5 Best Shock And Strut Brands Tested in 2025

I recently tackled replacing the suspension on my old truck—the ride had gotten downright bouncy and the handling felt sloppy. Choosing the right components is tough, but I found that focusing on the best shock and strut brands makes a huge difference in handling, safety, and comfort. In this detailed guide, I’ve broken down five of the top complete assemblies available, helping you find the perfect complete strut spring assembly for your vehicle without the headache of compressing springs.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Vextone – Front Struts Shock Absorbers Complete Assembly -…	View on Amazon
	MOSTPLUS 172200 172199 5778 349008 Front and Rear Complete…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Set Front Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring-Rear…	View on Amazon
	maXpeedingrods Front Struts for Toyota Tacoma RWD…	View on Amazon
	PM Auto Front-Rear Set of 4 Quick Complete Strut-Shock…	View on Amazon

Vextone – Front Struts Shock Absorbers Complete Assembly – Fit for 2007-2013 Chevrolet Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra – Quick Install Replace 139105 Ready Strut (Set of 2)

If you own a classic GM truck and need a significant ride quality improvement, the Vextone complete assembly is an excellent choice. These front struts come ready to install, which means no wrestling with dangerous coil compressors. Built with high-quality steel and a superior welded design, these units are engineered for structural integrity, ensuring they handle the rough demands of a truck like the Silverado 1500. They focus on delivering enhanced traveling stability, making your ride home smoother and more worry-free.

Key features that stand out:
– Fitment Accuracy: Specifically designed for 2007–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.
– Complete Assembly: Includes coil, spring, mounts, and necessary instructions for a true quick install.
– Durability: Features high-quality steel tubing and welded design for long-term reliability.
– Enhanced Effect: Adopts advanced shock-absorbing technology to improve overall stability and comfort.

Pros:
– Simple, quick installation process (no special tools required).
– Significantly improves ride comfort on trucks.
– Strong, durable construction suitable for light truck applications.

Cons:
– Only offered as a front pair, requiring a separate purchase for the rear shocks.

Best for: Truck owners (Silverado/Sierra) prioritizing quick, durable front suspension replacement.

Expert Opinion: The quick-install nature of the Vextone assembly makes it highly appealing for DIY truck owners. We noted that the quality of the welds and the precision fitment match up well against OEM standards for these specific truck years.

MOSTPLUS 172200 172199 5778 349008 Front and Rear Complete Strut Spring Assemblies Shock Absorber Compatible with 2008-2012 Chevy Malibu (not Classic) / Pontiac G6 2005-2010 (Set of 4)

MOSTPLUS delivers fantastic value by providing a full set of four (front and rear) complete strut assemblies in one package. This is ideal for drivers tackling a total suspension overhaul on popular GM sedan models like the Chevy Malibu or Pontiac G6. These assemblies include the strut, coil, spring, and mounts pre-assembled, guaranteeing an exact fit and drastically reducing installation time. This set is a reliable, budget-friendly option for restoring factory ride height and handling performance.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive Set: Includes two front and two rear complete units (Set of 4).
– Wide Compatibility: Fits several years of Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura (check specific notes).
– Exact Fit Replacement: Engineered to replace specific OE numbers (172199, 172200, etc.) ensuring hassle-free installation.
– Value: Excellent price point for a full set of replacement components.

Pros:
– Provides a full front and rear solution in one purchase.
– Restores factory ride height and improves handling immediately.
– Highly compatible with multiple popular sedan platforms.

Cons:
– May offer slightly less performance damping than higher-end, dedicated performance brands.

Best for: Budget-conscious sedan owners needing a complete front and rear suspension refresh.

Expert Opinion: For the price of a single high-end front strut, you get four complete units here. While they aren’t race-ready, the MOSTPLUS assemblies are a practical solution for daily drivers looking to eliminate that uncomfortable road bounce caused by worn-out shocks.

