Off-road performance shocks.

[Rad Ranger]

So, I will be doing a decent amount of off-road in my new Ranger. I have a rock crawler for all the real hard stuff, so Im not looking for maximum performance out of the Ranger. Knowing what I know about suspension and knowing the terrain here in Phoenix, AZ, I know that standard 2.0 IFP shocks are not going to cut it. Even for mild use. Ive been in conversation with Accutune out of San Diego and we found a generic Fox Performance Series 2.0 remote reservoir shock that matches stock length rear shocks and actually has a longer stroke, i.e. more up travel and more down travel. As soon as I get them installed and reservoirs mounted away from anything that might contact them, Accutune will be adding the option to their 19+ Ranger shock options.
As far as the front goes, Im not trying to drop $2k and have the biggest, baddest coilovers. Fox only offers 2.0 non-resi and 2.5 with resi. As previously stated, 2.0 isnt going to cut it and 2.5 with resi is $$$. Radflo and AFE/Sway-A-Way both offer a 2.5 IFP coilover. Sway-A-Way has had a questionable reputation in the past and almost no reviews since bought by AFE. Radflo has great reviews from everyone I know personally. Does anyone here have personal experience with either of these 2.5 non-resi shocks? Running a 2.5 even though it doesnt have a resi should add a decent amount of fluid along with the better damping from the larger piston, so Im excited to get this set up on and tested.
This is my 22 4x4 with the Splash package. Since this picture was taken, I have also added the FORD grille but swapped my gloss black perimeter trim onto it.

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[YaBoiNewton]

So, I will be doing a decent amount of off-road in my new Ranger. I have a rock crawler for all the real hard stuff, so Im not looking for maximum performance out of the Ranger. Knowing what I know about suspension and knowing the terrain here in Phoenix, AZ, I know that standard 2.0 IFP shocks are not going to cut it. Even for mild use. Ive been in conversation with Accutune out of San Diego and we found a generic Fox Performance Series 2.0 remote reservoir shock that matches stock length rear shocks and actually has a longer stroke, i.e. more up travel and more down travel. As soon as I get them installed and reservoirs mounted away from anything that might contact them, Accutune will be adding the option to their 19+ Ranger shock options.
As far as the front goes, Im not trying to drop $2k and have the biggest, baddest coilovers. Fox only offers 2.0 non-resi and 2.5 with resi. As previously stated, 2.0 isnt going to cut it and 2.5 with resi is $$$. Radflo and AFE/Sway-A-Way both offer a 2.5 IFP coilover. Sway-A-Way has had a questionable reputation in the past and almost no reviews since bought by AFE. Radflo has great reviews from everyone I know personally. Does anyone here have personal experience with either of these 2.5 non-resi shocks? Running a 2.5 even though it doesnt have a resi should add a decent amount of fluid along with the better damping from the larger piston, so Im excited to get this set up on and tested.
This is my 22 4x4 with the Splash package. Since this picture was taken, I have also added the FORD grille but swapped my gloss black perimeter trim onto it.

Why wouldn't a 2.0 cut it if you're not looking for maximum performance? Some specific experience you've had?

 

[Rad Ranger]

Why wouldn't a 2.0 cut it if you're not looking for maximum performance? Some specific experience you've had?

The terrain here is extremely rocky. 2.0 shocks will experience fade very quickly without a reservoir. I have experienced this in the past. If youve ever grabbed one of your shocks after driving down a dirt road, youll understand why. I want the ride to stay comfortable and compliant on long drives in the desert. Im just not trying to go 60 mph through whoops and stuff.

 

[YaBoiNewton]

The terrain here is extremely rocky. 2.0 shocks will experience fade very quickly without a reservoir. I have experienced this in the past. If youve ever grabbed one of your shocks after driving down a dirt road, youll understand why. I want the ride to stay comfortable and compliant on long drives in the desert. Im just not trying to go 60 mph through whoops and stuff.

Huh interesting! I personally haven't noticed fade even with the OEM shocks. Did a ton of driving on rocky roads on the stocks for a year before upgrading. My family is from South Eastern Utah and shock fade was never a problem from my memory - just an anecdote, but that's my take. I really don't believe the 2.0 shocks won't cut it, but I guess the 2.5 external resi kits won't hurt anything except maybe your wallet. Regardless you'll have a pretty sweet truck.

Most working parts on a vehicle get pretty hot under normal operation. "Hot" is relative and even temps that might hurt to touch could be well within spec.

 

[Aonarch]

I'm in the boat of 2.0s are fine as well. You can always grab some Tremor rear shocks, they are 2.0s with a reservoir.

