Choosing Shocks for Your 2002-2013 Jeep Liberty
Bilstein - 4600 Factory Replacement
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn’t everyone’s favorite color
KYB - Excel-G
Daily Driver
$$$$
The Excel-G shock is KYB’s direct factory replacement shock (for most applications) to restore factory-like handling characteristics. KYB is an OEM supplier, and produces aftermarket parts with as much precision as factory parts, ensuring exact fit and restoration.
Pros
- Budget level factory replacement shocks
- Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
- Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
- Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
KYB - Strut Plus
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
The KYB Strut Plus are an excellent factory equipment replacement, helping you restore your OE ride and handling. Built to mimic OEM parts, these completely assembled shock and spring units are easy to install, without the requirement of a coil spring compressor.
Pros
- Easy install, no coil spring compressor required
- Factory replacement for original ride quality
- Vehicle specific fitment and tuning
Cons
- Extremely limited for performance or heavier duty use
- Will not increase ride or performance beyond OE whatsoever
Rancho - RS9000XL
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
The adjustable RS9000XL shock has been around for decades at this point, proving just how versatile and useful these shocks are to the truck and Jeep market. Being able to adjust the ride quality from soft to firm at will provides big benefits to drivers of heavy duty rigs, offroaders, and workhorse vehicles.
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Bilstein - 5100 Series, 46mm Piston
Daily Driver, Off-Road
$$$$
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price