SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
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2024 SUSPENSION GUIDE The Latest Off-Road Suspension Components & Packages By Mike Vieira Aftermarket suspension manufacturers spend lots of time in the desert, testing and upgrading their designs to offer some of the best components available for off-road racers and enthusiasts. We contacted several of the best components from manufacturers who are at the forefront of the off-road marketplace. They supplied us with their latest suspension kits, shocks, and other off-road suspension accessories that are designed for more usable wheel travel and traction, but also have the durability to survive off-road abuse. The components on the following pages showcases only some of the best and popular components these manufacturers have designed, but more information, on these and other components, and availability for more vehicle makes and models, can be found on their websites. KING SHOCKS www.kingshocks.com FRONT 2.5 COILOVER FOR 2024+ TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 250/LEXUS GX550 King Shocks’ Front 2.5 Coilover for the 2024+ Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX550 offers increased wheel travel and adjustable ride height in a bolt-on unit that’s fully rebuildable, serviceable, and tunable. Constructed with extruded 6061-T6 aluminum and a new threaded end cap, with large 2.5-inch shock body, finned external reservoirs and an Optional Wide Range Compression Adjuster . MSRP is $1,920.00 per pair or $2,275.00 per pair with Compression Adjusters. REAR 2.5 SHOCKS FOR 2024+ TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 250/LEXUS GX550 King Shocks’ Rear 2.5 Shocks for the 2024+ Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX550 provide more than a 20-percent increase in wheel travel in a bolt-on unit that’s fully rebuildable, serviceable, and tunable. Constructed with extruded 6061-T6 aluminum and a new threaded end cap, with a large 2.5-inch shock body and external reservoir. Designed to provide sustained damping performance under the toughest conditions. Optional Wide Range Compression Adjuster provides even further refinement to ride quality. MSRP is $1,210 per pair or $1,440 per pair with Compression Adjusters. KING SHOCKS www.kingshocks.com SWAY BAR LINK KIT FOR 2024+ TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 250/LEXUS GX550 King Shocks’ Sway Bar Link Kit for the 2024+ Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX550 provide improved strength, stability, and steering response. The bolt-on kit is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and includes all hardware and instructions. Will not work on vehicles with KDSS. MSRP is $4980.00 per kit. ADS www.adsshocks.com DFR COILOVERS AND REAR SHOCKS ADS Direct Fit Race Coilovers and Direct Fit Race Shocks are available for the front and rear of most popular trucks in standard and long-travel lengths, including the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and 2005 – 2022 Ford Super Duty. These bolt-on suspension upgrades provide maximum stability and control on and off the pavement with extended travel and progressive damping. Built to withstand extreme conditions and heavy use, they feature internal floating pistons, large bores, hard-chrome plated shafts, electric zinc plating, and CeraKote finish for durability and corrosion resistance. MSRP starts at $1,390.80 per pair. ADS www.adsshocks.com MESA 2.5 SERIES SHOCKS ADS new Mesa 2.5 Series Shocks provide upgraded performance, control, and durability with a large 2.5-inch steel shock body, internal floating piston, 7/8-inch chrome-plated shaft, machined aluminum top, caps, and mounts, and a CeraKote finish. The bolt-in units are available for a wide variety of vehicles. MSRP varies by application. AGM www.agm-products.com SUSPENSION SLIDERS (AGM AGM’s Suspension Sliders hold springs truer in tough conditions to prevent damage and excess wear. Constructed with an insert using a blend of proprietary materials and a 6061 hard anodized two-piece outer housing, these sliders protect against premature wear, breakage, and deforming common to OE sliders in off-road driving. Available in 2-inch, 2.5-inch, 2.5-inch with 3.75-inch spring adapter, and 3-inch sizes. MSRP starts at $109.95 each. SHOCK SHAFT JAWS AGM’s Shock Shaft Jaws are designed to securely clamp the shock shaft to prevent