Difference in Fox suspension?

[Highwaystreets]

Hey everyone!

I think I've decided to finally upgrade my stock suspension on my trail and go with a fox setup. I'm wondering what guys thoughts or experiances are with the different options, 2.0 vs 2.5 vs 2.5 with resivoir? Are the upgrades worth it in regards to performance?

I'm mainly looking for a smoother ride that eats up low/medium speed bumps, washboard and fire roads. No technical rock climbing in my future.

Also where is the best deal on fox products? Thanks!

 

[Mistaken]

[MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION]

 

[4Rager]

The 2.0 vs 2.5 is referencing the diameter of the shock body. The main reason for larger shock bodies (in addition to strength) is that they have more surface area for cooling the fluid inside. The reservoir takes that a step further by moving a lot of the valving that is typically housed in the shock body on a non-res shock, and incorporating it into an external reservoir that provides even more surface area for cooling. In the case of most high end coilovers, the reservoir is also where you find the adjustments for compression, although Fox sells their with remote resi's without adjustments.

So long story short, bigger shocks with remote reservoirs are meant for heavy continuous use where the fluid needs extra cooling to stay in the ideal operating temp range. That's why you see most of this technology coming from the desert racing, where the shocks are constantly getting pounded at high speed for hundreds of miles.

So with all of that being said, and based on your comment on your intended use, 2.0 IFP version will definitely suit your needs and be a solid upgrade. Could you spend more on the DSC version and have fun playing with the settings? Sure, that's what I did and they definitely make a noticeable difference. Since you're interested in progressively-valved shocks, you should also look at King's since they offer a very comparable product in terms of performance and quality.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

Very well said!! Props to you!!

The 2.0 vs 2.5 is referencing the diameter of the shock body. The main reason for larger shock bodies (in addition to strength) is that they have more surface area for cooling the fluid inside. The reservoir takes that a step further by moving a lot of the valving that is typically housed in the shock body on a non-res shock, and incorporating it into an external reservoir that provides even more surface area for cooling. In the case of most high end coilovers, the reservoir is also where you find the adjustments for compression, although Fox sells their with remote resi's without adjustments.

So long story short, bigger shocks with remote reservoirs are meant for heavy continuous use where the fluid needs extra cooling to stay in the ideal operating temp range. That's why you see most of this technology coming from the desert racing, where the shocks are constantly getting pounded at high speed for hundreds of miles.

So with all of that being said, and based on your comment on your intended use, 2.0 IFP version will definitely suit your needs and be a solid upgrade. Could you spend more on the DSC version and have fun playing with the settings? Sure, that's what I did and they definitely make a noticeable difference. Since you're interested in progressively-valved shocks, you should also look at King's since they offer a very comparable product in terms of performance and quality.

 

[Highwaystreets]

Thanks for that!! Yah I was already pretty confident the 2.0 would easily work for me but damn the 2.5 look good!

 

[Highwaystreets]

[MENTION=107267]4Rager[/MENTION] how do you like your setup?? Very similar if not exact to what I am looking at. How's the on road performance? Any issue with the KDSS on install?

 

[nb rob]

I had the fox 2.0's on my nissan titan, and they were a solid upgrade.

I've got 2.5 resi Kings on the 4runner, and they are incredibly smooth. Washboard roads are gobbled up like nothing I've ever felt.

It really boils down to your budget.

 

[Highwaystreets]

I had the fox 2.0's on my nissan titan, and they were a solid upgrade.

I've got 2.5 resi Kings on the 4runner, and they are incredibly smooth. Washboard roads are gobbled up like nothing I've ever felt.

It really boils down to your budget.

Yah that's what it seems like..... See how the cash flow is.... Those Kings look solid as well!

 

[Kageken]

I have Fox 2.5 in the front and 2.0s in the rear with Icon tube UCAs in front. No Resi. I like the ride. Alot firmer than stock obviously but I can go faster over all of the things you mentioned: speed bumps, washboard, fire roads etc. I got mine from Auto Anything because they were offering 20% off their Fox Shocks which is why I went away from the Icon Shocks as well, couldn't get a good discount at the time I was looking to purchase, although if you shop around I'm sure you can find a great deal from anywhere. I've enjoyed every penny I've spent on my T4R 5th gen, I think the upgrades are definitely worth it. I've also put on SCS Ray10s and General Grabber AT2 285/70/17s. I lifted mine 3" front and 2" rear. Hope I've answered all your questions!

