King Shock Rebuild Instructions (Full Length) by Shock Service, LLC

Step-by-step instructions for rebuilding King shocks and other high-performance shocks by Shock Service, LLC located in Boulder, Colorado. || Expand Description For Section Links:
👉 For a complete list of shock service tools along with links on where to get them, visit:
www.crawlpedia...
👉 We recommend Filthy Motorsports for King Shock parts:
www.filthymoto...
Website: www.ShockServic...
Facebook: / shockservice
Instagram: / shockservicellc
Jump To Section:
1. Remove Reservoir End Cap - 2:18
2. Check Internal Floating Piston (IFP) Depth - 5:27
3. Remove Wiper Cap - 7:02
4. Remove Shaft Retainer / Seal Cap Retaining Ring - 10:07
5. Remove Shaft Assembly - 12:14
6. Remove Misalignment Spacers - 15:28
7: Remove Bearing From Rod End - 18:32
8: Install New Bearing - 20:30
9: Disassemble Shaft Assembly - 22:55
10: Rebuild Wiper Cap and Seal Cap / Shaft Retainer - 26:03
11: Shock Shaft Inspection and Repair - 32:17
12: Reassemble Shock Shaft Assembly - 34:34
13: Remove Reservoir IFP - 37:20
14: Reinstall Reservoir IFP / Check Max IFP Depth - 40:26
15: Add Shock Oil and Remove Air Bubbles - 42:55
16: Install Shaft Assembly - 44:30
17: Verify IFP Positioning - 46:40
18: Correctly Insert Seal Cap / Shaft Retainer - 47:35
19: Install Seal Cap Retaining Ring - 49:13
20: Install Reservoir End Cap and Set Wiper Cap - 50:00
21: Pressurize Shock with Nitrogen - 51:16
22: Tighten Wiper Cap and Set Screw - 51:58
23: Pressure Test - 52:20
24: Final Inspection - 53:14
DISCLAIMER: This video is strictly for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any and all shock servicing must only be performed by a professional with proper safety equipment worn at all times. Imitation or the use of any acts depicted in this video is solely at your own risk. Shock Service, LLC and KZbin will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your shocks resulting from attempting anything shown in this or any of our videos.
Copyright 2019, Shock Service, LLC

[@anthonporten]

I'm high as hell, stumbled across this video, had no need to rebuild a shock, and 10 minutes later I'm still here just mesmerized by this amazing video. In all seriousness this video is phenomenal. I wish I had teachers like you when I was a kid.

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it! You might enjoy our latest video, too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5e6aJyeqrSJm7c

[@deanword6500]

This is extremely well produced and very informative. Using a large off-road unit makes it a whole lot easier to see the piston porting and shims than a sports car shock.

[@zombieqtr]

Thanks so much, Ben!, I learned an absolute ton of information from this video. Your time and efforts are very much appreciated!

[@ShockService]

I'm so glad to hear it, thank you!

[@danysperez-carrillo6630]

Thanks for posting, you saved me 700$ worth of service. I literally went to the home depot/ hardware store bought 20$ seals, synthetic engine oil, and my struts perform excellent. Thanks again

[@aidanzollner5101]

This helped me rebuild my snowmobile shocks, I couldn't have done it without you, thanks, Ben!

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it, thank you for watching!

[@deltaracingteam5424]

I just rebuilded my king shocks here in Argentina. All your info was very helpfull. Thanks

[@ShockService]

I'm so glad to hear it!!

[@angellastragarcia4018]

Congrats, nice to see someone really knowing what he is doing

[@ShockService]

Thank you for watching!

[@11bc34]

Extremely well explained. Nice job on explaining what you are doing and the tools being used. Will definitely recommend to friends trying to do their own rebuild.

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it, thank you!

[@scrutton66]

Appreciate the info on how to remove the misalignment spacers (at the 16 minute mark)!

[@majerrahim]

Ben thank you so much for all videos. Been learning a lot

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it!

[@eddylee587]

Excellent R/R video. Great explanation and detail! Thx Ben!!

[@mariuspurnama4623]

Learn a lot from this video. Thanks Ben... Happy Holidays...

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it, thank you!

