Best Truck Struts: 10 Best Choices

If you’ve spent any time driving a pickup, you know the moment your stock suspension starts to feel mushy and unreliable. I’ve personally tackled dozens of full suspension upgrades, and choosing the right replacement components is the key to regaining control and comfort. Whether you’re dealing with an aging factory setup or planning for heavy towing, finding the best truck struts for your specific model drastically improves handling and overall ride quality. This guide breaks down ten top-tested choices, covering everything from OEM replacements to specialized leveling kits.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Front & Rear Strut Shock Assembly w/Coil Spring Compatible…	View on Amazon
	TRQ Front and Rear Complete Strut Assembly & Shock…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 07-13…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (fits) 2012-2018 Ram…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 3.5″ N3 Loaded Struts | (fits) 2007-2013…	View on Amazon
	NEWZQ Pair Front Loaded Quick Struts Magnetic Ride…	View on Amazon
	Trunk Lid Lift Supports Struts Shocks for Chevrolet Malibu…	View on Amazon
	Gabriel 43181 Load Carrier Rear Towing Shock Absorbers for…	View on Amazon
	Pamagoo 16 Inch 38 Lbs Shocks A.R.E Truck Cap Struts…	View on Amazon
	A-Premium Front and Rear Shock Absorbers Struts Compatible…	View on Amazon

Front & Rear Strut Shock Assembly w/Coil Spring Compatible with Chevy Silverado 1500/ GMC Sierra 1500 2007-2013, Replace 139105 4345074, Left & Right, 4PCS

This full 4-piece kit offers a simple, comprehensive solution for restoring the factory ride quality in late-model Silverados and Sierras. It includes all four corners (two complete strut assemblies and two rear shocks), making it an economical choice for truck owners needing a total suspension refresh. The components are designed for a direct bolt-in fit, significantly speeding up the installation process compared to assembling struts manually. This is a great option for those looking to return their truck to its original handling specifications without hassle.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive Kit: Includes 2 front assemblies and 2 rear shocks.
– Direct Fit Replacement: Specifically engineered for 2007-2013 Chevy/GMC 1500 (excluding electronic suspension).
– Easy to Install: Pre-assembled front struts eliminate the dangerous step of compressing coils.

Pros:
– Complete package for a full front-and-rear overhaul.
– Affordable way to restore OEM ride comfort.
– 12-month quality assurance warranty.

Cons:
– These are standard replacements and don’t offer performance upgrades or lifting capabilities.

Best for:
Budget-conscious owners seeking a full OEM suspension restoration.

Expert Opinion: This set shines purely on convenience and value. Getting all four pieces pre-assembled saves significant labor time, which translates directly to savings whether you’re doing the work yourself or paying a shop.

TRQ Front and Rear Complete Strut Assembly & Shock Absorber Kit Complete Strut & Coil Spring Assembly Compatible with 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 2011-2018 Ram 1500 2019-2020 1500 Classic

TRQ is a respected brand in the aftermarket suspension space, and this kit provides a high-quality, direct OE replacement for several generations of the Ram 1500. Just like the previous option, this is a complete 4-piece solution that provides convenience and reliability right out of the box. It’s designed to meet or exceed original factory specifications, ensuring that your Ram maintains its intended road manners and payload capacity.

Key features that stand out:
– OE Replacement Quality: Built to match original equipment form, fit, and function.
– Ram Specific Fitment: Covers a wide range of popular 2009-2020 Ram 1500 models.
– Kit Includes: Two front strut assemblies and two rear shock absorbers.

Pros:
– Excellent choice for reliable, factory-level handling.
– Avoids the need for spring compressors during installation.
– Highly specific fitment ensures compatibility and easy installation.

Cons:
– Owners seeking a lift or aggressive off-road tuning may find these too soft.

Best for:
Ram 1500 owners who prioritize OE reliability and ease of installation.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with common truck platforms like the Ram 1500, finding a dependable full kit is essential. TRQ delivers exactly what’s needed—a robust, no-fuss solution for routine maintenance.

Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 07-13 Chevy/GMC 1500-501029

If you want to eliminate the factory rake and achieve a level stance, the Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts are a fantastic choice. These are not standard replacement best truck struts; they are structurally engineered to provide a full 2-inch lift right out of the box. The inclusion of the pre-loaded coil spring means you skip the complex step of adding a separate spacer, making this a true bolt-on leveling solution that also upgrades your suspension performance.

Key features that stand out:
– Built-in 2″ Lift: Eliminates the need for separate strut spacers.
– N3 Nitrogen Charged: Improves handling, reduces aeration, and enhances performance.
– Massive 1 3/8″ Bore: Provides durability and superior resistance to corrosion.

