This mega suspension roundup is a mix of completely new models and designs alongside new versions of existing parts to fit the latest vehicles, namely the new Tacoma, 4Runner & Land Cruiser.
But we also found two new options for the Ford Transit, a very popular build that’s been lacking dedicated off-road-worthy struts and shocks…until now. Lastly, we’re very excited to see Tein enter the off-road market with their first-ever suspension lined aimed at the overland crowd!
Here’s the video run through of most brands, then scroll down for these and two more (aFe Control & Carbon Shocks) that I didn’t get video of. Here’s everything, in alphabetical order:
aFe Control
aFe Control’s Sway-A-Way kit is coming for the new LC250 Land Cruiser. They currently offer 2.0″ and 2.5″ coilover kits for prior model Tacoma, 4Runners, FJ Cruisers, and Tundras (plus lots more non-Toyota models), with and without external reservoirs.
They also offer extended travel versions for more aggressive builds, and versions with external compression adjusters. They’re rebuildable, too, and the fronts have adjustable spring perches to give your vehicle up to 2-2.5″ of lift depending on application.
They also make a ton of other parts, from sway bars to spacers to upper control arms for everything from Broncos to Subarus, Toyota and Lexus rigs, Jeeps, Dodges, and more. The main company is aFe Power and offers a ton of engine tuning parts, too. Check them out at aFePower.com.
Here’s the build list for their show vehicle, featured in the top image.
Carbon Shocks
Carbon Shocks does things a bit differently. First, they’re made in the USA with US-sourced steel and aluminum. Second, their shock bodies are made of steel, not aluminum like most aftermarket products.
Theoretically, aluminum will dissipate heat better, but Carbon Shocks say their steel bodies don’t need to be as thick because steel is stronger, so heat dissipation is about the same. And they’re Cerakoted (not painted), which is thinner and lighter so it protects without insulating. They also make some with stainless steel that don’t need any coating.
Their latest is a new Helldiver series for the Dodge Ram TRX, and it has a unique two-stage design. It’s essentially two different shocks in one, both independently adjustable, but with more control over end stroke.
The top half has an integrated bump stop and is tuned for better end-of-stroke control when you’re deep in compression. That leaves the bottom half free to handle small bumpers better without making it too soft on big hits.
Front is coilover with high and low speed adjustments, both controlled from same knobs. Rear has a free bleed compression and rebound adjustment, rather than typical spring-loaded circuit, so it’s quieter. Check them out at CarbonShocks.com.
Ironman 4×4 IM2.5
The all-new Ironman 4×4 IM2.5 Monotube series suspension gives them a softer, more approachable ride quality for less aggressive builds than what you’d use their higher-end twin-tube Foam Cell shocks.
Launching initially for the popular Tacoma/4Runner/Land Cruiser trio, they also introduce more subdued black coil springs, a nice touch if their bright green coils have kept you away thus far.
In addition to softer valving and tuning, they also use rubber bushings rather than metal or urethane, further smoothing the ride.
Despite the “comfort” valving, they have a robust build with large 2.5″ diameter shock bodies and a stout lower mount. The front has a threaded spring perch so you can adjust ride height.
The rear comes with a stone guard pre-installed to protect the shaft from nicks and scratches. They say these are best for lightly loaded vehicles as opposed to overbuilt, super-heavy rigs, but choosing the right spring rate should give you some leeway. Available soon, check them out at Ironman4x4America.com.
King Shocks
In addition to new fitments for the latest Toyota Trio, King Shocks has a new strut and shock combo for the Ford Transit. Developed in conjunction with Brent Foes at Transit Offroad, these are full replacements for the factory struts on both RWD and AWD transits.
The spring perch is threaded, letting you adjust ride height to achieve up to 3″ of lift, but I’d recommend limiting that to 2″ on the Transit…check our complete guide to lifting a Ford Transit to see why.
Low-speed compression is adjustable on both front and rear, and both come with 2.5″ shock bodies and external reservoirs for solid off-road performance. Check them out at KingShocks.com.
Koni Explorer
The new Koni Explorer series takes the tech from their heavy duty, bright red RAID off-road series and tunes it for overland vehicles. The 2″ alloy monotube shocks have a more subdued gray finish should look better on more builds, too, but it’s what’s inside that counts.
They use Koni’s FSD damper, which is essentially a dual design with separate high- and low-speed compression damping circuits. The low-speed keeps the car from leaning or diving during cornering and braking, then the high-speed takes over when you hit something big like a pothole, rock, washboard, etc.