You get what you pay for IMO.

I'd buy once, cry once and go with the Fox 2.5s, instead of trying to find some hidden gem in the shock world.

 

[Frenchy]

Could you go with Fox 2.5's? Sure of you want to spend the money. On my 2019 that I had(RIP) I had the Old Man EMU nitrocharger kit and I had no issues fade. Could I have done better with the BP-51 kit? Absolutely but it wasnt out at first and after it was out saving money was a bit tough.

All honesty the Tremor should do everything you need to do stock.

 

[Rad Ranger]

I dont have a Tremor. Its a standard 4x4 model.
For example, the Icon 2.0 shocks on my friends 4Runner have to be replaced or rebuilt after almost every trip. He had 2 where the piston came off of the shock shaft and 1 that seized. Another one puked out all of its oil. I had 2.0 IFPs on my crawler and after 15 minutes on the road to the trail, the truck would just bounce around uncontrollably. Similarly with this Ranger. As long as the road is relatively smooth, its fine. As soon as there is washboard or our standard AZ rocky road, its gets extremely harsh and bouncy. Once I put Fox 2.0 with remote reservoir on my crawler, it was night and day difference. The drive to the trail that used to be miserable is now relatively comfortable and thats on leaf springs front and rear. Like I said, I already have the 2.0 remote reservoir on the way for the rear. Since nobody makes a 2.0 with remote reservoir other than OME (overpriced), Im looking at 2.5 WITHOUT remote reservoir. That leaves me with the Radflo or Sway A Way because there is no way in hell Im ever running an Icon shock.

 

[Aonarch]

Yeah Icon is not a premium brand.

 

[Frenchy]

I dont have a Tremor. Its a standard 4x4 model.
For example, the Icon 2.0 shocks on my friends 4Runner have to be replaced or rebuilt after almost every trip. He had 2 where the piston came off of the shock shaft and 1 that seized. Another one puked out all of its oil. I had 2.0 IFPs on my crawler and after 15 minutes on the road to the trail, the truck would just bounce around uncontrollably. Similarly with this Ranger. As long as the road is relatively smooth, its fine. As soon as there is washboard or our standard AZ rocky road, its gets extremely harsh and bouncy. Once I put Fox 2.0 with remote reservoir on my crawler, it was night and day difference. The drive to the trail that used to be miserable is now relatively comfortable and thats on leaf springs front and rear. Like I said, I already have the 2.0 remote reservoir on the way for the rear. Since nobody makes a 2.0 with remote reservoir other than OME (overpriced), Im looking at 2.5 WITHOUT remote reservoir. That leaves me with the Radflo or Sway A Way because there is no way in hell Im ever running an Icon shock.

If you dont mind please explain why Old Man EMU is overpriced. Old Man EMU(ARB) has been designing OffRoad suspension since May of 1970 and has designed it for the great Overlanding experience alone. The BP-51 series is a racing type shock designed to give way more adjustability too fine tune the ride as needed.

Dont get me wrong, I understand there are some other good shock options out there but how many of them will include everything to Lift(not level) at a good price while giving superior performance?

As for you truck I thought it was a Tremor due to the changes.

 

[Frenchy]

I am also curious as to what brand of shocks you have already ordered. Better yet anyone looking at this thread is curious of that.

 

[daniel3507]

I'm curious about the rear 2.0 remote reservoir you found. I would be interested in that for sure.

Edit: I did look at 2.5 when I was looking at coilovers but I came to the conclusion that they would all end up being overly firm. I may be wrong, but they seem to be more suited for highspeed situations rather than slow trails.

 

[Rad Ranger]

If you dont mind please explain why Old Man EMU is overpriced. Old Man EMU(ARB) has been designing OffRoad suspension since May of 1970 and has designed it for the great Overlanding experience alone. The BP-51 series is a racing type shock designed to give way more adjustability too fine tune the ride as needed.

Dont get me wrong, I understand there are some other good shock options out there but how many of them will include everything to Lift(not level) at a good price while giving superior performance?

As for you truck I thought it was a Tremor due to the changes.

I didn't say OME wasn't good. Just overpriced. A pair of their 2.0 coilovers is more expensive than many 2.5 coilovers. They are also designed based in a country that isn't allowed to modify suspension beyond factory specs. IMO King/Fox/Radflo are superior.

I have not yet ordered coilovers. That was sort of the point of my post ?. I was hoping to hear if anyone had experience with the 2.5 non reservoir Radflo or Sway-A-Way.