[@MrCdrant]

Filthy is the best, wish you guys shipped to Canada. Solid content!

[@Dr.cynthiabrandt2016]

Hey Ben Stuart here in Naples Florida using the acct of my wife here on youtube awesome video now I know so much more about King shocks they seem to be really well made I look forward to buying a set from you soon.

[@Dr.cynthiabrandt2016]

WELL DONE BEN.

[@redlinerjetta]

Nice Video! Watched in preparation of a King rebuild and actually learned a bit more compared to the Fox rebuilds I'm familiar with.

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it, thank you for watching and sharing!

[@EnglertRacing96]

Motorcycle trick. Hit the shaft with a dead blow to crack the compression shims, if you dont the compression port is full of air under the shim

[@ShowMeThePony]

Such an awesome video! Thank you Ben!

[@ShockService]

Glad to hear it, thank you!

[@fabriziofabroni5106]

Very professional, compliments!

[@ShockService]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kirkdunn1379]

very well done Ben!

[@joefussy11]

Great content!! All ur videos are so well explained, u deserve more of a following

[@ShockService]

Thank you so much!

[@ktscustoms]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@gooseberry769]

Amazing video. Thanks

[@ShockService]

Thank you!

[@wanderingfrenchie]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge. Very helpful !

[@ShockService]

You are very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@TheCortez714]

When you're setting the depth on the internal floating piston, are you putting measuring tape on the center of the piston or on the edge lip?

[@PoliticallyCensored]

Brilliant! Thank you so much for the lesson!

[@ShockService]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@valkoriont2061]

Very great informative video I loved my old setup on my previous vehicle now working on a new build happy to say I will be buying more kings from you guys very soon.

[@imtiazkhan2049]

Very nice, thank you very much for what you said.

[@ShockService]

Always welcome, thank you for watching!

[@faroughradin2624]

Thank you sir 🙏

[@flyndoug4547]

Amazing video. INFORMATIVE and interesting. All your videos are this way! I will be contacting you in next couple weeks to help me outfit my 2018 F150.

[@daniilshahov5014]

Good Job 👍

[@ShockService]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@rcamacho67]

if i lower the nitrogen pressure will make my shocks softer?

[@drift199]

thanks ben. we want to see how to calculate revalving shims

[@ShockService]

That takes years of experience and can't be taught in a video beyond very simple examples. For a valving consultation, please contact us.

[@ericrenstrom6430]

Great informative video. You're very knowledgeable. I'd be interested in seeing you rebuild front shocks from a Funco sandcar....they have an airbag attached

[@ShockService]

Great suggestion, if one ever comes through the shop we will be sure to film it.

[@thomasparaguay]

Great video! thanks!!!

[@xThundersZ]

Excellent Video! Subscribed now! Just wanted to know how rebuilding works so that when I drop my MCS Coilvers to a shop. I get to ask them some questions

[@ShockService]

So glad to hear it, thank you for subscribing!

[@daveprototype6079]

Great video New subscriber Cheers

[@ShockService]

Thank you, so glad to hear it!

[@trailraiders6350]

Great video. Thank you. Thinking of rebuilding my coilovers. Is the process the same?

[@IAnonymousl]

can you make a video with a coilover 2.5 king shock spring removal?

[@wayneboehm8139]

Good video thanks ...FYI can you do video on Tacoma 05 and up would be helpful when you guys get a chance Good video 🍻😎👍🏻

[@alexmill1776]

This is a fantastic video Ben. Thanks for putting this information out. Would you be able to do a video on breaking down a King coil-over shock? I figure that once the coil is off, the process is very similar.

[@JacobMueting]

Just did it with my front coil-overs. Exact same thing except for needing a spring compressor. I got it off Amazon, only one or 2 that will work for king coilovers

[@alexmill1776]

@@JacobMueting thanks for that info! Which compressor did you go with? Did you feel safe using it?

[@Fearless-fabrication]

Great video! Do you have any videos on rebuilding king air shocks?? Thanks in advance!

[@ShockService]

Thank you for the suggestion. The process is very similar, however, the oil volume is measured out precisely.

[@fabriziofabroni5106]

HI, thanks for this video, i have the same shock absorbers on my land cruiser j8, can I measure the pressure from the valve of the tanks with a normal air pressure gauge?