rotation during service or repairs, avoiding scarring the shaft and damaging the shock’s seals. They are constructed from 6061 aluminum and precision machined to work with shaft diameters of .625 to 1.25 inches. MSRP is $149.79. AGM www.agm-products.com RESERVOIR PISTON TOOL AGM’s Reservoir Piston Tool allows quick and accurate measurement and setting of piston depth during service. They can also be used to monitor and prevent piston movement while bleeding air from the shock. The tool features heavy-duty construction of high-grade steel and works with all major brand shock reservoirs and lengths. MSRP is $59.99. BAJA KITS www.bajakits.com 2019 – 2024 CHEVY/GMC 1500 +3 PRERUNNER KIT Baja Kits’ brand new 2019 -2024 Chevy/GMC 1500 +3 Long Travel Prerunner Kit is designed as a complete bolt-on package to increase track width by 3 inches per side and provides 14.5 inches of front travel and 15.5 inches of rear travel. Among the many items included are FOX 3.0 IBP shocks, billet upper control arms, boxed steel lower control arms, ductile iron steering knuckles, heavy-duty steering linkage, FOX steering stabilizer, FOX IFP bump stops, billet trailing arms and track bar, JE Reel rear driveshaft with 1350 U-joints, RCV chromoly front CV axle shafts, rear axle mount brackets or options for Dana aftermarket full-width semi-float D60, ARB Air Locker, and 35-spline chromoly axle shafts. MSRP starts at $30,525.74. 2021+ FORD BRONCO and 2022+ TOYOTA TUNDRA +3 PRERUNNER KITS In addition to their standard width Chase Kits, Baja Kits offers their 2021+ Ford Bronco +3 Prerunner Kit and 2022+ Toyota Tundra +3 Prerunner Kit to provide a 6-inch wider track, a lift of 3 to 4 inches, more than 11 inches of wheel travel in the Bronco, and more than 13 inches in the Tundra. Among the specific items for each vehicle, the kits include CAD-designed billet upper control arms and boxed lower control arms, Delrin bushings with grease fittings, 1-inch hi-angle uniballs to replace ball joints, and all fittings, adapters, brake lines, and other hardware needed for installation. They are designed to maintain proper alignment and with increased caster angle to maintain on-road stability and handling. MSRP is $4,599.00 for the Bronco or Tundra kit. BDS https://bds-suspension.com/ 3-INCH XT SERIES RADIUS ARM SYSTEM FOR 2019 -2024 RAM 2500 4WD BDS’ 3-inch XT Series Radius Arm System for the 2019 – 2024 RAM 2500 4WD provides improved performance and capability, as well as clearance for up to 35-inch tires. It includes progressive-rate coil springs, FOX 2.5 Performance Elite Remote Reservoir DSC shocks, high-strength, gusseted, tubular radius arms, and an adjustable track bar to re-center the front axle. The 100% bolt-on kit also includes XL bushings and allows for caster adjustment. MSRP starts at $4,955.70. 3-INCH XT SERIES COILOVER CONVERSION KIT FOR 2020-2024 CHEVY/GMC 2500/3500 4WD BDS’ 3-Inch XT Series Coilover Conversion Kit for the Chevy/GMC 2500/3500HD replaces the original torsion bar suspension with Fox 2.5 Performance Elite coilovers for improved ride comfort, performance, adjustability, and travel. The 100% bolt-on kit also includes gusseted, tubular upper control arms, gusseted, boxed lower control arms, and upgraded tie rods. MSRP starts at $5,850.79. 3.5-INCH UPPER CONTROL ARM LIFT SYSTEM FOR 2019 -2024 CHEVY/GMC 1500 4WD BDS’ 3.5-inch Upper Control Arm Lift System for 2019 - 2024 Chevy/GMC 1500 4WD features heavy-duty tubular upper control arms to provide improved strength and increased suspension travel, FOX 3.0 Factory Race Series IBP front coilovers and rear shocks, heavy-duty ball joints with grease fittings, rubber control arm bushings, and a rear lift block kit. The 100% bolt-on system builds on factory geometry for improved performance and easy installation. MSRP starts at $8,071.85. BILSTEIN https://offroad.bilstein.com BILSTEIN M 7100 and M7100 CLASSIC SHOCKS Bilstein’s M 7100 and M 7100 Classic Shocks feature a 46mm monotube design, ½-inch heim joint mounts, high-flow piston, and self-adjusting deflective disc valving. The M7100 Classic offers 5 to 10 inches of travel, while the M7100 offers 8 to 14 inches of travel, and both are available in multiple lengths and valve settings for a variety of vehicles and uses. The M7100 is owner-rebuildable, while the M7100 Classic is sealed and factory serviceable. VW-specific off-road fitments are available for both. MSRP varies by