bumpy ride and decreased handling. It's important to have them inspected and replaced as needed to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KYB 345074 Car Shock Cover #TOP 1
KYB 345074 Car Shock
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Monroe OESpectrum 71371 Strut Cover #TOP 2
Monroe OESpectrum 71371 Strut
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Rancho QuickLIFT RS999944 Suspension Assembly Cover #TOP 3
Rancho QuickLIFT RS999944 Suspension Assembly
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Car Shocks & Struts

#TOP 1

KYB 345074 Car Shock

KYB
345074
Black , Silver
KYB 345074 Car Shock Cover
KYB 345074 Excel-G Gas Shock

The KYB 345074 Car Shock is a high-quality OEM replacement shock specifically designed for GM trucks. It features a seamless working cylinder, a Teflon coated piston band, and multi-lip oil seals that reduce wear, providing a positive seal and longer life. Additionally, the triple chrome plated piston rod and solid seamless mounting eye rings and bolt bushings eliminate rattles and help to restore the original handling and control of your vehicle.

What We Like
Designed specifically for GM trucks
Features seamless working cylinder and Teflon coated piston band for positive seal and longer life
Triple chrome plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals reduce wear
#TOP 2

Monroe OESpectrum 71371 Strut

71371
Monroe OESpectrum 71371 Strut Cover
Monroe Shocks & Struts OESpectrum 71371 Suspension Strut

The Monroe OESpectrum Strut enhances your vehicle's stability and handling with its advanced ASD technology. This means you will experience improved control and a smoother ride, even on rough roads. The strut's specially tuned valving adapts to different driving conditions, ensuring consistent performance. Additionally, its all-weather fluid is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, helping to maintain the integrity of the strut over time. This combination of features not only elevates your driving experience but also supports better tire contact with the road for enhanced safety and comfort.

What We Like
Improved stability
Exceptional handling
Consistent ride quality
Enhanced performance
#TOP 3

Rancho QuickLIFT RS999944 Suspension Assembly

RS999944
Rancho QuickLIFT RS999944 Suspension Assembly Cover
Rancho QuickLIFT RS999944 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly

The Rancho QuickLIFT Suspension is designed to enhance your vehicle's performance and appearance. It fits a variety of Ram 1500 models, ensuring compatibility with your truck. This assembly simplifies installation with a complete package that includes a specific coil spring and upper mounting plate. You can enjoy a leveled front suspension, reducing the factory rake for a more aggressive look. Additionally, it offers increased ground clearance of 1.5 inches, allowing you to fit larger tires for a custom style while improving your off-road capability.

What We Like
Easy installation
Improved vehicle stance
Increased ground clearance
Compatible with multiple models
#TOP 4

Rancho RS999914 Quick Lift Strut

RS999914
Black
Rancho RS999914 Quick Lift Strut Cover
Rancho RS999914 Quick Lift Loaded Strut

The Rancho Quick Lift Strut is designed for easy installation, coming pre-assembled with the coil spring and upper mount. This means you can get back on the road quickly without complicated assembly. It levels the front suspension, effectively eliminating the factory rake, which enhances your vehicle's appearance and handling. If you have larger tires, this strut can clear up to 35-inch tires on select applications, providing a custom look and increased ground clearance. Additionally, the 9-position tuning technology allows you to easily adjust the ride quality and performance to suit your driving style and preferences.

What We Like
Easy installation
Improves vehicle appearance
Increases ground clearance
Adjustable ride quality
#TOP 5

KYB Excel-G Gas Shock 349203

KYB
349203
Black
KYB Excel-G Gas Shock 349203 Cover
KYB 349203 Excel-G Gas Shock, Black

The KYB Gas Shock is the top choice for replacing shocks in Asian SUVs and crossovers. It is specially designed to restore the original handling and control of your Lexus RX, ensuring a smoother ride. The shock features a seamless working cylinder paired with a Teflon-coated piston band, which enhances durability and provides a reliable seal. Additionally, its triple chrome plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals help minimize wear, extending the lifespan of the product. By using solid mounting eye rings and bolt bushings, this shock eliminates rattles, giving you a more stable driving experience.

What We Like
Restores original handling
Durable design
Minimizes wear
Eliminates rattles
#TOP 6

KYB MonoMax Gas Strut 564004

KYB
564004
KYB MonoMax Gas Strut 564004 Cover
KYB 564004 MonoMax Gas Strut, Red

The KYB MonoMax Strut is designed to significantly enhance your Dodge truck's suspension performance. With up to 40% more damping capability than standard shock absorbers, it ensures a smoother ride even on rough terrain. Its monotube construction provides superior performance, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade. The zinc-coated, stainless steel piston ring offers a reliable seal in extreme conditions, giving you peace of mind during tough drives. Additionally, the rubber boot protects the shaft from dirt and debris, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

What We Like
Increased damping performance
Superior monotube design
Durable zinc-coated piston
Effective dirt protection
#TOP 7

KYB Excel-G Gas Strut

KYB
232027
Black , Silver
KYB Excel-G Gas Strut Cover
KYB 232027 Excel-G Gas Strut

The KYB Excel-G Strut is designed to be a reliable OEM replacement, helping you restore your vehicle's original handling and control. Its seamless working cylinder and Teflon coated piston band create a strong seal, which contributes to the strut's longevity. Additionally, the triple chrome plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals help minimize wear, ensuring smoother performance over time. With a precision sintered iron strut rod guide, you can maintain correct wheel alignment, making your driving experience safer and more comfortable.

