DCA Series User Guide
Getting To Know Your Dirt King Shocks
Discover the full potential of your Dirt King shocks with this detailed guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the Dual Compression Adjusters (DCA), preload settings, and the impact of these adjustments on your vehicle’s handling, ride quality, and off-road performance.
Factory Settings
- Low Speed Compression (gold knob): 7 clicks out.
- High Speed Compression (black knob): 5 clicks out.
- Spring Preload: Coilover shocks are preset to level the vehicle, typically set up for crew cab models. Adjusting preload will change both ride height and comfort. One turn of the preload collar changes preload by 1/16”. Generally, for every ¼” of preload, you get approximately ½” of lift.
Preload Adjustment Tips:
The ideal way to adjust preload is with the shock removed and secured in a spring compressor. We understand that’s not always practical, so a spanner tool is included for on-vehicle adjustments. Be sure to read the tips below before making any on-vehicle adjustments.
- Raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands to unload the suspension before adjusting preload.
- Clean the coil over threads to prevent damage when turning the preload collar.
- Loosen, but do not fully remove, the preload collar’s locking screw. Maintain slight tension on the screw to prevent the collar from spreading and skipping threads during adjustment.
- Mark a reference line on the shock body and top cap to ensure the top cap doesn't unthread while making preload adjustments.
- Do not add leverage if the preload collar doesn't turn with a spanner and 10" ratchet. Instead, remove the shock and use a spring compressor to make the adjustment.
- Note: Adding preload reduces suspension down travel and may negatively impact ride quality.
Dual Compression Adjusters (DCA)
The Dirt King 2.5 DCA series shocks feature Dual Compression Adjusters for enhanced performance through both high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments.
Recommended Settings
- Soft: LS at 8 clicks out, HS at 7 clicks out – Ideal for on-road comfort.
- Medium: LS at 7 clicks out, HS at 5 clicks out – Default setting balanced for both on-road and off-road.
- Firm: LS at 5 clicks out, HS at 3 clicks out – Best for high-speed off-road activities and handling large bumps
Making DCA Adjustments:
- Adjustments are made by turning the knob all the way in (clockwise) until it stops—this is the fully closed position. The first click out (counterclockwise) is the starting point and is not counted. The next click is click #1. All settings in this guide use this method.
- Keep the difference between LS and HS settings within four clicks to maintain balance.
- Adjusting LS to be firmer will make HS feel softer.
Low Speed Compression:
Description: Adjusts the shock response to slow vertical movements like cornering, braking, or rolling bumps.
When to Adjust:
- Tighten: If the ride feels bouncy or bottoms out on rolling bumps.
- Tighten: To improve handling and reduce brake dive.
- Loosen: If the ride is rough on uneven surfaces or small bumps.
High Speed Compression:
Description: Adjusts the shock response to rapid movements when hitting large obstacles like potholes or curbs.
When to Adjust:
- Tighten: If the suspension bottoms out during high speed large inputs.
- Tighten: If the vehicle feels unstable or wobbly after hitting large, sharp obstacles.
- Loosen: If the ride feels too firm on small, frequent bumps while driving fast.
Performance Effects of DCA Adjustments:
The following chart shows the performance increase and decrease after making adjustments to your DCA settings across different driving scenarios. Use the color-coded legend to interpret how each setting—Soft (S), Medium (M), and Firm (F)—affects handling and ride quality.
Desert Driving
High-Impact Terrian & Demanding Conditions
Off-road performance has been optimized around the Medium setting for general use. When encountering extended rough terrain, such as whoops, washboards, or uneven desert surfaces, the Firm setting can improve control and reduce suspension bottom-out. Please note that firmer settings may increase cabin feedback over certain terrain types.
Trail Driving
Low-Speed Off-Road Exploration
Performance for trail driving and exploration is tuned around the Medium setting to balance stability and ride quality. Terrain and speed can vary, so you may need to adjust based on conditions. The Soft setting will improve comfort at low speeds but may reduce performance over larger bumps or rougher terrain. If the trail includes faster sections or bigger impacts, the Firm setting may offer better support at the cost of increased stiffness.
Daily Driving
Highway, City, and Light Payloads
On-road performance has been tuned around the Medium setting. Depending on your vehicle, driving style, or road conditions, this setting may feel too soft or too firm. If the ride feels floaty or loose, try adjusting the DCA clickers to the Firm setting. If the ride feels harsh or overly stiff, try the Soft setting. The Soft setting reduces harshness and increases comfort, but may also reduce handling sharpness and stability, especially at higher speeds.
Towing & Hauling
Heavy Payload or Trailer Use
When towing or hauling a heavy payload, the Firm setting helps your vehicle handle the added weight with greater stability and control. It improves steering response and reduces body movement, helping the truck stay composed under load.
Shock Maintenance
Proper maintenance and servicing of your aftermarket suspension are crucial for optimal performance and preventing costly repairs. As a general rule, Dirt King recommends servicing your shocks every 30,000 miles. Due to the high-quality design, manufacturing, and assembly of Dirt King shocks, most 30,000-mile services reveal minimal wear, often requiring just a simple and affordable refresh. However, vehicle usage and environmental conditions can significantly affect this recommendation. For instance, frequent off-roading or driving in extreme conditions like icy and salted roads may necessitate more frequent servicing due to diminished performance. If you notice any fluid leaks, contact your local authorized service center immediately to address the issue before it leads to more expensive damage. If you are in need of shock servicing, visit our recommended service centers below.
Authorized Service Center
iSHOCK
Website: ishock.com/dkservice
Email: DKService@ishock.com
Phone: (760) 366-3640
