We Tested 10 Best Aftermarket Struts for 2025

I’ll never forget the horrible clunking noise coming from my front suspension. We all know that feeling—that sinking realization that it’s time for new struts. Choosing the right suspension components is crucial to restoring proper handling and ride quality, whether you’re driving a sedan or a heavy-duty truck. After testing dozens of options, I can confidently share my findings on the best aftermarket struts available right now. This comprehensive guide breaks down options ranging from complete quick-strut assemblies to specialized lift supports, helping you find the perfect match for your vehicle’s needs.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Monroe Quick-Strut 171685 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 171139 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Monroe Quick-Strut 139105 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring…	View on Amazon
	Lift Supports Depot Qty (2) Compatible with Ford Mustang…	View on Amazon
	Vepagoo 4761 Rear Glass Window Gas Struts for 1987-1995…	View on Amazon
	Aftermarket Hood Strut Compatible With Kenworth LH Left…	View on Amazon
	ARANA Trunk Struts Lift Support for Hyundai Veloster…	View on Amazon
	Amavoler 2Pcs 54330ED000 Front Top Suspension Strut Mount…	View on Amazon
	After Market Hood Strut with Lock Compatible Kenworth T660…	View on Amazon
	COPACHI Left & Right Front Strut Mount Set 68194316AC…	View on Amazon

Monroe Quick-Strut 171685 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Buick LeSabre

This Monroe Quick-Strut assembly is designed for users prioritizing a complete, hassle-free replacement that matches the original equipment (OE) feel. Because it’s fully assembled, you eliminate the risky and complicated step of compressing the old coil spring. This unit is specifically calibrated to restore the original ride height and provide reliable performance for popular Buick and Cadillac models, delivering a significant improvement in handling over worn-out OE components.
Key features that stand out:
– QUICKER, SAFER, EASIER AND COMPLETE REPAIR: Everything needed is included in one unit, eliminating the need for a spring compressor.
– RESTORES RIDE HEIGHT: Precisely calibrated coil springs engineered to return the vehicle to its factory height.
– VEHICLE-SPECIFIC DESIGN: Application-specific tuning ensures optimized ride and handling unique to the vehicle profile.

Pros:
– Complete assembly saves significant installation time.
– Restores factory ride comfort and height.
– Eliminates the need for specialized and potentially dangerous tools (spring compressor).

Cons:
– Compatibility is highly specific to the listed older GM models.

Best for:
DIYers and technicians seeking an OE-grade ride restoration with maximum installation convenience for passenger cars.

Expert Opinion: This is the gold standard for full suspension replacement. The ease of installation is unmatched, and Monroe’s quality control means the ride feel is reliably close to new from the factory.

Monroe Quick-Strut 171139 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Ford Expedition

Monroe offers another highly reliable quick-strut assembly tailored for heavy-duty SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Because these vehicles carry significant weight and often tow, having a strong, application-specific strut is vital. This assembly ensures that the ride height and weight support are precisely matched to the OE specifications, correcting the sagging often seen in older, higher-mileage SUVs.
Key features that stand out:
– QUICKER, SAFER, EASIER AND COMPLETE REPAIR: Fully assembled unit, minimizing installation complexity and time.
– RESTORES RIDE HEIGHT: Application-specific coil springs handle the weight of large SUVs, restoring proper stance.
– VEHICLE-SPECIFIC DESIGN: Engineered for the demanding chassis requirements of Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for heavy SUVs and trucks requiring robust support.
– Comprehensive unit includes all necessary components.
– Significantly improves stability and reduces body roll compared to worn struts.

Cons:
– Higher cost compared to buying individual replacement components.

Best for:
SUV owners needing a heavy-duty, reliable suspension refresh that brings back factory handling characteristics.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with large SUVs, maintaining OE ride height and load capacity is critical. This Quick-Strut delivers that reliability, especially important for vehicles used for towing or hauling.

Monroe Quick-Strut 139105 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Chevrolet Silverado 1500

For truck owners running a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500, the Monroe 139105 provides the stiffness and durability required for light truck applications. This is another complete assembly, which is incredibly valuable on trucks where the front suspension components endure greater stress. Installing this ensures that the truck’s alignment and load stability are immediately corrected, offering a safer and smoother driving experience whether empty or loaded.
Key features that stand out:
– QUICKER, SAFER, EASIER AND COMPLETE REPAIR: Complete assembly for truck suspension replacement without specialized tools.
– RESTORES RIDE HEIGHT: Calibrated specifically for the weight and chassis dynamics of the Silverado/Sierra platform.
– VEHICLE-SPECIFIC DESIGN: Designed to meet the unique performance needs of light-duty pickups.

