The Jeep Wrangler JK is without question the most refined short-wheelbase 4x4 to date and the aftermarket is working hard to make it even better. Though advances in technology are not always easy on your wallet, often times these aftermarket upgrades can significantly increase the performance potential of your 4x4.
Our '08 JK Unlimited was equipped with a 2.5-inch TeraFlex budget boost and 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers on the stock wheels (thanks to some wheel spacers) we were happy with the new stance, but felt the suspension's performance was limited by the factory shocks. To improve our new setup we equipped the four-door with King Shock Technology's 2.5-inch reservoir shocks that feature adjustable compression dials. Designed for the '07-current Jeep Wrangler, these bolt-in performance dampers are intended for the off-road enthusiast looking for more performance and control from their suspension. King also offers similar bolt-in shocks for '97-'06 Wranglers among other models.
For decades King has serviced the off-road world with everything from super-trick triple-bypass shocks and coilovers to air bumps. While the reservoir shock is nothing new to the King lineup the compression dial adjusters are a fresh part of brand new series of factory replacement shocks.
To tune the new 2.5-inch shock you simply spin the aluminum adjustment dial to change the compression valving from soft to firm. The shocks' compression valving is what dampens the upwards motion of the suspension cycle. Need a softer ride in the rocks? Simply turn the dial down. Getting ready to bomb through the desert? Grab a few turns to the firmer settings and you'll be set. With the compression settings ranging from 0-20 there are plenty of tuning options to accommodate all ride critics.
The 2.5-inch adjustable King...
The 2.5-inch adjustable King shocks come complete with all necessary hardware and they are shipped ready to install. We used King's application chart to match the correct shock size with our 2.5-inch budget boost lift. Additional lift sizes as well as custom shock lengths are available. as well.
The shocks adjustment dial...
The shocks adjustment dial offers compression damping settings ranging from 0-20, with zero being the softest setting. King suggests setting the initial dial position at zero and increase the adjuster as you see fit. From our experience turning the dial in increments of three made the most noticeable difference.
With the rear shocks installed...
With the rear shocks installed we found that our reservoir mount was touching the rear brake lines. After a little reservoir adjusting and a tweak of the brake line bracket, we were able to keep the two separated.
Part of the advantage of running...
Part of the advantage of running a 2.5-inch TeraFlex budget boost is that you are able to retain the Jeep's soft factory coils. While aftermarket lift coils work great to raise the height of Jeep, they often have a heavier coil rate which stiffens the ride. The King shocks and TeraFlex boost combo works great for those looking for a little lift and suspension performance without hurting the ride.
With a few thousand miles...
With a few thousand miles of rock, sand, desert, and highway under our belt, we've definitely put the shocks and suspension to the test. On the highway and over the rocks we found that single digit settings gave us a nice soft ride, while at speed in the desert and sand we cranked each shock up a few notches depending on how aggressive we planned to drive. Though we would have liked a few more settings on the soft side, overall we're extremely happy with our new King shocks.