Fox Performance Elite vs. King Shocks: A Deep Dive into Off-Road Suspension Showdown

A side-by-side comparison of Fox Performance Elite and King shocks

Whether you’ve just purchased your first off-road vehicle or are looking to upgrade the truck or SUV already sitting in the driveway to handle tougher terrain, one of the first modifications often performed is upgrading the shocks. Those looking for premium parts are most likely considering one of two brands: Fox Racing and King Shocks.

Fox Racing and King Shocks are the two heavyweights in the off-road racing world, as well as the consumer vehicle segment, with their OE-bolt-on shock packages. In the world of high-end off-road shocks, these two names are polarizing in their followings; the comment sections on YouTube videos and Facebook posts certainly reflect the cult communities of each brand. To get the inside scoop on where one brand stands against the other, we turned to the experts at Shock Surplus for the nitty gritty on where these top performers truly stand in real-life testing.

For the past year, Shock Surplus has been running various shock packages through their 2-door Bronco, including Bilstein, Eibach, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. So, when both the Fox Performance Elite and King shocks landed at their door in the same week, they decided to do the obvious: test both at the same time. They weren’t aiming to see which one is the best, but rather to see what both Fox and King deliver in terms of ride behavior, comfort, and performance.

“For the past year, Shock Surplus has been running various shock packages through their 2-Door Bronco, including Bilstein, Eibach, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. So, when both the Fox Performance Elite and King shocks landed at their door in the same week, they decided to do the obvious: test both at the same time.”

According to Shock Surplus, “The Bronco is one of the — if not THE — most capable vehicles that comes off the lot today (excluding Raptor options). Even with the HOSS 1.0 shock package, the Bronco can boogey pretty good. The Bilstein ESCV HOSS 2.0 are the performance-icing on the already suitable Bronco platform.” With a solid baseline from factory, we were chomping at the bit to see how and where performance can be improved.

Coming into the comparison, the team at Shock Surplus already knew a few things. “Fox shocks prioritize control through their valving, resulting in a ‘tighter’ feel compared to other linear shocks,” said Sean Reyes of Shock Surplus. “While the specific feel may vary depending on body size and model line, Fox shocks excel in outperforming stock dampers across all aspects.”

On the other hand, “King Shocks are favorites across custom tuners, as they can deliver that pillowy feel on demand. Racers balk at the thought of a tight controlling truck,” said Reyes. “Ultimately, both brands are gunning for bottomless suspension and achieving ride control through all ranges of behavior through their own means.”

“King unquestionably reigns supreme in terms of providing a plush and comfortable ride, easily eliminating chatter at lower trail-speeds and effortlessly gliding over large obstacles at faster paces.”

To test out the shocks, the Shock Surplus team hit the California desert and put two Broncos to their paces. A 4-door Bronco had King Shocks installed while a 2-door Bronco sported a set of the Fox Performance Elite. After a couple days of pushing the two Broncos out in the wild, they came away with some solid insight. We caught up with them after the trip to learn their discoveries.

King Shocks on the 4-Door Bronco

King unquestionably reigns supreme in terms of providing a plush and comfortable ride, easily eliminating chatter at lower trail-speeds and effortlessly gliding over large obstacles at faster paces. “Out of the box, not only are the Kings set up softer than the Fox, but the King Shocks also cycle noticeably more travel paired with a far superior bump stop,” shared Reyes. “Where that soft valving might normally mean they would get completely out of shape on the big stuff, those killer bump stops and the additional bump travel really helped them stay the course even when things got a little dicey.”

They were not without their faults, though, and the Shock Surplus team believes a lot of that additional comfort did come at the expense of some control or handling prowess. “The adjuster was a huge help for locking down the wiggle and certainly allowed us to get within the same league of stability as the Fox,” Reyes said. “We were at full firm when the hits were at their gnarliest.”

While not necessarily a drawback, King shocks require a slightly different approach when encountering bumps at high speeds, which may feel unnatural to some drivers. According to Shock Surplus, “The dampers are extremely soft on the left half of the damping force graph and significantly increase in damping force on the larger end. As a result, there are many hits that could easily be absorbed at higher speeds but may cause the vehicle to float or become unsettled at more moderate speeds.”

“With the low speed maxed out, you can almost drive your Bronco like a sports car, knowing it will slide before it sways, which gives you the confidence to really push it.”

Basically, this means that drivers may need to push harder to maintain control over large impacts instead of taking a more relaxed approach and risking getting stuck in a hole.

Fox Performance Elite on the 2-Door Bronco

As you may have surmised from the breakdown on the King, the Fox shocks are definitely a lot firmer. If you are the type of person who prioritizes control over comfort, the Fox Performance Elite Shock might be up your alley. Shock Surplus preferred it that way.

“Although we don’t think you tune them as plush as a King, particularly at lower speeds, the Fox’s dual-speed compression adjusters might allow you to find a better compromise in ride and handling if you prefer your rig to feel razor-sharp,” said Reyes. “With the low speed maxed out, you can almost drive your Bronco like a sports car, knowing it will slide before it sways, which gives you the confidence to really push it.”

That is until you hit something hard. Reyes went on to say, “Let’s be honest, most Bronco pilots are not trying to pin fourth gear through the whoops, but if you are, you will be unpleasantly surprised with how hard the Fox’s hit when they are out of squish.”