[@ShockService]

Yes, as long as the gauge is rated for 200-300 PSI.

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Thank you Ben I have a class 8 truck and have roading shocks I need them rebuilt.2ould you be willing to rebuild them . I am sure you know reading went out of business. Thank you

[@ShockService]

We'd be happy to! Please email me at [e-mail]

[@Vicky-Hoang]

Tks bro

[@esequielalvarado8745]

Thanks Ben For All Your Information But Where Can ,t I Get The Seals Kit For The Bilstein Shock 5160 With Reservoir? Same That You Fixed but With Out Agustmet.

[@ShockService]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Bilstein parts are very hard to source, you may need to special order them through a vendor like Summit Racing.

[@stepansurikov8454]

Hello from Russia🖐️

[@ShockService]

Welcome!

[@rroche0123]

Ben thanks for a great video! If I want to adjust the angle of my high pressure line fittings, do I need to release the Nitrogen pressure from the remote reservoir first?

[@ShockService]

Great question, typically not. NPT fittings can be rotated but they will require significant force and should only be turned clockwise if possible (but avoid stripping the threads). ORB fittings have an o-ring and can be rotated without loosing oil or pressure. JIC/AN fittings need to be "cracked" loose just about enough to rotate the fitting before being tightened back down. It is common for a drop or two of oil to come out, even when done correctly, but this is not something to be concerned about.

[@whitenite007]

Hey, I ordered bushings and misalignment spacers. Are the spacers supposed to fit inside the bushing easily? Do they have to be pressed in? I can't fit them in by hand and am worried I got the wrong size.

[@secretsquirrel572]

I’m considering buying a set of Carli King Pintop shocks for my F350. Can you tell me what the average miles between rebuilds? I think you mentioned 50,000 to 100,000. Also, I tow a fifth wheel but I have airbags to assist with the load. Will this affect the life of the shocks? I ran ICON before and they require a rebuild at 20,000 miles… sometimes less. Horrible shocks in my opinion. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[@ShockService]

Every application is different but, in general, we would want to see service between 50k and 100k miles of average use.

[@secretsquirrel572]

@@ShockService that’s great. I do mostly highway driving with a little off-road here and there. Thanks for the info.

[@stepansurikov8454]

Спасибо друг👍🤝😎

[@shakurrivera7473]

hello, the shaft spacer on my shock cant be remove, what should i do?

[@ShockService]

I'm assuming this is an external shaft spacer. Use some heat and once the spacer expands, spray some WD-40 around the shaft, you should be able to work it loose. If not, remove the rod end and then tap it off that direction.

[@shakurrivera7473]

​@@ShockService thank you, heat really work.

[@billturner1960]

Very informative Ben and great job with your comprehensive content. Just curious as to whether or not King, or your firm, offers stainless Schrader fittings as well as stainless fittings for the Aeroquip plumbing from the shock to the reservoir,, If they do hopefully it's of the 316L variety, marine grade and not just 304, "exterior". Please advise at your convenience. Thank you and am looking forward to visiting with you on my Ram 3500 4X 6.7. Regards,,

[@billturner1960]

Oh, also,,,are the shafts as well available in stainless steel and if so, what grade,,,, Lastly, are King shafts solid or hollow,,,,

[@tylaroverturf]

How does rebuilding a coilover with a internal floating piston differ? I have the King OEM coilovers for my 3rd gen 4runner and would like to rebuild/revalve them.

[@Payton-Wu]

Hello about King Shocks Shock Fluid , Can I use other brands of shock oil ? if possible Is that 5w or 10w

[@ShockService]

Yes, most medium (10W) shock oils will work great.

[@fisherman.65]

Nice and very helpful video. Can you give advice about measuring floating piston deep. In first time of rebuilding I'm not measure deep of sitting piston. And now feel incorrect work of shocks. I understand that length of reservoir cylinder may different than yours, but I think that correct position - to shock to shrader valve. Thanks for any advice.

[@ShockService]

This is covered in section 17 of this video: Verify IFP Positioning - 46m 40s

[@ryank5373]

I am rebuilding my Icon 2.5 w/ reservoir shocks and this was very helpful. Before this video, there wasn't much help on rebuilding a remote shock. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. It answered several questions that I had. Do you offer rebuild services for Icon shocks? How about the revalving and revalving consultations for Icon?

