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.

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