Toughdog Front Adjustable Shocks for Jeep JT Gladiator — Premium Suspension Upgrade

These Toughdog shock absorbers alone do not provide lift height — they are designed to work with your existing suspension geometry or as part of a complete lift kit package. Shocks control damping and ride quality, while springs or coil spacers provide the actual lift height increase. These adjustable shocks feature extended travel capability, making them compatible with lift heights from 0-50mm when paired with appropriate raised springs or spacers. For a complete lift solution, you'll need to add matching front coil springs rated for your desired lift height and accessory load — browse our complete lift kits to find matched shock and spring packages for your Gladiator.

This kit includes two complete Toughdog front adjustable shock absorbers with pre-installed external adjustment knobs, polyurethane bushings, steel mounting sleeves, and all necessary hardware including upper and lower mounting bolts and washers. Each shock features a heavy-duty protective coating, triple-lip seals, and hard-chromed piston rods for maximum durability. The kit also includes installation instructions and damping adjustment guidelines to help you dial in the perfect ride quality. Note that this is a front shock pair only — rear shocks, springs, steering dampers, and other suspension components are sold separately and must be ordered to complete a full suspension upgrade.

Yes, these Toughdog adjustable shocks are excellent for towing applications thanks to their adjustable damping control that lets you firm up the suspension when loaded. When towing caravans, camper trailers, or boats, you can rotate the adjustment dial to a firmer setting to reduce body roll, minimize nose dive under braking, and maintain better control over corrugations and undulating roads. The 36mm bore and high-pressure gas charge prevent fade under sustained heavy loads, ensuring consistent performance even when towing near your Gladiator's maximum capacity. For optimal towing performance, we recommend pairing these front shocks with upgraded rear shocks and considering airbag assistance if you regularly tow heavy loads or carry significant rear cargo weight.

Control arm upgrades are not mandatory when fitting these shocks at stock ride height, but they become increasingly important as you add lift height to your Gladiator. If you're installing a 35mm+ lift kit, upgraded control arms help restore correct suspension geometry, reduce ball joint angles, improve wheel alignment settings, and maximize the usable wheel travel that these extended-travel shocks provide. Control arm upgrades also allow fitment of larger tyres without rubbing issues and improve steering response on and off-road. Even at stock height, upgraded arms with quality bushings can enhance ride quality and durability — our team can recommend the right control arm options based on your specific lift height and intended use.

Yes, a professional four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing any new shock absorbers, and it's particularly critical if you're also changing springs or adding lift height at the same time. Even though shocks primarily control damping rather than ride height, the installation process involves disconnecting suspension components that can shift alignment settings out of specification. Proper alignment ensures even tyre wear, predictable handling, optimal steering response, and maximum component life across your entire suspension system. We recommend visiting a qualified alignment shop that has experience with lifted 4WDs and can adjust to appropriate specifications for your intended use, whether that's highway touring, off-road adventures, or mixed daily driving.

While this kit includes shocks only, Toughdog offers a comprehensive range of front coil springs in various load ratings to match your constant accessory weight. Front spring selection should be based on the combined weight of your bullbar, winch, upgraded diff protection, battery systems, and any other permanently fitted accessories. Light-duty springs suit minimal accessories (under 30kg constant load), medium-duty springs handle bullbar and winch setups (30-60kg), and heavy-duty springs are designed for fully loaded touring builds with maximum front accessories (60kg+). Our suspension experts can help calculate your front accessory weight and recommend the optimal spring rate to maintain correct ride height, handling balance, and comfort — contact us with your accessory list for personalized spring rate recommendations.

Tyre fitment depends on your total lift height rather than the shocks themselves, but these extended-travel shocks are compatible with lifts that accommodate 33-35 inch tyres on the Gladiator platform. A 35mm lift typically clears 33-inch tyres without rubbing, while 50mm+ lifts can accommodate 35-inch tyres with appropriate wheel offset and minor trimming. Maximum tyre size also depends on wheel offset, backspacing, tyre tread pattern width, and whether you've fitted upgraded control arms or wheel arch trimming. The adjustable damping on these shocks is particularly beneficial when running larger, heavier tyres as you can firm up the damping to compensate for increased unsprung mass. For specific tyre recommendations based on your planned lift height, consult our fitment specialists who can advise on the best wheel and tyre combinations for your build.

Toughdog shock absorbers are backed by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. The warranty duration and specific terms vary depending on your application and intended use — our team can provide exact warranty details specific to this Gladiator application at the time of purchase. Warranty coverage typically requires professional installation, proper maintenance, and use within the product's specified load and lift height ratings. Damage from misuse, incorrect installation, operation beyond design limits, or lack of regular maintenance is not covered. For complete warranty terms and conditions, registration requirements, and claims procedures, please contact us before purchase — keeping your installation receipts and service records is essential for warranty validation.

These Toughdog adjustable shocks excel in daily driving and highway touring applications thanks to their adjustable damping control that lets you dial in a comfortable ride for predominantly on-road use. When set to softer damping positions, these shocks provide excellent compliance over suburban road imperfections, speed bumps, and highway expansion joints while maintaining controlled body movements and responsive handling through corners. The high-pressure gas charge and quality internal valving prevent the harsh, jarring ride often associated with cheap lift shocks, instead delivering a refined, composed feel that makes long highway trips comfortable for passengers. Many Gladiator owners run these shocks in softer settings for daily commuting and urban use, then firm them up for weekend off-road adventures or when towing — giving you the best of both worlds without compromise.