Choosing Shocks, Struts, and Coilovers for Your Terrain

So, you’ve got the truck or Jeep, and you’re feeling the call of the wild. But when you’re hitting the sandy trails of Florida or the rocky paths of the Appalachians, you need your vehicle ready for each different type of terrain. Before you head out, you’ll have to think about one of the most important parts of your rig: the suspension. Your shocks, struts, and coilovers keep your ride smooth, your tires on the ground, and your spine in one piece.

Choosing shocks, struts, and coilovers for your terrain can feel overwhelming. With so many options, terms, and brands, there is so much to learn. But don’t worry, we'll help you understand what you need so you can conquer any terrain with confidence.

What's the Difference Between Shocks, Struts, and Coilovers?

First things first, let’s clear up some common confusion. While these components all work to control your vehicle's movement, they aren't the same thing.

Shocks

A shock absorber does exactly what its name implies: it absorbs and dampens the energy from your springs. When you hit a bump, your spring compresses and rebounds. Without a shock, your vehicle would just keep bouncing like a pogo stick. Shocks control that bounce, keeping your tires planted and your ride stable.

Struts

A strut is a more complex, all-in-one unit. It combines the shock absorber with a coil spring in a single assembly. Struts are also a structural part of your suspension and steering system, which means they help hold your vehicle up. You’ll find them on lighter trucks and some SUVs.

Coilovers

Coilovers are the high-performance evolution of the shock and spring combo. Like a strut, a coilover is a single unit with a coil spring wrapped around a shock absorber.

The big advantage of coilovers is adjustability. Most coilovers let you change your ride height, and many allow you to fine-tune compression and rebound damping. This makes them a top choice for serious off-roaders who want to dial in their performance for specific conditions.

Match Your Suspension to Your Playground

The "best" suspension isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It all depends on where you plan to play. Different terrains demand different things from your vehicle.

Rock Crawling

If your idea of a good time is slowly navigating your Jeep over massive boulders, you need maximum articulation. Articulation is the suspension’s ability to flex, allowing one wheel to be way up in the wheel well while the other is dropped low. For this, you’ll want long-travel shocks or coilovers with a softer spring rate. This lets your tires maintain contact with the ground for traction, even on wildly uneven surfaces.

Mud and Sand

When you’re blasting through mud pits or cruising sandy dunes near the coast, heat is your enemy. The rapid, constant movement of the suspension generates a ton of heat in your shocks, which can cause the oil inside to foam and lose its damping ability (a phenomenon called "shock fade").

Look for shocks with remote reservoirs. These external canisters hold extra oil and nitrogen, helping to keep your parts cool and performance consistent.

High-Speed Desert and Forest Trails

For those who like to go fast over whoops, dirt roads, and forest trails, you need a suspension that can eat up big hits without breaking a sweat. High-performance coilovers or bypass shocks are king here. Bypass shocks have external tubes that allow oil to bypass the main piston, giving you position-sensitive damping. This means you get a plush ride over small bumps but a firm, controlled response when you hit a big jump or dip.

The All-Rounder (Overlanding)

Maybe you do a little bit of everything. Your adventures take you from paved roads to gravel paths and moderate trails. A good quality, monotube shock absorber is a fantastic upgrade over stock parts. They offer a great balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability without the complexity or cost of a high-end coilover system.

Key Features To Consider

Now that you know what type of suspension suits your terrain, let's look at some key features to compare.

Adjustability

Do you want a set-it-and-forget-it system, or do you like to tinker? Non-adjustable systems are simple, durable, and more affordable. They serve a specific purpose and perform it well. But adjustable systems let you fine-tune your ride. Some allow you to change the firmness (damping) with the turn of a knob, which is great if you drive your rig to work during the week and hit the trails on the weekend. Coilovers often add ride-height adjustability.

Durability and Build Quality

Off-roading is tough on equipment. Look for components built from high-quality materials like machined aluminum or heavy-duty steel. A thick, hardened chrome shaft resists bending and pitting. Also, check for corrosion-resistant finishes, especially for those of us in humid, salty air climates like Florida.

Vehicle Weight

Have you added a heavy-duty steel bumper, a winch, a roof rack with a tent, or a bed full of gear? All that extra weight needs more than a suspension designed for a stock vehicle. Heavier rigs require stiffer springs and shocks valved to handle the extra load. Without them, your suspension can sag, bottom out easily, and wear out prematurely.

Installation and Maintenance

Some suspension upgrades are simple bolt-on jobs you can do in your driveway with a good set of tools. Others, especially complex coilover or bypass shock systems, might be better left to the pros. Don't forget that a wheel alignment is almost always necessary after changing suspension components.

For a vehicle that performs every time, do a maintenance inspection after every off-road trip. Look for any leaks from the shock seals, dents in the shock body, or damage to the bushings. Keeping your suspension clean also extends its life.

Finding Your Perfect Setup

Navigating the world of off-road suspension can be a fun part of building your dream rig. It’s all about figuring out how you want to use your vehicle and matching the parts to your goals. But choosing shocks, struts, and coilovers for your terrain is a lot easier with an expert to consult.

If you're in the St. Augustine area, or anywhere else in the Lower 48, getting advice can save you time and money. Here at Twisted Pro All-Terrain, we live and breathe this stuff. From shocks and coilovers to leveling kits and more, we can help you sort through the options and put together a package that’s perfect for your truck or Jeep. We’ve helped countless drivers get their vehicles trail-ready, and we’d be happy to help you start your next adventure.