 

[Engineer]

I have Fox 2.5 in the front and 2.0s in the rear with Icon tube UCAs in front. No Resi. I like the ride. Alot firmer than stock obviously but I can go faster over all of the things you mentioned: speed bumps, washboard, fire roads etc. I got mine from Auto Anything because they were offering 20% off their Fox Shocks which is why I went away from the Icon Shocks as well, couldn't get a good discount at the time I was looking to purchase, although if you shop around I'm sure you can find a great deal from anywhere. I've enjoyed every penny I've spent on my T4R 5th gen, I think the upgrades are definitely worth it. I've also put on SCS Ray10s and General Grabber AT2 285/70/17s. I lifted mine 3" front and 2" rear. Hope I've answered all your questions!

With that much thread I am surprised you only have 3" of lift

 

[jrandom]

No suspension expert here, I did do a lot of research. I have 2.5 DSC's all the way around. I honestly liked the front ride 100% better when it was just leveled, before I preloaded the front CO's to lift it more (to compensate for new rear springs) I am going to order a "heavier" spring when I get them rebuilt. Stock 2.5 is 600lbs, I would like to get a 650.

That said charging down long ass UT washboardy washed out roads is ridiculous, you'd spit fire from your stock suspension, mine would fade pretty quickly in this chunky truck, these in no way have yet.

Said note I nearly bought a full set of Kings, it was a tough descision considering I normally wouldn't drop $3000 on just shocks. But hell they're fun. :biggrin1:

 

[Throwback]

Here comes the daily Throwback old thread bump again.

I'm looking for a way to completely eliminate the KDSS lean and I believe in doing it right the first time. I don't like the idea of spacers and such.

I'd also ideally like a bit higher front end for aesthetics and clearance, as well as gaining better shock absorption for running rocky bumpy forest service roads at moderate speed (20mph).

I'm considering the Fox 2.0 front coil-overs as a solution as they're essentially infinitely adjustable which should, in theory, allow me to adjust out the KDSS lean with spanners doing very small adjustments.

I don't have a big desire to lift the rear, just bring the passenger front side up to match the driver side (1/2"-3/4"), and bring the entire front end up about 1" total. I would probably do matching Fox 2.0 rear shocks with OEM springs.

MY QUESTIONS ARE -
Am I understanding correctly that adjusting one front coil-over slightly "taller" than the other (0.5" lift; 0.25" shock height) does not change the preload of that shock if it's being used in the shorter part of its travel? I.e. a 0-2" coil-over at 1"?

Is there a solid performance gain to be found by switching from OEM to a Fox 2.0 shock all around?

Is this common or is this overkill?

Yeah I get that I'm talking about spending close to $2k for something that isn't going to be a big sexy visual change.

 

[wfo9]

Here comes the daily Throwback old thread bump again.

I'm looking for a way to completely eliminate the KDSS lean and I believe in doing it right the first time. I don't like the idea of spacers and such.

I'd also ideally like a bit higher front end for aesthetics and clearance, as well as gaining better shock absorption for running rocky bumpy forest service roads at moderate speed (20mph).

I'm considering the Fox 2.0 front coil-overs as a solution as they're essentially infinitely adjustable which should, in theory, allow me to adjust out the KDSS lean with spanners doing very small adjustments.

I don't have a big desire to lift the rear, just bring the passenger front side up to match the driver side (1/2"-3/4"), and bring the entire front end up about 1" total. I would probably do matching Fox 2.0 rear shocks with OEM springs.

MY QUESTIONS ARE -
Am I understanding correctly that adjusting one front coil-over slightly "taller" than the other (0.5" lift; 0.25" shock height) does not change the preload of that shock if it's being used in the shorter part of its travel? I.e. a 0-2" coil-over at 1"?

Is there a solid performance gain to be found by switching from OEM to a Fox 2.0 shock all around?

