DirtRoadTrip

FOX 2.5 Factory Series Shock Review

by 6 Comments

Here at DirtRoadTrip we love suspension, so when we saw that FOX had a fully adjustable internal bypass shock with a remote reservoir for the JK, we knew who would be taking our money next.

In November of last year we installed the FOX 2.5 Factory Series Internal Bypass shocks on our 2014 JK Rubicon, and they have been nothing but flawless. Over the past 6 months we’ve put them through our rigorous testing procedures which include flex tests, highway driving, off-road driving/fire roads, getting airborne, drifting corners, posting up on curbs at the mall, and off camber situations.

JK FOX Review 3

Before installing the FOX shocks, I went ahead and installed an AEV 3.5 DualSport SC suspension system. There were 2 reasons behind this, the first was that I wanted to find a lift that would maintain the factory ride quality and handling dynamics. The second was that I wanted to make sure I had a quality pair of shocks to swap out down the line for when I needed to send the FOX unit’s in for a rebuild.

JK Fox Shock 7

The first thing you’ll notice after you install the shocks is the change in ride quality. Using the factory and AEV suspension as a baseline, I would say that the ride is substantially smoother than both. These shocks are also fitted with FOX’s Dual Speed Compression adjusters (high speed and low speed) which are easily manipulated by hand and allow you to dial in your preferred settings (it’s a trial and error process to get it into the sweet spot).

NE Overland Rally 2014 (85)

Where the shocks really shine though is cruising down fire roads, and you’ll notice that the faster you go the smoother the ride gets. The shocks easily soak up the imperfections and even smooth out some pretty deep potholes. I would recommend that you install some upgraded bump stops though if you plan on doing a lot of high speed driving, but if you keep it reasonable and adjust your compression you’ll be good to go.

NE Overland Rally 2014 (37)

Highway handling is excellent, and while it won’t perform like a sports car you won’t worry about rolling your JK down the side of the Walmart parking lot either.

I’m been extremely satisfied with how the JK has performed over the past few months, but unfortunately I think I might be a suspension addict for life now.

Pros:

  • Substantial increase in ride quality over factory/AEV shocks.
  • Fully adjustable for high speed and low speed compression.
  • Excellent build quality/easy installation.

Cons:

  • High initial cost ~$1,300 per axle.
  • Will eventually require a rebuild

Part Numbers:

  • 883-06-068 Factory Series Internal Bypass – Adjustable Front
  • 883-06-069 Factory Series Internal Bypass – Adjustable Rear

Comments

  1. Hello if driving it on the road should i turn it to speed level or to slow level for a soft ride on the road?? I drive a 2016 rubicon 4 doors 3 inch lift thanks

  2. I bought the fox 2.5s last year for my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 stock height truck. It not only leveled my truck but it lifted snd leveled it approximately 1.76″. The fronts don’t have the DSC but the rears do. Man it’s unreal how these shocks handle! I have a place up in the national Forest that’s 12 miles off pavement and n o lie n I can consistently run 75mph + in my truck over potholes and rugboards with no hesitation!!! These shocks are by far the best cheddar to spend on suspension.. as one guy said above, it’s a hefty price tag in the front end but in the rears you’ll be glad yoi spent the money if ur off pavement any at all!!! Id buy em 10x over!

  3. Dear alex

    I brought those shocks amonth ago and i am asking your recomndation where to start ( number of clicks)

    And what is best tunes you recommend for road as the car is juppming all the time as so stiff.

    Note: my offroad usualy sand dunes and my car jk 2 doors with 35 tiers size

    Thanks in advance

    • MO,

      Thanks for reaching out, unfortunately since there are so many variations of setups I don’t think my settings will work for you. For example my truck is a 4 door and I have a few hundred pounds of accessories on my truck.

      My advice is to perform a guess and check method and also make sure you have the shocks for the 2 door and not the 4 door. In order to get my shocks dialed in, I maxed out the compression and drove down washboard for a few hundred yards. Then as I made my way down the road I pulled over periodically to make the adjustments until I was satisfied with the performance. There isn’t a turnkey fix, and this is really the only way to get your suspension dialed in.

      Let me know if you have any other questions.

      Thanks,

      Alex