Best Shock Absorbers For Jeep Grand Cherokee – Which is winner?

Shock absorbers are meant to dampen compression and the rebound of your Grand Cherokee’s suspension system. This is to prevent the car from shaking when driving in less than ideal terrains.

They absorb energy after every jostle and disperse it as heat to reduce the car bounce. There are very many types of the best shock absorbers for jeep Grand Cherokee and a lot of brands to contend with when buying.

The wrong shock absorbers will not work in your jeep not to mention that you will have wasted your money buying it. To guide you to the right one, I have reviewed 5 hot picks for the best shock absorbers for a jeep Grand Cherokee.

What’s more, there is a buyer’s guide and a FAQs section to answer some of the questions you may have during your search.

We aim to show you accurate product information. Manufacturers, suppliers, and others provide what you see here, and we have not verified it. See our disclaimer.

Products Reviews

Bilstein B8 5100

Are you are a moderate off-road driver and have a lifted jeep? Check out the Bilstein 5100. These are awesome shock absorbers for the money that work best on trails, mountains, rocks in addition to giving you a good ride on the highway.

These shock absorbers feature a zinc plated monotube that works best at lower speeds on rough terrains. They work using the monotube gas pressure technology.

A 46-millimeter piston that has a self-adjusting disc valving is used to reduce bounce on these terrains. Additionally, they provide amazing control off-road.

Thanks to its zinc finish, these shock absorbers last long. You do not have to worry about replacing them that fast. They resist fade for longer service life.

Also, this shock absorber reduces body roll thanks to its better dampening over regular factory shocks. If you are a fan of the outdoors every weekend like I am, these are your to-go-for shocks.

Bilstein B8 5100 Series 4 Shocks Kit for 06 Jeep Grand Cherokee .75-2 Front & 0-1.5 Rear inch lift Ride Monotube replacement Gas Charged Height Adjustable Shock absorbers

• Front & Rear Set
• Brand New In Box
• Representative Image Actual Product May Vary
• Mounting hardware Front: Yes/ Rear: No; Dust boots Front: No/ Rear: Yes; Lifetime Warranty; Best Customer Support

$447.67

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Rancho RS5000X

These shock absorbers from Rancho are almost similar to factory shocks. They have a 2.25-inch body with a 1.375-inch internal piston.

They provide quality dampening for a smoother ride even on rough terrains. These shocks are super strong and are used on jeeps and trucks for moderate terrains.

Each RS5000X shock is gas pressurized to 150 PSI. The twin tube, gas pressurized shock has a variety of advantages including minimizing air-to-oil mixture that can cause foaming and shock fade. Gas pressurization also provides a mild boost of spring rate to the vehicle.

What’s more, they are very affordable making them a great budget option for anyone looking for shock absorbers in the lower side.

Rancho RS5000X Shock Set FITS 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 0in Lift

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$327.36

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I recommend them but with a tinge of skepticism especially due to their reduced service life. If it will make you feel better though, the manufacturer has a limited lifetime warranty in case of a fault with your product.

Fox 2.0 Performance Reservoir Shock

Looking for superior next level dampening on rough off-road terrains? The Fox Performance 2.0 features a monotube design with an internal piston that regulates damping.

The nitrogen gas charge has a high PSI which makes the Fox 2.0 firmer because of the internal shock pressure that affects damping and valving for premium dampening. Too much firmness can feel uncomfortable for some people, however.

Its aluminum construction is not only lightweight but it also gives better heat distribution. This is because proper heat dissipation leaves the shock absorber cool and prevents constant heating up of the shock fluid inside.

This provides better performance, especially in very rough terrains. Additionally, it can withstand the harsh effects of natural elements for increased service life.

Fox 985-24-110 985-24-114 compatible with 84-01 Jeep Cherokee Sport w/6.5-8" Lift 2.0 Performance Reservoir Shock

• Part Numbers 985-24-110 and 985-24-114
• Set of 4 Shocks for vehicles w/6.5-8" front lift and w/5-6.5" rear lift
• Fits 2WD & 4WD vehicles
• Shock boots & Roost Shields sold separately. All necessary washers, bushings, reservoir clamps, and nuts included. Factory shock mounting bolts are reused for installation. Mounting plates sold separately.
• Fox's limited one (1) year warranty protects against defects and premature failure.

