Ali Mansour
Brand Manager, 4WD & Sport Utility
Photographers:
Melvin Wade
The Jeep Wrangler JK is without question the most refined short-wheelbase 4x4 to date and the aftermarket is working hard to make it even better. Though advances in technology are not always easy on your wallet, often times these aftermarket upgrades can significantly increase the performance potential of your 4x4.
Our '08 JK Unlimited was equipped with a 2.5-inch TeraFlex budget boost and 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers on the stock wheels (thanks to some wheel spacers) we were happy with the new stance, but felt the suspension's performance was limited by the factory shocks. To improve our new setup we equipped the four-door with King Shock Technology's 2.5-inch reservoir shocks that feature adjustable compression dials. Designed for the '07-current Jeep Wrangler, these bolt-in performance dampers are intended for the off-road enthusiast looking for more performance and control from their suspension. King also offers similar bolt-in shocks for '97-'06 Wranglers among other models.
For decades King has serviced the off-road world with everything from super-trick triple-bypass shocks and coilovers to air bumps. While the reservoir shock is nothing new to the King lineup the compression dial adjusters are a fresh part of brand new series of factory replacement shocks.
To tune the new 2.5-inch shock you simply spin the aluminum adjustment dial to change the compression valving from soft to firm. The shocks' compression valving is what dampens the upwards motion of the suspension cycle. Need a softer ride in the rocks? Simply turn the dial down. Getting ready to bomb through the desert? Grab a few turns to the firmer settings and you'll be set. With the compression settings ranging from 0-20 there are plenty of tuning options to accommodate all ride critics.
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