Fox Performance Elite vs. King Shocks: A Deep Dive into Off-Road Suspension Showdown

A side-by-side comparison of Fox Performance Elite and King shocks

Whether you’ve just purchased your first off-road vehicle or are looking to upgrade the truck or SUV already sitting in the driveway to handle tougher terrain, one of the first modifications often performed is upgrading the shocks. Those looking for premium parts are most likely considering one of two brands: Fox Racing and King Shocks.

Fox Racing and King Shocks are the two heavyweights in the off-road racing world, as well as the consumer vehicle segment, with their OE-bolt-on shock packages. In the world of high-end off-road shocks, these two names are polarizing in their followings; the comment sections on YouTube videos and Facebook posts certainly reflect the cult communities of each brand. To get the inside scoop on where one brand stands against the other, we turned to the experts at Shock Surplus for the nitty gritty on where these top performers truly stand in real-life testing.

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The 2-door Bronco and 4-door Bronco planted next to each other in Johnson Valley, Calif.

For the past year, Shock Surplus has been running various shock packages through their 2-door Bronco, including Bilstein, Eibach, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. So, when both the Fox Performance Elite and King shocks landed at their door in the same week, they decided to do the obvious: test both at the same time. They weren’t aiming to see which one is the best, but rather to see what both Fox and King deliver in terms of ride behavior, comfort, and performance.

“For the past year, Shock Surplus has been running various shock packages through their 2-Door Bronco, including Bilstein, Eibach, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. So, when both the Fox Performance Elite and King shocks landed at their door in the same week, they decided to do the obvious: test both at the same time.”

According to Shock Surplus, “The Bronco is one of the — if not THE — most capable vehicles that comes off the lot today (excluding Raptor options). Even with the HOSS 1.0 shock package, the Bronco can boogey pretty good. The Bilstein ESCV HOSS 2.0 are the performance-icing on the already suitable Bronco platform.” With a solid baseline from factory, we were chomping at the bit to see how and where performance can be improved.

The King shock gets installed in front on the 4-door Bronco.

Coming into the comparison, the team at Shock Surplus already knew a few things. “Fox shocks prioritize control through their valving, resulting in a ‘tighter’ feel compared to other linear shocks,” said Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus. “While the specific feel may vary depending on body size and model line, Fox shocks excel in outperforming stock dampers across all aspects.”

On the other hand, “King Shocks are favorites across custom tuners, as they can deliver that pillowy feel on demand. Racers balk at the thought of a tight controlling truck,” said Reyes. “Ultimately, both brands are gunning for bottomless suspension and achieving ride control through all ranges of behavior through their own means.”

“King unquestionably reigns supreme in terms of providing a plush and comfortable ride, easily eliminating chatter at lower trail-speeds and effortlessly gliding over large obstacles at faster paces.”

To test out the shocks, the Shock Surplus team hit the California desert and put two Broncos to their paces. A 4-door Bronco had King Shocks installed while a 2-door Bronco sported a set of the Fox Performance Elite. After a couple days of pushing the two Broncos out in the wild, they came away with some solid insight. We caught up with them after the trip to learn their discoveries.

The 4-door Bronco shows easy maneuverability in the dirt with the King shocks.

King Shocks on the 4-Door Bronco

King unquestionably reigns supreme in terms of providing a plush and comfortable ride, easily eliminating chatter at lower trail-speeds and effortlessly gliding over large obstacles at faster paces. “Out of the box, not only are the Kings set up softer than the Fox, but the King Shocks also cycle noticeably more travel paired with a far superior bump stop,” shared Reyes. “Where that soft valving might normally mean they would get completely out of shape on the big stuff, those killer bump stops and the additional bump travel really helped them stay the course even when things got a little dicey.”

They were not without their faults, though, and the Shock Surplus team believes a lot of that additional comfort did come at the expense of some control or handling prowess. “The adjuster was a huge help for locking down the wiggle and certainly allowed us to get within the same league of stability as the Fox,” Reyes said. “We were at full firm when the hits were at their gnarliest.”

The Fox front shock reservoir tucks inside behind the wheel well to keep it easy to reach for adjustments and out of harm’s way.

While not necessarily a drawback, King shocks require a slightly different approach when encountering bumps at high speeds, which may feel unnatural to some drivers. According to Shock Surplus, “The dampers are extremely soft on the left half of the damping force graph and significantly increase in damping force on the larger end. As a result, there are many hits that could easily be absorbed at higher speeds but may cause the vehicle to float or become unsettled at more moderate speeds.”