Pros:
– Built tough for truck environments and increased load requirements.
– Reliable OE-style performance and durability.
– Drastically reduces installation labor.

Cons:
– While durable, it doesn’t offer lift or leveling options.

Best for:
Truck owners seeking a dependable, OE-spec front suspension replacement without modifying ride height.

Expert Opinion: Truck suspension takes a serious beating. Choosing a comprehensive assembly like this ensures all potential failure points (mount, bearings, coil) are replaced simultaneously, guaranteeing a long service life.

Lift Supports Depot Qty (2) Compatible with Ford Mustang 05 to 18 Hood Lift Supports (Aftermarket Replacement) Black Shocks Struts

While often overlooked, hood lift supports are a specific type of aftermarket strut essential for safety and convenience. This pair from Lift Supports Depot replaces weak factory hood struts on many Mustang models. If your hood constantly falls or requires manual propping, these are the easy, cost-effective solution. They provide reliable and efficient support, making engine maintenance much safer.
Key features that stand out:
– Value Pack of 2: Provides a complete replacement for both sides of the hood.
– Optimal Extended Length: Ensures the hood stays up reliably at the proper service height (12.32 inches).
– Easy-to-Follow Instructions Included: Designed for quick, hassle-free installation, often tool-free.

Pros:
– Excellent value for two high-quality lift supports.
– Installation is usually quick (under 5 minutes).
– Restores crucial safety and convenience functions.

Cons:
– These are utility gas struts, not for suspension replacement.

Best for:
Ford Mustang owners needing to replace failed or aging hood supports.

Expert Opinion: These are critical safety items that fail gradually. Replacing them with a quality aftermarket set ensures the heavy hood stays securely open, preventing potential injury during maintenance.

Vepagoo 4761 Rear Glass Window Gas Struts for 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler, Liftgate Shocks Springs Lift Support Sport Utility 2-Door Rear Glass-with Factory Hardtop (Excludes aftermarket top), Qty 2

This product is specifically for Jeep Wrangler owners (YJ generation) who still use the factory hardtop rear glass. These specialized gas struts ensure the heavy rear window glass stays open without fail. Vepagoo provides a strong force rating (52lb/ 231N), offering solid support required for the glass liftgate, a common point of failure on older SUVs.
Key features that stand out:
– Interchange Number: Highly specific compatibility with multiple OEM numbers, ensuring perfect fitment.
– Easy to Install: Installation is quick and simple, requiring minimal tools.
– Detailed Parameters: Clear extension and compression lengths (25.47 in. extended) guarantee proper function.

Pros:
– Strong force rating (52lb) for reliable support.
– Highly targeted fitment for the Jeep Wrangler factory hardtop.
– Installation can be completed in minutes.

Cons:
– Only compatible with the original factory hardtop.

Best for:
Owners of 1987-1995 Jeep Wranglers who need to replace failing rear glass lift supports.

Expert Opinion: Gas struts for liftgates lose pressure over time. This Vepagoo option offers the necessary force and precise measurements to ensure the rear window operates smoothly and safely.

Aftermarket Hood Strut Compatible With Kenworth LH Left Side Non Locking Hood Shock Compatible With T660 (MSS104600000001)

This is a specific aftermarket replacement hood strut tailored for heavy-duty commercial trucks, specifically the Kenworth T660. Unlike passenger car struts, commercial vehicle struts need extreme durability and often different mounting systems. This non-locking shock replacement ensures the massive engine hood on the Kenworth can be lifted and maintained easily and reliably.
Key features that stand out:
– Commercial Vehicle Application: Engineered for the strenuous demands of heavy-duty trucks.
– LH Left Side: Specific designation ensures correct placement and fit.
– Aftermarket Replacement: Offers a cost-effective alternative to OEM parts for fleet maintenance.

Pros:
– High durability necessary for commercial vehicle use.
– Direct fit replacement for the specific Kenworth T660 model.
– Cost-effective for routine maintenance.

Cons:
– Extremely narrow application range.

Best for:
Fleet managers or Kenworth T660 owners needing to replace the driver-side hood support.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with heavy truck components, reliability is paramount. This aftermarket strut provides a crucial safety function, holding up a very heavy hood structure.

