What an epic move to stack your product against the competition and show everyone you have nothing to hide.
Dirt King launched a blind shock test video comparing its new suspension line against the “top” brands in the space that manufacture 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra suspensions. In the video, they put all the shocks to the test on the same course, with the same bone stock Tacoma; both on and off-road. The gas tank was full for each test and the Tacoma was set up the exact way that all these companies should be tuning for, right? A stock OEM spec vehicle. The results were very similar to the video series Wheel Every Weekend and Overland Outfitters released last year titled Shock Value.
So what were the results of part 1? They found the Bilstein 8112s to be the clear winner, with Dirt King coming in 2nd, KING coming in at 3rd, and FOX coming in last place.
The ratings were based on many factors, on-road, off-road, bottom out, top out, lateral movement, general control, steering, tire contact, and many other variables.
I highly recommend watching both the Dirt King blind shock test as well as the Wheel Every Weekend and Overland Outfitters shock value series.
We’ve been brainwashed to believe KING and FOX have the best shocks for the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra. That’s just not the case anymore. And, I am not hating on those brands, I’ve run the FOX race series in the past and it was a decent shock. There’s just a lot more to offer from companies that are really going the distance in tuning these shocks for specific vehicle applications.
Part 2: Dirt King Vs. Bilstein
In part 2, we get an inside look at Dirt King’s journey through their first blind test, where the company’s shocks outperformed both King and Fox but ultimately finished second to Bilstein. This result served as a catalyst for Dirt King’s determination to improve.
The video takes a deep dive into the retuning process, where Dirt King overhauled key components of their shocks to boost performance for the upcoming rematch.
Dirt King ensured that the test remained unbiased by using the same vehicle, routes, and evaluation process that were employed in the original video, maintaining consistency.
Watch as Dirt King pushes their retuned shocks, alongside Bilstein, to the limits on a variety of terrains including back roads, highways, and off-road terrain.
The video reveals whether the retuned Dirt King shocks are able to take the lead, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.
Seriously impressive to make this much of an effort to ensure you’re the best.
Post results. I don’t click on YouTube videos for button clicks.
You can see all the results on Dirt King Blog post: https://dirtking.com/blogs/news/how-dirt-king-shocks-outperformed-the-best – basically the first test put them in 2nd behind the 8112s but ahead of KING and FOX. In part two, they re-tuned their suspension based on what they found to be so great in the 8112s and then blind-tested 8112s vs Dirt King and then took “first”. All pretty subjective but a big move in the shock industry to blind test, and then re-tune.
I wished they would have made room to included shocks from Icon
I have a very mild Bilstein 5100 setup on my 2021 Venture. Maybe 1″ on the front with a 0.5″ Cornfed spacer on the rear with 265/70 Falken AT3 Wildpeaks. Nearly everyone that rides with me comments on good it rides, including my 80 year old mom.
Love my four Bilstein 5100s. By far the best bang for the buck. Set at +1.85 inches in the front and have the Bilstein +1.5 inch coils in the rear. 2016 Trail Edition Premium with KDSS.
Great to see the Bilstein’s getting some love! I’ve been running these for the last two years and have nothing but positive things to say about them. I was tempted to go with KING, but the guys at RSG talked me into the Bilstein’s. Glad I took their advice.