“With the low speed maxed out, you can almost drive your Bronco like a sports car, knowing it will slide before it sways, which gives you the confidence to really push it.”

Basically, this means that drivers may need to push harder to maintain control over large impacts instead of taking a more relaxed approach and risking getting stuck in a hole.

The two Broncos go head to head at speed on the dirt to compare how each shock package handles.

Fox Performance Elite on the 2-Door Bronco

As you may have surmised from the breakdown on the King, the Fox shocks are definitely a lot firmer. If you are the type of person who prioritizes control over comfort, the Fox Performance Elite Shock might be up your alley. Shock Surplus preferred it that way.

“Although we don’t think you tune them as plush as a King, particularly at lower speeds, the Fox’s dual-speed compression adjusters might allow you to find a better compromise in ride and handling if you prefer your rig to feel razor-sharp,” said Reyes. “With the low speed maxed out, you can almost drive your Bronco like a sports car, knowing it will slide before it sways, which gives you the confidence to really push it.”

The Fox Performance Elite Shocks sit on the work bench waiting to be mounted on the Bronco sitting behind.

That is until you hit something hard. Reyes went on to say, “Let’s be honest, most Bronco pilots are not trying to pin fourth gear through the whoops, but if you are, you will be unpleasantly surprised with how hard the Fox’s hit when they are out of squish.”

Probably the biggest factor to this is that the Fox shocks have the longest compressed length of everything else out there. “This allows you to safely run 37-inch tires without bending tabs and ejecting flares, but also means you simply do not have a ton of bump travel.” There’s some sacrifice to the versatility, like with most things.

Reyes shared, “Where these Fox shocks really let us down are the spindly, soft, and largely useless bump stops. Where a good bump stop, like what the Kings use, provides progressive support that often keeps you from fully bottoming out, these Fox bumps feel like they are doing next to nothing.”

In other words, when a rut, rock, or anything else jumps out in front of you, your suspension is liable to run out quite abruptly. Luckily, there is an easy solution to fix this. An aftermarket bump stop can easily remedy the problem. Companies, such as Eibach and Timbren, sell various types of bump stops. “A quick swap for something a little longer, more progressive, and a little firmer would really do wonders for these Fox shocks and might even give them the crown,” said Reyes.

Conclusion

The Fox Performance Elite package can take the same punishment as the Kings in terms of damping and may even outlast the Kings in prolonged periods of use due to the aluminum bodies and JM92 oil, but those limits will be pushed by very few. Where the Fox feels sharp, the King feels forgiving. Where King is the desert racer, Fox provides a more versatile package to accommodate many different driving behaviors.

There’s a lot more to dive into regarding both of these shock packages, especially how each individual reservoir adjuster impacts the different ranges of ride behavior, pros and cons of material use, and how servicing the shocks contributes to shock life. Dig in further through the blog at Shock Surplus for more real-world Bronco suspension reporting. Their in-depth research will steer you towards the right shocks for your needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does a dual-speed compression (DSC) adjuster work in shock absorbers?

Understanding How a Dual-Speed Compression (DSC) Adjuster Works in Shock Absorbers

A dual-speed compression (DSC) adjuster in shock absorbers is a vital component in managing how a vehicle handles different terrains and driving conditions.

Managing Different Shock Speeds

Low-Speed Compression (LSC):This part of the DSC adjuster is responsible for controlling body roll when driving on paved roads. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising on a straight path, the LSC ensures optimal vehicle stability by regulating the shock’s response to low and medium speed movements.
High-Speed Compression (HSC):When it comes to tackling more intense conditions like potholes, rocky paths, or other large suspension hits, the HSC springs into action. It manages the shock absorber’s response to high-speed impacts, ensuring a safer and more comfortable ride.

How They Work Together

The beauty of a DSC adjuster lies in its ability to harmonize both LSC and HSC. They work in tandem to provide a balanced driving experience. The LSC sets the groundwork by allowing the shock to flow smoothly through low and medium speeds. When these limits are reached and there’s a need for more robust control, the HSC takes over to manage harder impacts and more significant suspension movement.

Fine-Tuned Control for Personalized Comfort

By adjusting the DSC, drivers can have a say in how loose or tight the vehicle feels. Setting it to a softer level provides a looser, more relaxed ride, while a firmer setting delivers a tighter, more controlled experience. This versatility ensures that the shock absorber can be fine-tuned to meet different driving preferences and situations, offering personalized comfort whether on or off the road.