Pros:
– Achieves a level stance instantly.
– Significantly improves handling and tire contact compared to stock.
– Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.

Cons:
– May require alignment adjustment after installation due to the lift.

Best for:
Owners of 07-13 Chevy/GMC 1500 seeking a moderate 2″ front leveling lift.

Expert Opinion: The value of a loaded strut, especially one that includes lift, cannot be overstated. By upgrading to these heavy-duty, nitrogen-charged struts, you get better damping and the aesthetic benefit of leveling in one package.

Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (fits) 2012-2018 Ram Truck 1500 4WD Lifted Coil Spring Struts 500028

Rough Country offers the same trusted N3 technology and convenience for the Ram 1500 4WD platform. This 2-inch lift kit is designed to enhance the Ram’s suspension geometry and performance, specifically addressing the truck’s factory rake while maintaining a comfortable, factory-like ride quality. These components are serious about durability, featuring a hardened chromed piston rod that stands up to rough terrain and heavy use.

Key features that stand out:
– Leveling Lift: Provides a clean 2-inch lift without spacers.
– Nitrogen Gas Charged: Ensures consistent dampening performance under various conditions.
– Maintains Ride Quality: Designed to keep the truck feeling smooth despite the lift.

Pros:
– Excellent stability and increased performance over OEM.
– Bolt-on installation with pre-loaded coils.
– Durable construction backed by a 3-Year Warranty.

Cons:
– Exclusively for 4WD models, limiting use for RWD trucks.

Best for:
Ram 1500 4WD owners seeking a performance upgrade and a 2-inch leveling kit.

Expert Opinion: For Ram owners who want more ground clearance and better road feel without committing to a massive lift kit, the 2″ N3 loaded struts hit the sweet spot between performance and practicality.

Rough Country 3.5″ N3 Loaded Struts | (fits) 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 | Coil Spring Struts | 500030

Taking the leveling concept further, this Rough Country kit gives 07-13 GM truck owners a substantial 3.5-inch lift. This is a significant upgrade that allows for larger tires and a much more aggressive stance. Since they are loaded struts, the 3.5-inch lift is integrated into the assembly, ensuring proper geometry and maintaining a remarkably smooth ride, considering the height increase.

Key features that stand out:
– Aggressive 3.5″ Lift: Allows for much larger tire fitment.
– Hardened Chromed Piston Rod: Built for maximum longevity and sealing integrity.
– Smooth Ride Retention: Engineered to maintain factory-like comfort even with the increased height.

Pros:
– One of the tallest bolt-on leveling options available.
– Superior performance and stability for both on and off-road driving.
– Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.

Cons:
– A 3.5-inch lift is complex enough that professional alignment is highly recommended immediately after installation.

Best for:
Chevy/GMC 1500 owners who want maximum front lift without installing a full drop-down crossmember lift kit.

Expert Opinion: Moving beyond 2 inches typically requires careful consideration of components, but Rough Country makes it manageable by providing the lift directly in the strut assembly, simplifying what could otherwise be a complicated modification.

NEWZQ Pair Front Loaded Quick Struts Magnetic Ride Compatible with Cadillac Escalade Chevy Silverado Suburban Tahoe GMC Sierra Yukon 2014-2019 84176631

This product is highly specialized, targeting trucks and SUVs equipped with the sophisticated Magnetic Ride Control system. If your luxury truck (like a Yukon, Tahoe, or Escalade) has the factory electronic suspension, standard best truck struts won’t work—you need compatible electronic components. The NEWZQ quick struts offer a crucial OEM-level replacement that retains the full functionality of the Magnetic Ride system, allowing the suspension to automatically adjust damping based on road conditions.

Key features that stand out:
– Magnetic Ride Compatibility: Specifically designed to integrate with the active electronic suspension system.
– Quick Strut Design: Comes pre-loaded and ready to install.
– Extensive Vehicle Coverage: Fits newer models of Escalade, Tahoe, Silverado, and Yukon.

Pros:
– Essential replacement for maintaining complex electronic suspension.
– Restores active damping capabilities and high-end ride quality.
– Numerous cross-reference OE part numbers for assured fitment.

Cons:
– The highly specialized nature means the cost is significantly higher than standard mechanical struts.

Best for:
Owners of GM vehicles with factory Magnetic Ride Control needing to replace faulty electronic struts.

Expert Opinion: Never try to bypass a Magnetic Ride system with conventional shocks. This NEWZQ component ensures you don’t lose the comfort and technological edge these advanced suspension systems provide.

Trunk Lid Lift Supports Struts Shocks for Chevrolet Malibu 2008-2012, 6167 SG330106 Qty 2

While technically not a suspension strut, these lift supports are gas struts crucial for the daily operation of many vehicles, and they often fail with age. This pair is a direct gas spring replacement designed to reliably hold up the trunk lid of a Chevrolet Malibu. If your trunk lid is falling down or requiring excessive effort to hold open, these struts are the simple fix.