This is what you find on most high-end suspension, especially those with external compression adjustments, but here it’s all internal and pre-set. Combined, they work together to give you solid on-road handling plus the ability to handle off-road obstacles.
The front struts have C-clips to adjust the lower spring perch’s position, allowing up to 2″ of height adjustment (model dependent). They paired them with Eibach springs for the show build, but the shocks and struts are sold separately so you can pair them with any spring you want.
The shocks are compatible with up to 3″ of lift (model dependent).
They’re launching with kits for the Ford Bronco, most Jeeps, and the Toyota trio. Check them out at Koni-NA.com.
Old Man Emu
Old Man Emu showed off their BP-51 off-road suspension for the new Land Cruiser LC250 platform, new 4th-gen Tacoma, and the latest 4Runner.
The OME BP-51 has an external reservoir for more oil volume and better heat management, and it adds external compression and rebound adjustments. They do it with a unique dial on the middle of the shock body rather than small knobs on the ends.
They’re also making upper control arms to go with them.
The name refers to the design, BP means ByPass, and here it’s an internal design, which basically makes it a twin tube design since the internal blow-off valves let the damping fluid (oil) recirculate between the inner tube and the outer body rather than using external bypass tubes with integrated blowoff circuits.
The 51 means 51mm, or about 2″, diameter for the shock body. While that size is pretty common, the twin tube design means the actual internal diameter on these is smaller than monotube designs. Check them out at ARB.com.au/OME.
Radflo
Radflo was showing off their new coilovers for the Ford Transit (on left), plus models for the Ineos Grenadier and new Land Cruiser and GX550 platforms.
For the same reasons as the King Shocks models, these are exciting because it’s an actual suspension upgrade for the popular Transit platform. Note the thicker coils on the Transit model compared to the Sprinter model next to it, a design that’s specific to the way the Ford’s suspension layout works.
Their Sprinter series came out in Spring 2024, and the Transit series should start shipping in early 2025. For now, they say the front struts are only approved for use on AWD Transits, not RWD.
For the rear, they offer several options depending on how aggressive your terrain and driving will be. From a standard 2″ and 2.5″ Smoothbody shock with or without an external reservoir, all the way up to their 2.5″ and 3.0″ Roam Series shocks. The latter are specifically designed for heavier vehicles (like built vans), with the 3.0″ size aimed at full-size truck builds and modded commercial vehicles weighing 15,000+ pounds.
They also had some cool anodized color options, just for funsies. Check them out at RadfloShocks.com.
Tein 4×4 Gravel
Pronounced “tain”, performance suspension brand Tein is finally branching out into overland with their new 4×4 Gravel series. Known for track and rally racing suspension, my hunch is these will be a high-performance offering for driving fast off road, but will also work for overland vehicles with the right spring rate.
Planned for a 2025 release, they’ll offer shocks, springs, coilover struts, and upper control arms in three versions:
- Sport – Twin tube design w/ electronic user adjustable compression damping adjustment from internal wireless controller, aimed at sportier on-road driving dynamics.
- Gravel 1 – Twin tube design w/ external reservoir, tuned for dirt roads and long cross-country driving.
- Gravel 2 – Monotube design with stronger shock bodies and more oil volume for more aggressive off-road driving, also with external reservoir.
All three use shock strokes designed for a starting ride height set 1.5″ taller than OEM, aimed at vehicles with a 2″ lift.
The suspension will let you adjust ride height, but the threaded spring collars adjust from the top, not the bottom like other brands. This should make them easier to reach and adjust, and they have a secondary lock nut to keep things in place once adjusted.
The shocks have large 56mm bodies, and the Gravel 2 makes the most of that volume thanks to the monotube design. The upper control arm will allow for some camber adjustment. Other technical details are all TBA.
Tein has had their Gravel series for rally racing for a while, so they’re no stranger to high-speed off-road performance. Even though the new 4×4 Gravel series is designed for passenger trucks and SUVs, there’s a hydraulic top-out bumper to protect them from harsh top-outs (like when you’re catching air…you do catch air, right?).
Add in 16-click external compression and rebound adjustments (G1 & G2 series) and rear shock shields and you’ve got a very robust option from a killer brand.
Tein also offers a rebuild service with optional revalving if you want to custom tune the shocks. Check them out on Tein’s Australian website. No word in which vehicle models yet, but expect the usual popular Toyota options out of the gate.
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