Blind Shock Test Part 2: Can Dirt King Take the Lead?

[@brenan_greene]

The effort and dedication that goes into creating something like this is incredible. It's clear that Dirt King's drive to be #1 is unmatched (clearly no other shock company has done this - why?), and it's truly inspiring to watch. Your commitment to excellence is both impressive and deeply appreciated! Keep up the amazing work!

[@dirtking]

Well said!

[@leahystate]

Interesting that Bilstein Scored 3.51 in part one and 3.59 in part two. I'd say that's pretty close to standardized testing. Well done.

[@dirtking]

Thanks! It's awesome to be able to highlight the accuracy of our evaluations and ultimately come out on top. When we tune a new vehicle, we have a development team and an audit team that independently score ride quality. Between the teams their results rarely differ by more than 0.25 of a point per category, with overall scores being extremely close. This process is crucial for benchmarking other shocks and continuously improving our products.

[@dannyv2335]

You guys do some amazing work. Would love to do some suspension upgrades to my Frontier.

[@xguntherc]

We need a part 3 with DK, Bilstein, Icon, and ADS.

[@tsken13]

Would love to see some videos like this on your 2.0 versions! I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on the 4runner I have

[@dirtking]

I agree, we need to make a video for the 2.0s because their performance is phenomenal. They offer amazing comfort on both streets and trails. They’re designed for moderate off-road use rather than prolonged high shaft speed conditions due to their lower oil capacity. For the price and performance of our 2.0 shocks, nothing compares!

[@tsken13]

@dirtking any idea on the durability/life of the shocks? I know they are rebuildable, but what intervals are you seeing?

[@dirtking]

@@tsken13 As a general rule, we recommend servicing the shocks every 30,000 miles.

[@rcmcguire1981]

Who is authorized to service these at this time?

[@dirtking]

@@rcmcguire1981 current authorized companies to service our shocks are Ishock, Down South Motorsports, and Desert Ride Vehicle Dynamics.

[@PortugieDan]

The close scores show an impressive standardized testing, congrats! Are there any plans to release long travel shocks for the Toyota Tacoma? Say 12" or 14" rear shocks? A niche but growing popular option for Toyota Tacoma's.

[@dirtking]

Thanks! Yes, we plan to develop those shocks next year. The goal is to offer a complete Dirt King long travel suspension system with tuned shocks that are ready to go right out of the box.

[@dandro3120]

Bilstein offers great performance and durability. I would like to see how long the Dirt Kings last before needing to be rebuilt

[@dirtking]

Can't argue with that, they make fantastic products. When it comes to Dirt King's durability, we've partnered with a manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, ensuring every component is thoroughly tested and proven. We also use a proprietary oil from Maxima that has great properties for longevity and consistent performance over the long haul.

[@gsizzle45]

@@dirtking what manufacturer?🤔

[@TRS717]

@@gsizzle45Elka.

[@nostrajoshmus]

Was the swaybar left on or removed for testing?

[@dirtking]

@@nostrajoshmus the sway bar was left on the vehicle.

[@stevegarcia3229]

So moving forward any purchase of the DK 2.5 will come with the new updated tune and valve ?

[@dirtking]

Yes that is correct.

[@kamakani8084]

so does this mean all 2.5 shocks moving forward can or will be re-tuned?

[@dirtking]

This video was filmed early in our development process, so a majority of the shocks that have left our facility already feature the updated tune shown in the video. We delayed sharing this video to prioritize meeting demand and maintaining our high-quality standards. Now that our infrastructure is in place, we’re excited to show the hard work we’ve put in.

[@ronnierivas5478]

@@dirtkingWill there be an updated part number for shock with new tune or maybe a product date we should look out for?

[@dirtking]

@@ronnierivas5478 No because this new tune has already been in effect.

[@llamallama4927]

@@dirtkingi really appreciate your guys work ethic. Is there any way we can guarantee we don’t get an older stock from distributors?

[@dirtking]

@@llamallama4927 Thanks for the kind words! You can always email us and we’d be happy to look into it. It’s very unlikely though, as only a small number of the original tune were shipped before we made the improvements.

