RockAuto Suspension Parts: Your Complete Guide to Buying Shocks, Struts, and More

RockAuto is a popular online retailer for automotive parts, and their suspension section offers a vast selection for nearly every vehicle on the road. Whether you're a DIY mechanic or a shop owner, finding the right shocks, struts, control arms, or springs can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate RockAuto's suspension parts catalog, choose the right components for your needs, and make an informed purchase.

Understanding Your Suspension System

Before diving into RockAuto's catalog, it helps to know the basics. Your vehicle's suspension system does more than just smooth out bumps; it keeps tires in contact with the road, supports the vehicle's weight, and helps maintain steering and braking stability.

Key Components

• Shocks and Struts: Shocks dampen oscillation from springs, while struts are a structural component that also supports the vehicle's weight. Many modern cars use struts in the front and shocks in the rear, but some have struts on all four corners.
• Coil Springs and Leaf Springs: Springs absorb road impact. Coil springs are common on passenger cars; leaf springs are often found on trucks and SUVs.
• Control Arms and Ball Joints: Control arms connect the wheel hub to the frame. Ball joints are the pivot points that allow steering and up-and-down motion.
• Sway Bars and Bushings: Sway bars reduce body roll during turns. Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that dampen vibration and allow movement.
• Strut Mounts and Bearings: These attach the strut to the vehicle body and allow the strut to rotate with steering.

Knowing which parts you need is the first step. RockAuto's catalog is organized by part category, so you can drill down to specific components for your car.

Navigating RockAuto for Suspension Parts

RockAuto's website is data-heavy, but it's designed to help you find parts quickly. Here's how to use it effectively.

Enter Your Vehicle Information

On the homepage, select your vehicle's year, make, and model. This ensures only compatible parts are shown. You can also input engine size and drivetrain for more precise results.

Browse by Category

Once you've selected your vehicle, click on "Suspension" under the "Parts" menu. You'll see subcategories like:

• Shocks & Struts
• Coil Springs & Leaf Springs
• Control Arms & Ball Joints
• Sway Bars & Bushings
• Strut Mounts & Bearings
• Suspension Kits

Each subcategory lists available brands and part numbers.

Understand the Quality Tiers

RockAuto uses a color-coded system: Economy (white), Daily Driver (red), Premium (blue), and Performance (green). These tiers reflect price and expected durability.

• Economy: Budget-friendly, often sufficient for older vehicles or short-term use.
• Daily Driver: Good balance of price and quality for most drivers.
• Premium: Higher-end brands like Monroe, KYB, or Bilstein for better ride and longevity.
• Performance: Motorsport-grade parts for handling and durability, but often stiffer.

For suspension parts, Daily Driver or Premium is usually recommended. Economy shocks may wear out faster or provide a harsher ride.

Use Part Numbers and Cross-References

RockAuto lists OEM part numbers for many parts. You can cross-reference these with your original parts to ensure fitment. If you're unsure, use the "Info" icons next to each part for specifications.

How to Choose the Right Suspension Parts on RockAuto

Selection depends on your vehicle type, driving habits, and budget.

Shocks and Struts

• Standard (OEM Replacement): Best for daily commuting. Brands like KYB Excel-G, Monroe OESpectrum, or Sachs are reliable.
• Heavy-Duty: For trucks or SUVs that carry loads or tow. Look for "heavy duty" or "severe service" options.
• Performance: For better handling, consider Bilstein 4600 or Koni. These offer firmer damping but may sacrifice comfort.

Springs

Coil springs are often sold in pairs. If your car has sagging suspension, replacing springs along with shocks is wise. For lifted trucks, RockAuto carries many lift spring options.

Control Arms

Some control arms come with ball joints and bushings pre-installed, making replacement easier. Others are sold separately. Ball joint and bushing wear can cause clunking sounds or uneven tire wear.

Complete Suspension Kits

RockAuto offers complete strut assemblies (loaded struts) that include the strut, spring, mount, and bearing—just bolt them on. This saves labor if you're doing the work yourself.

Brand Reputation

Stick to well-known brands: Monroe, KYB, Bilstein, Moog, AC Delco, and Motorcraft are commonly stocked. Avoid no-name brands from the Economy tier unless you're on a tight budget.

Common Suspension Parts Categories on RockAuto

Let's walk through the main categories you'll encounter.

Shocks & Struts

This is the most popular suspension category. RockAuto lists both individual shocks/struts and complete assemblies. When replacing, always do both sides of an axle (front or rear) to maintain balance.

Coil Springs & Leaf Springs

Coil springs are sold individually or in sets. Leaf springs are usually sold as complete assemblies. Check your vehicle's load capacity—some springs are designed for different axle weights.

Control Arms & Ball Joints

Control arms are sold as left, right, upper, or lower. Ball joints are often sold separately unless they are integrated into the arm. RockAuto's catalog shows which are press-fit and which bolt on.

Sway Bars & Bushings

Sway bar bushings wear out and cause clunking. RockAuto sells both factory-style rubber and polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane is stiffer and lasts longer but can transmit more noise.

Strut Mounts & Bearings

These are often replaced with struts. A bad mount can cause knocking sounds or misalignment. RockAuto carries both aftermarket and OEM equivalents.

Installation Tips and Considerations

While this guide doesn't replace a factory service manual, here are general pointers.

Safety First

Suspension components are under tension, especially springs. Use a spring compressor for struts and coil springs. Support the vehicle securely with jack stands.

Alignment Required

After replacing any suspension component that affects steering geometry—like control arms, struts, or tie rods—you'll need a wheel alignment. Budget for this cost.

Hardware Replacements

Many suspension parts come with new nuts and bolts. It's good practice to use them. If not supplied, reuse old hardware only if it's in excellent condition.

Check for Additional Wear

While changing shocks, inspect bushings, ball joints, and mounts. Replacing these at the same time can save labor later.

Final Recommendation

For most drivers, choosing RockAuto's Daily Driver or Premium tier parts from reputable brands like KYB, Monroe, or Moog offers the best balance of cost and reliability. If you're doing the work yourself, consider loaded struts to simplify installation. Always double-check fitment using RockAuto's vehicle selection tool and read part descriptions carefully.

Start by identifying which suspension components need replacement, then search RockAuto using your vehicle info. Compare prices across quality tiers, but avoid the cheapest economy parts for critical safety items. With careful selection, RockAuto can save you money while providing quality suspension parts that restore your vehicle's ride and handling.