ATV & Side-by-Side Shocks Buyer’s Guide: Ride Smoother, Last Longer

Whether you’re crawling over rocks, ripping dunes, hauling gear, or just trail riding with the family, your shocks play a huge role in comfort, control, and durability. Worn-out or underbuilt shocks make every bump feel like a body slam — and worse, they can wear out other components on your machine.

This guide breaks down how shocks work, what signs point to needing a replacement, and how to choose the right ATV or side-by-side shock setup for your riding style.

🚧 What Do Shocks Actually Do?

Shocks — also called shock absorbers or struts — control how your suspension compresses and rebounds. They work with your springs to:

• Absorb bumps and impacts

• Maintain tire contact with the ground

• Control body roll, squat, and dive

• Protect axles, bearings, and frame components

Every shock has:

• A shaft that compresses into a cylinder

• Oil or gas (or both) inside to dampen movement

• Valving that controls compression and rebound speed

⚠️ Signs You Need New Shocks

• Excessive bouncing or “pogo” effect

• Clunking noises over bumps

• Leaking fluid on shock body

• Sagging ride height

• Harsh or jarring ride, especially at speed

• Tire cupping or uneven wear

If you're seeing any of these signs — especially after hard use or 1,000+ miles — it's time to replace.

🥇 Types of ATV & UTV Shocks

At East Lake Axle, we offer OEM-style replacement shocks built to match your machine’s factory performance at a better price.

✅ OEM-Style Standard Shocks

Best for casual trail riders, hunters, and utility machines.

✔️ Stock ride height & damping
✔️ Bolt-on fit
✔️ Affordable & dependable
✔️ Great for Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and more

✅ Heavy-Duty Replacement Shocks

For riders with lift kits, racks, or upgraded tires who need stiffer dampening and more durability.

✔️ Stronger shafts & bushings
✔️ Firmer valving to handle weight
✔️ Reduced bottoming out under load
✔️ Ideal for ranch, hauling, or utility use

🔍 Matching Shocks to Your Machine

Use your make, model, and year to filter:

• Polaris RZR / Sportsman / Ranger

• Can-Am Outlander / Maverick / Commander

• Yamaha Grizzly / Rhino / Viking

• Arctic Cat Prowler / Wildcat

• Kawasaki Teryx / Brute Force

• CF Moto ZForce / UForce

Always double-check front vs. rear fitment, ride height specs, and mounting points.

🔧 Installation Tips

• Jack up the machine and support it securely

• Remove the lower and upper shock bolts

• Slide in the new shock and torque to spec

• Check for bushing alignment and binding

• Repeat for other side to maintain balance

Bonus tip: If one shock is blown, replace both on that axle for even performance.

🛒 Shop Heavy Duty Shocks for ATVs and UTVs

➡️ Browse ATV & Side-by-Side Shocks — direct-fit replacements for Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, and more.

Built to handle trail abuse, farm work, and weekend riding — without the premium price tag.

💡 Pro Tip:

Ride with a passenger often? Carry gear in the bed? You may want to upgrade to heavy-duty shocks to reduce squat and improve handling.