[@ShockService]

Thanks for watching, so glad to hear it! At the moment we only service King shocks but may expand into other brands in the future. Cheers!

[@6pR9MK]

Trying to find the correct spanner wrench to purchase, what's the part number of the one you're using?

[@ShockService]

Stanley Proto JC482 Adjustable Spanner Wrench 2" x 3/16" Pin amzn.to/3hJWN64

[@andrewmowry6883]

Does the piston have to be fully extended when getting the air out of the system just before pushing shaft retainer i to the cavity? If not, how do i know if there is enough fluid in the system if the piston is down in the cavity filling the cavity with its own “piston volume.”

[@ShockService]

Not necessarily, but the higher it is the more oil gets moved to the reservoir to set the IFP.

[@patg.7063]

have you done teardowns of some cheaper shocks/coilovers on the market today? rc vertex, icon, bds dsc

[@cjmuelle1]

Ben, I am familiar with rebuilding WP, Showa, KYB shocks on dirt bikes and vacuum bleeding before nitrogen charging is nearly required. Is there something unique about King shocks that doesn’t necessitate vacuum bleeding or is that still best practice?

[@ShockService]

Vacuum bleeding is optional as the design allows for easy bleeding on most off-road shocks like these. For more complicated shocks or unique configurations we do use a vacuum bleeder.

[@cjmuelle1]

Thanks for the reply. If I may one additional clarifying question. And that is because for example even a non Bypass 2.5 reservoir shock doesn’t contain any valve stack between the reservoir and the shock body.

[@K1ngDre-DMZ]

How often should you rebuild?

[@maxmax3568]

Excellent video! What thickness of oil do they use generally in these? Is it worth to change the oil thickness before start to play with the shim packs?

[@badassjeep1]

How much fluid is normal used in a 2.5 Resi. Rebuild ? 14 inch travel

[@wymansmith9101]

I got a problem. I’m running some icon piggy back shocks. One of the reservoir body’s is pretty damaged. But I can’t unscrew the reservoir from the piggy back fitting. So I can’t compress the end cap to remove the body. Any suggestions? The body is spinning on the end cap attached bracket/fitting.

[@HawaiiSneakerheads]

If you replace the remote reservoir hose.. will oil/nitrogen start to leak? Is it difficult to replace the hose?

[@ShockService]

Yes, oil would leak if you remove the hose. To properly replace or repair a reservoir hose the shock must me opened and drained, then reassembled.

[@eldedo8927]

great video. Just got one observation, instead of pulling the end of the reservoir out introducing air, why not leave it all the way down replace the core then charge, reducing air intrusion? Or is this being too meticulous? Being that air is 78% nitrogen anyways?

[@ShockService]

Leaving the IFP in would not allow a full draining of the oil and you would still have air bubbles in the reservoir hose.

[@lanix17]

This is awesome! Thank you Ben. Where would one find a place to pressurize them?

[@ShockService]

Great question, nitrogen is available at any local welding supply shop.

[@b.morris2816]

How often would you have to rebuild King shocks on a 4th Gen 4Runner that is daily driven with occasional weekend wheeling sessions?

[@ShockService]

We recommend service somewhere between 50k and 100k miles, assuming proper care and maintenance.

[@doogiiyalalt5499]

thanks bro! What is the model number of the 2.5 king shocks rebuild kit? for hummer h2!

[@ShockService]

For parts, we recommend contacting [e-mail]

[@kevinali1676]

Can a old gas strut be rebuilt as a straight oil strut ??

[@TheSponge945]

How do you bleed a IFP remote reservoir when you don’t have that threaded hold on it to set it?

[@ShockService]

What brand of shocks? Not all shocks are designed to be service.

[@TheSponge945]

@@ShockService these are KYB, the fronts have the reservoirs as part of the body. The rears are connected by hose (remote). Their found on CanAm machines

[@canyonoverland5003]

I think I've seen you elsewhere on another channel. It's totally baffling why you don't produce more videos as it is such high caliber content.