$1,034.35

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With the premium features, however, comes a high price tag. It is completely worth the price if you can afford it. To back up the quality of the product is a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Fox 2.0 Adventure – Best Shocks For Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ

You are really going to be impressed by these shock absorbers right from the packaging. Featuring 2-inch diameter shocks lines, these shock absorbers give precise dampening in moderate terrains.

What’s more, they are made using quality materials from Fox for a longer life. Fox is a known and trusted brand in the manufacturer of high-quality shock absorbers today.

They have a monotube design reservoir which acts as the barrier between the shock oil and high-pressure nitrogen. This supports heat dissipation for the shock absorber. The internally floating piston prevents aeration of the fluid for better performance.

I do not like the shock absorber’s steel construction. This is because it does not offer the same heat dissipation as aluminum ones do.

The package contains a set of four shocks which fit both 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles. Fox has a 1-year warranty on these shock absorbers in case of premature failure or defects.

KYB Excel-G Front & Rear Shock Set

Well known for its replacements spare parts, the KYB Company has another awesome option to boot. The Excel-G shock absorbers are some of the best for someone looking for exact factory replacements.

They are best for trucks and jeeps. This KYB package comes with a set of 4. The shock absorbers are calibrated in accordance with OE specifications.

They have a twin tube design and is made from high-quality material. Nitrogen gas is used to charge it up for greater performance.

I would recommend this for someone looking for quality factory replacements from a trusted manufacturer. They restore your car to its original comfort and suspension.

KYB Excel-G Front & Rear Shock Set LH & RH Sides for 99-04 Grand Cherokee

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Buyer’s Guide

Contents:

How do shock absorbers work?

A shock absorber is supposed to dampen your Jeep’s suspension system compression and rebound. This is to absorb the energy when the car is thrown around for a less bumpy ride.

They work by absorbing the heat from these bounces and distributes it through the absorber. The piston moves when the spring moves to force fluid through the small holes of the shock absorber thus creating resistance. This resistance slows the spring down which then absorbs the motion energy and reduces the resulting bounce.

They are useful for all environments but you will need stronger and firmer ones when driving in rougher terrains. There are two main categories of shock absorbers which are hydraulic and gas.

Choosing the Right Shocks for Jeep Grand Cherokee

It is essential to know the kind of shock absorbers you need to use for your jeep because there are so many types in the market. Shocks work on the same principle but they are differentiated in different ways to make them good for specific driving styles. Some of these considerations include:

Type of shocks

There are 5 main types of shock absorbers. While they look different, they work using the same principle and have similar components including the fluid, valve, and pistons. They are:

Twin-tube shock absorbers: twin-tube shock absorbers are great options for drivers who prefer the highway over the off-roads and are very affordable. However, they heat up very fast especially when the jeep is on high speeds.

The bore is very small and holds very little fluid producing very little resistance. Their performance is also limited since the fluid ends up mixing with air which produces foam.

Gas charged twin tube: these are an improved version of twin tubes. First, they are not prone to aeration thanks to the outer nitrogen chamber.

You also get faster rebounds with this type of shock absorber. Nevertheless, the gas can leak out over time which reduces its service life.

Monotube: if you like the off-roads, this is a great option for you. Monotubes provide better heat distribution so they remain cool.

It is made using accurate manufacturing standards for awesome dampening precision. Thanks to its large diameter piston it is very strong and what’s more, it can be mounted upside down. However, this type of shock absorbers is very expensive.

Reservoir: the best feature about this type of shock absorbers is how they dampen at a consistent rate. This is enabled by the extra fluid being forced into the external air reservoir during compression.

On this shock absorber, there is no risk of aeration and it has more valve options. Conversely, it is super expensive and there is increased risk of leaks due to the many valve options.

Most of the shock absorbers reviewed in this article are reservoir type shock absorbers.

They are also rebuildable and you do not have to keep replacing them. Despite this, they are very expensive, hard to install, and require custom mounting and modifications for the ideal fit.

