SCORE Journal

SMOOTH LANDINGS Off-Road Racing Shock Technology For The Regular Folks By SCORE Journal Staff When it comes to off-road racing, shock manufacturers have developed extremely high-performance components from their experience in races like the SCORE Baja 1000. While many high-speed suspension systems have been tried and trashed over the years, the shock absorber has developed into the one major suspension component that has continued to improve with new technology and experience on the race course. Keeping Cool In Baja Most would agree that shock absorbers undergo the most abuse than any other suspension component in off-road racing. It's here that many have been destroyed in an effort to learn how they can withstand the most extreme terrain. Since heat is the main result of the action between the shock piston moving up and down, external reservoirs were added to help keep shock fluids cool. Then, size, piston travel, and durability were the next factors in which shock manufacturers improved to make these components as indestructible as possible, especially on the Baja terrain. Tuning In In addition to heavy-duty components, tuning is also a critical factor in how off-road shocks perform in racing and hard off-roading situations. The ability for race teams to tune a shock directly affects the velocity at which the vehicle’s suspension system compresses and extends. In racing situations, this can mean the difference between getting traction and losing control. Several shock manufacturers also use tuning to keep the vehicle’s center of gravity low, to help increase stability and handling. Heavy-Duty Hardware Considering that many SCORE races have vehicles in a variety of terrain from, paved highways, silty lake beds, rocky river washes, hard-packed dirt, washboard sections of roads and more, shock technology has come a long way to allowing optimum traction in any and all of these situations. Despite all of the heavy-duty hardware, larger diameter bodies and rugged components, the fact is that most race teams double or even triple the number of physical shock absorbers on their vehicles, simply as a backup to ensure they can survive the treacherous courses in Baja. We’ve collected some high-performance shocks absorber and shock/suspension systems that showcase what’s available in the market for off-road performance enthusiasts and racers. Many of these components fit onto factory model pickups such as Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles. Many bolt onto the factory mounting points while others require minor modifications that further increase the vehicles’ track width for improved stability. King Shocks 2014+ GM 1500 Stage 3 Race Kit (Front) King Shocks’ new GM 1500 Front Stage 3 Race Kit is a bolt-on 3.0 diameter suspension system that features a lower coil adjustment. The shocks feature external finned reservoirs for increased fluid capacity and heat dissipation to provide sustained dampening performance. Each shock is fully rebuildable, serviceable, and tunable, and increases wheel travel for a superior ride and control at higher speeds. The Stage 3 Race Kit shocks also feature King’s Wide Range Compression Adjuster that gives 20 precise clicks of compression and dampening adjustment, and is a 100 percent bolt-on installation that requires no cutting or welding. MSRP for this front kit is $2,500. For more information, visit www.kingshocks.com. 2014+ GM 1500 Stage 3 Race Kit (Rear) King Shocks’ new GM 1500 Stage 3 Race Kit features adjustable triple bypass shocks that allow the truck owner to adjust up to two different levels of compression, as well as a rebound adjustment. This suspension system also features external finned reservoirs that help to dramatically increase fluid capacity, heat dissipation, and provide sustained dampening performance. The shocks are factory tuned and feature optimized lengths for use with either stock or aftermarket leaf springs, while increasing overall wheel travel. As with all King shocks, they are fully rebuildable, serviceable and tunable, and are a bolt-on installation that does not require cutting or welding. MSRP is $2,300. For additional information, visit www.kingshocks.com King Shocks 2014+ GM 1500 Rear Bump Stop The OEM Performance Bump Stop Kit for GM 1500 pickups features custom laser cut brackets that are designed to match the contours of the vehicle frame and axle. The Bump Stop is a direct weld-in performance option that does not require any frame cutting and comes in a two-inch diameter housing. The Bump Stop incorporates two-inches of travel and comes with all the hardware that is needed along with detailed installation instructions. MSRP is $475. For additional information on this product, please visit www.kingshocks.com. The Polaris RZR XP 1000 Front Shock King’s front shock kit for Polaris RZR XP1000 UTVs is designed to improve the performance handling characteristics unlike anything attainable from a factory shock. This shock features a two-inch diameter external body, dual coil rate springs, and patented internal bypass technology. The piggyback external reservoirs dramatically increase fluid capacity and heat dissipation, while providing sustained