Best Off Road Suspension

‍Find the perfect off-road suspension that suits your needs and take your adventure to the next level with our top recommendations.

The best off-road suspension is the Fox 2.5 Factory Series Reservoir, King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series, Bilstein 5100 Series, Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5, and Old Man Emu BP-51. They offer unmatched stability in various environments, making them ideal for conquering rough terrains.

Drawing on years of experience, extensive research, and real-world testing, I bring you the most reliable and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions when it comes to upgrading or modifying your off-road vehicle's suspension system.

‍The Best Off-road Suspension

Off-road suspensions are essential to off-road vehicles, and choosing the best one can make a huge difference in your driving experience. There are several factors to consider when selecting the perfect suspension system for your vehicle.

These factors include spring rates. Springs are responsible for supporting the weight of your off-road vehicle and absorbing shocks from rough terrain. It's important to choose springs that are appropriate for your vehicle's weight and intended use.

Another critical factor is the quality and design of the shocks. Adjustable dampers can improve off-road performance by allowing you to fine-tune the compression and rebound to match the terrain. Long-travel shocks are also essential for off-road suspension as they allow the wheels to move more freely and absorb more impact.

Also, the durability and strength of the suspension components are important factors. These components include skid plates and armor that protect your suspension from damage caused by rocks, sticks, and other obstacles.

Lastly, the suspension tuning should prioritize stability and predictability, as these factors are critical for a safe and comfortable off-road experience.

1. Fox 2.5 Factory Series Reservoir

Off-roading enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the best suspension upgrades that provide improved control, ride quality, and performance. The Fox 2.5 Factory Series Reservoir shocks from the top suspension manufacturers have proven to be an excellent choice that ticks all of these boxes.

Specifications

Their smooth body shocks feature a 2.5" smooth bore zinc plated seamless steel body, direct-fit replacement design, and an external reservoir.

These fox shocks provide improved damping performance, ensuring a smoother ride. In addition, they have quality leveling kits that raise the vehicle’s height to match the rear.

Performance

These high-performance shock absorber systems are designed to provide exceptional performance in off-road driving conditions. They deliver superior handling, comfort, and durability for off-road vehicles, resulting in a smoother and better ride.

They have a larger 2.5-inch diameter shock body that provides increased oil volume, which results in better cooling and more consistent damping performance. Also, it increases the shock's piston size, which allows for greater oil displacement, resulting in improved stability and control over tougher trails.

Additionally, their external reservoir allows for additional oil capacity, which helps prevent shock fade during extended use. This helps maintain consistent performance in challenging driving conditions.

Also, they are fully adjustable, which allows for customized tuning to suit your driving style and the terrain you're driving on. The compression and rebound damping can be adjusted to fine-tune the suspension's performance, providing a smoother ride and improved handling.

What Sets it Apart

These suspensions remain unique due to the combination of race-proven technology, cutting-edge features, and excellent damping performance. They provide extra reservoir capacity for increased cooling, reducing the risk of overheating during rigorous off-road driving.

Recent Updates

In the past few years, Fox has been improving its products, implementing customer feedback and research findings. The latest Fox 2.5 Factory Series shock updates include even better heat dissipation, adjustment capabilities, and further refined performance.

Benefits

• Improved damping performance.
• Enhanced ride quality.
• Increased reservoir capacity for better cooling.
• Smooth body design for easy installation.

Drawbacks

• High price point.
• It may be overkill for casual off-roaders.

Who Should Buy It

These suspensions are best suited for off-road enthusiasts who demand top-notch performance, ride quality, and durability from their suspension systems. If you indulge in extreme off-road adventures, these shocks should definitely be on your radar.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase Fox 2.5 Factory Series Reservoir shocks directly from Fox's official website or through authorized dealers. Always make sure to purchase from a credible source to ensure authenticity and warranty coverage.

2. King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series

King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series is one of the best off-road suspensions from a great quality brand. With this suspension upgrade on your vehicle, you are in for an unparalleled off-road experience.

Specifications

They feature 2.5-inch diameter shock bodies, providing more oil capacity and improved heat dissipation when compared to standard off-road shocks. These shocks come with various options, such as Ford F150 2.5 Performance Series Shocks and Toyota Tundra 2.5 Performance Series Shocks.

Also, they have high-quality lift and leveling kits that enhance vehicle handling in a rough country.

Performance

These high-quality shocks are custom-tuned to provide superior performance and ride quality levels. Each lift kit undergoes thorough real-world testing to ensure the development of an optimal damping curve and spring rate designed specifically for your vehicle.

What Sets it Apart

Its custom tuning capabilities and impressive build quality distinguish this suspension from other suspensions. It’s designed and manufactured using advanced technology, ensuring that your investment stands the test of time.

Recent Updates

King Shocks launched the 2.5 Remote Reservoir Coilover Kit for 2010+ Toyota 4Runners with the KDSS sway bar system, further expanding their product lineup and providing more options for demanding truck and Jeep enthusiasts. You can find more information on this update on the King Shocks' official website.

Benefits

• Enhanced vehicle stability.
• Improved ride quality.
• Increased suspension travel.
• Custom tuning for optimal performance.

Drawbacks

• Potentially higher price point when compared to other off-road suspensions.

Who Should Buy It

If you are an off-road enthusiast seeking to significantly upgrade your vehicle's suspension system for better performance and reliability, the King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series is an excellent choice.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase King Shocks 2.5 Performance Series products from authorized dealers such as 4 Wheel Parts.