[@equalempyre2838]

Solid series! Long travel comparison series next?!

[@dirtking]

Thanks and that’s the plan! We’ve got a lot of work ahead, so it might be a little while though.

[@weaponri_]

@@dirtkingall good, I know it’ll be worth the wait. 🤙🏼

[@danohara2211]

Was testing done on other platforms prior to release of shocks? I think you guys should have at least checked all nitrogen pressures, LS/HS settings on resi’s. My foxes out of box were all different. One had 80psi, others 200psi, clickers all different as well. Good job on V2. So free re valves for everyone😂

[@danohara2211]

Next up Chevy and Ford testing😊

[@dirtking]

Yes, we followed a similar process for all our shocks. We chose not to adjust any settings because we wanted to showcase true out-of-the-box results, and we believe it’s the manufacturer’s responsibility to check everything, not the customer’s. This video was filmed early in development, and most shocks in the field already reflect our latest changes. We struggled keeping up with demand early on, so we held off on posting this video until we had the proper infrastructure in place to support our customers and consistently deliver high-quality products.

[@jsclayton]

Great video, awesome to see the iteration. Curious if/how the re-valve changes work their way into shipping shocks? My 2.0s are getting installed today and I'm tickled at the idea that internal improvements could potentially work their way down when it's time for a rebuild.

[@dirtking]

This video was filmed early in our development process and taught us a great deal about optimizing every aspect of our shocks’ performance. All shocks currently shipping feature the latest iteration of valving. If we make updates to the valving or other components in the future, you’ll absolutely have access to those updates during your next rebuild.

[@jsclayton]

@ Even better! Love seeing these sort of nerdy behind the scene details.

[@Mommabink24]

Please do this test with ADS, RADFLO AND RIDE.

[@dirtking]

All great companies that we’ll keep in mind for future videos.

[@liamcan3262]

Wheel every weekend can you sling them a set of billies that you have tweaked?

[@Carlocio308]

Can you guys do another but with dirt king, KING, and ADS shocks

[@drewisenhower3233]

King was compared in part 1

[@dirtking]

Check out our Part 1 blind test video, where we compared Dirt King shocks to King, Fox, and Bilstein. I think ADS and a few other companies would make great contenders for future comparison videos!

[@123devinzz1]

​@@dirtking add icons to that list aswell

[@socalpaul487]

Should add Dobinson MRA into the mix.

[@cpftank09]

What leaf springs were used for these tests? I may have missed that.

[@dirtking]

It has factory leaf springs for these tests.

[@davidallancole8570]

Did you allow Bilstein to adjust their shock as well?

[@dirtking]

This video highlights part of our development process, we did not optimize our shocks just for this test. If a customer orders Dirt King or Bilstein shocks today, this video accurately represents the out-of-the-box performance they can expect.

[@aaronlawrence3127]

you can hear the jounce cutoff in the 8112's, they don't sound like any other shock.

[@sergiojourdan3891]

What does the revalving of the Dirt King cost ?

[@dirtking]

Please send an email to [e-mail] with details about what you're trying to achieve and we’ll be happy to assist you!

[@cedricwilson1335]

Will you guys be making a long travel version for the tacoma and or the 12-14 shock for the relocation

[@dirtking]

Yes we plan to have those available late next year🤘

[@jase1911]

I'm really curious why you guys didn't include icons in this test 1& 2 and also why you didn't do the adjusted version of the Kings and the fox shocks...?😢

[@dirtking]

We included the shocks we sold most often before launching our own line. We didn’t adjust the King or Fox shocks because the goal was to show how they perform out of the box, just like a customer would experience. The second video only compared against the top shock from the first test to focus on improving our product. Video 2 highlights part of our development process, where we continuously refine our shocks to ensure the best performance possible. The level of performance shown is exactly what you can expect from our shocks today.

[@FattBoiSteven]

I was very interested in buying the dirt kings for a 5th gen 4Runner. But what rear spring do you guys recommend to run with these?

