I am going to pick up a set of TC UCA's here in the coming weeks in anticipation of a new suspension for the TRD Pro. I know the general differences between the two but there seem to be two camps on why one would prefer one over the other. For those of you running one of the sets why did you pick one set over the other? And lastly, where did you find the best price?
King's vs BP-51's
- Thread starter Tejas
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
a t l a s
New member
I run King 2.5 adjustables all around. I never considered the OME BP-51 suspension, but was deciding between Icon, Fox, and King.
I ruled out Icon because I wanted a linear/progressive shock whereas Icons are digressive. That left Fox and King.
Between the two, I chose King because they seem better supported for our trucks, and have a KDSS specific kit. I couldn't get a straight answer at the time about whether the Fox setup would work with KDSS without any custom resi mounting solutions. I also heard Fox customer service was lacking and I didn't want to have any issues come rebuild time.
Fast forward 4 months and I can't imagine having gone any other route than King. Plus, gotta love that blue bling. :first:
I found the best deal through Total Automotive Performance at the time I purchased. I think I used the black friday discount. And they got it all to my door tax and shipping free.
I ruled out Icon because I wanted a linear/progressive shock whereas Icons are digressive. That left Fox and King.
Between the two, I chose King because they seem better supported for our trucks, and have a KDSS specific kit. I couldn't get a straight answer at the time about whether the Fox setup would work with KDSS without any custom resi mounting solutions. I also heard Fox customer service was lacking and I didn't want to have any issues come rebuild time.
Fast forward 4 months and I can't imagine having gone any other route than King. Plus, gotta love that blue bling. :first:
I found the best deal through Total Automotive Performance at the time I purchased. I think I used the black friday discount. And they got it all to my door tax and shipping free.
Kenstaroni
New member
I can only speak to King's regarding personal experiences but they are amazing. I've heard the BP51 is not a true 2.5 shock and that the valving inside is actually 2.0, but they look great I'll give them that. BP51's are pretty pricey, if you're on the fence I'd go King because I know you'll like those.
I'm looking to get some King's on my '19 SR5, but am a bit confused as to which ones. On their site they list their OEM as a direct bolt on/nothing else needed, but I'm having trouble finding a set that sounds like it as they seem marked 2.5. External adjusters would be nice too.
Bumbo
New member
I was really interested in the BP-51 when they first came out but I eventually lost interest... not sure why to be honest. They don’t have a large user base and its difficult to find data points on it.
After owning the 6112, it’s either between King and Fox because I want progressive valved shocks. Digressive was great on the street, but wasn't handling high speed compression events well in the desert.
I was pretty much dead set of Kings until I started talking to professional shock tuning companies about my needs. Ultimately I switched from King to Fox because of the DSC adjusters which allow for independent adjustment of both low speed and high speed compression. Kings adjusters only control high speed compression. I would probably be fine with either, but I wanted more fine tuning capability so that seemed like the logical choice, but it also cost more money.
AccuTune was a wealth of knowledge... not a bad place to start a conversion.
After owning the 6112, it’s either between King and Fox because I want progressive valved shocks. Digressive was great on the street, but wasn't handling high speed compression events well in the desert.
I was pretty much dead set of Kings until I started talking to professional shock tuning companies about my needs. Ultimately I switched from King to Fox because of the DSC adjusters which allow for independent adjustment of both low speed and high speed compression. Kings adjusters only control high speed compression. I would probably be fine with either, but I wanted more fine tuning capability so that seemed like the logical choice, but it also cost more money.
AccuTune was a wealth of knowledge... not a bad place to start a conversion.
I was really interested in the BP-51 when they first came out but I eventually lost interest... not sure why to be honest. They don’t have a large user base and its difficult to find data points on it.
After owning the 6112, it’s either between King and Fox because I want progressive valved shocks. Digressive was great on the street, but wasn't handling high speed compression events well in the desert.
I was pretty much dead set of Kings until I started talking to professional shock tuning companies about my needs. Ultimately I switched from King to Fox because of the DSC adjusters which allow for independent adjustment of both low speed and high speed compression. Kings adjusters only control high speed compression. I would probably be fine with either, but I wanted more fine tuning capability so that seemed like the logical choice, but it also cost more money.