As far as the rear shocks. They are 2.0 remote reservoir Performance Series Fox shocks. They are not listed for our trucks yet. Once I verify that they will fit, AccuTune will be adding them to their website under the Ranger section.

 

[Frenchy]

I didn't say OME wasn't good. Just overpriced. A pair of their 2.0 coilovers is more expensive than many 2.5 coilovers. They are also designed based in a country that isn't allowed to modify suspension beyond factory specs. IMO King/Fox/Radflo are superior.

I have not yet ordered coilovers. That was sort of the point of my post ?. I was hoping to hear if anyone had experience with the 2.5 non reservoir Radflo or Sway-A-Way.

As far as the rear shocks. They are 2.0 remote reservoir Performance Series Fox shocks. They are not listed for our trucks yet. Once I verify that they will fit, AccuTune will be adding them to their website under the Ranger section.

Australia will allow a vehicle to stay on the road with lift up to 3 inches at best. Just so you are aware. And when you think about it.most of us dont need more that 2 inches of lift(front and rear) to do what we do.

Between Radflow and Sway-a-way I want to say people have been happy with Radflow if they went with it. For Sway-a-way I cant speak for the shocks but if its the same brand that does the torsion bars I have heard good things about the torsion bars. Theres that for what its worth.

As for the fronts if you are going to put Fox shocks in the rear I would suggest matching them with Fox Shocks in the Front. Could it do a mix with Fox rear amd another brand up front? Yes but it wont be as balanced compared to all 4 being same brand and type.

 

[Rad Ranger]

Australia will allow a vehicle to stay on the road with lift up to 3 inches at best. Just so you are aware. And when you think about it.most of us dont need more that 2 inches of lift(front and rear) to do what we do.

Between Radflow and Sway-a-way I want to say people have been happy with Radflow if they went with it. For Sway-a-way I cant speak for the shocks but if its the same brand that does the torsion bars I have heard good things about the torsion bars. Theres that for what its worth.

As for the fronts if you are going to put Fox shocks in the rear I would suggest matching them with Fox Shocks in the Front. Could it do a mix with Fox rear amd another brand up front? Yes but it wont be as balanced compared to all 4 being same brand and type.

Yeah, I'm aware of the laws in Australia.
I agree that we don't need much more than a couple inches of lift. All I am doing is leveling it. It will have the same stance as it does currently, just better shocks. I will be doing 60-300 mile offroad trips which is why I'm concerned about fade. Definitely not concerned about lots of lift as I won't be doing any crazy trails. The ground clearance on these trucks is already pretty impressive with a level and 285s.
As far as matching brands, that's really not as important as people think. Besides, Fox's only options are the 2.0 non resi and 2.5 remote resi so the price difference is massive. The important thing in shocks is the valving and as long as the shock is valved for the vehicle, it would be plenty balanced. The Radflo and SAW 2.5s are a nice in between price point and the performance of them will be much better than the 2.0. My concern is that 10-20 years ago, SAW had a mediocre reputation. I'd like current experience with the new shocks from someone.

 

[Frenchy]

Yeah, I'm aware of the laws in Australia.
I agree that we don't need much more than a couple inches of lift. All I am doing is leveling it. It will have the same stance as it does currently, just better shocks. I will be doing 60-300 mile offroad trips which is why I'm concerned about fade. Definitely not concerned about lots of lift as I won't be doing any crazy trails. The ground clearance on these trucks is already pretty impressive with a level and 285s.
As far as matching brands, that's really not as important as people think. Besides, Fox's only options are the 2.0 non resi and 2.5 remote resi so the price difference is massive. The important thing in shocks is the valving and as long as the shock is valved for the vehicle, it would be plenty balanced. The Radflo and SAW 2.5s are a nice in between price point and the performance of them will be much better than the 2.0. My concern is that 10-20 years ago, SAW had a mediocre reputation. I'd like current experience with the new shocks from someone.

I will agree that the shock valving will matter but you also need to understand that each manufacturer will do the shock valving different depending on what that manufacturer has for set goals. That is why I try to match brands. Also the Fox 2.0 fronts are a lower price right nor compared to RadFlow.

As for the Sway-a-way it looks like the shocks are under AFE. In my opinion(for what it might be worth) I would be hesitant to buy them. Why you ask? Well over the years I just havent been impressed with AFE's quality. I have seen low quality parts from them on many Diesel trucks. Also I'm not a fan of the diff covers either(thank Banks for teaching me on that).

If it wasnt under AFE then it would be worth a shot. My suggestion is to go around on the interwebs and find some reviews. We already know that AFE will say they are better than anyone else(and so will every other manufacturer)

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