dampening performance and a wide range of adjustment with 20 precise clicks of compression and dampening. MSRP is $990 each. For more information on this product, visit www.kingshocks.com. King Shocks King Shocks Rear Polaris RZR XP 1000 Kit King Shocks gives the Polaris RZR XP 1000 additional performance handling with its rear shock kit. The kit features a two and a half-inch diameter shock body, a three-inch diameter shock body, dual coil rate springs, patented internal bypass technology, a hose remote external optional race finned reservoirs to increase fluid capacity, heat dissipation and provide sustained dampening performance, and a wide range compression adjuster that gives consumers 20 precise clicks of compression dampening adjustment. MSRP is $1,180 each. For additional information, visit www.kingshocks.com. Take a six minute ride in Pete Sohren’s Baja Lite truck, equipped with King Shocks. Bilstein Bilstein B8 8100 Zone Control CR Toyota Tacoma Suspension System Bilstein’s (Zone Control CR) suspension kits incorporate new position sensitive damping with three compression zones and two rebound zones that are controlled by three independent pistons for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma (front). Other features include an adjustable threaded spring seat, 60mm remote reservoir for increased oil capacity and cooling, vehicle specific design, and tuning to optimize wheel travel and clearance. The system comes with chrome 5/8-inch heim-joint mounting with rubber sealed misalignment spacers, an aluminum zinc plated body, and a supplied coil-over as a complete module for easy installation. The coil spring is preloaded to the factory recommended ride height. (Left front part number: 41-269282). (Right front part number: 41-269299). MSRP for this product is: $1,067.50 each. For additional information, visit www.bilsteinus.com. Bilstein B8 8100 Bypass Shock for Toyota Tacoma (Rear) Bilstein introduces its B8 8100 Bypass shock for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma rear suspension. The shocks (left part number: 25-269802) and (right part number: 25-242539) feature a direct-fit, position sensitive damper specifically designed for this vehicle. Features include a dual tube external bypass that offers position sensitive damping with independent adjustment for rebound and compression. The shocks also feature an incremental flow adjuster, vehicle-specific tuning with the ability to make a wide range of adjustments, a 60mm large bore hard anodized aluminum piston, a bottom port reservoir hose, a 60mm remote reservoir with machined aluminum chassis mounts, an 18mm piston rod, and a billet rod end with vulcanized mounts for an exact OE fit and long-term durability. MSRP for this product is $1068.00 each. For more information, visit www.bilsteinus.com. Bilstein Bilstein B8 6112 Adjustable Shocks For Ford F-150 Designed for the serious off-road enthusiast, the all-new Bilstein B8 6112 kit (part number: 47-256958) fits 2015 and up model Ford F-150 pickups (front). The shock optimizes off-road and on-road capabilities with a 60mm digressive piston for increased damping control. This kit features an adjustable spring seat allowing for vehicle leveling, larger tires, and increased ground clearance. A large 60mm Monotube provides increased oil capacity, cooling, and long-term durability, while custom engineered cold wound linear springs are application specific for maximum performance. Installation is easy and it reuses the OEM top mount and rubber isolator and is made in the USA. MSRP is: $799.00. For additional information, www.bilsteinus.com. Bilstein B8 5160 Ford F-150 Rear Shocks Bilstein introduces its B8 5160 stock mount remote reservoir shocks for 2015 and up Ford F-150. The rear shocks (part number: 25-261400) feature Bilstein’s Monotube design, a zinc finish with multiple layers of the unique Bilstein zinc coating for maximum protection. The shock is a direct-fit and includes swivel banjo fittings that allow for 360- degrees of rotation, and a vehicle specific reservoir mount kit. MSRP for this product is $199.00 each. For additional information on this product, please visit www.bilsetinus.com. Bilstein Bilstein Bilstein Bilstein drove off-road to the 2016 SEMA Show. Watch how their adventure took place. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Toyota Tundra 3.0 Series Remote Reservoir CDCV Coil over KIT ICON Vehicle Dynamics offers its 3.0 series coilover kit for 2007+ model Toyota Tundra pickups. The system is designed to significantly increase wheel travel and improve the damping ability of the front shocks. Compared to the 2.5-inch diameter coil overs, the 3.0 Series shocks see a piston surface area increase of 50-percent in the ride zone and 100 percent in the bump zone. The multi-stage hydraulic bump zone featured in these 3.0 Series shocks exponentially increases bottom-out resistance as the shock moves through the last 40-percent of travel, keeping vehicle dynamics in check during those hard hits or unexpected obstacles. MSRP for this product is: $2,939.95. For further information, please visit www.iconvehicledynamics.com. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Icon Vehicle Dynamics Icon Vehicle Dynamics Toyota Tacoma S2 Secondary Shock System ICON Vehicle Dynamics S2 Secondary Shock System for 2016-UP Toyota Tacoma allows the installation of a secondary shock to an existing ICON coil-over setup. The addition of a secondary 2.5 Series or Omega Bypass shock means rougher terrain and larger off-road obstacles can be overcome with confidence as the damping ability of the vehicle’s suspension is effectively doubled. The ICON S2 Secondary Shock System is also available for the 2007-UP Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Tundra, and 2003-UP Toyota 4Runner. MSRP for this product is $1,837.29 to $2,698.29. For more information, visit www.iconvehicledynamics.com. Stage 5-2015-UP GM Colorado/Canyon 1.75-3" Suspension System ICON Vehicle Dynamics engineers’ primary focus for the GM Colorado/Canyon was to increase wheel travel and damping ability, which translates into outstanding vehicle control and ride quality both on and off-road. The result was a front suspension system that includes new upper A-arms, combined with ICON’s 2.5-inch diameter shocks that feature 10 clicks of compression damping adjustment. ICON believes the kit provides the trucks with a 25-percent increase in overall wheel travel with a much higher off-road performance level. MSRP for this product is $4,147.08. For additional information, visit www.iconvehicledynamics.com. Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2010 - 2014 Ford SVT Raptor RXT Rear Suspension System ICON’s RXT Rear Suspension System is designed to dramatically increase the performance, ride quality, and strength of the 2010 - 2014 Ford Raptor. The RXT Rear Suspension System includes a three-tube, 3.0-inch bypass shock, multi-rate leaf springs, hydraulic bump stop system, and a billet aluminum frame cross member. The combination of these parts allows for a 20 percent increase in up-travel and a 30-percent increase in down-travel, resulting in 15-inches of plush suspension performance while still retaining 100-percent bed space. MSRP for this product is $7,034.84. For more information, please visit www.iconvehicledynamics.com. Watch the ICON RXT Ford Raptor suspension system in action. Baja Kits 2005-2017 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD +2 Prerunner Kit The Baja Kits plus 2 suspension offers four inches of lift with a wider track which makes for more wheel travel, increased on and off-road stability, and improved ground clearance. This kit fits 2005-2017 Toyota Tacoma pickups and replaces the stock rubber bushings and ball joints with Trophy Truck quality zero deflection Delrin Bushings and Uniballs. Strength and handling qualities are substantially increased. Baja Kits also increased the caster angle to get rid of the loose front end feeling that often occurs with mid to long travel suspension kits. This kit is designed to be paired with 2.5 coil overs, and optional 2.5 bypasses which are sold separately, (bypass mounts will require welding). This kit will also work on Toyota FJ Cruiser and Toyota 4Runner SUVs. MSRP is $2999. For additional information, visit www.bajakits.com. 2007-2017 Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra 1500 2WD/4WD Prerunner Kit Baja Kits Prerunner Suspension Kit excels in the dirt while retaining excellent on-road handling and comfort. The kit is a direct bolt-on to consumers two and four-wheel-drive Chevy Silverado. Engineered to be a complete mid travel suspension system, it uses Trophy Truck grade uni-balls and hardware on both the Upper and Lower arms. Heavy duty fabricated steel arms handle the abuse while custom tuned King coil over shocks with remote reservoirs and compression adjusters for precise tuning handle suspension damping. Rear kits are also available. MSRP is $2999. For more information, visit www.bajakits.com. Baja Kits See what Baja Kit’s full-long-travel kit can do for the Chevy Silverado. FOX Racing FOX Adventure Series 2.0 IFP Fox’s Adventures 2.0 IFP shocks feature silver powder coated steel bodies, strong 5/8-inch hard chrome plated steel shafts, and an Internal Floating Piston (IFP) to deliver the same race-proven damping performance and ride quality found in the company’s off-road race shocks at an affordable price starting around $100. For more information, visit www.ridefox.com FOX Racing ingFOX Racing FOX Race Series Bump Stop IFP Inspired by its off-road racing predecessors, the FOX Factory Race Series Bump Stop IFP combines race-proven technology with new, cutting-edge features. The IFP Bump Stop provides increased damping performance and bottoms out control in the last few inches of suspension travel. Features include an Internal Floating Piston, negative spring and a threaded body. MSRP is $205. For more information, visit www.ridefox.com. Watch how Andy McMillin tests a set of Fox Shocks in his Trophy Truck Baja Kits bajakits.com Bilstein USA bilsteinus.com FOX Racing ridefox.com Icon Vehicle Dynamics iconvehicledynamics.com King Shocks kingshocks.com Off-road racing shocks allow SCORE Racers like 2016 SCORE Trophy Truck Champion Apdaly Lopez to land softly after flying off the ground.

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