Key features that stand out:
– Application Specific: Designed exclusively for the 2008-2012 Chevy Malibu trunk lid.
– High Support Weight: Rated at 374N per strut for reliable support.
– Simple Installation: No special tools required for quick replacement.

Pros:
– Extremely quick and easy DIY replacement.
– Restores proper trunk function and safety.
– Affordable and practical maintenance item.

Cons:
– Not applicable to truck suspension, but important for general vehicle maintenance.

Best for:
Chevrolet Malibu owners needing to fix a failing trunk lid support strut.

Expert Opinion: Though these aren’t traditional suspension components, lift supports are a common repair item that owners often overlook. A strong, reliable gas spring like this makes loading and unloading safe again.

Gabriel 43181 Load Carrier Rear Towing Shock Absorbers for Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe; Dodge Ram 1500; GMC Yukon, Jeep Gladiator; Nissan Titan (1 Pair)

If your truck frequently handles heavy payloads, pulls a trailer, or experiences significant rear-end sag, these Gabriel Load Carrier shocks are the answer. These are specialized rear shock absorbers designed with a variable rate spring mechanism that provides added support and stiffness when the vehicle is loaded. They offer the best in class load carrying capabilities without sacrificing ride quality when the truck is empty.

Key features that stand out:
– Load Carrying Capabilities: Built-in variable rate spring for enhanced support under load.
– Wide Fitment: Compatible with a huge range of trucks and SUVs (Silverado, Ram, Titan, Yukon, etc.).
– Towing & Hauling Focus: Excellent durability and comfort specifically designed for frequent heavy use.

Pros:
– Drastically reduces squat and sway when towing.
– Maintains superior ride comfort when unloaded.
– Robust and durable construction for longevity.

Cons:
– Installation can be slightly more challenging than a basic shock due to the added spring component.

Best for:
Truck owners who frequently tow or haul heavy loads and need dedicated rear suspension support.

Expert Opinion: While simple air shocks exist, these variable rate coil-over shocks offer passive, reliable load support without the complexity of air lines or pumps, making them a fantastic performance upgrade for work trucks.

Pamagoo 16 Inch 38 Lbs Shocks A.R.E Truck Cap Struts C1609209 15.7 in 38# Gas Spring Lift Support for Snugtop Camper Shell Window Leer Topper Replacement Parts 2 Pack C16-09209

Similar to the Malibu struts, these are specialized gas lift supports, but these are essential for truck owners utilizing camper shells or toppers. If the rear window or door of your Snugtop, Leer, or A.R.E. topper won’t stay open, these are the exact replacement struts you need. They offer 38 pounds of force to reliably hold up the lid, restoring functionality to your truck bed access.

Key features that stand out:
– Camper Shell Specific: Perfect replacement for common topper/shell brands.
– Standard Force/Length: 15.7-inch extended length and 38 lbs of force per strut.
– Fast Installation: Designed for simple, two-minute replacement.

Pros:
– Solves a very common and frustrating problem for truck cap owners.
– Direct replacement for numerous interchange part numbers.
– Comes with customer support for fitment questions.

Cons:
– Extremely limited application (only for truck cap/topper windows).

Best for:
Truck owners needing to replace worn-out gas struts on their Leer or Snugtop camper shell windows.

Expert Opinion: Don’t underestimate how vital these little struts are. A broken cap strut can be a safety hazard. This Pamagoo set provides an inexpensive and reliable fix for the truck accessories we rely on every day.

A-Premium Front and Rear Shock Absorbers Struts Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Silverado 1500 Sierra 1500 (Classic) 1999-2007 -[4WD, Exc. Electronic Suspension & Quadrasteer]

For owners of the classic 1999-2007 GM platform (GMT800), A-Premium offers a complete set of front struts and rear shocks designed for this specific era. This kit is focused on non-electronic, 4WD vehicles with torsion bar front suspension, offering a sturdy and dependable means of restoring comfort and control. This 4-piece solution allows you to refresh the entire suspension system simultaneously, extending the lifespan and improving the handling characteristics of your older workhorse.

Key features that stand out:
– Classic GM Fitment: Specifically tailored for 1999-2007 Silverado/Sierra 1500 4WD models.
– Excludes Complex Systems: Simple design, avoiding electronic suspension complications.
– Full Set: Includes all four corners (front struts/shocks and rear shocks).

Pros:
– Excellent way to breathe new life into an older truck chassis.
– Wide range of reference numbers ensures accurate fitment.
– Reliable standard performance for general driving.

Cons:
– Requires separate purchase of coil springs if you are converting from a full strut assembly or need to replace old coils.

