ICON V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Piggyback Rear Shocks for 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator 1.5" Lift

The ICON Vehicle Dynamics V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series rear shock absorbers are a vehicle-specific piggyback pair built for 2020–2023 Jeep Gladiator (JT) applications running a 1.5" lift, tuned in both length and damping for the Gladiator's rear suspension geometry. Each shock features a 2.5" aluminum body, an externally adjustable CDC Valve with 10 compression damping levels, and ICON's internal Bump Zone technology for added control at high-velocity compression. Shin guards are included. Rear installation requires a sway bar relocation kit or sway bar link kit used together with a JT coil spacer or JT coil spring (see the fitment note below).

Shipping: ICON parts ship direct from ICON Vehicle Dynamics, mostly by UPS Ground. Lead times vary by part and some items are built to order, so please allow extra time. We email tracking as soon as your order ships.

Tuned Specifically for the Gladiator's Rear Suspension

Generic shocks are valved for a range of vehicles and compromised for all of them. These V.S. 2.5 shocks are configured in length and damping tune for the 2020–2023 Jeep Gladiator rear suspension at a 1.5" lift, meaning the damping curve, shaft travel, and mounting geometry match the JT's actual suspension kinematics rather than a generic approximation. The result is predictable, consistent behavior on washboard, rock, and highway without the tuning guesswork that comes with an off-the-shelf shock.

10-Level Compression Adjustability with the CDC Valve

The ICON CDC (Compression Damping Control) Valve is an externally adjustable valve that restricts oil flow into the piggyback reservoir, producing 10 distinct compression damping force ranges accessible with a turn of a knob. That range lets a Gladiator owner dial in a softer setting for daily highway miles and a firmer setting for high-speed trail running without swapping shocks or sending them out for revalving. The piggyback reservoir also improves heat dissipation during sustained off-road use, reducing shock fade on long runs.

Built to Last and Field-Serviceable

The shock body is a one-piece impact-extruded aluminum cylinder machined from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, which resists corrosion and maintains a consistent finish over time. The 7/8" shock shaft is induction-hardened and chrome-plated, and PTFE-lined spherical bearings handle the mounting interfaces. Every V.S. 2.5 shock is 100% rebuildable and 100% revalveable, so a worn seal or a change in driving style doesn't mean replacing the entire unit. Shin guards ship standard with this application to protect the shock shafts from debris strikes on the trail.

Features

• CDC Valve: externally adjustable compression damping with 10 distinct force levels
• Internal Bump Zone: 6061 billet aluminum manifold increases damping force by 20% as the shock approaches full compression
• Piggyback reservoir: nitrogen-charged monotube design improves heat dissipation and reduces fade
• One-piece extruded aluminum body: 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum for corrosion resistance and consistent finish
• 7/8" hardened shaft: induction-hardened, chrome-plated with PTFE-lined spherical bearings
• Shin guards included: protect shock shafts from debris strikes; 100% rebuildable and revalveable

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

These shocks suit 2020–2023 Jeep Gladiator owners running a 1.5" rear lift who want vehicle-specific damping tuning, external compression adjustability, and a shock they can rebuild or revalve rather than replace outright. They work for overlanders and trail drivers who encounter sustained high-speed off-road sections where heat buildup and bottoming resistance matter.

These shocks do not fit Jeep Wrangler (JL or JK), any other Jeep model, or Gladiator applications at lift heights other than 1.5". Rear installation cannot be completed without a compatible sway bar relocation kit or sway bar link kit and a JT coil spacer or coil spring. Those parts are sold separately and are not included.

Common Questions

What years and model does this shock fit?

These ICON V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series rear shocks are built specifically for the 2020–2023 Jeep Gladiator (JT) at a 1.5" rear lift. They are not compatible with Jeep Wrangler models or Gladiator applications at other lift heights.

Are additional parts required for installation?

Yes. These rear shocks require a sway bar relocation kit (Part #22062) or a sway bar link kit (Part #22070), used in conjunction with a JT coil spacer (Part #22065) or a JT coil spring (Part #22066). Those components are sold separately and must be present for proper rear installation.

How does the CDC Valve compression adjustment work?

The ICON CDC Valve is an externally accessible valve on the piggyback reservoir that restricts oil flow between the shock body and the reservoir. Turning the knob cycles through 10 distinct compression damping force levels without removing the shock or opening the body.

What is the Bump Zone and why does it matter?

ICON's Bump Zone is created by a 6061 billet aluminum manifold positioned a few inches below the shock's top cap. As the shock approaches full compression, oil is forced through this manifold, increasing damping force by 20%. The added resistance helps prevent harsh bottom-outs during high-speed trail driving or heavy landings.

Can these shocks be rebuilt or revalved?

Yes. Every ICON V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series shock is 100% rebuildable and 100% revalveable. Worn seals can be replaced and the internal valving can be changed to suit a different driving style or load, extending the usable life of the shock well beyond what a non-serviceable unit offers.