How to Setup and Adjust Adjustable Shocks for Your 4WD

When it comes to optimising your 4WD suspension upgrades, having the right setup for your adjustable shocks is crucial. Whether you’re tackling tough off-road terrains or cruising on highways, adjustable shocks, such as the Formula 4x4 remote reservoir shocks, offer unparalleled control and performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to set up and adjust your adjustable shocks to perfectly suit your driving needs.

 

 

Why Choose Adjustable Shocks?

Adjustable shocks provide the flexibility to fine-tune your vehicle’s suspension to adapt to various driving conditions. Unlike standard shocks, adjustable shocks allow you to control high-speed and low-speed compression, as well as provides a rebound adjustment. This means you can customise your ride to handle everything from quick bumps and potholes to smooth cornering and body roll stability.

 

 

Understanding Compression and Rebound

Before diving into adjustments, it’s important to understand what compression and rebound mean in adjustable shocks:

• Compression: This refers to the shock's shaft moving into the body. It is divided into high-speed and low-speed compression:
  • High-Speed Compression: Controls the shock’s compression during quick movements like hitting potholes or corrugations.
  • Low-Speed Compression: Manages the shock’s compression during slower movements, improving vehicle stability during cornering.
• Rebound: This controls how fast the shock returns to its original length after being compressed. It affects the speed at which the springs can decompress.

 

Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide

1. Start with the Manufacturer’s Settings:

   1. Always begin with the settings recommended by the shock manufacturer. If no recommendations are available, start in the middle of the adjustment range.

2. Adjust High-Speed Compression:

   1. Symptom: If your vehicle bottoms out easily, increase high-speed compression.
   2. Symptom: If the ride is too harsh over large bumps, decrease high-speed compression.

3. Adjust Low-Speed Compression:

   1. Symptom: If the vehicle feels lazy and unresponsive, increase low-speed compression.
   2. Symptom: If the ride is harsh over small bumps, decrease low-speed compression.

4. Adjust Rebound:

   1. Symptom: If the vehicle feels too floaty, increase rebound.
   2. Symptom: If it’s harsh over cracks or potholes, decrease rebound.

 

 

Fine-Tuning for Optimal Performance

Adjusting your shocks is a balancing act. Each adjustment can improve one aspect of your vehicle’s ride while potentially compromising another. Here are some common scenarios and adjustments:

• For a Firm and Controlled Ride:

  • Increase high-speed compression to handle quick, large bumps.
  • Increase low-speed compression to improve stability during cornering.
  • Adjust rebound to control how quickly the springs return to their original state.

 

• For a Softer and More Comfortable Ride:

  • Decrease high-speed compression for a smoother experience over rough terrain.
  • Decrease low-speed compression if the ride feels too harsh on small bumps.
  • Fine-tune rebound to prevent the vehicle from feeling too bouncy or floaty.

 

Visualising the Adjustments

To give you a better idea of how these adjustments affect your ride, here’s a quick comparison:

• Low Rebound Setting:

  • The shock decompresses quickly, making the ride feel more responsive but potentially less controlled.

• High Rebound Setting:

  • The shock decompresses slowly, providing better control but possibly feeling too firm over certain terrains.

 

Tips for Best Results

1. Test Your Adjustments: After making adjustments to your remote reservoir shocks, test your vehicle in different driving conditions to see how it feels. Make notes of the changes and their effects.
2. Incremental Changes: Make small adjustments rather than large ones to better understand the impact of each change.
3. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about making these adjustments yourself, chat to us in the message option below, give our team of suspension experts a call on 1800 385 278 or refer to our detailed video guide above.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your remote reservoir shocks are perfectly tuned to your driving style and the conditions you face. With the right setup, your 4x4 will handle better, providing you with a smoother and more enjoyable ride.

 

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