What We Like
OEM quality replacement
Enhanced vehicle handling
Durable construction
Improved wheel alignment
#TOP 8

Rancho RS999921 Quick Lift Strut

RS999921
Black
Rancho RS999921 Quick Lift Strut Cover
Rancho RS999921 Quick Lift Loaded Strut

The Rancho Quick Lift Strut is designed for easy installation, as it's pre-assembled with the coil spring and upper mount. This means you can quickly enhance your vehicle's front suspension by leveling it out and eliminating that factory rake. If you're looking to fit larger tires, this strut can accommodate up to 35-inch tires on select applications, giving your ride a custom appearance while improving ground clearance. Plus, with its 9-position tuning technology, you have the flexibility to adjust the ride quality and performance to best suit your driving style.

What We Like
Easy installation
Levels front suspension
Clears larger tires
Adjustable ride quality
#TOP 9

KYB Excel-G Gas Strut 339292

KYB
339292
Black
KYB Excel-G Gas Strut 339292 Cover
KYB 339292 Excel-G Gas Strut

The KYB Excel-G Strut is a top choice for replacing the original struts in Asian mini-vans, particularly the Toyota Sienna. It is specially designed to restore your vehicle's original handling and control, enhancing your driving experience. The seamless working cylinder, paired with a Teflon-coated piston band, ensures a reliable seal and extends the life of the strut. Additionally, the triple chrome-plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals work together to minimize wear, giving you confidence in your vehicle's performance over time. This strut also features a precision guide that helps maintain proper wheel alignment, contributing to safer and smoother rides.

What We Like
Restores original handling
Longer lifespan
Minimizes wear
Maintains wheel alignment
#TOP 10

KYB Excel-G Gas Shock 348058

KYB
348058
Black
KYB Excel-G Gas Shock 348058 Cover
KYB 348058 Excel-G Gas Shock, Black

The KYB Excel-G Shock is specifically designed to enhance the handling and control of your Fiat 500. Its twin-tube technology restores the original ride quality, making your driving experience smoother. With a seamless working cylinder and Teflon-coated piston band, you can expect a reliable seal that extends the shock's lifespan. Additionally, the triple chrome-plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals help to minimize wear over time. This means you can enjoy a more durable product that reduces noise and rattles, contributing to a more comfortable ride.

What We Like
Enhanced handling and control
Longer lifespan
Reduced wear and noise
Improved ride quality
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts on a car?

The cost of replacing shocks and struts on a car can vary. For mainstream affordable vehicles, it may range between $500 and $1,000. Luxury and off-road vehicles can have higher replacement costs. Additionally, the location where the replacement is done can also impact the price.

2. How often should shocks and struts be replaced on a car?

Shocks and struts generally wear out between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on driving habits and road conditions. Aggressive driving or frequently driving on rough roads can cause them to wear out faster. It's important to note that shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time.

3. Can I drive my car with bad shocks and struts?

No, it is not recommended to drive a car with bad shocks and struts. These components are responsible for absorbing the bounce of the car over bumps and play a crucial role in steering and alignment. It is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to ensure safe driving.

4. Do I need to replace all 4 shocks at once?

It is recommended to replace shocks and struts in pairs or all four at once. This ensures even and predictable handling and control of the vehicle. Since all four have been exposed to the same conditions and mileage, replacing them together is the best practice.

5. What happens if you don't replace shocks and struts?

If shocks and struts are not replaced when needed, it can pose risks to the vehicle. These include uneven tire wear, increased stopping times, and steering problems. In extreme cases, it can even lead to a loss of steering control. It is important to address worn shocks and struts promptly.

6. What do worn out struts sound like?

Worn out struts may produce a clunking or knocking sound. This noise is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the strut bottoms out after hitting a bump.

7. What are the signs of a bad strut?

Signs of a bad strut can include instability at highway speeds, the vehicle tipping to one side in turns, excessive front-end diving during hard braking, rear-end squat during acceleration, tires bouncing excessively, unusual tire wear, and leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.

8. Is it worth replacing shocks and struts?

Yes, it is worth replacing shocks and struts. These components are crucial for a comfortable ride and can also impact other aspects of your vehicle, such as tire wear. Worn shocks and struts can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience and potential issues with the vehicle.

Editor's Notes

During our car shocks & strut research, we found 24 car shocks & strut products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,326 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car shocks & struts list. We found that most customers choose car shocks & struts with an average price of $101.99.

The car shocks & struts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car shocks & struts, including KYB, Monroe, Rancho. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.