Restore a Daily Driver
Replace worn shocks or struts while keeping a comfortable, controlled ride.
Start with Guardian or Ultra
Gabriel Shocks
Gabriel Shocks
The Original Since 1907
Find the Right Gabriel Shocks for the Way You Drive
Gabriel makes replacement shocks, struts and complete assemblies for daily drivers, trucks, SUVs, classic cars, towing applications, RVs and commercial vehicles. The right choice depends on more than fitment. It also depends on how you use your vehicle.
1907
Gabriel's history began when Claude H. Foster introduced the Snubber, an early version of the modern shock absorber. More than a century later, Gabriel offers ride-control products ranging from economical OE-style replacements to load-support and severe-duty commercial shocks.
Start With Your Driving Needs
Which Gabriel Shock or Strut Is Right for You?
Choose the description that best matches your vehicle and how you drive it. Product availability varies by year, make, model and drivetrain.
Replace the Complete Strut
Install a preassembled strut, spring, mount and related components as one unit.
Choose ReadyMountImprove Truck or SUV Control
Get application-tuned control for a light truck, van or SUV used on normal roads.
Start with ProGuardDrive On and Off Road
Choose a monotube shock built for faster response, sport use and rougher conditions.
Choose MaxControlSupport Changing Loads
Add adjustable leveling support when towing or carrying loads only some of the time.
Choose HiJackersCarry or Tow Frequently
Use a spring-assist shock when your vehicle operates under an ongoing load.
Choose Load Carrier
Gabriel Product Selector
Compare Gabriel Shocks and Struts
This comparison covers Gabriel's major automotive and commercial product lines. Your vehicle may be cataloged for one or several options.
| Product line | Best for | Design | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian | Economical daily-driver replacement | Gas-charged OE-style shock | Comfort-focused replacement for drivers who want dependable ride control at a value price. |
| Ultra | Premium OE replacement for cars, trucks and SUVs | Shock or strut with G-Force technology | Built for quicker response, consistent control and longer service life than a basic replacement. |
| ReadyMount | Complete strut replacement | Preassembled strut, spring, mount, boot, bumper and seat | Reduces installation steps and eliminates the need to transfer the old coil spring. |
| ProGuard | Light trucks, vans and SUVs | Application-tuned twin-tube shock | Designed for everyday comfort and control with a larger piston and reservoir than many standard replacements. |
| MaxControl | Sport use, off-road driving and light or occasional towing | 46 mm monotube shock | Faster reaction and efficient heat control for drivers who want a more responsive truck or SUV. |
| HiJackers | Temporary towing, hauling or variable rear loads | Air-adjustable shock | Adjustable from 25 to 200 psi with up to 1,100 pounds of leveling capacity per pair. Does not increase payload or GVWR. |
| Load Carrier | Frequent towing, hauling or ongoing loads | Shock with an assist spring | Helps maintain ride height and stability under recurring loads. Rear applications can provide up to 500 pounds of load capacity per pair without increasing GVWR. |
| Classic | Classic and collectible vehicles | Application-tuned gas shock | Adds modern damping while preserving the intended ride characteristics of an older vehicle. |
| FleetLine | Class 3 through 8 trucks, trailers, buses and RV chassis | Heavy-duty commercial shock | Includes suspension shocks, cab shocks and steering dampers for demanding commercial service. |
| GasSLX | Severe-duty Class 7 and 8 commercial vehicles and buses | Adjustable heavy-duty gas-cell shock | Three comfort settings and high-temperature components for heavy loads, high mileage and harsh operating conditions. |
Important: Shocks that provide leveling or spring assistance do not raise the vehicle manufacturer's payload rating. Never exceed the vehicle's GVWR. For a broader look at load-support options, read our guide to suspension products for towing and hauling.
Product Line Details
Understanding the Gabriel Lineup
The product name tells you what the part was designed to do. Fitment still comes first, but these differences help you choose when more than one Gabriel option is available.
Guardian and Ultra for Replacement Ride Control
Guardian is Gabriel's economical OE-style replacement. Ultra is the premium step up, using Gabriel G-Force technology and StableSteer valving for quicker response and consistent tire contact.
- Choose Guardian when price and basic ride restoration are the priorities.
- Choose Ultra when you want a more responsive premium replacement.
- Both are intended for stock applications cataloged by Gabriel.
ReadyMount Complete Strut Assemblies
A Gabriel ReadyMount includes the strut, coil spring, upper mount, boot, bumper and spring seat in one preassembled unit. It avoids transferring the old spring and related wear components to a new strut.
Read the Gabriel ReadyMount guide for installation considerations, tradeoffs and fitment details.
ProGuard and MaxControl for Trucks and SUVs
ProGuard is tuned for comfortable everyday control in light trucks, vans and SUVs. MaxControl is a more responsive 46 mm monotube for sport use, off-road driving and light or occasional towing.
