King Shocks 2.5 Coilover & Shock Package For 6th Gen 4Runner – Review

King Shocks are widely considered one of the top-tier choices for off-road performance shocks. They’re not cheap by any means, but based on customer reviews, you get what you pay for, especially if you routinely push your rig off-road. A typical King setup for the 6th Gen 4Runner is a 2.5-inch body for the front coilover and rear shocks, both with remote reservoirs and external compression adjusters (often called “clickers”). Many retailers sell it as a complete vehicle-specific kit for the new 4Runner.

I’ve run Fox and Bilstein in the past, but this was my first time running Kings. I decided to try these out because my buddies love them and the signature blue color is hard to beat on the Heritage Blue paint job. I’ve got over 5,000 miles on this setup now, and put together this review on how I’ve used them and my experiences.

Let’s take a closer look at this premium lift kit option for the 4Runner. As a quick note, I also added their sway bar link kit.

Keys Factors As A Top Tier Setup

The key factors that make this a top-tier kit:

• 2.5” body diameter: More fluid capacity helps control heat and maintain consistent damping when you’re pounding rough terrain longer (and, on-road, it tends to feel “less overwhelmed” over repeated sharp hits). Retailers commonly attribute the smoother/cooler-running benefit to the larger 2.5 body.
• Compression adjusters (optional): King’s adjuster is a 28-click knob that lets you go from “cruising comfort” to “firmer for speed/payload/rough stuff” without re-valving.
  • What the clicks actually change (important): Commonly described guidance is that the first ~4 clicks primarily affect low-speed compression, while the remaining clicks influence more mid-speed compression, changing things like body control (roll/dive) and “bump stiffness.”
• Mid-speed compression focus: Multiple tuning guides describe these adjusters as primarily providing quick control over mid-speed compression, useful because that’s where much of the “chassis feel” lives (float vs. control).

Ride Quality Compared To Stock

The big difference: “more planted, less crashy… if tuned right.”

On a stock 4Runner, you often get a mix of initial softness with harshness when it runs out of control, especially over back-to-back hits (freeway expansion joints, pothole clusters, corrugated dirt). A properly set King 2.5 setup generally feels…

• More controlled in the middle of the travel (less bobbing after bumps)
• Less “spike” harshness when the suspension is moving fast, as long as you don’t crank the compression too stiff for your weight and terrain
• More confidence at speed on rough roads, because the shock isn’t overheating and fading as quickly as lighter-duty options (the reservoir + oil volume are the point)

That said, Kings are performance shocks: if spring rates, ride height, or alignment are off, they can feel busy, firm, or even bouncy, and the adjusters can’t fix everything (they’re not magic). For that reason, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable shop to pick the appropriate springs and get everything dialed in correctly.

Compression Settings

Let’s run through how these work and feel in various scenarios.

Highway Cruising

Best setting trend: Softer compression (closer to full-soft, then a few clicks in).

On smooth highway, Kings can feel surprisingly refined for an off-road shock: steady, composed, and less “floaty” than stock. The 4Runner tracks straighter through gentle dips and crests. With compression too firm, though, you’ll notice…

• More road texture coming through the seat.
• A slightly “tied-down” feel that’s not harsh, but less plush.
• Less of that Lexus-like glide people sometimes want for commuting.

What the adjuster changes here: those first clicks (low-speed compression influence) can reduce mild bouncing and make the truck feel more “buttoned-down” without beating you up.

City Streets & Uneven Pavement

Best setting trend: Soft-to-mid compression, depending on tire and load.

Here’s where Kings can be either amazing or annoying, depending on settings.

• Dialed well: Sharp edges feel more like a solid thump with quick recovery, less secondary bounce.
• Too much compression: Potholes feel more abrupt (a harder smack) because you’re resisting the suspension’s ability to move initially.

If your 4Runner is loaded (armor, rack, fridge, tools), you’ll often appreciate a few more clicks to prevent the truck from feeling underdamped and wallowy.

Washboard/Corrugations (The “Overlanding Torture Test”)

Best setting trend: Often softer compression than you think.

Washboard is where people learn the difference between “firm” and “fast.” Too much compression can make the suspension “ride on top” and chatter. Slightly softer settings often let the wheels move and maintain traction.