AccuTune was a wealth of knowledge... not a bad place to start a conversion.
So which kit did you buy and who did you buy it from? Price?
nb rob
New member
2.5 is the shock diameter. King doesn't make a 2.0 for our trucks.
Out of the box with no adjustment, the kings will level your 4runner; which means they will lift the front end approx 1". You will not need aftermarked upper control arms or rear springs.
If you want to gain some height, you can adjust the coilover preload collar. I have about 6 threads showing on one side, and 8 on the other. This gives me about 3" of lift. I have added aftermarket upper control arms with additional caster built-in to aid in getting the alignment I like. I have also added 2" icon rear springs to bring the back end up to keep things level.
The only difference in the available king shock/coilover products in the OEM performance for the 5th gen 4runner series are the addition of the compression adjusters, suffixed with an "A". Additionally, there is a version with a KDSS designation which uses a different bracket and a hose length that corresponds with this bracket location. This is for the front coilovers only.
for example, for my KDSS truck, I have:
25001-243A - front coilovers with compression adjust - KDSS bracket and reservoir hose
25001-279A - rear shocks with compression adjust.
There is a 1/4" spacer inside, and removing this spacer makes these shocks "extended travel". I removed them during my rebuild. Often times you'll see an additional waiting time for extended travel. If you're expecting full droop on trails, go ahead and get the extended travel. They should not cost extra.
I have bought lots of shocks from total automotive performance over the years, and I highly recommend them. As a Canadian, I appreciate their willingness to ship to my USA mailbox. They also have excellent communication, and when I contact them with an order number, they are on top of things and quickly up to speed.
If you have questions, I recommend giving them a call.
Downsouth motorsports also has an excellent reputation, and they know king shocks very well.
Good luck!
-Rob
Last edited:
Whippersnapper02
Senior Member
PB-51: Cool but overderping shocks
Kings: Race shocks with a long history
Kings: Race shocks with a long history
Kenstaroni
New member
I was really interested in the BP-51 when they first came out but I eventually lost interest... not sure why to be honest. They don’t have a large user base and its difficult to find data points on it.
After owning the 6112, it’s either between King and Fox because I want progressive valved shocks. Digressive was great on the street, but wasn't handling high speed compression events well in the desert.
I was pretty much dead set of Kings until I started talking to professional shock tuning companies about my needs. Ultimately I switched from King to Fox because of the DSC adjusters which allow for independent adjustment of both low speed and high speed compression. Kings adjusters only control high speed compression. I would probably be fine with either, but I wanted more fine tuning capability so that seemed like the logical choice, but it also cost more money.
AccuTune was a wealth of knowledge... not a bad place to start a conversion.
Thanks for the education on the dual dampening ability....I had no idea that was even a thing...lol I am an ICON - King convert and there are things about the ICON's I liked better than the Kings and vice versa but on the trail the Kings win hands down. Last year I went to UT and CO on a trip with another 5th gen with Kings while I was on Icons. He literally had to wait for me constantly the whole trip as I couldn't keep up. We swapped trucks for a pass in CO and both he and I realized how extreme the difference was in ride quality. He wanted his truck back, I wanted to stay in it...haha
nb rob
New member
there really isn't anything magical about the kings, other than they are big, very well-made shocks. They are built to be serviced easily, for a nice long life.
the OME BP-51's are internal bypass, which adds an entire level of adjustment and control. But that doesn't really interest me much. Between my compression adjust and non compression adjusts, I don't notice a difference. All I really notice is that I have to wait for my buddies constantly.
These bad boys gobble up the worst roads.
My truck isn't silent though. When you get in to big shocks with spherical bearings, some noises happen. I've been on some long trips, and every time I get home, my 4r isn't quieter than when I departed.... if you know what I mean.
the OME BP-51's are internal bypass, which adds an entire level of adjustment and control. But that doesn't really interest me much. Between my compression adjust and non compression adjusts, I don't notice a difference. All I really notice is that I have to wait for my buddies constantly.
These bad boys gobble up the worst roads.My truck isn't silent though. When you get in to big shocks with spherical bearings, some noises happen. I've been on some long trips, and every time I get home, my 4r isn't quieter than when I departed.... if you know what I mean.