PM Auto Set Front Quick Complete Strut-Coil Spring-Rear Shock Replacement For 2014-2018 KIA Soul L4

PM Auto focuses on accuracy and specific vehicle application, and this set for the KIA Soul is a great example. This package provides the front quick complete strut-coil assemblies and the rear bare shock absorbers, giving you all the necessary components for a full axle replacement. If you drive a 2014-2018 KIA Soul, you can rely on the 100% accuracy of fit, which is crucial for modern compact vehicles where tolerances are tight.

Key features that stand out:
– Vehicle Specific: Precisely engineered for the 2014-2018 KIA Soul models (L4, +, Base, !).
– Full Axle Solution: Combines quick struts for the front and standard shocks for the rear.
– Quality Guaranteed: Brand new components designed for accurate, factory-like performance.
– Simple Ordering: Takes the guesswork out of ordering by bundling the necessary front struts and rear shocks together.

Pros:
– Exceptional fitment accuracy minimizes installation issues.
– Includes both front loaded struts and rear shocks.
– Restores smooth, comfortable handling characteristic of the KIA Soul.

Cons:
– Requires mild mechanical knowledge to install the rear bare shocks (unlike the quick front struts).

Best for: KIA Soul owners looking for a precisely matched front and rear suspension replacement kit.

Expert Opinion: It’s smart that PM Auto paired the quick strut with the rear shock, as the Soul often uses different assembly types front and back. Buyers should note that while the front is truly ‘quick,’ they will need to handle the rear shock replacement separately.

maXpeedingrods Front Struts for Toyota Tacoma RWD 2005-2015, 271106 271105 Shock Absorbers Complete Struts with Coil Spring Assembly 2Pcs

When durability and advanced manufacturing are priorities, maXpeedingrods stands out among the best shock and strut brands. These front struts for the Toyota Tacoma are built for punishing conditions. They utilize Japanese ENEOS damping oil, offering stable function even in extreme temperatures (-40℃ to 80℃). What truly sets these struts apart is the rigorous testing: the shock absorbers undergo 3 million fatigue tests to ensure longevity and minimal damping force attenuation.

Key features that stand out:
– Premium Materials: Uses Japanese ENEOS damping oil for thermal stability.
– Extreme Testing: 3 million fatigue tests on the shock, 600,000 on the spring, guaranteeing strength.
– Thickened Construction: Features a thicker strut pipe and a high tensile spring for improved intensity and structural performance.
– Warranty and Support: Backed by 1-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.

Pros:
– Designed for exceptional durability and longevity under heavy use.
– Maintains stable performance in extreme hot and cold weather.
– Rigorous quality control testing surpasses many competitors.

Cons:
– Premium materials and testing may result in a slightly higher price point than basic options.

Best for: Tacoma owners seeking heavy-duty, rigorously tested struts that must withstand extreme temperature variations.

Expert Opinion: The emphasis on testing and material quality (especially the Japanese damping oil) suggests these are designed for drivers who demand consistent performance in challenging environments. This is a top-tier choice if you frequently haul cargo or drive off-road with your Tacoma.

PM Auto Front-Rear Set of 4 Quick Complete Strut-Shock For 2013-2016 Dodge Dart

PM Auto makes another appearance, offering a complete front and rear set for the popular Dodge Dart. The standout benefit of this bundle is that all four corners—front struts and rear shocks—are designed as complete, quick assemblies where applicable. This means you eliminate the need to take apart existing components or compress springs across the entire vehicle. These assemblies not only restore ride comfort but also directly improve steering, handling, braking ability, and overall driving safety.

Key features that stand out:
– Full Quick Set: Provides four complete, easy-to-install units for all four wheels.
– Safety Focus: Engineered to meet OEM quality standards, improving critical handling and braking performance.
– Simplified Installation: No specialized tools or spring compression required for any component in the kit.
– 100% Accuracy of Fit: Designed specifically for the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart.

Pros:
– The ultimate convenience package for a full vehicle suspension replacement.
– Direct improvements in steering response and braking distance.
– High accuracy of fit simplifies the installation process dramatically.

