Shock Tuning

The Importance of Shock Tuning 

When it comes to maximizing your truck or 4WD’s performance—whether you're off-roading, racing, towing, or simply seeking a smoother ride—your suspension system plays a pivotal role. At the heart of any great suspension system are the shock absorbers, and if you’re using high-performance shocks like FOX or King shocks, shock tuning and internal shim changes can take your vehicle’s handling to the next level.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of shock tuning and how adjusting the internal shim stack in your shocks can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance on different terrains. Whether you're a rock crawler, desert racer, or daily driver, tuning your shocks and fine-tuning the internal shim stack will allow you to adapt your suspension system for optimal comfort, control, and performance.

What Is Shock Tuning?

Shock tuning refers to adjusting the damping characteristics of your shock absorbers to suit specific driving conditions. This includes settings for compression damping (how the shock absorbs impacts) and rebound damping (how the shock returns to its normal position). With high-end shocks like FOX or King, tuning your shocks can dramatically change how your vehicle performs in different scenarios.

But tuning isn’t just about adjusting the external controls; the internal shim stack plays an equally critical role in determining how a shock behaves.

What Are Internal Shims in Shocks?

Internal shims are thin metal discs stacked inside the shock absorber. These shims sit between the piston and the shock body and control the flow of shock oil through the piston. The shim stack helps regulate compression and rebound damping, which directly affects how the shock responds when the vehicle encounters various impacts and obstacles.

• Compression damping controls how the shock reacts when it compresses under a load, such as when hitting a bump or landing a jump. A stiffer shim stack increases resistance, which is ideal for absorbing large impacts, while a softer shim stack allows for better articulation and handling on rougher terrains.

• Rebound damping controls how the shock extends back after compression. Proper rebound tuning ensures that your vehicle doesn't bounce excessively after an impact, keeping the tires in better contact with the ground.

The shim stack is essential for adjusting a shock’s damping characteristics, and by changing or fine-tuning the shim stack, you can customize how your suspension absorbs and reacts to various driving conditions.

Why Is Shock Tuning and Internal Shim Changes Important?

1. Tailoring Ride Quality and Performance

Most modern monotube shocks come with adjustable compression and rebound settings, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension for different driving needs. However, even with external adjustments, the internal shim stack is where the real magic happens. The right shim configuration allows you to fine-tune the shock’s behavior to match your desired performance.

• Softer shim stacks are ideal for off-road driving where articulation and absorbing small, slow impacts are key. A softer setup allows your shock to "move" more, helping your vehicle crawl over rocks or navigate uneven terrain without bouncing excessively.

• Stiffer shim stacks are essential for high-speed driving, such as desert racing or high-speed off-roading, where you need to control large impacts like jumps or bumps. A stiffer shim stack can prevent your shock from bottoming out and keep the vehicle stable and controlled during extreme impacts.

By adjusting the internal shims, you can achieve a balance between comfort and performance—whether you need a softer ride for trails or a firmer setup for racing.

2. Adapting to Vehicle Load and Weight

As you add weight to your truck or 4WD—whether through aftermarket modifications like a lift kit, larger tires, additional gear, or towing heavy loads—your suspension system will need to work harder to maintain stability and comfort.

• Heavier vehicles require a stiffer shim stack to ensure the shocks can handle the extra weight without bottoming out. This is especially important when towing or carrying heavy loads, as a stiffer stack can provide better support for the vehicle’s suspension.

• Lighter setups with less weight benefit from a softer shim stack that allows for greater suspension travel and more comfort over rough terrain. If you’ve modified your truck with lighter parts or reduced weight, adjusting the shim stack for a softer compression and rebound can help improve handling.

By changing or adjusting the internal shim stack, you can maintain a balance of performance and comfort even as your vehicle’s weight and load capacity change.

3. Improving Off-Road Capability

Off-roading requires a suspension system that can handle a wide variety of unpredictable terrains. Whether you’re rock crawling, dune running, or tackling mud pits, shock tuning is essential for ensuring your vehicle handles each challenge effectively.

• Rock Crawling: For slow-speed, technical driving, you'll want a softer shim stack that allows the suspension to absorb small, slow impacts without making the ride too harsh. This setup helps your vehicle’s suspension articulate over rocks, ledges, and uneven terrain while maintaining traction.

• High-Speed Off-Roading: For high-speed driving, such as in desert races or off-road rallies, a stiffer shim stack provides better resistance against larger impacts. This setup prevents bottoming out and maintains stability at higher speeds, allowing you to control the vehicle even in aggressive conditions.

External Adjustability allow you to fine-tune in some cases, both the high-speed and low-speed damping, making them perfect for different off-road situations. But it’s the internal shim setup that provide the ground work needed to optimize off-road performance.

4. Reducing Bounce and Improving Control

Too much rebound or compression can lead to poor vehicle control. If your vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump or obstacle, or if the suspension feels too stiff and unresponsive, it could be due to improper shim tuning.

• By adjusting the rebound shims, you can prevent excessive bounce after compression, helping your vehicle remain stable and controlled during high-speed driving or rough trails.

• Changing the compression shims allows you to fine-tune how the shock absorbs larger impacts, preventing the vehicle from becoming unsettled during rapid compression events like landings or bumps.

Proper shim tuning ensures your truck or 4WD maintains better traction, stability, and control, whether you’re on the highway or navigating tough terrain.

When Should You Consider Internal Shim Changes?

• After Modifying Your Vehicle: If you've added larger tires, a lift kit, or extra weight to your vehicle, internal shim changes will help accommodate the changes in vehicle load and suspension demands.

• Changing Driving Styles: If you shift from casual off-roading to more aggressive driving, such as rock crawling or desert racing, internal shim changes will help adjust the suspension for these more demanding activities.

• Experiencing Ride Issues: If your vehicle is bouncing too much, feeling too stiff, or not handling obstacles well, internal shim changes can help fix these issues and improve overall ride quality.

Conclusion: Unlocking Peak Performance with Shock Tuning and Internal Shim Changes

Shock tuning and internal shim changes are crucial to achieving peak performance from your FOX or King shocks. Whether you need a softer setup for technical off-roading or a stiffer configuration for high-speed racing, adjusting the shim stack and tuning your shocks properly will optimize your vehicle’s suspension system for comfort, control, and durability.

Dannix Suspension has the training, experience and understanding how shock tuning and internal shim changes can significantly enhance your truck or 4WD's performance—whether on or off the road. By tailoring the internal shim stack to your specific driving needs, you'll unlock the full potential of your shocks and enjoy a smoother, more controlled ride across any terrain.

Contact Dannix Suspenion to discuss your needs.