3. Bilstein 5100 Series

If you're searching for a suspension upgrade that blends smooth on-road driving with reliable off-road performance, look no further than the Bilstein 5100 series. Usually,  top-tier off-road suspensions strike a balance between comfort and capability, and the Bilstein 5100 series is no exception.

Specifications

They feature monotube gas shocks that have been designed and tuned specifically for your vehicle, providing a tailored solution for lifted off-road trucks and vehicles with larger tires and wheels. These shock absorbers have quality suspension kits that offer excellent off-road performance and are suitable for vehicle lifts up to 3 inches.

Performance

Combining off-road dependability with smooth on-road driving, these suspensions offer an exceptional balance for a wide range of driving conditions. The monotube construction allows for consistent damping performance even under extreme use, ensuring optimal driving behavior and longevity.

What Sets it Apart

Unlike other suspensions, the Bilstein 5100 series has a vehicle-specific design, which means each shock absorber is tested and tuned to your particular vehicle. This ensures unmatched performance and reliability, making it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Recent Updates

With years of experience, Bilstein continues to make improvements to its products, ensuring the most up-to-date technology and suspension design features are incorporated into the 5100 series shocks for enhanced performance and reliability.

Benefits

• Exceptional off-road and on-road performance.
• Vehicle-specific design and tuning.
• Long-lasting durability.
• Compatibility with lifted vehicles and larger wheels/tires.

Drawbacks

• It may not be suitable for extreme off-roading or aggressive driving styles.
• Compatibility is limited to vehicles with lifts up to 3 inches.

Who Should Buy It

It’s a good suspension system ideal for off-road enthusiasts seeking a balanced suspension upgrade designed specifically for their vehicle make and model. It’s especially recommended for drivers of lifted vehicles and those with larger wheels and tires.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers from various retailers and auto parts distributors. Check compatibility with your vehicle and find a retailer through the BILSTEIN Off-Road website to get started on upgrading your suspension system.

4. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5

Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 suspensions are an excellent choice for Jeep enthusiasts seeking a high-quality product. They are known for exceptional ride quality and off-road performance.

Specifications

This fully adjustable suspension type offers ride height adjustments, allowing for 2.5 inches of front lift and 2.25 inches of rear lift, depending on the vehicle model. The coil springs feature remote reservoirs for superior cooling, allowing for consistent performance even in extreme off-roading conditions.

Performance

It delivers exceptional performance on and off-road. It offers improved suspension travel and optimized damping to provide a smoother ride and enhanced control over rough terrain.

What Sets it Apart

This suspension stands out among competitors due to its precision-manufactured, custom-valved remote reservoir coilover shocks, designed to yield maximum travel while providing a smoother ride and excellent suspension performance. This sets the system apart from more basic suspension systems without compromising reliability or durability.

Recent Updates

Some recent updates to the Stage 5 suspension system include compatibility with the new 2023 Ford Bronco. These updates ensure that the system remains relevant and compatible with the latest off-road trucks, making it a future-proof investment for Ford and Jeep enthusiasts.

Benefits

• Ensures a smoother ride.
• Increased suspension travel.
• Customizable ride height.
• Compatibility with various vehicle models.
• Superior suspension performance.

Drawbacks

• Higher price point compared to more basic suspension systems.
• Possibility of increased maintenance requirements due to its advanced features.

Who Should Buy It

Off-road enthusiasts looking for a high-performance suspension system to improve their ride quality, handling, and overall off-roading experience will benefit from the Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 suspension system.

Where to Buy It

Interested in purchasing the Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 suspension system for your off-road adventures? You can find the system at various online retailers such as Amazon.

5. Old Man Emu BP-51

Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension system is one of the best off-road suspensions available in the market today. Built by the experts at ARB, it offers both impressive performance and durability for various off-road conditions.

Specifications

It’s a high-quality suspension that offers a 51mm (2.0″) shock piston with internal bypass technology, pushing the outside diameter to almost 3″. Additionally, this system comes equipped with remote reservoirs all around.

Its shocks are adjustable for rebound and compression, offering true race technology off-road and well-mannered behaviors for daily applications.

Performance

After being installed and tested in various terrains, such as mud, sand, snow, and rocks, this  suspension system has proven to provide exceptional performance. Its vehicle-specific design ensures a tailored fit and easy installation, requiring no additional vehicle modifications.

What Sets it Apart

This high-quality suspension system sets itself apart through its incorporation of internal bypass technology, which allows for improved off-road handling and a smooth ride on everyday terrain. Its internal bypass ensures progressive resistance during shock compression, providing excellent ground clearance and handling characteristics in different compression zones.

Recent Updates

Newer versions of the Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension system have seen improvements in shock technology and fitment options, ensuring compatibility with various vehicle models.

Benefits

• High-performance off-road capabilities.
• Ensures a smooth ride.
• Adjustable compression and rebound.
• Easy installation.
• Vehicle-specific fit.

Drawbacks

• It's priced on the higher end and may not fit within everyone's budget.

Who Should Buy It

If you're an off-road enthusiast seeking a high-performance suspension system that offers a balance between off-road prowess and on-road manners, the Old Man Emu BP-51 is an excellent choice.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension system from the official Old Man Emu website, authorized dealers, or off-road parts retailers in your area.