specific application. BILSTEIN M 9200 COILOVER SHOCK Bilstein’s M 9200 Coilover Shock was developed for off-road racing and is available in stroke lengths from 8 to 16 inches, with 46mm or 60mm monotubes, and with multiple valving choices for a variety of applications. Constructed with machined billet aluminum components and features a case-hardened 22mm piston rod and 3-stage high-temperature seal. A threaded body with dual-rate coilover hardware allows quick spring and preload changes to suit the terrain. Shocks are owner-rebuildable. MSRP varies by specific application. BILSTEIN M 9200 BYPASS SHOCK Bilstein’s M 9200 Bypass Shock is available with stroke lengths from 10 to 18 inches, with 60mm or 70mm bodies, and a 3 or 4-tube external bypass offering position-sensitive damping with independent adjustment for rebound and compression. Constructed with machined billet aluminum components, a 1 1/8–inch case-hardened piston rod, and a 3-stage high-temperature seal. Shocks are owner-rebuildable. MSRP varies by specific application. CAMBURG www.camburg.com KINETIK SERIES BILLET UPPER CONTROL ARMS FOR 2023 -2024 FORD BRONCO RAPTOR Camburg’s KINETIK Series Billet Upper Control Arms for the 2023 – 2024 Ford Bronco Raptor provide increased wheel travel and articulation, and corrected geometry for improved handling. Constructed of CNC-machined 6061 billet aluminum with FK 7/8-inch heim joints for maximum strength, adjustability, and durability, and utilizing an FK 1.25-inch uniball with a PTFE liner for improved performance without binding. Available in anodized gray, red, gold, or blue. MSRP starts at $1,899.99 per set. KINETIK SERIES BILLET ALUMINUM SWAY BAR KITS Camburg’s KINETIK Series Billet Aluminum Sway Bar Kits provide arms machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with 35 splines, and are available in lengths from 16 to 32 inches for use with a variety of frames and tube chassis, and for front or rear applications. Match with a 300M torsion sway bar and FK rod ends and hardware for a race-ready setup. MSRP starts at $699.00. PERFORMANCE LONG TRAVEL SUSPENSION KIT FOR 2021-2024 FORD F150 RAPTOR Camburg’s Long Travel Suspension Kit for the 2021 – 2024 Ford F150 Raptor is designed to provide next-level performance with a 3-inch wider track and 1-inch forward relocation of the axle. The kit includes fabricated lower control arms and billet upper control arms for more wheel travel, articulation, better stability, and improved handling with corrected geometry. Compatible with 2.5 Slapper bump stop system and 3.5 bypass shock kit. MSRP starts at $5,395.00. TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION www.chaosfab.com 1996 - 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA LONG TRAVEL HEIM JOINT STEERING UPGRADE Total Chaos’ Long Travel Heim Joint Steering Upgrade for the 1996 – 2004 Toyota Tacoma is designed to maximize wheel travel and eliminate sloppy steering. The kit replaces the outer factory tie rods with 7/8-inch chromoly heim joints and also includes 3.5-inch chromoly tie rod extensions, four stainless steel hi-misalignment spacers, weld-on double shear tabs, tapered sleeves, and Grade 8 hardware. MSRP is $642.06. 1996 - 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA LOWER UNIBALL CONVERSION The Total Chaos’ Lower Uniball Conversion for the 1996 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma is designed for vehicles with 2 to 3 inches of lift and heim joint steering upgrade. Designed to reduce stress and binding in the suspension, it replaces the factory ball joints with uniballs for added strength and durability. The bolt-on and fully rebuildable kit also improves steering geometry and reduces bump steer. The kit includes tapered lower control arm adapters, double shear tie rod tabs, and mounting hardware. MSRP is $1,107.60. TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION www.chaosfab.com 1996 -2004 TOYOTA TACOMA LONG TRAVEL +3.5-INCH SUSPENSION KIT Total Chaos’ Long Travel +3.5 Inch Suspension Kit for the 1996 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma provides 12.5 inches of wheel travel with 4WD and a 3.5-inch track width increase per side. The kit features extended upper control arms and boxed lower control arms with dual shock tabs, with heat-treated stainless steel 1-inch uniballs with military-grade fabric liners replacing the upper ball joints to allow maximum wheel travel and