The Best Struts for Trucks

Choosing the best struts for your truck isn’t as simple as buying the most affordable (or even the highest-priced) option and slapping them on your build. There are dozens of high-quality strut brands and models on the market, each designed for a particular driver, terrain, or use. So, how do you choose the right fit for your ride? 

Some truck owners want a smooth, factory-like ride for daily driving and commuting. Others need extra stability for towing or hauling heavy loads. And again, others need fade-free performance and durability for off-road applications, where punishing terrain would otherwise prematurely wear stock dampers. 

The “best” strut is entirely dependent on your truck's build, how you plan to use it, and your expectations. In this guide, we’ll break down what struts do, what separates good struts from bad ones, and which struts perform best in different applications, including daily driving, lifted and leveled applications, and heavy-duty off-road use. Read on to learn which struts are best for your needs.

Yes—at least, some do. Struts aren’t found on every pickup, though they’re standard equipment on most vehicles with independent front suspension, including modern light-duty trucks, SUVs, and several half-tons. 

In these applications, the strut serves as both a structural suspension component and a damping device. However, many heavier-duty trucks, such as Ford Super Duty and Ram HD models, use separate shocks and coil springs, or alternative setups like leaf springs and airbags. 

Before ordering struts for your truck, verify that it actually uses them. If so, determine whether they’re found on the front, rear, or both.

Struts play a significant role in your truck’s suspension system. Like shocks, struts dampen suspension movement, making for a smoother, more controlled ride. They help to absorb impacts and maintain tire contact with the road. However, struts also serve a purpose beyond that of shocks. 

Struts are also structural components that support the vehicle’s weight. Struts typically serve as mounting points for other suspension components, such as control arms, steering knuckles, and sway bar links. For a deeper breakdown, check out our full Shocks vs. Struts guide.

Upon first glance, most struts look virtually identical. Alloy bodies, integrated spring perches, and mounts for additional suspension components are standard. However, a quick drive down the road or a look inside the damper will quickly highlight the differences. 

The performance, durability, and longevity of a strut can vary widely from brand to model. The differences typically come down to fitment, build quality, and shock tuning—factors that directly inform how your vehicle handles bumps and uneven surfaces. Below, check out the most significant factors that separate high-end struts from poor-quality ones.

Proper fitment isn’t just a bonus—it’s a non-negotiable. Struts must match your truck’s make and model, year, factory or aftermarket suspension geometry, and any modifications you’ve installed. 

Lift and leveling kits can change numerous factors, from strut length to mounting ends. Installing the wrong struts can lead to poor ride quality, premature wear, or suspension damage. Before ordering your new struts, confirm fitment.

No two struts are built the same, especially in their internals, weld quality, and material grades. 

Cheap shocks aren’t built to last, especially not in harsh environments. Inferior seals, poor heat management, and weak materials can lead to premature wear, whereas top-quality struts undergo rigorous R&D and use high-end materials for maximum longevity.   

Alternatively, most high-end struts are engineered to last 50,000 miles or more, with some even being rebuildable and serviceable for an indefinite service life. While premium struts typically cost more, as the adage goes, good parts aren’t cheap and cheap parts aren’t good.

“Performance” is a relative term—it means different things to different drivers. While some drivers view performance as maximum off-road performance, others view it as stability while towing or comfort while cruising on the highway. 

A strut that excels in one type of driving may not feel ideal in another—which doesn’t mean it's a poor quality component, just that it isn’t the right product for your needs. While the best strut means something different to everyone, the method of determining which strut is right for you remains the same. It’s the product that best suits your driving style and expectations.

A strut assembly, often referred to as a quick strut, is a fully pre-assembled unit that includes the strut body, the coil spring, the top mounts, and all necessary hardware. 

Quick struts are engineered to bolt directly into your truck without modifications or requiring you to disassemble and rob parts off of your factory struts, like springs or top mounts. Instead, installation is as easy as removing the old struts and installing the new ones in their place. 

Quick struts are ideal for DIYers and daily drivers, as they’re designed for fast, easy installation with minimal downtime. These components also eliminate the need for a spring compressor, reducing the risk of injury.

For daily-driven applications, priorities typically revolve around ride quality, durability, and longevity. The following struts are designed to improve ride quality without making the truck feel stiff or overly aggressive. 

Rough Country’s N3 Loaded Struts are designed for truck owners who want a simple, affordable way to restore ride quality or add mild lift without a complicated install. These pre-assembled struts are tuned to balance comfort and control, making them well-suited for daily-driven trucks that see a mix of city streets and highway miles.

By combining a nitrogen-charged strut with a pre-installed coil spring and top mount, the N3 Loaded Struts eliminate the need for spring compressors and reduce install time. Their corrosion-resistant finish also helps them withstand harsh weather and winter road conditions.

