Shocks built for plowing tasks must withstand heavy loads, rough terrain, and extreme cold. The following selections are heavy‑duty shock absorbers designed for popular heavy trucks and plow setups, offering extended length, robust rebound, and reliable wear resistance. This guide highlights five top options with broad fitment across Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, and other commercial chassis, making them suitable for pulling snow plows and navigating plow routes in challenging winter conditions.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 4 PCS TORQUE Heavy Duty Shocks TR85000 | Torque | Extended length 17.22″, multiple fitments (Gabriel 85000, Monroe 65416), recoil cutoff, dust tube |
| MR. Snowplow Replaces Western 60338K | Mr. Snow Plow | Direct replacement for Western 60338K, snow plow oriented |
| TORQUE TR85310 Heavy Duty Shocks (4x) | Torque | Extended length 18.65″, heavy‑duty, multiple interchanges including Gabriel/Monroe |
| A-Premium Rear Shock Absorber (Kenworth/Peterbilt) | A-Premium | Broad Kenworth fitment, multiple T‑series and W‑series models, AG380 compatibility note |
| Gabriel 85070 Fleetline Front Shocks | Gabriel | Front shocks for Kenworth T2000, T600/470/660/700/800, W900, specs include long stroke |
The listed products cover a range of common heavy-duty truck applications used in plowing operations, including Kenworth, Peterbilt, and other heavy-vehicle platforms. They emphasize durability, compatibility with multiple suspension types, and suitability for front or rear mounting as required by your plow configuration. Read on for detailed sections on each option, including installation considerations and fitment notes.
4 PCS TORQUE Heavy Duty Shock Absorber TR85000 (4 x TR85000)
This Torque kit provides four heavy‑duty shock absorbers designed for broad fitment across major suspension brands, including Gabriel 85000 and Monroe 65416. With an extended length of 17.22 inches and a collapsed length of 11.46 inches, these shocks supply ample travel for heavy plows and rough winter terrain. Rebound and compression ratings indicate solid control under load, while the inclusion of a dust tube helps extend life in dusty, slushy conditions. The kit’s compatibility with CUSH, Hendrickson, Ridewell, SAF Holland, and others broadens its applicability to a wide range of plow trucks.
Fitment notes: Recoil cutoff and dust tube features contribute to better damping consistency when plows encounter sudden impacts. This is a versatile choice for fleets needing a uniform replacement across several truck models.
MR. Snowplow Replaces Western 60338K
This replacement shock is tailored for snow plow setups, specifically offering compatibility with the Western 60338K model. When a plow system experiences frequent ground contact, a robust shock absorber helps maintain plow positioning and smoothing of ride quality behind the blade. The MR. Snowplow replacement option is positioned as a straightforward swap, which can help minimize downtime during winter maintenance windows. It is suitable for technicians replacing worn units on compatible plow trucks.
TORQUE TR85310 Heavy Duty Shocks (4 x TR85310)
Torque’s TR85310 kit is designed for heavy trucks like Kenworth and Peterbilt models, featuring an extended length of 18.65 inches and a collapsed length of 11.74 inches with a stroke of 6.91 inches. A 1-5/8 inch bore and a dust tube improve durability in snowy, icy conditions. This set is compatible with multiple replacement parts for Gabriel and Monroe variants and supports strong rebound performance, which helps stabilize a plow during high‑speed plowing or rough road surfaces. The four‑pack is ideal for fleets needing uniform replacements across several axles.
A-Premium Rear Shock Absorber (Kenworth/Peterbilt)
A-Premium’s rear shock absorber is offered with broad Kenworth fitment including C500 through W900 and several T‑series models. It’s positioned as a rear replacement option with compatibility for AG380 air suspension in certain configurations. The feature set includes robust damping suitable for highway snow routes and plow detours, and the part interchanges with Gabriel, Monroe, and other major brands. It’s a practical selection for fleets seeking a reliable, multi‑model option for rear axle stabilization.
Gabriel 85070 Fleetline Front Shocks
Gabriel 85070 Fleetline front shocks target front axle needs on Kenworth trucks and similar heavy‑duty fwd configurations. The Fleetline line emphasizes extended stroke and a long service life under heavy front suspension loads common in plowing duties. Swapping to Fleetline front shocks can improve blade stability, control on uneven surfaces, and overall front‑end compliance with plow equipment. The detailed specifications include a substantial extended length and lower mounting compatibility to accommodate classic taperleaf or air‑assisted front suspensions on compatible models.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Fitment and compatibility: Confirm exact make/model/year and suspension type (taperleaf, coil, air suspension) to ensure correct mounting and stroke length. Many options list broad fitment; always cross‑check against your truck’s configuration.
- Stroke and travel: For plowing, longer stroke can help absorb repetitive impacts from mound builds and uneven surfaces. Compare extended and collapsed lengths to ensure sufficient travel without bottoming out.
- Material and durability: Look for shocks with robust housings, dust protection, and corrosion resistance suitable for winter road conditions and road salt exposure.
- Rebound and damping characteristics: Rebound force and compression rates affect plow stability when turning, backing, or encountering ruts. Recoil cutoff and appropriate damping help maintain blade position.
- Maintenance and interchangeability: Some models list multiple interchange numbers across brands; ensure replacement parts are readily available and easy to source from the same retailer or supplier.
- Front vs rear mounting: Depending on your plow setup, you may need front shocks for blade control or rear shocks to support load stability when the plow is raised or lowered.
- Ease of installation: If performing fleet maintenance in-house, consider shocks with straightforward bolt‑on mounting and widely available installation guides or technical support.
- Warranty and service life: Evaluate the expected service life under heavy use, especially in freezing temperatures, to minimize downtime and replacement cycles.
When selecting shocks for plowing, prioritize models with proven heavy‑duty performance, broad compatibility, and robust protection against the elements. The options above provide a mix of direct replacements and adaptable units that can support reliable plow operation across a spectrum of trucks and configurations. Always verify fitment with your specific vehicle and consult a professional installer if you are unsure about mounting requirements.