provide component strength and durability. Also included are urethane bushings to reduce deflection, DOT-approved stainless steel braided brake lines, limiting straps, stainless steel hi-misalignment spacers, and Grade 8 mounting hardware. MSRP is $3,696.69. NOTE: The kit requires the use of extended fiberglass fenders. EIBACH www.eibach.com STAGE 1 PLUS PRO LIFT KIT FOR TOYOTA TACOMA AND 4RUNNER Eibach’s Pro Truck Lift Stage 1 Plus Kits for the 2016 – 2023 Toyota Tacoma and 2010 – 2024 Toyota 4Runner are designed as complete, pre-assembled, plug-and-play systems for improved performance on and off the pavement, without compromising the integrity of factory bushings, ball joints, or other components. Includes lift springs, shocks, and mounts assembled for maximum travel to provide balanced ride quality and control. MSRP is $911.00 for Tacoma and $1,136.00 for 4Runner. FOX www.ridefox.com 2.5 PERFORMANCE SERIES HTO SHOCKS FOX 2.5 Performance Series HTO Shocks provide position-sensitive technology, vehicle-specific valving, and larger pistons to improve on and off-road performance in a bolt-on unit. Hydraulic Top Out (HTO) technology provides rebound damping to reduce harsh top-outs and increase comfort, especially in lifted vehicles or with larger, heavier tires. Shock features include a 2.5-inch extruded aluminum body, a 5/8-inch hard chrome shaft, an internal floating piston, and high-flow velocity-sensitive damping. Fully rebuildable and re-tunable, and available in multiple applications and heights for most late-model trucks. MSRP is $329.95 each. RADFLO www.radfloshocks.com 500R SPORT SERIES 2.0 SHOCK Radflo’s 500R Sport Series Shock is an OE replacement that reduces body roll while increasing control and ride comfort, on or off the pavement. The bolt-in unit is ride-height adjustable, re-tunable, and serviceable. It features an internal floating piston, foam-resistant fluid, and a hydraulic droop stop. Constructed with CNC-machined 6061 T6 aluminum parts, 3-stage redundant seal cap, SSID steel housing, and a chrome-plated steel shaft. Available to fit a wide variety of popular trucks. All Radflo shocks are hand-built and custom made to order. MSRP for rear shocks is $490 per pair, and front coilovers are $1,120 per pair. RADFLO www.radfloshocks.com ROAM SERIES OVERLAND SHOCK Radflo’s ROAM Series Shock is specifically designed to meet the needs of overland and heavy vehicles with added weight loads. Available with 2.5-inch or 3.0-inch body, and featuring a free-flow piston designed for heavy loads, a rebuildable nitrile dual-seal system, chromed steel shaft, and brass and Teflon-coated bushing. The hand-built, custom-made units are available for a wide variety of popular trucks. MSRP varies by application. RST EVO SERIES MOTORSPORT SHOCK Radflo’s RST EVO Series Motorsport Shock is designed with larger fluid capacity, a free-flow racing piston, and large adjustable flow-metering check valves. The coilover and bypass shocks are available with 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.75-inch bodies, and 7/8-inch or 1-inch hard chromed stainless steel shafts. They feature brass and Teflon-coated bushings, a rebuildable Viton dual-seal system, and 5, 6, and 9-stage velocity sensitive independent rebound and compression. Call for pricing. RPG OFFROAD www.rpgoffroad.com B.O.L.T. SUSPENSION KIT for 2010 - 2024 FORD RAPTOR RPG’s B.O.L.T. Suspension Kit for the 2010 -2024 Ford Raptor and Raptor R models and 2004+ F150 provides 16.5 inches of wheel travel and a 3.0-inch wider track, along with improved strength and durability. Kit includes chromoly upper and lower control arms, TIG and MIG-welded steering knuckles, FK bearings, 3-inch longer control arms and tie rods, and Grade 8 hardware. Features powder-coated and anodized finishes. Options include a larger brake kit, dual shock mounts, and +3-inch custom axles. MSRP is $6,400.00. RST18 BED CAGE WITH RECOVERY RACK for 2010 – 2014 FORD RAPTOR RPG’s RST18 Bed Cage with Recovery Rack for the 2010 -2014 Ford Raptor allows mounting of 16-inch bypass shocks through the bed, to provide up to 18.5 inches of wheel travel, while maximizing bed space. Includes the rear shock tower and chromoly brackets for lower mounts, along with mounts for two spare tires, a bottom plate for jack mounting, a top basket for fuel or other containers, and necessary hardware. Finished in semi-gloss black powder coat. MSRP is $1,895.00.