[@ShockService]

Thanks for the kind words! You'll also find Ben at kzbin.info

[@njrx7t2]

I know this is a newbie question but is there a scheduled service time for these? I'm buying a Tacoma with similar shocks and the seller tells me they're about 30-40k of mostly on-road commute miles on them. I didn't feel any inconsistent ride when I test drove the truck and no visible leaks. Appreciate any insight.

[@ShockService]

We normally recommend 50k-100k miles for most street use applications. We get shocks in for service at all intervals and generally find that before 50k miles most Kings are still working fine and at 100k they really need to be serviced. Great question!

[@njrx7t2]

@@ShockService Thanks! Appreciate the help! 👍

[@OcramArieiv]

Hi. Reason why a shock absorber with reservoir is soft after it is hot, is the oil of poor quality or is there another reason? Thanks.

[@antmrod5198]

Great video, great info. BTW, i'm looking to have my OEM shocks (and more parts) upgraded on my 2019 Wrangler Sahara JLU. Considering i'm a week / daily driver, with kids to school and all necessary travels around town, to and from work, etc but at the weekend i'm trying to enjoy some R&R off-road (but nothing too extreme), what shock model would you advice me to install? Safety for me (personaly and family wise) in vital!! Thx.

[@ShockService]

Thanks for the question, I would recommend reaching out to Filthy Motorsports, they offer an amazing King OEM Kit: www.filthymotorsports.com/King_OEM_Jeep_JL_Shocks_p/king-25001-373.htm

[@jvyv]

I wonder why King uses the clear silicone O rings. That gets eat up really fast. I replaced those with nitrile and it didn't leak much longer.

[@ShockService]

King o-rings are black with the exception of the shaft o-ring which is redundant so leaking really isn't an issue. We recently serviced a set of King shocks off of a Peterbuilt truck with 300,000 miles on them (well beyond the recommended service interval) and 3 of the 4 shocks had no leaks.

[@MarktheWelder432]

Curious as to what a job exactly like this can be charged to a customer 🧐

[@scrutton66]

Tried your method for removing the misalignment spacers (at 16 min mark) it didn't work for me. What did work for me is a punch angled inside to the lip of the spacer. Hit the punch with a hammer in a couple of places on the spacer and it pops out effortlessly.I also let it sit overnight soaked in PB blaster before trying to use the punch.

[@ShockService]

That is the option of last resort as it often times damages the ID of the spacers, but it works!

[@黄一-b4p]

how about fox shock？

[@jasontrue3810]

Any tips to remove stuck wiper caps that won't budge on Fox 2.5s front coilovers, non RR? Working on my friends 2.5 Fox Coilovers and the bearing wiper cap will not come off on both front coilovers. I've removed the threaded allen set screw from both caps. Steps I've taken so far are below with the shock mounted in a bench vise. Made a large spanner wrench with 3/16 pins, tried to tap with a deadblow to shock it and get it moving. Used a monkey wrench on the knurled outer surface of the cap. No dice, it won't move. Sprayed PB, and tried to get it down into the threads for the cap, left it over night Used some heat to try and expand the body a bit, don't want to go crazy All of the above

[@MrBlaster99]

Just curious if you were able to get it apart and if so how? I am having the same trouble.

[@ShockService]

Sorry for the late reply, make sure the set screw is loose and you may need to keep pressure in the reservoirs so the seal cap is tight against the retaining ring. If water made its way between the wiper cap and seal cap (shaft retainer), you may need to use heat and a penetrating oil to try and break down any corrosion.

[@Watermallon69]

If the IFP measurement is about less then a 1/2” lower after rebuilding, is that still okay?

[@ShockService]

That depends on if it was set correctly to start with or not.

[@nancyodeth]

What happen if you don’t bleed it?

[@ShockService]

Without bleeding, there will be air in the shock so performance will be significantly reduced.

[@nhutduong4690]

I am have BC coil the left side leaking on top

[@Robstunner]

Where do you find out the measurement for IFP depth? I can’t find that anywhere. I had some residual pressure and the IFP pushed up and out of the piggyback body while removing.

[@ShockService]

There is no specific set measurement and the best answer really depends on many factors, if you have specific questions please be sure to call or email us.