Construction

Since shock absorbers work under high pressure, it is imperative that you get those made from strong materials. They are commonly made from steel and aluminum.

Adjustability

Looking for adjustable shock absorbers might just narrow down to preference. However, adjustable ones offer more flexibility and give smoother rides. This is because you can adjust it to the best height. What’s more, it is easy to maneuver hard terrains with adjustable shocks on your jeep.

Driving conditions

This is a key consideration because it will dictate the strength of the shock absorbers you should have in your car. For off-road driving, you need shock absorbers that are strong and effective enough to handle such a terrain. Standard shocks can work for people who do not like rough terrains much.

Cost

Shock absorbers are available at different price ranges. When buying the best shock absorbers for your jeep, do not buy very expensive ones that might not work as well as you would like.

Also, avoid buying budget ones that feel cheap and will not work well. Pick out the one that works best for you and buy it at the best price.

Aftermarket or OEM

Deciding whether to get OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket shock absorbers can be hard. This is because both have great benefits.

OEM’s are expensive and are guaranteed quality from original manufacturers. On the other hand, aftermarket shock absorbers offer better functionality than OEM ones and are affordable.

When choosing, you can choose to get a good aftermarket brand that is well trusted and offers a better price. To get a product that will give you peace of mind, buy from a trusted manufacturer and buy a product with a warranty.

FAQS

Q: How much does it cost to replace shocks on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

A: The cost or replacing the shocks on your car will depend on the type of shock absorbers that you put on your car. Twin-tube shock absorbers are the cheapest and you might require between $150 and $300 for good pieces.

Reservoir and coil over shock absorbers are more expensive because they are rebuildable and can handle rougher terrains compared to other types of shock absorbers. For reservoir type shock absorbers, you can spend even up to $1000 for a high-end super performer.

This is not inclusive of taxes and fees so you need to consider these accordingly depending on where you are and how much labor costs there.

Q: Do Bilstein shocks have a lifetime warranty?

A: Yes. Bilstein shocks have a limited lifetime warranty. This means that the manufacturer is under obligation to replace parts of the shock absorber that are defective or those that break throughout the product’s life.

However, the manufacturer will not replace damaged parts resulting from careless use in and will not replace parts not covered by the warranty.

Q: Are Bilstein 5100 shocks Rebuildable?

A: No. Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers are not rebuildable.

Q: Are Fox shocks and Fox clothing the same company?

A: No. they are two independent companies but were formed by brothers. They were started by 2 brothers who share the surname Fox.

Bob Fox started the suspension company and Geoff Fox began the clothing line. Fox Factory Inc. also trading as FOXF is a suspension manufacture company. Fox Head Inc., on the other hand, is a clothing company that is owned by a capital investment firm.

Q: What is the best shock absorbers for factory replacement?

A:

Q: What is the best shock absorbers for moderate off-road use?

A: The best shock absorbers for moderate terrain should be able to give more dampening compared to factory shock ones. From our review, the best shock absorbers for jeeps are the Bilstein 5100, the Fox 2.0 adventure, and the Ranch RS5000X.

They are very strong and have a long service life. What’s more, they provide increased control in rough terrains on short speeds.

Q: What is the best shock absorbers for off-road/off-grid use?

A: The best shock absorbers for off-road use are rebuildable, strong, and long-lasting for the best control. Most popular brands for off-road driving are King, Fox, Teraflex, and Icon among others.

Conclusion

The best shock absorbers for jeeps will dampen your cars compression and rebound for a smooth driving experience, especially in rough terrains. Different shock absorbers work on different principles to smoothen out your rides.

That is why you need to get the best shock absorbers for jeep Grand Cherokee for you. As seen from the guide, there is more than meets the eye for shock absorbers. You need to understand much about the different types, construction, and driving conditions you will drive your jeep on.

We have reviewed 5 products at different price ranges for different terrains and functionality to help you choose the best one. Since shock absorbers affect the quality of your ride, you should get the one that works for your specific driving styles. You can choose one from the reviewed products above to save you the hassle of looking for another.