Best for:
Owners of the popular 1999-2007 GM trucks needing a complete shock and strut replacement kit.

Expert Opinion: These GMT800 trucks are durable, but their suspension components wear out. This kit provides an easy pathway to restoring that dependable ride quality without expensive high-performance features they likely don’t need.

Comparison and Buying Insights

Choosing the best truck struts depends entirely on your vehicle’s current setup and your driving goals.

For trucks that are heavily utilized for work, towing, or payload, the Gabriel Load Carrier Rear Towing Shock Absorbers are the non-negotiable performance upgrade to prevent rear squat and maintain stability under load. They offer specialized support that standard replacement shocks simply cannot match.

If your goal is convenience and returning your ride to factory specifications without paying premium dealer prices, look at the comprehensive 4-piece kits offered by TRQ and the AEalge assembly for their specific Ram and GM applications. These pre-assembled systems minimize downtime and installation complexity.

For the driver looking to improve aesthetics and gain ground clearance, Rough Country dominates the market with its N3 loaded leveling struts. Be sure to select the correct amount of lift (2 inches versus 3.5 inches) based on the size of the tires you plan to run. The 3.5-inch option provides a more aggressive look but requires more attention to alignment.

Finally, owners of high-end trucks with electronic dampers must be precise. The NEWZQ Magnetic Ride strut is a critical replacement component that ensures the expensive, active suspension technology remains functional.

The Verdict: Selecting the Right Struts

When evaluating the best truck struts, we look for three key attributes: value, performance upgrade, and specialty fitment.

Best Overall Value Replacement: The TRQ Front and Rear Complete Strut Assembly & Shock Absorber Kit provides an impeccable balance of reliability, comprehensive coverage, and user-friendly installation for Ram owners, making it a stellar choice for routine maintenance.

Best for Performance Leveling: The Rough Country 3.5″ N3 Loaded Struts offer the most significant bolt-on visual and performance upgrade among the leveling kits reviewed, delivering the height and damping quality required for aggressive truck stance and use.

Best for Heavy Towing: The Gabriel 43181 Load Carrier Rear Towing Shock Absorbers are engineered specifically to solve the real-world problem of truck squat under heavy loads, ensuring safety and comfort are maintained regardless of what you’re pulling.

Best Truck Struts FAQ

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

A shock absorber is a standalone dampening device that controls spring and suspension movement. A strut, however, is a structural part of the vehicle’s suspension system that supports the vehicle’s weight, contains the coil spring (in a McPherson design), and acts as a dampener. In many modern trucks, the front suspension uses a complete “coil-over” or “quick strut” assembly, while the rear uses traditional shock absorbers.

Why should I choose a “loaded” or “quick strut” assembly?

A loaded or quick strut comes pre-assembled with the strut, spring, strut mount, and often a bump stop. This is a massive time saver and a safety feature, as it eliminates the extremely hazardous need to compress and disassemble the old coil spring to transfer the parts to the new strut body. For DIY mechanics or those paying hourly labor rates, quick struts are usually the most efficient way to install best truck struts.

What does “N3 Nitrogen Charged” mean for performance struts?

N3 (or Nitrogen-charged) refers to the internal gas used in the shock or strut chamber. Pressurizing the fluid with nitrogen gas prevents aeration (foaming) of the shock oil when the strut is working hard and generating heat. This foaming can lead to “shock fade” where the dampening performance decreases. Nitrogen charging ensures consistent, reliable dampening even during prolonged heavy use, off-roading, or towing.

Do I need to get my truck aligned after replacing the front struts?

Yes, absolutely. Any component replacement or modification that affects the geometry of the front suspension—especially installing leveling kits like the Rough Country best truck struts—will alter the camber and toe settings. Ignoring the alignment can lead to premature tire wear, poor handling, and reduced safety. An alignment should be performed immediately after the installation of new front struts.

How do specialized load-carrying shock absorbers work?

Load-carrying shocks, such as the Gabriel Load Carriers, utilize an internal or external coil spring in addition to the hydraulic dampening mechanism. This secondary spring provides extra support to the truck’s leaf springs or coils when the vehicle is weighted down (e.g., when a trailer is hooked up or the bed is full). They engage progressively to keep the vehicle level and prevent excessive rear sag, significantly improving stability.

What should I consider when buying replacement suspension components for electronic systems (like Magnetic Ride)?

When dealing with sophisticated electronic suspension, such as the Magnetic Ride system found on many high-end GM trucks and SUVs, you must purchase exact replacement components (like the NEWZQ option). These components include sensors and wiring harnesses that communicate with the truck’s central computer. Installing standard, non-electronic best truck struts on a system designed for active control will trigger warning lights and completely disable your truck’s advanced dampening capabilities.