[@dirtking]

For optimal performance we recommend using the OEM rear coils because our tuning is designed around them. If you’re looking for increased ride height or additional carrying capacity, OME or Eibach coils are great options.

[@jro6497]

So only the dirt kinds for reworked? Will this now be the out of the box setting for future Tacomas?

[@dirtking]

This video was filmed early on, so this tune has been in effect. All Tacoma shocks that we ship today offer this same level of performance. The Bilsteins were left unaltered to ensure an unbiased, out-of-the-box comparison.

[@TheArthrighteous]

So did you also allow Bilstein to opportunity to retune? Kind of makes me question what if this was truly blind and all retune where would they all land?

[@dirtking]

Any shock manufacturer has the potential to rank at the top, it all depends on the experience, time, and effort invested in the product. We’ve spent weeks perfecting this application to deliver this level of performance, reflecting the dedication behind our development process. What you see in this video is exactly what our customers receive. If every manufacturer commits to this level of effort, the bar will be raised and ultimately the customer wins.

[@TheArthrighteous]

@ True. Appreciate the hardwork!

[@harrisongough6663]

Do you guys plan on making a long travel coil over? Something over the ~5” stroke oem replacement coil overs? Thanks

[@dirtking]

Yes, and we can't wait to get that project started! These shocks will be developed specifically for our long travel kits. At the moment we do not plan to make universal standard-length shocks, there's already several manufacturers doing a great job in that space. If we're going to do something we want to be the best at it, which is why we’ve chosen this direction.

[@cyrusortiz-luis291]

This is cool but how will this translate to a different vehicle? Will it need to be tested and then revalved to get the results you achieved?

[@dirtking]

Our 2.5 DCA shocks can be installed on a Tacoma and will deliver the same level of performance as shown here, with no additional tuning required.

[@GilBo10]

Will you say this test is qualify for tundra shocks comparison as well ?

[@dirtking]

Our standards and development process is the same across all models, so I feel confident that our Tundra shocks would rank among the best for that vehicle as well. I’ve seen several comments about other manufacturers that would be great to feature in future videos.

[@drewsapp8985]

Was the Bilstein not revalved as well?

[@dirtking]

No we did not modify the Bilstein shocks. The purpose of this blind test was to develop best-in-class shocks. Once we achieved that goal, the updated tune became the standard for Dirt King 2.5 shocks for the Tacoma. Since this video was filmed early in our development process most shocks that have already left our facility feature this updated tune. We delayed posting the video until we had the proper infrastructure in place to meet demand and continue providing excellent customer support.

[@drewsapp8985]

@@dirtkingunderstood. Thanks for the clarification. Awesome job!

[@forestbourland6870]

Will y’all make 12” and 14” smooth body shocks for Tacoma rear

[@dirtking]

Yes we plan to R&D those in 2025!

[@smac.]

what was tire size and wheel offsets for the truck in the test? 265/75R16?

[@dirtking]

285/70/17 on a 17x8.5 0 offset wheel.

[@smac.]

@@dirtking thank you!

[@Mikephx528]

Are the 2.0 and 2.5 shocks adjustable while installed on the truck?

[@dirtking]

Yes preload is adjustable on the vehicle, although using a spring compressor is ideal. When adjusting on the vehicle ensure when the adding preload that the coil nut is spinning and not the top cap or the shock will leak. Also ensure there’s slight tension on the set screw to prevent the coil nut from loosening too much during adjustment and skipping threads.

[@Mikephx528]

@ thanks so much for the reply

[@justinhoman1593]

These videos make me want to choose you guys when the time comes to lift my 4g taco!

[@dirtking]

We’re excited to get our 4 gen Tacoma shocks on the market. Our setup makes the truck look great and perform even better!

[@justinhoman1593]

@@dirtkingi cant wait to se em! If yall need another development/test truck give me a hollar

[@walt3r88]

Will this become standard valving?

[@dirtking]

Yes, this has already become our standard valving. This video was filmed early in development so these changes have been in effect for awhile.

[@sce22dg]

Do you offer this for a 2019 f150 4wd??