Features:

• Fully pre-assembled, loaded strut design

• Nitrogen-charged damping for improved control

• Factory-style ride quality for daily driving

• Corrosion-resistant coating for long-term durability

• Bolt-on installation with no strut disassembly required

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Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies are built for drivers looking to restore factory ride quality and handling without upgrading to a more aggressive suspension setup. These OE-style replacements are engineered to match original equipment specifications, making them a strong choice for high-mileage trucks in need of a refresh.

Each Quick-Strut comes fully assembled with a new strut, coil spring, mount, and isolators, helping eliminate noise, vibration, and harshness often caused by worn factory components. For stock trucks and daily drivers, they offer predictable performance and long-term reliability.

Features:

• OE-style replacement strut assembly

• Fully assembled for quick, straightforward installation

• Tuned for comfort and consistent handling

• Helps reduce noise and vibration from worn suspension parts

• Ideal for restoring factory ride height and feel

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Leveled and lifted trucks place additional demands on suspension components due to changes in geometry and higher unsprung weight from oversized wheels and tires. Drivers of lifted and leveled rigs usually prioritize factors like stability, predictable handling, and controlled suspension travel, making their truck as comfortable on a rutted fire road as on the street. 

The following struts are engineered to work with modified ride heights without sacrificing ride quality or control.

Bilstein’s B8 5100 Adjustable Lift Struts are a go-to option for leveled and lightly lifted trucks that need improved control without sacrificing ride quality. These monotube struts feature multiple snap-ring grooves that allow you to fine-tune front ride height while maintaining proper suspension geometry.

Known for their durability and consistent damping, 5100 series struts perform well under load, making them a popular choice for trucks that tow, haul, or run larger tires. Their digressive valving helps maintain stability on the highway while still absorbing bumps and rough pavement.

Features:

• Height-adjustable snap-ring design

• Monotube gas-pressure construction

• Digressive valving for balanced on-road control

• Designed for leveled and lifted applications

• Built to handle towing, hauling, and added weight

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Rancho quickLIFT Loaded Struts are designed for truck owners who want lift and improved handling in a single, bolt-on package. These pre-loaded struts provide increased ride height while maintaining factory-like drivability, making them ideal for leveled trucks that still see plenty of street use.

Rancho tunes these struts to deliver predictable performance and added front-end support, especially beneficial when running larger tires or additional front-end accessories. The pre-assembled design also makes them a practical option for DIY installs.

Features:

• Pre-loaded strut assembly with built-in lift

• Increased front ride height without additional spacers

• Tuned for stability and on-road comfort

• Bolt-on installation with minimal setup time

• Suitable for daily driving and light off-road use

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Off-road driving is the most demanding of all, requiring enhanced heat management, fade-free performance, durability after repeated abuse, and adjustability for various terrain types and speeds. The following struts are built for aggressive off-road use.

Rough Country’s M1R Loaded Reservoir Struts are built for trucks that see aggressive off-road use and demand more from their suspension. Featuring an external reservoir, these struts are designed to manage heat more effectively, helping maintain consistent damping during extended trail runs or rough terrain.

The heavy-duty construction and off-road-focused tuning make the M1R struts well-suited for high-speed dirt, rocks, and repeated impacts. For drivers who push their trucks beyond mild trails, these struts offer improved control and durability compared to standard designs.

Features:

• External reservoir for improved heat dissipation

• Heavy-duty construction for extreme off-road use

• Fade-resistant performance in demanding conditions

• Pre-assembled, loaded strut configuration

• Designed for lifted and aggressively driven trucks

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Bilstein B8 TerraSport shocks and struts are engineered for trucks that split their time between pavement, trails, and long-distance travel. Built with Bilstein’s monotube technology, TerraSport components deliver consistent damping and excellent heat management in a wide range of driving conditions.

These struts are tuned for off-road control without feeling harsh on the street, making them a strong option for overlanding, backcountry travel, and trucks that carry gear or additional weight. Their durable construction is designed to withstand repeated use in rough environments.

Features:

• Monotube gas-pressure design

• Tuned for off-road and overland applications

• Consistent, fade-resistant damping

• Excellent heat dissipation for long drives

• Built for durability in mixed-use conditions

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There’s no universal “best” strut for every truck or driver. The right choice boils down to how your vehicle is built, how you drive it, and what you expect from the suspension—whether that's factory-like comfort, improved control with a higher center of gravity, or durability for demanding off-road abuse. 

High-quality struts are an investment—but they pay off in better ride quality, improved handling, and longer service life. So long as you choose a quality strut that’s correctly matched to your truck, you’ll get performance and reliability that’ll last for years and miles. 

If you’re ready to upgrade, explore RealTruck’s selection of struts to get the best performance for your truck.