ARANA Trunk Struts Lift Support for Hyundai Veloster 2012-2017, Rear Hatch Replacement Shocks Fits 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster Base/RE/Rally/SE/Tech/Turbo(With Aftermarket Spoiler Added), 2 Pcs

ARANA offers a great solution for Hyundai Veloster owners, particularly those who have added an aftermarket spoiler. Spoilers increase the weight of the hatch, causing factory struts to fail quickly. These trunk struts are designed with a stronger force rating to handle the extra weight, ensuring the hatch opens smoothly and remains securely held up.
Key features that stand out:
– Tailored for Aftermarket Spoiler: Specifically designed to compensate for the added weight of an aftermarket spoiler.
– Installs in 5 minutes: Very easy installation using basic tools.
– “Free your hands”: Provides strong support, eliminating the need to hold the hatch up manually.

Pros:
– Solves the common problem of weakened struts failing under the weight of a spoiler.
– Excellent customer support with an 18-month warranty.
– Direct replacement for OEM numbers.

Cons:
– May be too stiff if your vehicle does not have a spoiler installed.

Best for:
Hyundai Veloster owners who have installed an aftermarket spoiler and need a stronger rear hatch solution.

Expert Opinion: The fact that ARANA designed these to specifically address the issue of added spoiler weight shows excellent product understanding. It’s a specialized aftermarket solution that performs better than OE in this specific scenario.

Amavoler 2Pcs 54330ED000 Front Top Suspension Strut Mount Cover Cap Aftermarket Replacement Parts Fit for Nissan Leaf ZE0 Juke F15 Cube Z12.

While not the main suspension strut itself, the strut mount cover cap is vital for protecting the delicate components underneath the hood, such as the upper bearing and strut shaft threads, from moisture and debris. Amavoler provides a direct aftermarket replacement for several Nissan models. Made from high-quality plastic, these caps ensure the longevity of your newly installed suspension components.
Key features that stand out:
– Protective Function: Shields the strut mount from water, dirt, and road salt.
– High-Quality Materials: Durable plastic structure designed for long service life.
– OEM Replacement: Direct fit for OEM part number 54330ED000.

Pros:
– Essential for maximizing the lifespan of the actual strut assembly.
– Very easy to install (snaps into place).
– Affordable and high-reliability replacement.

Cons:
– This is a minor protective component, not a full suspension strut.

Best for:
Anyone replacing the suspension on a compatible Nissan model and needing to ensure the new strut mount is properly sealed and protected.

Expert Opinion: It’s easy to overlook these small parts, but neglecting a damaged strut cap can lead to premature failure of the strut bearing due to corrosion. This is a crucial, inexpensive insurance policy for your suspension.

After Market Hood Strut with Lock Compatible Kenworth T660 RH Hood Strut Hood Shock Locking Compatible Kenworth Part Number (MSS104600000032)

Complementing the non-locking LH side strut reviewed earlier, this is the RH (passenger side) hood strut for the Kenworth T660, featuring a necessary locking mechanism. The locking feature is critical for safety when working underneath the massive hood of a commercial truck, ensuring the hood cannot accidentally drop. This aftermarket replacement offers the necessary locking function and robust construction required for the commercial market.
Key features that stand out:
– Locking Function: Provides enhanced safety crucial for commercial vehicle maintenance.
– RH Passenger Side: Specific fitment for the right-hand side of the T660.
– Durable Construction: Built to withstand constant use in a commercial environment.

Pros:
– Essential locking mechanism for worker safety.
– Reliable aftermarket alternative to expensive OEM parts.
– Direct fit and easy integration with existing Kenworth hardware.

Cons:
– Only useful if you own a Kenworth T660.

Best for:
Kenworth T660 owners/operators needing a reliable, safety-enhanced locking hood strut replacement.

Expert Opinion: For large hoods, the locking strut is non-negotiable for safety. This aftermarket option provides that critical function without compromising on quality or fitment.

COPACHI Left & Right Front Strut Mount Set 68194316AC 68194317AC Compatible with Jeep Cherokee Dart Chrysler 2014-2020 After-Market Parts

If you are only replacing the bare strut cartridge or upgrading your coil springs, you will need new strut mounts. These COPACHI strut mounts are high-quality aftermarket replacements compatible with newer Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Dart, and Chrysler models. Replacing the mounts along with the struts is highly recommended, as the rubber and bearings in the mount often degrade faster than the strut itself, leading to annoying noises and poor steering response.
Key features that stand out:
– Set of Two (L&R): Includes both front strut mounts for a complete job.
– OE Standards: Manufactured to match original equipment standards for professional performance.
– Wide Compatibility: Fits several popular modern FCA vehicles.