[@dirtking]

Sorry, no we don't currently offer shocks for the F-150s

[@sce22dg]

@dirtking is it in the works? Hard to believe you would miss out marketing for the most sold truck in America

[@dirtking]

@@sce22dg as of right now no, our F-150 products rank towards the bottom for our suspension popularity so we're focusing on models that are more popular for us.

[@jro6497]

Also when is a super duty coilover coming out??????

[@dirtking]

Unfortunately no time soon. Our focus is on half ton trucks at the moment.

[@juniorafrica8756]

Surprising results. If no changes were made to the Bilstein you’d think the results with that damper would be the same as rest 1 but it went from “this is the bench mark damper” to its “not bad” 🤔

[@dirtking]

If you look at the overall ratings, they’re very consistent. Bilstein scored 3.51 in blind test part one and 3.59 in part two. In part one we went in confident that we had the best shocks, only to find Bilstein set the benchmark. The same applies here, expectations change when directly compared to something better.

[@juniorafrica8756]

@@dirtkingit is not the “score” I am referring too but more the commentary… Commentary was quite a bit different from part 1 to part 2 on the Bilstein product. Super impressed on video 1 but video 2 just seemed predictable IMO…

[@thatoneguysixtynine]

Commentary is irrelevant and quite honestly doesn't mean shit considering that's not the determining factor here as they have a score that rated them better than the first video. What are you complain about? Seems like you're just reaching bud. What they say for 2 seconds is trivial, look at the numbers.

[@juniorafrica8756]

@ commentary is a lot when your verbal review of something differs greatly on a product that received no changes! Hard to believe a review when it clearly turned biased. No change in one big changes in another and the verbal review goes from “bench mark damper” to “it’s not bad” You seem to be upset about my option yet have a strong one of your own? Don’t like what I say you know what you can do 🫡

[@thatoneguysixtynine]

@@juniorafrica8756 Commentary isn't a lot in this case what are you saying? That's not the determining factor as to how the shocks are rated, do you need that spelled out? lol They could say anything about them, it does not change the NUMBERS that RATE them...what are you not understanding about that? The numbers are literally better than the previous video and you're taking 2 seconds of commentary and using that to justify whatever god knows you're trying to complain about. You make no sense in context to how these shocks are actually being rated. Do you lack common sense or do you just like to complain? Because why aren't you complaining about the numbers being higher than the previous video as that is the determining factor here? Genuinely ask yourself that why is a 2 second section of commentary your go to rather than their score increasing?...you're bothered by a 2 second statement change that has no accountable impact on scoring rather than the actual score going up for them. If it clearly "turned bias" why did their score increase? Taking those simple facts into consideration you just sound like a winy kid looking for any reason to complain on social media lol I don't have a strong opinion, I'm stating facts there's a complete difference, your ignorance is hindering you from seeing that, dude. Stating facts doesn't mean someone's upset, any grown adult knows that.

[@sheephead3]

Turn up the high speed compression knob on the bilstein to get rid of the unwanted “movement” off-road. Easy fix

[@dirtking]

The great thing about both of these shocks is their ability to be adjusted to suit your preferences. We didn’t dive into adjustments in this video because demonstrating how each adjustment improves one area while impacting another would have made the video hours long!

[@123devinzz1]

​@dirtking i was kind of hoping you guys would of taken advantage of those adjustments tbh. especially with the adjustable bottom and top out control on the bilstein. ride could have been greatly improved. id gladly sit down for an hour long video getting the best performance with these coilovers without revalving

[@dirtking]

​@@123devinzz1 The goal of this test was to provide an unbiased, out-of-the-box comparison of each shock’s baseline performance. Making adjustments during testing could have compromised the blind aspect because evaluators might recognize the brands, potentially introducing bias. Additionally it would have been difficult to fairly represent each brand’s adjustments within the time constraints of the Part 1 and Part 2 blind comparison videos. That said, we understand the value of demonstrating how adjustments can improve performance and are considering dedicating a future video to that topic.

[@123devinzz1]

@dirtking yea i understood that much to test them outa the box. but for a part 3 it would of been neat to see whats possible to achieve with their adjustments while technically still being an out of the box shock.