In summary, the dual-speed compression adjuster is essential for optimizing a vehicle’s suspension system, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to various driving conditions and personal preferences.

How do low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments interact with each other?

Understanding Compression Adjustments: Low-Speed vs. High-Speed

Compression adjustments are crucial for optimizing the performance of your vehicle’s suspension system. They are split into two primary types: low-speed compression (LSC) and high-speed compression (HSC). While they serve different functions, they interact in a complementary manner.

Low-Speed Compression (LSC) is designed to manage slower suspension movements. Think of it as controlling the body roll you experience while maneuvering through twists and turns on paved roads. It fine-tunes how soft or firm the ride feels during common driving activities, enhancing stability without compromising comfort.

High-Speed Compression (HSC), on the other hand, kicks in during faster, more abrupt suspension actions. These adjustments are crucial for handling big hits or sudden jolts, such as when navigating over large bumps or potholes. HSC ensures that your suspension can absorb significant impacts without bottoming out.

How LSC and HSC Work Together:

Synchronized Response: While LSC manages the suspension behavior under gradual conditions, HSC takes charge during extreme situations. They work in concert to maintain a balanced ride, regardless of the driving environment.
Impact on Shock Speed: While LSC affects how quickly your shocks adjust at low to medium speeds, HSC steps in once the piston reaches higher velocity ranges. This ensures that both subtle and intense forces are handled efficiently.
Dynamic Adjustments: By setting LSC to a softer level, the vehicle will feel looser, providing a comfortable ride as it adapts to varying conditions. HSC adjustments kick in only when significant pressure is applied, preventing harsh impacts.

In essence, the interplay between LSC and HSC provides a comprehensive adjustment range. This collaboration allows for both a comfortable daily drive and robust off-road capability, ensuring that your suspension is always in its optimal state for any given situation.

How do low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed compression differ in terms of shaft speeds?

Understanding Compression: Shaft Speeds Explained

When it comes to vehicle suspension, the terms low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed compression refer to the different rates at which a suspension’s shaft moves, based on the conditions you encounter. Here’s a breakdown of how each differs:

Low-Speed Compression: The Daily Grind

Shaft Speed: 0-10 inches per second
Typical Use: This type of compression handles day-to-day driving conditions such as city streets, highways, and light trails. These are scenarios that introduce lower shock velocities, primarily because the suspension isn’t asked to do much besides smoothing out minor imperfections and offering a comfortable ride.

Medium-Speed Compression: The Rough and Tumble

Shaft Speed: 10-40 inches per second
Typical Use: As you venture into more rugged terrain—think of traversing rutted trails or washboard surfaces—the medium-speed compression comes into play. This scenario involves more frequent suspension movement, where the system cycles through about 50-75% of its range to maintain control and comfort.

High-Speed Compression: The Off-Road Challenge

Shaft Speed: 40 inches per second and above
Typical Use: High-speed compression is critical for off-road driving at high speeds, particularly in challenging environments. Imagine hitting whoops, curbs, or encountering quick g-outs, where the suspension must engage rapidly and fully to absorb shocks and prevent damage.

Choosing the Right Compression Rate

Understanding these compression categories can aid in selecting the right suspension setup for your vehicle, whether you’re navigating city streets or conquering deserts. Leading brands like Fox, King Shocks, and Bilstein offer various solutions tailored to excel in each of these conditions, ensuring optimal performance tailored to your driving needs.

What is the role of low-speed compression in controlling body roll on roads or pavement?

Understanding Low-Speed Compression (LSC) in Controlling Body Roll

Low-Speed Compression (LSC) plays a crucial role in managing a vehicle’s body roll, particularly when driving on roads or paved surfaces.

What is Low-Speed Compression?

LSC refers to the damping force applied by the shock absorber to slow down the suspension movement. This typically occurs when the vehicle is subjected to slow suspension inputs, like cornering or braking.

How Does LSC Control Body Roll?

Minimizes Lean: By providing resistance to the suspension’s compression, LSC helps maintain the vehicle’s balance, reducing excessive leaning when cornering.
Enhances Stability: A well-tuned LSC ensures that the vehicle remains stable, even on uneven surfaces, by absorbing minor undulations without passing the abrupt movements to the car’s body.
Improves Handling: The controlled compression adjustments contribute to better handling, allowing the driver to maintain smoother control during turns or when navigating traffic.

Through its precise control over the rate at which the suspension compresses, LSC effectively limits the side-to-side motion that can lead to body roll, ensuring a comfortable and controlled driving experience.