Probably the biggest factor to this is that the Fox shocks have the longest compressed length of everything else out there. “This allows you to safely run 37-inch tires without bending tabs and ejecting flares, but also means you simply do not have a ton of bump travel.” There’s some sacrifice to the versatility, like with most things.

Reyes shared, “Where these Fox shocks really let us down are the spindly, soft, and largely useless bump stops. Where a good bump stop, like what the Kings use, provides progressive support that often keeps you from fully bottoming out, these Fox bumps feel like they are doing next to nothing.”

In other words, when a rut, rock, or anything else jumps out in front of you, your suspension is liable to run out quite abruptly. Luckily, there is an easy solution to fix this. An aftermarket bump stop can easily remedy the problem. Companies, such as Eibach and Timbren, sell various types of bump stops. “A quick swap for something a little longer, more progressive, and a little firmer would really do wonders for these Fox shocks and might even give them the crown,” said Reyes.

Conclusion

The Fox Performance Elite package can take the same punishment as the Kings in terms of damping and may even outlast the Kings in prolonged periods of use due to the aluminum bodies and JM92 oil, but those limits will be pushed by very few. Where the Fox feels sharp, the King feels forgiving. Where King is the desert racer, Fox provides a more versatile package to accommodate many different driving behaviors.

There’s a lot more to dive into regarding both of these shock packages, especially how each individual reservoir adjuster impacts the different ranges of ride behavior, pros and cons of material use, and how servicing the shocks contributes to shock life. Dig in further through the blog at Shock Surplus for more real-world Bronco suspension reporting. Their in-depth research will steer you towards the right shocks for your needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the best suspension options between King 2.5s and Fox 2.5s for 3rd Gen Tacomas?

Best Suspension Options for 3rd Gen Tacomas: A Comparison of 2.5 Series

Choosing the right suspension for your 3rd Gen Tacoma (2016-2023) can elevate your off-road experience and enhance your daily drive. Two popular options often considered are the 2.5 series from leading suspension manufacturers. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Performance on and off the Road

Off-Road Handling:
Both suspension systems are engineered with off-road enthusiasts in mind, offering exceptional control and stability over rough terrain. They excel at absorbing shocks and providing a smoother ride when navigating uneven paths.

On-Road Comfort:
While both options perform well off-road, they also differ slightly in how they handle on the pavement. One tends to provide a softer ride with less vibration transferred to the cabin, making it ideal for those who frequently transition between city streets and trails. The other offers a slightly firmer feel, which may appeal to drivers who prioritize precise handling and a sports-like driving experience.

Build Quality and Durability

Material and Design:
The construction of these suspension systems is robust, with high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting durability. Look for features like anodized components and corrosion-resistant coatings that enhance longevity, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Adjustability:
Some models offer greater adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune damping and ride height according to your specific driving style or vehicle modifications. If you plan on frequently adjusting your setup for varying loads or conditions, this feature might be crucial for you.

Installation and Maintenance

Ease of Installation:
Both systems are designed for hassle-free installation, although the time and skill level required can vary. Some suspensions are more user-friendly, designed with convenient fitment in mind, while others might require more professional help to ensure optimal performance.

Maintenance Needs:
Consider the ease of maintenance, as some suspensions offer components that are easier to service or replace. This can be a significant consideration if you log many miles in challenging environments.

Cost and Value

Price Point:
Both suspensions fall within a premium price range, reflecting their high performance and quality standards. However, prices can vary based on specific features and customization options.

Value for Money:
Evaluate which features are most important for your driving lifestyle and needs. Consider warranties and aftersales support as additional factors contributing to overall value.

Conclusion

Selecting the right suspension for your 3rd Gen Tacoma boils down to balancing performance, comfort, and cost. If off-road performance and adjustability are top priorities, choose the system that aligns with your driving style and long-term vehicle goals. Regardless of your decision, upgrading your suspension is a sure way to enhance your Tacoma’s capability and comfort on any adventure.

What options are there for aftermarket control arms for Tacomas from 2005 to 2023?

When exploring aftermarket control arms for Tacoma models from 2005 to 2023, you’ll find a variety of options tailored to enhance performance, durability, and off-road capability. Here’s a breakdown of what you might consider:

Key Features to Look For

• Durability: Opt for control arms made from robust materials like high-strength steel or aluminum.
• Adjustability: Some aftermarket options offer adjustable features, allowing for better alignment and suspension tuning.
• Enhanced Off-Road Performance: Seek out arms designed specifically for challenging terrains, offering greater articulation and strength.

Options Available

1. Material Choices:
   • Steel: Known for its strength and cost-effectiveness.
   • Aluminum: Offers a lightweight alternative without compromising on toughness.
2. Design Preferences:
   • Standard: Basic designs that improve over OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.
   • Performance-Oriented: Specifically crafted for off-road enthusiasts, providing additional clearance and improved handling.
3. Features:
   • Ball Joints & Bushings: Many upgraded control arms come equipped with heavy-duty ball joints and bushings for improved longevity.

Price Range

• Aftermarket control arms can range from budget-friendly to premium prices, depending on material and features. Expect to find options starting around $300, with high-end models exceeding $700.

Installation and Compatibility

• Ensure compatibility with your specific Tacoma model year. Some brands offer easy, bolt-on installations for DIY enthusiasts.

When choosing, consider your driving needs—whether you’re primarily on city streets or tackling rugged landscapes. With numerous options available, upgrading your Tacoma’s control arms can provide a noticeable difference in both ride quality and off-road performance.