Liquidmantis
New member
I went with BP-51 partly because they were the new hotness, don't need regular servicing, and I couldn't figure out if the Kings were actually a lift or just a suspension upgrade (like mentioned upthread). My BP-51s do have some mild clunking when it's cold. Supposedly that's an identified issue so newer ones might not have that problem anymore. I know others have sent theirs back for service or replacement, but that's a huge pain in the ass for me so I haven't bothered (when is it cold in Colorado?)
If it ever comes down to it, I'll most likely replace with Kings later down the line.
If it ever comes down to it, I'll most likely replace with Kings later down the line.
ayeyothisiskyle
Member
I would stay way from BP-51s.
But it depends on what you do offroad or what you indent to do with your truck.
I went with kings because I got a great deal of them before their price hike last year. If I had the choice today, I would have gone with fox DSCs because the kings only let you adjust high speed. I did read somewhere that the kings first 0-4 clicks of adjustability adjust low-med speeds, but I felt like differences were negligible.
That being said, I am completely happy with the Kings. I have KDSS adjustable with ext travel and I have never had a problem with them on trails. Going 50-60 on desert roads out here in CA with the kings is some of the most fun I've had. I feel most stable with medium load and I run Icon 3" springs in the rear with a dual swingout rear. Seems to work very well. When I am fully loaded, I am more delicate on trails as I do not want to bottom out.
But it depends on what you do offroad or what you indent to do with your truck.
I went with kings because I got a great deal of them before their price hike last year. If I had the choice today, I would have gone with fox DSCs because the kings only let you adjust high speed. I did read somewhere that the kings first 0-4 clicks of adjustability adjust low-med speeds, but I felt like differences were negligible.
That being said, I am completely happy with the Kings. I have KDSS adjustable with ext travel and I have never had a problem with them on trails. Going 50-60 on desert roads out here in CA with the kings is some of the most fun I've had. I feel most stable with medium load and I run Icon 3" springs in the rear with a dual swingout rear. Seems to work very well. When I am fully loaded, I am more delicate on trails as I do not want to bottom out.
Who sells the new Fox stuff for the 5th Gen?
Bumbo
New member
ayeyothisiskyle
Member
Forgot to mention, Ive read that king support is loads better than fox support. Since King is down the street from where I work (relatively), I went with them.
Bumbo
New member
It is worth considered your support options... and I too heard Fox support leaves something to be desired, but I haven't dealt with either one directly so there is that.
At the end of the day, you gotta pick the product that's going to work the best for your application as well. Driving the dunes, trail, city.... I really wanted the ability to fine tune the ride... I want low speed compression adjustment, and that really limits my options. Even if Fox support blows, their product is still good.
I'm fully capable of servicing my own shocks, but I really have no desire to do so anymore due to time. Even if dealing with Fox sucks, AccuTune is local to me (Carson, CA) and services both King and Fox...
I tried to order Fox shocks though the group buy on this forum but with the high flow piston upgrade and was told it would have extended lead times due to backlog. After talking to AccuTune, they service the shocks, and can upgrade/install the high flow piston on site.
Basically, going direct to the manufacture is one option, but it isn't the only option. There are partners for both brands who support the line.
Its just good to research your options... My previous suspension was all purchased though Wheelers Off-Road, and I installed it myself, but this times I am going to an experienced local installer.
At the end of the day, you gotta pick the product that's going to work the best for your application as well. Driving the dunes, trail, city.... I really wanted the ability to fine tune the ride... I want low speed compression adjustment, and that really limits my options. Even if Fox support blows, their product is still good.
I'm fully capable of servicing my own shocks, but I really have no desire to do so anymore due to time. Even if dealing with Fox sucks, AccuTune is local to me (Carson, CA) and services both King and Fox...
I tried to order Fox shocks though the group buy on this forum but with the high flow piston upgrade and was told it would have extended lead times due to backlog. After talking to AccuTune, they service the shocks, and can upgrade/install the high flow piston on site.
Basically, going direct to the manufacture is one option, but it isn't the only option. There are partners for both brands who support the line.
Its just good to research your options... My previous suspension was all purchased though Wheelers Off-Road, and I installed it myself, but this times I am going to an experienced local installer.