[@ProneToRome]

@@dirtking I’m with these guys. I’ve bought 4 pairs of high end shocks, two being FOX and every single one of them was adjusted differently. I’d love to see all these shocks adjusted to their best performance and then re-valve them and compare. While you make a great product, feels a little biased when re-valving your own brand and not even touching the adjustments available. Have a knowledge shock tuner (3rd party) set them and then you drive them. Theres gotta be a fair way to squeeze all the performance out of them to compare.

[@mikeleggiero2524]

need some bronco stuff

[@brodoze5500]

I noticed you guys aren’t offering 700 pounds springs for the front which is a huge miss. I looked into see what pricing was and no options listed for this. Also you guys should toss icon in the test since I feel it’s the most hated company yet when they are blind tested they always finish in the top three. Also accu tunes ride rs would be great since they are never included in any test I have seen yet

[@dirtking]

Our Tacoma shocks come standard with 700lb springs, though I see your point because our website doesn’t specify that detail. While Icon and Accutune's Ride Shocks weren’t featured in our blind test videos, we’ve tested both on our course. They would exceed customer expectations by our standards but fall short of the Bilsteins. Accutune offered excellent compliance on small to medium inputs but lacked body control. Similar to King in blind test part one, the front end bottomed out at the dip, which is unusual since it’s typically the rear that struggles in that area. However, this wasn’t a direct comparison, as the test vehicle had RXT rear leafs and aftermarket rear bump stops. Icon performed very well overall but struggled with rear bottom-out control.

[@brodoze5500]

@ that’s awesome you guys tested them as well. Thanks for giving an actual useful response and I hope to see more tests in the future

[@JPM788212]

That’s great and all but seeking out your shocks for my F-150 is nonexistent. You guys stopped making stuff for them in 2020. Even if you had 2023 stuff it would have fit my 2025 CC FX4 Powerboost. I think you guys need to work on catching up making stuff for the newer Ford trucks. Which leaves me to going with Bilstein 8112s and some Elevate upper control arms. Would have been nice to of given your shocks and struts a shot, but I need a product to use first. Great video and review for the Yota guys though.

[@dirtking]

I completely agree. This has been a major focus internally as we set our priorities for this year. We’re dedicating a lot of resources to improving our product development process and addressing the growing pains that come with expansion. Our goal is to ensure a solid foundation and keep our growing team aligned so we can continue delivering quality performance products while covering more of the newer vehicles.

[@ericcontreras4030]

But would dirt king revalve a customers shock?

[@dirtking]

If it’s our shock and you’re requesting an updated tune, then absolutely. However, that’s the extent of the tuning services we offer due to the complexity of the process. Developing a tune typically takes about two weeks and involves a minimum of five team members throughout the process.

[@ericcontreras4030]

@ awesome thanks for the reply. I can’t wait to run your guys shocks on my fourth gen Tacoma.

[@generalmayhem4614]

Did you know when the rear didnt sit right in the dirt that you were on the Bilsteins? Shopping for your DK shocks for my F150 right now.

[@dirtking]

They did not know until the end which shocks they were driving. As for the F150s unfortunately we have not developed shocks for that application yet.

[@Marco_diaz928]

Yoooooo

[@Rozay_300]

who makes the dirt king shocks ?

[@dirtking]

They're designed by Dirt King in California and manufactured by Elka in Canada.

[@jro6497]

So only the dirt kinds for reworked? Will this now be the out of the box setting for future Tacomas?

[@dirtking]

Yes, only the Dirt King shocks were reworked for this test as part of our ongoing development process. The updated tune shown in the video is now the standard out-of-the-box tune for all our 2.5 shocks for Tacomas. This video was filmed early in the development process, so most shocks already in the field feature this updated tune.

[@jro6497]

@ that’s awesome. I love dirt king. My best friend has a very nice 2015 Tacoma with a DK long travel and Innov8s he bothers y’all all the time lol. Logan

[@dirtking]

​@@jro6497 We appreciate the support! That truck is rad. Haha he's not bothering us, we're always happy to talk with customers and fellow enthusiasts.