How do different pistons in shocks affect oil flow and shock valving?

How Different Pistons in Shocks Affect Oil Flow and Shock Valving

When examining how pistons in shocks influence oil flow and shock valving, the design and structure of the piston play a crucial role. Let’s delve into the mechanics:

Piston Design and Oil Flow
The pistons in shocks are integral for managing the flow of oil. A piston with a greater number of compression and rebound ports can facilitate a higher volume of oil flow compared to one with fewer ports. This means that the piston design directly impacts how freely oil moves through the system, ultimately influencing the responsiveness of the shock.
Impact on Shock Valving
The way a piston regulates oil flow affects shock valving. Shock valving determines how firm or soft the ride will be by adjusting the resistance to compression and rebound. When a piston allows more oil to pass through, it generally results in softer shock valving, offering a smoother ride. Conversely, restricted oil flow through fewer ports can lead to firmer valving, providing more control during high-impact activities.
Tuning Goals
The ultimate goal of tuning shocks is to achieve the desired balance between comfort and performance. By choosing pistons with specific flow characteristics, manufacturers can tailor the valving to meet various driving conditions. This customization is key to optimizing performance, whether you’re looking for off-road agility or highway comfort.

Understanding these aspects can significantly enhance your knowledge of shock absorption and help you choose the right setup for your specific needs.

How are shocks typically tuned for medium-speed support?

When tuning shocks for medium-speed support, manufacturers focus on balancing the shock’s responsiveness and stability. This is achieved by calibrating the medium-speed compression settings to provide the necessary support, while keeping the low-speed and high-speed compression ranges relatively loose.

Most shock absorbers come with adjustable settings. For instance, a shock might feature a 30-click compression adjuster primarily designed to fine-tune the medium-speed range. This adjuster allows users to find the right balance of firmness and smoothness, ensuring the vehicle handles well over various terrains without compromising comfort. Unlike certain other models, these adjusters don’t significantly alter the low-speed or high-speed settings, which remain optimized for different kinds of performance needs.

In summary, the goal of medium-speed shock tuning is to ensure that the vehicle remains stable and controlled during typical driving conditions, while still allowing flexibility for adjusting performance to the driver’s preference.

What are the key definitions related to shock absorber shaft speeds?

Understanding Shock Absorber Shaft Speeds

When discussing shock absorbers, it’s crucial to understand the different shaft speeds, typically measured in inches per second, which refer to how quickly the shock’s shaft moves. These speeds are categorized into three key definitions: low, medium, and high-speed compression.

Low-Speed Compression (LSC)

Low-speed compression occurs in scenarios that involve minimal disturbance to the shock absorber. This includes everyday driving conditions like on paved roads, highways, and graded or gravel trails. These environments feature shaft speeds ranging from 0 to 10 inches per second, requiring less intense suspension work. In these situations, the shock absorbers primarily manage subtle movements, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Medium-Speed Compression

Medium-speed compression enters the picture when the suspension begins to operate more actively. This typically happens on rutted trails, washboard terrains, or moderately rough desert landscapes. In these environments, the suspension cycles through 50-75% of its range rapidly, with shaft speeds ranging from 10 to 40 inches per second. Such speeds demand more dynamic response from the suspension system to maintain control and comfort.

High-Speed Compression

High-speed compression involves swift, intense movements that fully engage the suspension. This is common in high-paced off-road adventures, where hitting whoops, jumping curbs, and taking on fast g-outs occur. These scenarios push the shaft speeds beyond 40 inches per second, requiring the shock absorbers to respond quickly to maintain stability and safety during hard impacts and rapid articulations.

Understanding these definitions helps in selecting the appropriate shock absorber for specific driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance and vehicle handling.

What is the impact of baseline valving on shock performance?

“Coming into the comparison, the team at Shock Surplus already knew a few things. “Fox shocks prioritize control through their valving, resulting in a ‘tighter’ feel compared to other linear shocks,” said Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus. “While the specific feel may vary depending on body size and model line, Fox shocks excel in outperforming stock dampers across all aspects.”

Diving Deeper into Valving Differences

Both brands feature a 2.5″ shock diameter with reservoirs of similar size. However, the baseline valving is where their paths diverge significantly. At the core, King’s piston design allows more oil flow than Fox’s. This is due to the number of compression and rebound ports present in the linear piston, which influences how the shock valving is configured.

