Best Shocks for a 2nd Gen Nissan Armada (Y62, 2017-2024)

When someone is looking for the "best" struts, coilovers, or shocks, there are many things worth considering: build quality, fit, reliability, and ride experience. Most people are looking for the best possible ride quality on road. Ride quality is very subjective. Some like a soft, floating ride, some want a responsive ride so they can drive agile on winding roads, and some who tow or overland simply need a more capable shock in the rear to support extra weight.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for factory struts and shocks to lose ride quality in as little as 30,000 miles. Often in the rear, on vehicles equipped with factory air ride systems, the air system may still be working but the valving in the shocks has diminished, even though they may not be leaking. Many Armada owners complain of a floaty driving experience that is often described as "riding in a boat."

A strut is simply a front shock with a spring perch. Some struts may not be valved specifically for your vehicle, whereas a coilover is often engineered with proper valving and spring rates to achieve a better ride quality. Coilovers have a threaded body for infinite height adjustability to achieve an exact desired stance. Coilovers are rebuildable, so they will potentially outlast your vehicle. Coilovers also come with many different features. There are no rear coilovers or struts, these are simply shock absorbers.

Front Strut Options

We offer a few front strut options such as Bilstein 4600, Bilstein 5100, Bilstein 6100, and Rough Country struts.

Bilstein 4600 and Bilstein 5100 provide a similar ride quality that is closest to factory when the struts were new, and some experience a mild ride quality improvement. The difference between the Bilstein 4600 and Bilstein 5100 is that the Bilstein 5100 is height adjustable from stock height to 2" of lift.

Bilstein 6100 is a larger body strut for more oil cooling, which means better performance. Bilstein 6100 struts are also height adjustable from stock height up to 2" of lift. However, the Bilstein 6100 is a more offroad-forward strut, for those who do more off-road than on-road driving. Most customers find the Bilstein 6100 generally too firm for their liking. Bilstein struts require customers to transfer their factory springs and strut top hats over to the strut, so assembly is required.

Rough Country struts are available as a pre-assembled, spring-loaded option in 2" lift height and 3" lift height options. Rough Country struts and shocks should only be considered if that is all the budget will allow. Most customers claim Rough Country struts and shocks make the ride quality experience worse.

Coilover Options

We offer Fox, Icon, King, and Radflo brand coilovers. Each brand offers a different ride experience. No brand claims to be more reliable than the others.

Fox has many great coilover options available for other vehicle makers such as Toyota. However, when it comes to a Nissan Armada, there is only one option available and it leaves a lot to be desired. The Fox coilover that is available has a 2" body, which is smaller than most other coilover options. A smaller body means less oil cooling. Less oil cooling means diminished performance. The Fox coilovers are height adjustable up to 2" of lift. Adjusting the Fox coilovers is not as convenient as other brands because the coil spring must be compressed with a spring compressor before any adjustments can be made. Often this means the coilovers must be removed from the vehicle any time the height needs to be adjusted. These are the least expensive coilovers available, but customers often find the Fox coilovers to be too firm.

Icon coilovers provide the best bang for the buck when it comes to ride quality for the price. Because of this, most customers choose Icon. Icon ride quality is often described as "smooth yet planted." There are a few Icon coilover options to choose from. All Icon coilover options feature a 2.5" body diameter for more oil cooling, and most say they make your vehicle ride better than when it was new. The height on Icon coilovers can be adjusted while they are mounted on the vehicle, without the need for a spring compressor.

Icon 81000 coilovers are best suited for those who want a stock ride height up to 1.7" of lift. Icon 81005 coilovers are best suited for those who want a lift height between 1" and 2" over stock height. The difference between the 81000 coilover and the 81005 coilover is that the 81005 is longer. Our last option, shown here, is best suited for those who want a ride height between 1.7" and 3". This option is made exclusively for HIGH ROAD Suspension. It is valved specifically for all 17-24 Nissan Armada and features a longer coil spring, which means less preload is needed to achieve lift. Less preload means an optimal ride quality, even while lifted.

King coilovers provide the softest on-road and off-road ride quality, often described as "cloud-like." Unfortunately, when it comes to ride quality, you often have to pay more to experience that. It is no coincidence that King coilovers are the costliest option available. King coilovers have a 2.5" body with an external reservoir for even more oil cooling. They are infinitely height adjustable from stock height up to 2" of lift. The height on King coilovers can be adjusted while they are mounted on the vehicle, without the need for a spring compressor.