Is this common or is this overkill?

Yeah I get that I'm talking about spending close to $2k for something that isn't going to be a big sexy visual change.

Not sure what you mean by not changing preload... adjusting the collar adjusts pre-load and therefore ride height. It is not an issue to have them adjusted at different preloads as long as it is not extreme.

Not sure that I would waste my time with a 2.0 up front, but your call. 2.0 is plenty for rear, not so sure about front on these trucks. With KDSS you will want a a pretty light spring if mid speed bumpy forest roads is your goal. That is not the sweet spot for KDSS, but it should still be decent. I do feel that fox or king is a good choice for KDSS due to the progressive valving. I like ICON for non KDSS mainly due to the improved on-road manners.

 

[CajunYota]

I've got 2.5 resi Kings on the 4runner, and they are incredibly smooth. Washboard roads are gobbled up like nothing I've ever felt.

How much lift did the Kings give you? Having trouble finding info on them...

I assume you can clear 285/70's with them?

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

How much lift did the Kings give you? Having trouble finding info on them...

I assume you can clear 285/70's with them?

Yes, 285s arent an issue with the kings. You can get 3" or so out of them.

 

[spencer2717]

Here comes the daily Throwback old thread bump again.

I'm looking for a way to completely eliminate the KDSS lean and I believe in doing it right the first time. I don't like the idea of spacers and such.

I'd also ideally like a bit higher front end for aesthetics and clearance, as well as gaining better shock absorption for running rocky bumpy forest service roads at moderate speed (20mph).

I'm considering the Fox 2.0 front coil-overs as a solution as they're essentially infinitely adjustable which should, in theory, allow me to adjust out the KDSS lean with spanners doing very small adjustments.

I don't have a big desire to lift the rear, just bring the passenger front side up to match the driver side (1/2"-3/4"), and bring the entire front end up about 1" total. I would probably do matching Fox 2.0 rear shocks with OEM springs.

MY QUESTIONS ARE -
Am I understanding correctly that adjusting one front coil-over slightly "taller" than the other (0.5" lift; 0.25" shock height) does not change the preload of that shock if it's being used in the shorter part of its travel? I.e. a 0-2" coil-over at 1"?

Is there a solid performance gain to be found by switching from OEM to a Fox 2.0 shock all around?

Is this common or is this overkill?

Yeah I get that I'm talking about spending close to $2k for something that isn't going to be a big sexy visual change.

I have fox 2.0 coilovers that I am going to install in the next week and I would like to run the Fox 3″ Rear Lift Shocks for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner (part number 980-24-670-B on bilsteinlifts.com) with it. I just do not know what new springs I should put in the rear and if the 3" Rear shocks will make my 4runner look like a stinkbug. So I was wondering if Throwback could keep us updated on what he did or is deciding to do.

 

[JSparky]

I have fox 2.0 coilovers that I am going to install in the next week and I would like to run the Fox 3″ Rear Lift Shocks for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner (part number 980-24-670-B on bilsteinlifts.com) with it. I just do not know what new springs I should put in the rear and if the 3" Rear shocks will make my 4runner look like a stinkbug. So I was wondering if Throwback could keep us updated on what he did or is deciding to do.

Welcome to the forum. You're going to want to check the mounting and overall compressed and extended length of those shocks to make sure they mate with whatever rear coils you want to run.. which brings me to the bigger issue here. Shocks do not have anything to do with lift/ride height, they control up and down movement. You're rear coil choice will dictate your rear height. Hope that helps. You may want to check out the FAQs and stickies sections if this doesn't make sense, lots of good info there. Goodluck.

 

[Jetboy]

FWIW - I don't know exactly what the differences are internally - but as compared to fox 2.5 Factory front shocks - my rear Fox 2.0 Performance are significantly higher in initial dampening rate meaning they're stiffer and small bump compliance is worse than the front 2.5's or the OEM rear shocks. They're not well matched in dampening rate to the fronts for an unloaded vehicle. At some point I probably will pull them apart and change the compression rates to soften them slightly.

 

[spencer2717]

Thank you JSparky for the insight.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

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