TOP 10 BEST AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE SHOCKS STRUTS SUSPENSION 2025
Upgrade your ride with the best automotive performance shocks, struts, and suspension components. Find top-rated options for trucks, SUVs, and cars for superior handling and comfort.
The suspension system is the backbone of your vehicle's performance, dictating everything from ride comfort to handling and safety. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, tackling rough terrain, or simply seeking a smoother daily commute, upgrading to high-quality performance shocks and struts is essential.
Performance suspension components are engineered to provide superior damping, better control, and increased durability compared to standard factory parts. They help maintain tire contact with the road, reduce body roll during cornering, and absorb impacts efficiently, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
We’ve compiled a selection of the best automotive shocks and struts available, catering to various needs, from heavy-duty truck applications like the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra to advanced magnetic ride control systems for luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. Review our top picks and buying guide to find the perfect suspension upgrade for your vehicle.
Front
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Bilstein
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Front
Shocks
KYB
TRQ
TRQ
Bilstein
Monotube shocks (like Bilstein and KYB Gas-a-Just) offer superior performance, especially under heavy use. They use a single cylinder, allowing for better heat dissipation and preventing aeration (foaming) of the oil, which leads to 'shock fade.' Twin-tube shocks are generally more affordable and provide a softer ride, suitable for standard driving, but may fade under extreme conditions.
A complete strut assembly (often called a 'quick strut') includes the strut, coil spring, and mount, pre-assembled and ready for installation. This significantly reduces labor time and the need for specialized spring compressors. Bare struts require transferring the old spring and mount, which is cheaper but more labor-intensive and potentially dangerous without the right tools. For DIY mechanics or those prioritizing speed, complete assemblies are highly recommended.
MRC is an advanced, electronic suspension system found on high-end GM vehicles (Cadillac, GMC Yukon). These shocks contain magnetic fluid that changes viscosity when an electric current is applied, allowing the vehicle’s computer to adjust damping forces instantly. If your vehicle has MRC, you must replace the shocks with MRC-compatible units to maintain the system's function and avoid error codes.
Consider how you use your vehicle. For heavy towing, off-roading, or aggressive driving, look for heavy-duty, performance-tuned shocks (like the Bilstein B6 series) designed for increased load capacity and better control. For standard replacement on a daily driver, a quality OEM-style replacement (like the complete assemblies for Silverado/Sierra) will restore factory comfort and handling.
Common signs include excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, noticeable fluid leaks from the shock body, uneven tire wear, a 'nose-dive' when braking, or increased body roll during turns. A simple test is to push down hard on one corner of the vehicle; if it bounces more than once, the shock is likely worn.
A shock absorber is a separate component that only dampens suspension movement. A strut is a structural part of the suspension system; it combines the shock absorber and the coil spring into one unit and supports the weight of the vehicle, often replacing the upper control arm.
Complete strut assemblies (quick struts) are generally easier for a DIY installation as they eliminate the dangerous step of compressing the coil spring. However, replacing suspension components requires proper jacking, safety procedures, and sometimes an alignment afterward. If you are replacing bare struts or dealing with complex electronic systems (like MRC), professional installation is recommended.
Investing in high-quality performance shocks and struts is the best way to enhance your vehicle's safety, comfort, and handling dynamics. Whether you opt for the robust monotube design of Bilstein, the convenience of a complete TRQ assembly, or the advanced technology of Magnetic Ride Control replacements, ensure you select components that match your vehicle's specifications and your driving needs. Browse our selection today and experience the difference a superior suspension system makes.