Jeep Liberty/Suspension/Shocks & Struts
In the Jeep Liberty the front is a coil-over IFS and the rear is a solid live axle. The fronts uses struts and the rear uses shocks. Once you lift your Liberty you must swap out the stock shocks & struts with longer ones. Some say that you can leave your front strut without any problems, but to achieve the best ride quality and off-road capabilities longer struts will help. The after-market offers a few options on shocks and struts for your lifted and unlifted Liberty. The most popular being the Ranchos.
Rancho
Unlifted
| RS9000X | RSX17000 | RS5000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | RS99764 | RSX17505* | RS5764 |
| Rear | RS99284 | RSX17080 | RS5284 |
Lifted
| RSX17000 | |
|---|---|
| Front | RSX17505* |
| Rear | RSX17004** |
*A strut for a Liberty with 0" Lift.
**A rear shock for a stock 1998-2003 Dodge Durango 4WD and a stock 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota 4WD.
Old Man Emu (OME)
<i>OME Suspension kits and parts are manufactured by ARB.</i>
Medium duty Struts: Better fitted for use on a 3.7L Gas engine with stock bumper.
Heavy duty Struts: Better fitted for use on a 3.7L Gas with after-market bumper or a 2.8L diesel engine with/without after-market bumper/winch.
Rear Shocks:
Skyjacker
Front Strut: Is included with the 2.5" Platinum Skyjacker lift, not sold separately.
Rear Shock:
- N8088: This is a twin-tube Nitro-charged rear shock.
- M9088: This is a mono-tube gas-charged rear shock.
- H7088: This is a twin-tube hydraulic rear shock.
BDS
Rear Shock:
- 55968: For the 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty with a 2" lift. It is a mono-tube Hydraulic rear shock.
- 95968: For the 2002-2004 Jeep Liberty with a 2" lift. It is a gas-charged rear shock.
Doestch
Doestch rear shocks are sold through Rocky Road Outfitters.
- Series 3000: A rear shock for a better performance on-road and off-road, yet delivers a softer ride than factory shocks.
- Series 8000 Prerunner: These shocks are those who tow or haul heavy loads and like to go fast off-road.
Rusty's
Rusty's shocks and struts are only sold through Rusty's Offroad and can be ordered for the stock Liberty or 2" lifted one. Rusty's also carry OME shocks and coil springs.
Freedom Offroad USA
Aftermarket Suspension Options
When upgrading or replacing the suspension system on a Jeep Liberty, many owners turn to aftermarket manufacturers for performance-oriented components. One notable provider is Freedom Off-Road USA, which offers a range of suspension products specifically designed for off-road vehicles, including the Jeep Liberty.
Freedom Off-Road specializes in heavy-duty shocks, struts, and complete lift kits engineered to improve ground clearance, articulation, and overall ride quality—particularly for those who use their Liberty for trail driving or overlanding. Their components are typically direct bolt-on replacements, requiring minimal modification while enhancing both performance and durability.
Some common upgrades for the Jeep Liberty from Freedom Off-Road include:
- Front struts and rear shocks designed for better damping control.
- Lift kits that raise the ride height by 2–3 inches, allowing for larger tire clearance.
- Adjustable control arms to help correct alignment and articulation issues after lifting.
Using aftermarket components like those from Freedom Off-Road can extend the vehicle's capability in off-road conditions, but it's important to ensure compatibility with your specific model year and drivetrain configuration. Always consult product guides and consider professional installation if unsure.
External Links
Freedom Offroad USA