SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1543401
SETTING THE BAR King Shocks Continues To Set The Standard For Off-Road By Dan Sanchez Photos courtesy of King Shocks Celebrating 30 years in the off-road industry, King Shocks has firmly established itself as a leader in reliable, high-quality suspension systems. The company’s reputation for excellence is built on its championship-winning race vehicles and the dedication of owners Brett and Ross King, who have carried forward the commitment to quality instilled by their father and company founder, Lance King. “We make and assemble all of the components here in Garden Grove, California,” says Brett King. “Our difference is that we take pride in what we do. Corporations can copy designs, and we don’t want to copy anyone. In the off-road racing industry, we are seen as the standard, and the championship racers who use our products consistently have the race wins and championships to prove it.” Continuous Innovation Through Collaboration King Shocks maintains a close relationship with racers and team mechanics, constantly adapting to their evolving needs. “Most of the time, we hear the suspension problems racers are dealing with, and we can provide a solution,” explains King. Those solutions can be as straightforward as changing a small part, such as a bushing or adjusting the dampening force. As vehicles evolve with features such as more power, larger tires, and All-Wheel Drive, however, King Shocks is challenged to develop new and innovative solutions. Trophy Truck Progressive Hydraulic Bump Stop • King’s latest product is a Trophy Truck Progressive Bump Stop Among King’s latest advancements is the Trophy Truck progressive hydraulic bump stop (PN BS3160). This product features a 3.0-inch diameter housing, a six-inch stroke, a reservoir, and full adjustability. “This bump stop hits softer for its initial three inches, and the remainder blends the transitions with the bypass,” says King. “It’s made so it doesn’t become super stiff the instant it’s impacted. This gives the driver the ability to have a smoother ride and more control. When the vehicle is fully compressed, it can eliminate the hard jarring that can upset the vehicle’s balance.” The adjustability of the bump stop allows drivers and teams to customize it to their preferences, while the reservoir eliminates emulsification. “People tend to think the reservoirs are for cooling, but in actuality, they are there to force air into a separate chamber,” King adds. Electronic Control Systems While some manufacturers pursue fully electronic shock systems, King Shocks takes a different approach with its stand-alone control system. This technology enables drivers to adjust settings electronically but maintains the reliability and simplicity of a primarily mechanical shock design. “I want a shock that is 99 percent mechanical and reliable, because that’s what racers tell me they want,” says King. “I can make a shock more complex, but we don’t want to, because I don’t believe it makes the shock better. There are multiple ways to make adjustments, and we have a system that allows the driver to change the settings from in the cab. We purposely made it so it’s not too advanced for people, and we can even add limits to the amount of adjustment, so they don’t mistakenly get the settings out too far from what they need.” • King continues developing shock systems for new vehicles, like theses front and rear systems for 2025 Ford Bronco Raptors • New applications for Overlanding vehicles is on King’s short list of new components, such as for the Mercedes Sprinter 4x4’s Expanding Applications for Enthusiasts Brett King emphasizes that King Shocks is always expanding its range of aftermarket shocks for trucks, SUVs, and Overlanding vehicles. “These direct-replacement shocks are for those people who demand the best out of their vehicles and take them off-roading on the weekends,” says King. “Many enthusiasts simply want the best shocks available, and every shock has our racing technology and components in them, so they know it’s going to provide optimum performance.” SJ