King coilovers are available with two optional features. The first option, shown here, is a standard external reservoir coilover. The second option, shown here, has the standard external reservoir plus the addition of a dampening knob that can be twisted to make the coilover firmer or softer. This is a great option for those who want a versatile ride quality for towing, offroading, or for those who want the ride quality to fit their exact needs.

Radflo coilovers are more of an off-road-forward coilover option. Most customers find them too firm on-road but great off-road. Radflo coilovers are also a great option for those with heavy winch-style bumpers because they can be ordered with custom spring rates to support more weight. The height on Radflo coilovers can be adjusted while they are mounted on the vehicle, without the need for a spring compressor. Radflo has more configuration options than any other brand.

They are available with an internal reservoir and 2" body, standard length, shown here, or a longer extended travel option shown here. Extended travel coilovers typically have a base height of 1" lift and provide more droop. More droop means a better ride quality over standard length coilovers.

They are also available with an internal reservoir and 2.5" body, shown here in standard length and here with a longer extended travel option. Radflo also offers a 2.5" body external reservoir option for more oil cooling and performance, shown here. Another option, 2.5" body external reservoir coilovers with the addition of dampening knobs, is available in standard length shown here and extended travel here. Dampening knobs can be twisted to make the coilover firmer or softer. This is a great option for those who want a versatile ride quality for towing, offroading, overlanding, or for those who want the ride quality to fit their exact needs.

Rear Shock Options

Rear shock brand options are Bilstein, Fox, King, and Radflo. There are no Icon rear shock options available for the 17-24 Nissan Armada.

Bilstein rear shocks, shown here, are the most cost-effective option, but some find the valving too soft with not enough dampening. The lower eyelet on the Bilstein shocks is not as wide as the lower shock mount and requires stacking washers on the sides to fill the gaps.

Fox rear shocks, shown here, are the best bang for the buck because they provide a great ride quality and have the correct size lower bushings to fill the lower shock mounts without the need for additional washers.

King rear shocks offer the softest, most plush ride quality while providing optimal dampening. Unfortunately, like King coilovers, you have to pay more for ride quality. King rear shocks feature a large 2.5" body with a piggyback reservoir for more oil cooling. King rear shocks are available here in a standard configuration and here with dampening knobs.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick for ride quality and value is front Icon coilovers paired with Fox rear shocks. It delivers the smooth-yet-planted ride most Armada owners are after, without stepping up to the premium of King, and the Fox rear shocks fit the lower mounts correctly without washer shims.

Pros

• Icon front coilovers deliver the best ride quality for the price, described as smooth yet planted
• 2.5" body coilovers (Icon, King, Radflo 2.5") run cooler and perform better than smaller 2" bodies
• Most brands adjust height on the vehicle without a spring compressor (Fox is the exception)
• Coilovers are rebuildable and can outlast the vehicle
• Options exist for every priority: budget, on-road comfort, off-road, towing, and overlanding

Cons

• The best ride quality (King) is also the most expensive
• The only Fox front coilover for the Armada uses a smaller 2" body and needs a spring compressor to adjust
• Rough Country is budget-only and most customers find it rides worse
• Bilstein rear shocks need washer shims to fit the lower mount correctly
• No Icon rear shock option exists for the 17-24 Armada

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Armada ride like a boat?

Factory struts and shocks can lose ride quality in as little as 30,000 miles. On air-ride-equipped vehicles, the air system may still work while the shock valving has worn out, producing the floaty "riding in a boat" feel even without a visible leak.

What is the difference between a strut and a coilover?

A strut is a front shock with a spring perch and may not be valved specifically for your vehicle. A coilover is engineered with proper valving and spring rates, has a threaded body for infinite height adjustability, and is rebuildable, so it can outlast the vehicle.

What is the best all-around choice for the 2017-2024 Armada?

For most owners, front Icon coilovers paired with Fox rear shocks give the best balance of ride quality and value.

Do bigger coilover bodies matter?

Yes. A larger body (2.5" versus 2") holds more oil and runs cooler, which generally means better and more consistent performance.