I figured I would make a thread detailing all (to my knowledge) of the available Gen 1 suspension options for both front and rear including approximate pricing and pros/cons. I spent weeks compiling information from multiple forums so I could make my own decision and thought it might help others. Feel free to chime in with your own input, experience, info, or corrections.
FRONT:
1) Rebuilt/Revalved stock shocks and Geiser springs. Approximately $100-$125 per shock and about $549 for the springs. The Geiser springs are progressive as opposed to the stock linear springs, meaning they are softer at the beginning of their travel. They are also longer than stock and add 2.5” of lift at mid perch (per Geiser). Allegedly, mid perch is where the shocks perform best.
2) King 3.0. They use a full 3.0” piston inside a 3.0” shock body as the internal bypass technology does not consume shock piston space. As far as I know they are not position-sensitive and do not attempt to truly mimic a bypass like the Fox or Icon shocks. They have relatively linear shock valving and close to stock spring rates. They are also adjustable for “mid-speed” compression ramping. Most retailers selling Raptor specific kits have the King OEM Performance line, which contains slightly less fancy materials as compared to the Fox Factory Series. They are approximately $2670 through most retailers, with the finned reservoirs adding about $150. Per King, they reduce reservoir temperatures by about 30% across the board.
3) Fox 3.0. They use a 2.5” piston inside a 3.0” body, and are not a true 3.0 as the internal bypass chambers consume space. However, the Fox shocks are position sensitive, not just velocity sensitive, and contain separate damping zones depending on piston location. They are again valved relatively linearly and have spring rates close to stock. These are the Fox Factory series shocks and contain higher quality, more durable components such as Viton seals. The non-adjustable coil overs start at about $2800, with the dual speed compression (DSC) variants selling for about $3100. The DSC offers both high and low speed compression adjustments.
4) Icon 3.0. Unlike the King and Fox offerings, the Icon coilovers are valved digressively, meaning the valving softens up and becomes less aggressive as the shock compresses. This delivers a “stiffer” street ride, that technically should be less composed over very large impacts. Like the Kings, these are a 3.0 piston in a 3.0 shock body. The Icons also use springs that are approximately 20% stiffer than stock. The Icons, like the Kings, offer a general “mid-speed” compression adjuster. Icon claims that a major advantage is an internal “bump zone” that prevents shock damage and also results in increased comfort at full compression. They are about $2800 through most retailers.
I will update with further information as well as rear suspension options. Just wanted to give a brief overview for those who may be entirely new to Raptor ownership or off-road suspension and needed basic information.
FRONT:
1) Rebuilt/Revalved stock shocks and Geiser springs. Approximately $100-$125 per shock and about $549 for the springs. The Geiser springs are progressive as opposed to the stock linear springs, meaning they are softer at the beginning of their travel. They are also longer than stock and add 2.5” of lift at mid perch (per Geiser). Allegedly, mid perch is where the shocks perform best.
2) King 3.0. They use a full 3.0” piston inside a 3.0” shock body as the internal bypass technology does not consume shock piston space. As far as I know they are not position-sensitive and do not attempt to truly mimic a bypass like the Fox or Icon shocks. They have relatively linear shock valving and close to stock spring rates. They are also adjustable for “mid-speed” compression ramping. Most retailers selling Raptor specific kits have the King OEM Performance line, which contains slightly less fancy materials as compared to the Fox Factory Series. They are approximately $2670 through most retailers, with the finned reservoirs adding about $150. Per King, they reduce reservoir temperatures by about 30% across the board.
3) Fox 3.0. They use a 2.5” piston inside a 3.0” body, and are not a true 3.0 as the internal bypass chambers consume space. However, the Fox shocks are position sensitive, not just velocity sensitive, and contain separate damping zones depending on piston location. They are again valved relatively linearly and have spring rates close to stock. These are the Fox Factory series shocks and contain higher quality, more durable components such as Viton seals. The non-adjustable coil overs start at about $2800, with the dual speed compression (DSC) variants selling for about $3100. The DSC offers both high and low speed compression adjustments.
4) Icon 3.0. Unlike the King and Fox offerings, the Icon coilovers are valved digressively, meaning the valving softens up and becomes less aggressive as the shock compresses. This delivers a “stiffer” street ride, that technically should be less composed over very large impacts. Like the Kings, these are a 3.0 piston in a 3.0 shock body. The Icons also use springs that are approximately 20% stiffer than stock. The Icons, like the Kings, offer a general “mid-speed” compression adjuster. Icon claims that a major advantage is an internal “bump zone” that prevents shock damage and also results in increased comfort at full compression. They are about $2800 through most retailers.
I will update with further information as well as rear suspension options. Just wanted to give a brief overview for those who may be entirely new to Raptor ownership or off-road suspension and needed basic information.