- Choose ProGuard for normal roads and daily use.
- Choose MaxControl for more demanding driving and faster response.
- For other performance options, visit the Truck Performance Center.
HiJackers and Load Carrier for Load Support
HiJackers use adjustable air pressure, making them useful when rear load changes from one trip to the next. Load Carrier shocks add a mechanical assist spring for vehicles that tow or carry weight more consistently.
- Variable or temporary load: HiJackers
- Frequent or ongoing load: Load Carrier
- Neither product changes the vehicle's legal payload or GVWR.
Classic for Older Vehicles
Gabriel Classic shocks are application-tuned for classic and collectible vehicles. They use modern gas-charged damping to improve control without turning an older car into a harsh-riding performance build.
FleetLine and GasSLX for Commercial Vehicles
FleetLine covers heavy-duty suspension, cab and steering applications across Class 3 through 8 vehicles, trailers and buses. GasSLX is Gabriel's adjustable severe-duty option for the heaviest commercial applications.
Motorhome owners can also compare chassis and ride-control solutions in our RV Center.
Find Gabriel Parts for Your Vehicle
Use the Select Your Vehicle bar at the top of this page. Enter the vehicle type, year, make, model and drivetrain to see Gabriel shocks or struts cataloged for your exact application.
Before You Order
Confirm More Than the Vehicle Name
Suspension fitment can change with drivetrain, axle, chassis, factory suspension package and vehicle modifications.
Enter the Complete Vehicle
Select the drivetrain and other available qualifiers. A 2WD application may use a different shock than the same model with 4WD.
Read the Position and Notes
Confirm front or rear placement, left or right position, quantity and any chassis, suspension or exclusion notes.
Account for Modifications
Lifted, lowered, converted or custom vehicles may require measurement-based fitment. Use our Gabriel shock measurements when catalog fitment is not enough.
Not sure whether your vehicle uses a shock, a strut or a complete assembly? Read the difference between shocks and struts or review our full shock buying guide.
Gabriel FAQs
Common Questions About Gabriel Shocks and Struts
Are Gabriel shocks good?
Gabriel has produced ride-control products since 1907 and offers distinct product lines for economical replacement, premium OE replacement, trucks, load support, classic vehicles and commercial service. The best result depends on choosing the Gabriel line designed for your vehicle and how you use it.
What is the difference between Gabriel Guardian and Ultra shocks?
Guardian is Gabriel's economical OE-style replacement line. Ultra is the premium replacement line, built with G-Force technology and StableSteer valving for quicker response, consistent control and longer service life.
What comes in a Gabriel ReadyMount assembly?
A ReadyMount assembly includes a strut, coil spring, upper strut mount, strut boot, bumper and spring seat. Because it arrives assembled, the old coil spring does not need to be compressed and transferred to the new strut.
Should I choose ProGuard or MaxControl for my truck?
Choose ProGuard for comfortable everyday control in a light truck, van or SUV. Choose MaxControl when you want the faster response of a 46 mm monotube for sport use, off-road driving or light and occasional towing. Available options depend on the vehicle.
What is the difference between HiJackers and Load Carrier shocks?
HiJackers are air-adjustable and work well for temporary or changing rear loads. Load Carrier shocks add an assist spring and are better suited to frequent towing, hauling or ongoing load. Neither product increases the vehicle's payload rating or GVWR.
How often should Gabriel shocks and struts be replaced?
Gabriel generally recommends replacement at regular 50,000-mile intervals for many vehicles, but the actual interval varies with the vehicle, road conditions, environment and use. Excessive bouncing, nose dive, body roll, tire cupping, physical damage or fluid streaking can indicate that inspection is needed.
Should shocks and struts be replaced in pairs?
Yes. Replacing both front units or both rear units helps preserve balanced damping and handling from side to side. Do not replace only one worn shock or strut unless a qualified technician or the manufacturer directs otherwise.
Do I need an alignment after replacing Gabriel struts?
Yes, an alignment is strongly recommended after strut replacement because a strut is part of the vehicle's suspension and steering structure. Replacing a conventional shock alone does not normally disturb alignment in the same way.
Can I install Gabriel shocks myself?
Many conventional shocks are straightforward for an experienced DIY installer with the correct tools and safe lifting equipment. Struts and some heavy-duty applications require more tools, additional steps or professional installation. Review our shock installation guide before deciding.
How do I find a Gabriel shock for a custom or modified vehicle?
Catalog fitment may not account for a lift, lowering kit, suspension conversion or custom mounting points. Compare extended length, collapsed length, stroke and mount style in our Gabriel measurements guide, or ask ShockWarehouse for technical help before ordering.
Need Help Choosing a Gabriel Part?
Modified suspension, unusual chassis or several Gabriel options for the same vehicle can make fitment confusing. Send us the complete vehicle information and how you use it so our shock specialists can help narrow the choice.