[@nhutduong4690]

Do you rebuild coil overs

[@ShockService]

Yes, please contact us directly for details.

[@michaelmattern8051]

Ben, question- before you charge the resi with N2, you pulled the cap up to the retaining ring drawing ambient air into the resi. Should you not have pushed the cap in and then charged it with N2? Seems like all you did was compress the air in the resi with a small amount of N2. Am I over thinking this? Seems to be critical to remove as much air as possible as the air will increase pressure when hot and introduce moisture. Not criticizing, just curious. Maybe it’s not that critical.

[@ShockService]

Great question but not a concern for this application, however, one could always pressurize the reservoir with nitrogen, bleed it off and then fill it again.

[@Outwest483]

How much does it cost to get a set of shocks rebuilt?

[@JacobMueting]

6-700 for all 4 (parts +labor)

[@a10pilotg74]

How much should someone charge for this

[@ShockService]

That really depends on a lot of factors, for a rebuild quote it is best to contact us via phone or email.

[@Vicky-Hoang]

Rebuild OME BP51

[@mikalsview3914]

Ive reached out via email about rebuilding my king shocks, but no return reply

[@ShockService]

Would you please resend? I show that we have responded to all emails as of today. [e-mail]

[@keithreinert5835]

Thank you for the video. I tried visiting your web sight. It has nothing but a picture saying shock service with a shock. Are you still in business? I have ads front and rears that need help. Would like to send mine in. Thank you.

[@ShockService]

Yes, the website is just a placeholder for now. Unfortunately, we only service King shocks at this time.

[@kirkdunn1379]

very much same as motocross shock, if you had some kind of fork sitting at 90 deg off wall to hold silver cap hovering just off shock cylinder as your waiting to see if oil spills over edge would be nice jig instead of trying to hold it with your hand while cycling shaft... question is how much does a service cost for one shock?....it is nice that theyre rebuildable although taking them off vehicle and waiting for service and re installing them is kind of PITA...…..and cost too if you cant do work yourself....if someone just brought the vehicle to your shop and left it for few days what would cost.....I guess this is for people that either can tear em off vehicle send shocks out and re install them or do everything themselves.....but on other hand you have brand new suspension again and could even change valving bit...

[@terryosowski8143]

I read that the oil King uses is not near as good as the oil Fox uses.

[@ShockService]

How so? And where did you read that? They are all hydraulic oil based on their MSDS sheets so I'd love to know how one is better than the other, lol.

[@terryosowski8143]

Shock Service I really did read it. There some kind of numeral rating assigned to each and King was in the 150’s and Fox in the upper 370’s. Just a messenger. The 2 hydraulic fluids performance rating are not the same.

[@terryosowski8143]

Shock Service Here it is buddy :Notes: Fox oil offers substantially better lubrication across a wide range of temperatures, and is less likely to break down due to heat. ... Fox's VI of 370 is very high and provides exceptional performance. King's VI of 150 is an average rating which means it is much more prone to shock fade when getting hot. Lol

[@terryosowski8143]

Shock Notes: Fox oil offers substantially better lubrication across a wide range of temperatures, and is less likely to break down due to heat. ... Fox's VI of 370 is very high and provides exceptional performance. King's VI of 150 is an average rating which means it is much more prone to shock fade when getting hot. AccuTune Off-Road › fox-vs-king-... Fox vs King ~ OEM Coilovers | AccuTune Off-Road Feedback About Featured Snippets People also ask Do Fox shocks make a difference? What is better coilovers or shocks? Are Fo

[@ShockService]

@@terryosowski8143 VI stands for Viscosity Index and that only tells you how "thick" the oil is. Comparing the VI of oil is meaningless without knowing the application. That is like saying 5W30 is way better than 15W40 without knowing the engine or car it is going into. -- Where was that information taken from, it reads like it was written by a marketing intern, lol!

[@OttoMatieque]

I don't even own a car - why did I watch this?

[@ShockService]

Lol, glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucemcelroy3186]

what's all this garbage I see with all the people coming up with some super elaborate manifold to charge their shocks? nitrogen tank + nitrogen regulator set where I want the shock charged + hose and air chuck is all I need, right ? then use a 200 psi air gauge to check ?