A shock absorber having an inner assembly, a composite base assembly formed of a composite material and a closure insert formed of a metal material is disclosed. The inner assembly includes a pressure tube extending between first and second ends, a rod guide disposed adjacent to the first end, a compression valve disposed adjacent to the second end, a piston assembly disposed between the rod guide and the compression valve, and a rod operatively attached to the piston assembly and supported by the rod guide. The metal closure insert is operatively attached to the composite base assembly adjacent the rod guide such that the metal closure insert is at least partially connected to the composite base assembly. The metal closure insert supports at least one of the pressure tube and the rod guide with respect to the composite base assembly.