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 turns out.
• High Speed Compression (black knob): 5 turns out.
• Nitrogen Pressure: Shocks come pre-filled with 100psi of nitrogen. Using any other gas or pressure can cause premature wear and malfunction.
• 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:

• Use the provided spanner wrench to make on vehicle preload adjustments.
• Always adjust preload with the vehicle lifted off the ground, ideally with the shocks removed.
• Loosen but do not fully remove the preload collar’s locking screw.
• Mark a line on the body and top cap to ensure the body doesn’t unthread from the top cap while turning the preload collar.

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 turns out, HS at 7 turns out – Ideal for on-road comfort.
• Medium: LS at 7 turns out, HS at 5 turns out – Default setting balanced for both on-road and off-road.
• Firm: LS at 5 turns out, HS at 3 turns out – Best for high-speed off-road activities and handling large bumps

Making DCA Adjustments:

• Adjustments are counted from fully tightened (clockwise) and then loosening (counterclockwise).
• 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 the adjustments:

By understanding and properly adjusting your Dirt King shocks, you can tailor your vehicle's performance to suit your driving style and conditions. Enjoy the optimal balance of comfort and performance whether you're on-road or off-road!

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