The Best Shocks for Trucks

Picking the right shocks for your truck sounds simple—until you start looking. With copious high-quality shocks and struts on the market, each tuned for different terrains, loads, and driving styles, the options can get overwhelming fast. Even among reputable brands, one shock model may excel for daily driving, while another shines on extreme terrain. 

Sorting through differences in shock build quality, tuning, and tech is key to getting the performance you’re looking for from your truck’s suspension. 

In this article, we break down what makes a shock “good,” the factors that separate premium options from budget picks, and which shocks perform best in specific real-world scenarios. Whether you’re commuting every day, towing heavy on the regular, or trekking off the beaten path in a purpose-built off-road rig, we offer a shock package to meet your needs.

Shocks are a critical component of your truck’s suspension system. These accessories are tasked with controlling the movement of your springs, reducing bouncing and uncontrolled movement to keep your tires planted on the road (or trail). Without shocks, your truck would oscillate each time you’d hit a highway expansion joint or pothole, making driving unpredictable and downright unsafe. 

Good shocks significantly enhance comfort, control, and stability while driving—especially when testing the limits of your suspension on a tricky trail or heavy haul. Learn about the differences between damper types in our comprehensive Shocks vs. Struts guide.

Not all shocks are created equal. While two different products may look similar aesthetically, the internal build quality, tuning precision, and the intended use of your vehicle can dramatically affect performance. 

While cheap shocks may be fine for basic commuting, they’ll often fall short under extreme conditions. Quick fading, insufficient damping, or excessive corrosion can all occur if quality falls short. On the other hand, premium shocks are precision-engineered for consistent and long-lasting performance. Learn more about the factors that impact shock quality below.

Above anything else, a shock has to fit your truck. Every truck make and model has specific mounting points, shock lengths, and tuning to accommodate weight. If your truck is lifted or leveled, those dimensions change—and so must the shocks. Some lift kits also modify the mounting ends, requiring specific eyelets or stud configurations. 

When selecting a “good” shock for your build, match up your ride’s year, make, model, and suspension setup. After all, even the best quality shocks won’t work well on your truck if they aren’t designed for your application.

High-quality shocks start with premium materials and precision engineering. Brands that machine components to tight tolerances, extensively test their products, and use corrosion-resistant finishes typically produce high-quality shocks that’ll perform well and last for tens of thousands of miles. 

Alternatively, cheap shocks often cut corners where it counts, using poor-quality seals, coatings, and materials that lead to poor performance and premature failure. While shocks can get expensive, think of them as an investment. In the end, you’ll get better durability, ride quality, and longevity—so what’s really the better deal?

“Performance” isn’t a ubiquitous term—it’s different for everyone. Some may view performance as on-road comfort, while others prioritize fade-free performance for extreme off-road driving. A shock that’s excellent for one task likely won’t excel at the other. For example, a shock tuned for towing stability or extreme off-road handling may not deliver the plush ride someone wants for city driving. 

It’s not about good or bad—it’s about choosing the right tool for the job. Once you determine the type of performance you’re looking for based on the driving you’ll be doing, you can pick a shock that’s tuned to meet your needs.

Drivers who use their trucks primarily on pavement tend to value characteristics such as comfort, on-road stability, predictable handling, and longevity. The best shocks for daily driving are designed to deliver a smooth ride, no matter the road condition. Highway expansion joints, potholes, and road debris don’t stand a chance of spilling your morning coffee with these shocks.

RealTruck’s Superlift Shadow Series shocks deliver a comfortable, controlled ride for daily use without sacrificing durability. Designed as an affordable yet well-built upgrade from factory shocks, they pair premium internal components with sturdy construction. They’re ideal for trucks that see a mix of commuting, weekend projects, and light off-road use.

Features: 

• Nitrogen-charged twin-tube design for consistent damping

• Durable, corrosion-resistant finish for longevity in harsh climates

• Tuned for improved comfort and stability over stock shocks

• Compatible with many stock, leveled, or mildly lifted trucks

• Excellent value as a long-lasting daily-driver upgrade

The Bilstein B6 4600 series is legendary for everyday drivability. These monotube shocks provide firm but comfortable damping, improving control without making the ride harsh. They’re especially popular with truck owners who want better handling and less body roll than stock components offer.

Features: 

• Monotube design for fade-free performance and consistent damping

• Bilstein’s digressive piston technology for improved handling

• Excellent longevity—known to last well over 50,000 miles

• Ideal for pavement driving, light towing, and mild off-road use

• Direct-fit replacement for most factory shocks

When towing heavy loads, stability and predictability are top priorities. The best shocks for towing minimize squat, reduce body roll, and keep the truck planted—even when the trailer or load shifts weight. These shocks offer firmer damping and excellent temperature control for fade-free performance over the long haul.

Although well-known in the off-road world, the Bilstein 5100 series shines just as brightly in towing applications thanks to its firmer damping and monotube construction. The 5100 handles weight shifts smoothly, improves stability, and resists fade during long hauls.

Features: 

• Heavy-duty monotube design for excellent heat dissipation

• Firmer valving is ideal for towing or hauling loads

• Height-specific fitments for leveled or lifted trucks

• Proven reliable in both on- and off-road conditions

• Long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance

FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks deliver a potent blend of on-road control and off-road capability. Their aluminum bodies dissipate heat quickly—an essential factor for trucks pulling trailers for long distances. These shocks provide stable, confidence-inspiring handling under load while maintaining a comfortable ride.

Features: 

• CNC-machined aluminum body for superior cooling

• Precision-tuned valving is ideal for handling heavy loads

• Internal floating piston (IFP) design reduces aeration and fade

• Durable construction for long hauls and occasional off-road use

• Smooth, controlled ride with added stability while towing

Off-roaders need durability, heat resistance, and consistent damping through rough terrain. Whether crawling over rocks or running on high-speed dirt roads, the right shocks help prevent shock fade, improve control, and handle impacts that stock shocks simply cannot. For lifted applications, the shocks in this section also offer extended travel and stronger components to account for the added leverage.

These shocks are built for serious off-road performance. With large-diameter bodies and external reservoirs, they offer exceptional heat management and adjustability. Whether you’re tuning for washboards, desert runs, or rocky climbs, the Performance Elite Series delivers professional-grade control.

Features: 

• 2.5-inch shock body for massive fluid capacity

• External reservoir for zero-fade performance

• Fully adjustable compression settings

• Race-proven valving tailored for off-road conditions

• Heavy-duty construction built to withstand harsh abuse

The Bilstein 5160 strikes a balance between daily comfort and rugged off-road durability. With a remote reservoir and digressive piston technology, these shocks stay cool and consistent during rough-terrain driving while still maintaining a smoother feel than many high-performance alternatives.

Features: 

• Remote reservoir for increased oil capacity and heat dissipation

• Bilstein digressive valving for responsive damping

• Durable zinc plating for corrosion resistance

• Ideal for moderate to aggressive off-road setups

• Explicitly designed for lifted trucks needing longer travel