Abstract: A dampening shock absorber for retrofit or original construction with a conventional gas charged or hydraulic shock absorber having a tubular housing. There is provided a compression coil spring and spring retainer members disposed coaxially relative to the tubular housing. The tubular housing, the compression spring and the spring retainer members are longitudinally moveable relative to one another, and at least partially enclosed by a longitudinally movable outer protective sleeve. The sleeve is closed at one end and secured to the distal end of a piston rod extending outwardly of the shock absorber housing. Longitudinally spaced stops are provided on the tubular housing, and on the outer sleeve to limit the longitudinal movement of the operating and interacting components. Another embodiment of the invention provides an adjustment mechanism on the outer sleeve for adjusting the distance between the longitudinally spaced stops.