King Shocks: More compression and rebound ports facilitate greater oil flow, which contributes to the softer, more cushioned ride experience. This is ideal for off-road enthusiasts who favor a smoother ride over rugged terrain.
Fox Shocks: With a more controlled oil flow, Fox shocks deliver a tighter feel that enhances vehicle control. This is especially beneficial for those looking to improve their vehicle’s handling on varied terrains.

The impact of these design choices is evident in how each brand tunes their shocks. While both aim for optimal ride control through all behavior ranges, they achieve it through distinctly different engineering approaches. This results in unique performance characteristics tailored to different driving preferences and conditions.”

How do these mechanical differences affect shock valving and tuning?

The differences in piston design and oil flow capabilities lead to variations in shock valving. This means that each brand aims for different tuning outcomes based on how they manage oil flow through their pistons.

What are the mechanical differences between King and Fox shocks?

A key mechanical difference lies in the piston design; King’s piston has more ports for oil flow, which contrasts with Fox’s approach, impacting how each shock handles compression and rebound.

How does the piston design influence oil flow in shocks?

The design of the piston affects the volume of oil that can flow through the shock. King’s piston is engineered to allow a greater amount of oil to pass through compared to Fox’s, due to the number of compression and rebound ports it has.

What are the advantages and trade-offs of using a firmer low-speed compression setting?

With the low speed maxed out, you can almost drive your Bronco like a sports car, knowing it will slide before it sways, which gives you the confidence to really push it. This confidence stems from a firmer low-speed compression (LSC) setting, which is often preferred by those seeking precision in handling.

Advantages of a Firmer LSC Setting

Enhanced Control: The firmer setting provides a more controlled driving experience, especially for daily drivers. This setup ensures that your vehicle maintains stability, giving you the assurance to navigate turns and corners with ease.
Performance Handling: For those who love the thrill of driving, the firmer compression allows you to experience a responsive and agile ride, much like handling a sports car.

Trade-offs to Consider

Reduced Comfort: While the firmer setting enhances handling, it comes at the cost of ride comfort. The increased compression results in a less plush ride, meaning you might feel more of the road beneath you.
Less Oil Flow: Technically, a firmer setting limits oil flow within the suspension system, which contributes to the tighter feel. This trade-off may affect the suspension’s ability to absorb bumps, making it less cushioned compared to setups with greater oil flow.

Balancing these elements allows you to tailor your driving experience, prioritizing either the plush comfort of a relaxed ride or the precise handling of a firmer setup.

What advantages do King shocks offer over Fox in terms of suspension feel?

King shocks offer a more comfortable and plush ride due to their greater oil flow, making them ideal for those who prioritize ride comfort over handling in their suspension choice.

What is the trade-off between handling and comfort when choosing between firmer and softer settings?

The trade-off involves balancing handling precision against ride comfort. Firmer settings provide better handling but at the cost of a less comfortable ride, while softer settings enhance comfort but may compromise handling.

What are the comfort implications of a firmer low-speed compression setting?

While firmer settings improve handling, they can decrease ride comfort, offering a less plush experience compared to softer settings that prioritize comfort.

How does a firmer low-speed compression setting affect daily driving?

A firmer low-speed compression setting, like that of Fox shocks, typically enhances vehicle handling, making it more suitable and responsive for day-to-day driving conditions.

What is the technical reason behind the difference in feel between firmer and softer low-speed compression settings?

The difference in feel is primarily due to the amount of oil flow through the piston. Greater oil flow, as seen in King shocks, results in a softer, more relaxed feel, while less oil flow results in a firmer experience.

What are the factors to consider when choosing between different shock absorber brands and models?

Selecting the right suspension for your 3rd Gen Tacoma boils down to balancing performance, comfort, and cost. If off-road performance and adjustability are top priorities, choose the system that aligns with your driving style and long-term vehicle goals. Regardless of your decision, upgrading your suspension is a sure way to enhance your Tacoma’s capability and comfort on any adventure.

When considering different shock absorber brands and models, it’s essential to focus on a few key factors:

Driver’s Specific Needs: Evaluate how you plan to use your Tacoma. Are you tackling rugged trails or mainly sticking to highways? Your typical driving conditions will greatly influence your choice.
Technological Features: Look for brands that lead in innovation, like those offering advanced damper technology. Such features can provide superior adjustability and performance, improving your vehicle’s adaptability to various terrains.
Industry Trends: Pay attention to what other drivers and experts are favoring. Brands that are frequently copied or praised for their technology can be a testament to their reliability and effectiveness.

Ultimately, the best suspension choice is one that matches both your immediate needs and future aspirations for your Tacoma, ensuring every drive meets your expectations.