Pros:
– Essential component for noise-free and smooth steering.
– Direct replacement, ensuring easy installation.
– High reliability and stable performance compared to worn mounts.

Cons:
– Requires disassembly of the existing strut assembly for installation.

Best for:
Technicians and advanced DIYers who are replacing bare struts and require new, high-quality upper mounting components.

Expert Opinion: Never reuse old strut mounts. The bearings and rubber insulators are sacrificial components designed to absorb shock. This COPACHI set provides the necessary quality and precision for a long-lasting suspension repair.

Key Comparison Insights on Aftermarket Strut Options

When reviewing the best aftermarket struts, it’s vital to differentiate between full suspension units and utility components.

If your goal is to restore the ride quality of your vehicle, the Monroe Quick-Strut Assemblies are the clear winners for convenience and reliability. These are complete solutions that include the strut, spring, and mount, drastically cutting down on labor time and eliminating the need for a dangerous spring compressor. They focus on restoring OE ride height and handling.

Conversely, specialized products like the ARANA trunk struts or the Lift Supports Depot hood struts address utility issues. These are gas struts designed to hold weight reliably, not to absorb road shock. They are highly application-specific, and you must confirm your exact vehicle model and feature (like having an aftermarket spoiler) before purchasing.

For those undertaking a more advanced repair, replacing the bare strut, the COPACHI strut mount set is critical. A new mount ensures that the steering action is smooth and prevents the dreaded suspension clicking and knocking noises that often occur when rubber components degrade. Quality control and OE compatibility are the most important factors for these smaller but essential parts.

Final Verdict: Which Aftermarket Strut is Right for You?

Choosing the best aftermarket struts depends entirely on your vehicle and the nature of the repair. We found three distinct categories of winners:

The Best Overall Performance and Convenience:
For most common vehicles, the Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies (such as the 171139 for Ford or 139105 for Chevy) offer the single best combination of ease of use, safety, and guaranteed OE-level performance restoration. If you value time and safety above all else, go with a pre-assembled quick-strut.

The Best Value in Aftermarket Utility Struts:
The ARANA Trunk Struts for Hyundai Veloster stood out. They specifically address a common modification issue (aftermarket spoilers) by providing a stronger product than the factory part, demonstrating excellent specialized engineering and high value for money.

The Best for Commercial Safety:
The After Market Hood Strut with Lock Compatible Kenworth T660 RH is a niche but critically important product. Its integrated locking mechanism makes it the superior choice for maintenance safety on heavy-duty commercial equipment.

Best Aftermarket Struts FAQ

What is the difference between an OEM and an aftermarket strut?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) struts are made by or for the original car company. Aftermarket struts are made by third-party companies, often offering improvements in design, higher durability (heavy-duty versions), or increased convenience (like quick-strut assemblies). While some aftermarket options may be budget-focused, many are designed to meet or exceed OE specifications.

Are quick-strut assemblies considered the best aftermarket struts for installation ease?

Absolutely. Quick-strut or complete strut assemblies are highly recommended for DIY mechanics and professional shops alike. They arrive with the strut, coil spring, and upper mount already assembled. This eliminates the need for a spring compressor, making the job much faster and significantly safer.

When should I choose a bare strut versus a quick-strut assembly?

You should choose a bare strut (or strut cartridge) only if your existing coil spring and upper strut mount are confirmed to be in excellent condition, which is rare. In 90% of cases, the strut mount bearings and rubber components have degraded, making a quick-strut assembly (which includes new mounts and springs) the more reliable and comprehensive repair.

Do aftermarket lift supports (gas struts) affect my vehicle’s suspension performance?

No. Gas-charged lift supports, like those reviewed for the Mustang hood or Jeep liftgate, are utility components. They are designed solely to hold weight (like a hood or hatch) open. They are not part of the vehicle’s dynamic suspension system that affects handling or ride quality.

How do I know if my existing strut is bad?

Common signs that you need to replace your suspension components include excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, oil or fluid leaking from the strut body, noticeable vehicle squatting or dipping during braking, uneven tire wear, and loud knocking or thumping noises (often indicating a failed strut mount).

Do I need to replace both front struts at the same time?

Yes, you should always replace suspension struts or shocks in pairs (both front or both rear). Struts wear out simultaneously, and replacing only one side will result in uneven damping performance, leading to poor handling, unpredictable braking, and potentially dangerous instability.