Because the adjuster is commonly described as affecting low- and mid-speed compression across the click range, you can use it to find that sweet spot where:

• The steering wheel isn’t vibrating your soul out.
• The truck isn’t floating side-to-side.

Graded Dirt Roads (Medium Speed)

Best setting trend: Mid compression.

This is “King territory.” The truck typically feels…

• Calm, not hobby-horsey.
• More stable at speed.
• Like it “soaks” repeated chatter without getting progressively worse.

If you increase compression, the platform firms up and feels more controlled, useful if you’re pushing speed or carrying weight. That aligns with King’s own claim of softening for cruising and firming for hammering rough terrain/payload.

Desert Two-Tracks/Whoops (Higher Speed)

Best setting trend: Medium-to-firmer compression (and correct spring rate matters a lot).

Here, you’re trying to prevent…

• Blowing through your shocks’ travel range.
• “Packing” (not rebounding fast enough).
• Getting bucked.

The compression adjusters let you add support so the truck stays up in the travel and doesn’t feel like it’s collapsing. But if you go too far, the front can deflect and feel skittish.

Rocky Trails/Slow Crawling

Best setting trend: Softer compression for traction and comfort

At low speed, you want the suspension to articulate and conform. Too much compression can make the truck…

• Lift tires more readily.
• Feel stiff and “tippy”.
• Transmit more impact into the chassis.

This is where backing the adjuster down can make the 4Runner feel smoother and grippier.

Sand/Soft Terrain

Best setting trend: Depends on speed; often mid compression.

In sand at speed, you want stability and to prevent excess dive. More compression can help keep the nose from plowing. At slower speeds, softer can keep the ride more compliant.

On-Road Driving Characteristics

Body Roll

Kings with compression adjusters can make the 4Runner feel less top-heavy. Not like a sports SUV, but noticeably more controlled than stock.

The reason? Adding low-/mid-speed compression tends to resist chassis movement (roll) without needing crazy stiff sway bars. That’s consistent with tuning notes that mid-speed compression affects roll and body control.

Brake Dive

This is one of the most noticeable “wow” areas. A few clicks firmer typically…

• Reduces nose-dive
• Keeps the truck more planted
• More confident braking, especially with heavier tires

Again, that matches the “body roll/dive” effects often attributed to the click range.

Steering Response

With the platform more controlled, initial turn-in often feels cleaner and less delayed. If you crank compression too stiff, steering can feel more “darty” over imperfect pavement because the front suspension is less willing to absorb small imperfections.

Using The Compression Adjusters

Think of the adjuster as your “comfort to control” knob.

• Daily commute/mixed pavement: Start near soft, then add a few clicks until the float is gone, but potholes don’t punch.
• Loaded for a trip (gear, drawers, RTT, etc.): Add clicks to hold the truck up and reduce wallow.
• Fast dirt/rough roads: Add clicks for support and consistency.
• Rock crawling/technical: Back it off for compliance and traction.

King’s adjusters have 28 clicks from soft to firm for exactly this kind of quick shift between cruising and rough terrain/payload. A common guideline is to go full-soft, then come in a few clicks (often ~4) as a baseline.

The Trade-Offs

Pros

• Big jump in composure and control, especially off pavement
• Quick “two personalities” tuning with the clickers
• Rebuildable/tunable platform (you’re investing in serviceable performance)

Cons

• If set too firm, they can feel stiffer than stock on potholes and small, sharp hits.
• “Perfect” feel depends heavily on:
  • Spring rate
  • Ride height
  • Alignment/caster
  • Weight (bumpers/armor)
  • Tire pressure
• Costs don’t end at purchase; routine servicing and tuning are part of the lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

If your 2025 4Runner sees a real mix of highway + rough forest roads + desert tracks + occasional technical trails… King 2.5s with compression adjusters are the kind of upgrade that changes the truck’s personality from “SUV that can off-road” to “performance suspension that happens to be on an SUV.”

The standout experience is the ability to soften it for comfort and firm it up for control, speed, or load with a 28-click range. Without grabbing tools or re-valving. A highly recommended upgrade in my opinion.