If you own a light truck or SUV, you know that having a good set of shocks is crucial for a smooth ride. Shocks absorb the impact of bumps and potholes, providing a comfortable and safe driving experience. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your vehicle. In this article, we will review the top 15 best light truck shocks to buy in 2022.
Benefits of Having Good Shocks
Before we dive into the best light truck shocks, let's take a look at why having good shocks is important.
- Improved Handling: Good shocks improve your vehicle's handling, making it easier to steer and maneuver.
- Better Traction: Shocks help your tires maintain better contact with the road, improving traction and reducing the risk of skidding.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Good shocks reduce the wear and tear on your tires, suspension, and other components, prolonging the life of your vehicle.
- Increased Safety: Good shocks provide a smoother, more comfortable ride, reducing the risk of driver fatigue and improving overall safety.
Top 15 Best Light Truck Shocks
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Bilstein 5100 Series: The Bilstein 5100 series is a popular choice among truck owners for its excellent shock absorption and durability. The monotube design provides consistent performance and allows for easy adjustments to fit your driving style. The shocks offer a smooth ride on paved roads and can handle rough terrain with ease. The Bilstein 5100 series is a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but the quality of the shocks makes them worth the investment.
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Fox 2.0 Performance Series: The Fox 2.0 Performance Series shocks are designed to provide a smooth ride on and off-road, with adjustable settings to match your driving style. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to withstand heavy loads and rough terrain. The monotube design provides consistent performance and allows for easy adjustments to match your driving style. The Fox 2.0 Performance Series shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks: The KYB Gas-A-Just shocks are designed to improve handling and stability, with a monotube design that resists fade and wear. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to provide a smooth ride on paved roads and rough terrain. The KYB Gas-A-Just shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Monroe Reflex Truck Shocks: The Monroe Reflex Truck Shocks are engineered to provide a smooth, comfortable ride, with a larger bore for better fluid displacement. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are designed to handle heavy loads and rough terrain. The monotube design provides consistent performance and allows for easy adjustments to match your driving style. The Monroe Reflex Truck Shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Rancho RS5000X Shocks: The Rancho RS5000X Shocks are designed to handle heavy loads and rough terrain, with a twin-tube design for improved performance. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to provide a smooth ride on paved roads and off-road. The Rancho RS5000X Shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Pro Comp ES9000 Shocks: The Pro Comp ES9000 shocks are built to withstand extreme conditions, with a nitrogen gas-charged design that resists fade and wear. The shocks are engineered to handle heavy loads and rough terrain, providing a smooth ride on paved roads and off-road. The Pro Comp ES9000 shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Skyjacker Nitro 8000 Shocks: The Skyjacker Nitro 8000 shocks are designed to provide a smooth ride on and off-road, with a twin-tube design that resists corrosion. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to withstand heavy loads and rough terrain. The Skyjacker Nitro 8000 shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Gabriel Ultra Shocks: The Gabriel Ultra shocks are engineered for improved handling and stability, with a larger bore for better fluid displacement. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are designed to provide a smooth ride on paved roads and rough terrain. The Gabriel Ultra shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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BDS NX2 Nitro Shocks: The BDS NX2 Nitro shocks are designed for heavy-duty use, with a nitrogen gas-charged design that provides superior control and stability. The shocks are engineered to handle heavy loads and rough terrain, providing a smooth ride on paved roads and off-road. The BDS NX2 Nitro shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport Shocks: The Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport shocks are designed for off-road use, with a high-pressure gas-charged design that resists fade and wear. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to handle heavy loads and rough terrain. The Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport shocks are moderately priced and offer excellent value for money.
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Icon Vehicle Dynamics V.S. 2.0 Shocks: The Icon Vehicle Dynamics V.S. 2.0 shocks are designed for extreme off-road use, with a piston that resists heat and wear. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are designed to handle heavy loads and rough terrain. The Icon Vehicle Dynamics V.S. 2.0 shocks are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but the quality of the shocks makes them worth the investment.
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King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series: The King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series shocks are designed for high-performance use, with a nitrogen gas-charged design that resists fade and wear. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are designed to provide a smooth ride on paved roads and off-road. The King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series shocks are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but the quality of the shocks makes them worth the investment.
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Fabtech Dirt Logic 2.25 Shocks: The Fabtech Dirt Logic 2.25 shocks are designed for heavy-duty use, with a monotube design that provides superior control and stability. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to handle heavy loads and rough terrain. The Fabtech Dirt Logic 2.25 shocks are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but the quality of the shocks makes them worth the investment.
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Teraflex Falcon 3.3 Shocks: The Teraflex Falcon 3.3 shocks are designed for extreme off-road use, with a three-position adjuster for improved performance. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to handle heavy loads and rough terrain. The Teraflex Falcon 3.3 shocks are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but the quality of the shocks makes them worth the investment.
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ARB Old Man Emu BP-51 Shocks: The ARB Old Man Emu BP-51 shocks are designed for off-road use, with a remote reservoir for improved heat dissipation. The shocks are built with high-quality materials and are engineered to handle heavy loads and rough terrain. The ARB Old Man Emu BP-51 shocks are a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but the quality of the shocks makes them worth the investment.
Factors to Consider When Buying Shocks
When choosing the best shocks for your light truck, there are several factors to consider.
Type of Driving
If you do a lot of off-road driving, you'll need shocks that can handle rough terrain and heavy loads. If you mainly drive on paved roads, you'll want shocks that provide a smooth, comfortable ride. Some shocks are designed specifically for off-road use, while others are better suited for on-road driving.
Vehicle Weight
The weight of your vehicle will affect the type of shocks you need. Heavier vehicles require shocks with a higher load capacity. Make sure to choose shocks that are rated for your vehicle's weight to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Budget
Shocks can range in price from under $50 to over $500 per shock. Make sure to choose a set of shocks that fits your budget while still providing the performance you need. Keep in mind that spending more on high-quality shocks can save you money in the long run by reducing wear and tear on other components of your vehicle.
Compatibility
Make sure to choose shocks that are compatible with your vehicle's make and model. Some shocks are designed specifically for certain types of vehicles, while others are more universal. Check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that the shocks you choose will fit and perform optimally on your vehicle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shocks for your light truck is essential for a smoother, more comfortable ride. The top 15 best light truck shocks we reviewed in this article offer a range of options to fit any driving style and budget. Make sure to carefully consider the factors we discussed when choosing the best shocks for your vehicle, and enjoy the improved handling, traction, and safety that come with a good set of shocks.