Cons:
– Ensure exact year and model compatibility, as modern vehicles have strict component specifications.

Best for: Dodge Dart owners seeking the easiest and safest way to replace all four suspension points simultaneously.

Expert Opinion: The decision to package the full front and rear quick struts/shocks is fantastic for the average mechanic or DIYer. Since it’s a complete system replacement, you get a cohesive handling feel across the entire vehicle, which is a significant safety benefit.

Comparison Insights on Best Shock And Strut Brands

When evaluating the best shock and strut brands, it’s helpful to group them by need. The MOSTPLUS and PM Auto (Dodge Dart) sets are the clear winners for drivers needing a full, economical, four-corner replacement for common sedans. They deliver excellent value by bundling everything together.

However, if you own a truck and require maximum durability, the Vextone (for GM trucks) and maXpeedingrods (for Tacoma) shine. maXpeedingrods offers the highest technical specifications and rigorous testing, making it suitable for heavy-duty use or performance driving where temperature stability is paramount.

For those driving niche compact vehicles like the KIA Soul, the specialized PM Auto set ensures 100% fitment accuracy while still providing the convenience of quick-install front components. Remember that the key benefit of any of these complete assemblies is avoiding the dangerous and time-consuming process of spring compression.

Final Verdict: Which Suspension Kit Should You Buy?

Choosing the right kit depends entirely on your vehicle type and driving priorities.

If you prioritize extreme durability and resistance to harsh environments (like hot summers or cold winters), opt for the maXpeedingrods Tacoma struts due to their ENEOS oil and high fatigue testing scores.

If you need the simplest, most convenient full suspension overhaul for a modern sedan (and value the safety of avoiding spring compression), the PM Auto Front-Rear Set for the Dodge Dart is the standout choice.

If your budget is tight but you still need a full four-piece replacement for a common GM car, the MOSTPLUS set offers the best cost-to-coverage ratio.

Best Shock And Strut Brands FAQ

How do I know when I need to replace my shocks and struts?

Look for common symptoms such as excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, noticeable fluid leaks (oil or grease) on the strut body, nose-diving during braking, or excessive swaying around corners. A visual inspection for rust or bent rods is also necessary. Most manufacturers recommend considering replacement between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

What is the difference between a shock absorber and a strut?

A shock absorber is a singular component designed only to dampen spring oscillations and control vehicle motion. A strut is a structural part of the vehicle’s suspension system that supports the vehicle’s weight, aligns the wheels, and contains the shock absorber component (often called a strut cartridge). Choosing a complete strut assembly (or quick strut) simplifies the replacement process dramatically.

Are quick struts (complete assemblies) better than bare shocks and struts?

For the average DIY mechanic, quick struts (like those reviewed from PM Auto and Vextone) are generally better because they come pre-assembled with the coil spring, mount, and shock absorber. This eliminates the need for a spring compressor, which is often bulky, expensive, and potentially dangerous. While bare shocks can sometimes offer more specialized performance tuning, complete assemblies offer convenience and safety for general use.

Do I need to replace all four shocks and struts at the same time?

While it’s not strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially when addressing handling or ride height issues. Replacing only one pair can lead to unbalanced damping, causing instability. Products from the best shock and strut brands are engineered to work together, so replacing all four (or at least front and rear pairs) ensures uniform wear and optimal safety performance.

How does a gas-charged shock absorber improve handling?

Most modern shock absorber brands use nitrogen gas charging. The gas pressure helps prevent aeration or foaming of the hydraulic fluid inside the shock body, which can cause ‘fade’ or temporary loss of damping control during rapid cycling. This allows the damper to maintain consistent performance and control, leading to improved handling, steering response, and stability.

Will replacing my worn-out struts affect my tire wear?

Absolutely. Worn-out suspension components cause the tire to lose consistent contact with the road (leading to bouncing), which results in premature and uneven tire wear, often appearing as “cupping” or “scalloping” on the tread. Replacing your suspension with high-quality components from the best shock and strut brands restores proper tire contact, extending tire life and improving braking efficiency.