Shock & Suspension FAQ - 4Runner / GX470 / Ram 2500 / Bronco / Tow & Haul
Posted by Sean Reyes on
Frequently Asked Questions
We're constantly answering your shock and suspension questions over on our Insta and YouTube channels, and you should definitely like and subscribe and click all the buttons over there, but now we're also conveniently consolidating them for ya here on our blog as well. You're welcome! Here are a few of the latest inquiries:
"For my 2020 4Runner, I don't do high speed anything. Most of what I do is low speed choppy, rocky overland stuff, with lighter duty rock crawling. Looking for the most comfortable, smoothest, gushy (is that a word?) ride possible. Thinking the fox is the way to go. Is that correct?"
Plushy? That’s a word in our special dictionary, and applies. The Fox 2.0, Eibach 2.0 are both solid options at a good price range, comfortable, and well handling. Fox would be a tad softer than Eibach on the daily drive / easy trails, Eibach has a bit of an advantage in the cornering department, or handling extra loads (overlanding/camping).
"Hi! What would you recommend for me, I have a 22 Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch. I mostly do overlanding, hauling my camping gear. I also do moderate off-roading."
Budget comes first on a request like this, the vehicle does a lot! Budget options include Bilstein 5100, Eibach 2.0, Bilstein 6100s - from softest to firmest (Hoss 2.0 ESCV being as firm or firmer than the 6100s).
As of this writing, the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite has arrived, and would address all those needs, the adjustment tunes the behavior.
"What shocks would be best to haul/tow?"
The Bilstein 5100s are the most popular shock for tow/hauling - the price is incredible for what the shock does, and how long it lasts.
"I have a stock GX470. Will be running 33's, maybe 34's, using as daily driver 50% of the time, and 50% on: Wups, Washboards, Gullies, some Sand and Slick rock. Will on occasion tow a teardrop trailer. Do I get FOX 2.0's or 2.5's. How would you set this 470 up with this driving criteria?"
An adjustable 2.5 shock would be a great option here, that way adjustments can be made based on vehicle load, or towing a load - firming up the shock response means the vehicle handles better, and to us - that’s great when handling loads. Upgrade your towing experience with high-performance towing shocks, enhancing stability and control for a smoother ride.
The BP-51 setup is also adjustable, and more trail friendly with the internal bypass features on the shock. Rebound adjustment is more overland-friendly due to the weight it affects body roll on the trails or mountain roads.
Icon’s CDCV system is great for overlanding because by nature the response is sportier on-road without sacrificing much comfort, and the adjustable shocks help with additional loads. They don't feel as soft as something like the BP-51, or a comfort-tuned King shock, but very accessible and very capable.
Enhance your driving experience with QA1 single adjustable shocks. Achieve personalized comfort and improved handling as you conquer every road with confidence. Upgrade your ride today!
"What shocks do you recommend for riding on different terrain so I am not flying off the seat when driving over a bump in a ram 2500?"
From our experience the Fox 2.0 made the biggest difference in bump compliance with these heavy trucks. Granted, we did our tests with a 2” Carli spring in the front and rear, which are different rates than the factory springs. But a monotube shock, with good rebound damping, is going to make the biggest difference on these trucks and handling larger bumps. Twin tube shocks just can't make it happen the same way, their piston size doesn’t allow for significant rebound damping on a 8000 lb truck.
"On another video you said the 6112s are better on pavement than Fox 2.0s? Now you’re saying Fox is softer?"
"Better" is not mutually exclusive to firmer or softer. It's back to something we stand by, “There is no best shock, there’s only best for you.” It comes down to what the driver thinks is better, handling or comfort? High speed off-road performance or slow trail comfort?
In the example above, Bilstein would be better for some drivers that want composure and tight handling; drivers who tow or haul a lot, or drivers that like a tighter and sportier ride. We call that performance.
Fox would be a better choice if handling isn’t a concern, and comfort on the daily drive is more important. Or comfort on county roads, or poor pavement conditions that exist in a lot of places, the Fox is going to subdue that chatter and small bumps. We call that bump compliance.
"How much better do 2.5 Kings ride compared to Fox 2.0. Curious as I have considered upgrading. On-road and off-road? Worth the upgrade?"
Off the shelf, the King 2.5s will generally feel firmer, sportier, than a comparable 2.0 shock from Fox or King. The amount of tuning ability from a thicker shock is substantial on both compression and rebound. A race shock like King is meant for performance - tuned to maintain handling in high speed off-road environments - so it has to remain firm up front in order to not blow through the shock travel.
