Shock Rebuild vs. Replacement – What You Need to Know
If you’ve owned your off-road rig for a few years and it’s starting to feel like a boat on washboard roads, you’re probably wondering:
Do I need new shocks, or can mine be rebuilt?
It’s one of the most common questions we get here at House of Shocks, so let’s break it down.
What Is a Shock Rebuild?
A rebuild is exactly what it sounds like — your shocks are disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and refreshed with new seals, oil, and nitrogen.
Think of it like a full tune-up for your suspension.
During a rebuild, we:
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Inspect shafts and pistons for wear or scoring
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Replace seals, O-rings, and fluid
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Refill and recharge with the correct oil and nitrogen pressure
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Polish or replace the shaft if needed
When it’s done right (and we do it right), your shocks perform like new again — without the cost of replacement.
When Should You Rebuild Your Shocks?
Most off-road shocks (King, Fox, Icon, etc.) should be rebuilt every 30,000–50,000 miles, depending on how you drive.
If you:
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See oil leaking around the shaft
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Hear clunking or squishy sounds
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Feel your ride getting bouncy or uneven
It’s time.
Even if you’re not sure, we’ll inspect your shocks and tell you straight up whether a rebuild makes sense or if they’re too far gone.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Sometimes a rebuild just isn’t worth it.
If your shock shafts are deeply pitted, the bodies are corroded, or the internal components are damaged, replacement may be cheaper in the long run.
Here’s how we call it:
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Minor wear: Rebuild and keep rolling.
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Severe damage or scoring: Replace the shaft or full shock.
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Budget build: We’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for your setup and wallet.
We never upsell — we just want your suspension to work the way it should.
Why Rebuilding Beats Replacing (Most of the Time)
Rebuilding isn’t just about saving money — it’s about keeping your shocks custom-tuned for your rig.
If you’re already running high-end shocks like Kings, Fox, or Icon, they’re designed to be serviceable for life.
You don’t throw away a performance engine when it needs new oil.
You rebuild it — and it runs better than ever.
About House of Shocks
I’m JD, owner of House of Shocks here in Colorado Springs — a small-batch suspension shop specializing in high-end shock service and rebuilds.
I’m a 20-year fire service veteran, Jeep owner, and suspension nerd who believes in doing it right the first time.
I run House of Shocks out of my home garage with the same attention to detail you’d expect from a race shop — because for me, this isn’t a job. It’s an obsession.
Ready to Breathe New Life Into Your Suspension?
Whether you’re running Raptors, Tacomas, Jeeps, or full-blown prerunners — I can help you figure out if your shocks need a rebuild, replacement, or just a check-up.
📍 Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Shocks Healthy
To extend the life of your shocks:
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Wash mud and road salt off after trips
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Don’t ignore small leaks
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Have them inspected yearly if you drive hard or tow heavy
Little maintenance goes a long way — and your shocks (and wallet) will thank you.