What King's suspension does
King's suspension is an aftermarket brand that makes shock absorbers, coil springs, and complete suspension kits for trucks, Jeeps, and off-road vehicles. The company specializes in heavy-duty components designed to handle rough terrain, towing, and lifted suspensions — not the stock parts that come on most vehicles from the factory.
King's products are built to replace or upgrade your vehicle's original suspension parts. They're known for performance in off-road conditions and for handling the extra weight and stress that comes with lifted trucks or vehicles carrying heavy loads. If you're considering King's components, you're looking at a suspension upgrade, not a repair to existing factory parts.
Key Takeaways
- King's suspension makes aftermarket shocks, springs, and complete kits for trucks and off-road vehicles, not factory replacement parts.
- These components are designed for lifted suspensions, off-road driving, and vehicles that carry heavy loads or tow regularly.
- Installation requires removing your vehicle's existing suspension parts and bolting on the new King's components, which usually takes several hours at a shop.
- King's products cost significantly more than factory parts but are built to last longer under extreme conditions.
- You'll need to know your vehicle's year, make, model, and whether you have a lifted suspension before ordering.
The difference between King's shocks and factory shocks
Factory shocks are designed to work with your vehicle's original suspension geometry and weight. They're engineered to last a certain number of miles under normal driving conditions, then replaced. King's shocks are built heavier and with different internal tuning — they're meant to absorb impacts from rocks, ruts, and uneven terrain without wearing out as quickly.
King's shocks also work differently when your vehicle is lifted. A lifted suspension changes the angles and distances that your shocks travel through, and factory shocks can't handle that geometry. King's makes shocks with longer travel ranges and different valving to work with lifted setups. If you've lifted your truck, using factory shocks will cause them to wear out fast and may damage other suspension parts.
Types of King's suspension products
King's makes several product lines depending on your vehicle and how you use it. Their 2.0 and 2.5 series shocks are their most common offerings — these are monotube shocks (a single tube design) that handle most lifted trucks and off-road use. The numbers refer to the shock's diameter in inches, which affects how much fluid and damping capacity it has.
King's also sells complete suspension kits that bundle shocks, springs, and sometimes other components together. These kits are matched to specific vehicle models and lift heights, so you know all the parts will work together. If you're building a lifted suspension from scratch, a kit is often simpler than buying individual components.
The company makes vehicle-specific products for popular platforms like Ford F-150s, Chevrolet Silverados, Dodge Rams, and Jeep Wranglers. You'll need your exact year, make, and model to find the right part, because suspension geometry varies between model years and body styles.
What installation involves
Installing King's suspension requires removing your vehicle's existing shocks and springs, then bolting the new ones in place. This is not a job most people do in a driveway — it requires a lift, specialized tools, and knowledge of suspension geometry. A shop will typically charge between $500 and $2,000 for labor, depending on how many components you're replacing and how difficult your vehicle is to work on.
The process usually takes 4 to 8 hours. During installation, the shop will also check your vehicle's alignment and may need to adjust it after the new suspension is in place, especially if you're changing ride height. Some King's kits require additional parts like new control arms or extended brake lines, which add to both cost and installation time.
Before you take your vehicle to a shop, have the shop confirm they've installed King's products on your specific vehicle before. Not all shops are familiar with aftermarket suspension, and mistakes during installation can damage your vehicle or create safety problems.
Cost and what affects the price
A single King's shock typically costs between $300 and $600, depending on the series and your vehicle. A complete set of four shocks runs $1,200 to $2,400. If you're buying a full suspension kit with springs and other components, the total parts cost can reach $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
The price depends on your vehicle's size and weight, how much lift you want, and which King's product line you choose. Larger trucks and vehicles that will carry heavy loads or tow need heavier-duty components, which cost more. Older vehicles or less common models may have fewer King's options available, which can affect pricing.
Installation labor is separate from parts cost. Budget for shop time, alignment, and any additional parts your vehicle needs. Some shops offer package pricing if you buy parts and installation together.
When King's suspension makes sense
King's products are worth considering if you've lifted your truck, drive regularly on rough terrain, or tow heavy loads. Factory shocks wear out quickly under these conditions, and replacing them with King's components means you won't have to replace them again as soon. If you're building a lifted suspension, King's is one of the established brands that works well with popular lift kits.
King's is not necessary if you drive on paved roads only and haven't lifted your vehicle. Factory shocks are designed for that use and will last longer than King's in normal conditions. If you're replacing worn shocks on a stock vehicle, factory parts or other mainstream aftermarket brands are usually the better choice.
How to find the right King's product for your vehicle
Start by knowing your vehicle's year, make, model, and current suspension setup. If your truck is lifted, you'll need to know the lift height and which lift kit you have — different kits change suspension geometry differently, and King's makes products tuned for specific combinations.
Visit King's Shock Absorbers' website or call a suspension shop that carries their products. They can tell you which King's shocks or kits fit your vehicle and what the installation will involve. Many shops have experience with King's and can recommend the right product based on how you use your vehicle.
Read reviews from people who have installed King's on the same vehicle and lift setup as yours. Off-road forums and truck communities often have detailed discussions about which King's products work well and which ones have problems. Real-world feedback from similar vehicles is more useful than general product descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install King's shocks myself?
You can if you have a lift, jack stands, and suspension knowledge, but most people should have a shop do it. Suspension work affects your vehicle's safety and handling. A mistake during installation can cause steering problems or suspension failure while driving. The labor cost is worth the safety and warranty protection a shop provides.
Do King's shocks work on a stock vehicle?
Technically yes, but they're not designed for it. King's shocks are tuned for lifted suspensions and rough terrain. On a stock vehicle, they'll feel stiff and may wear out faster than factory shocks because they're built for different conditions. Stick with factory or mainstream aftermarket shocks for stock vehicles.
How long do King's shocks last?
Under normal off-road use, King's shocks typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles or more, depending on how hard you drive and the terrain you encounter. Factory shocks usually last 30,000 to 50,000 miles under the same conditions. Extreme use or poor installation can shorten that lifespan.
Will King's suspension affect my vehicle's warranty?
Installing aftermarket suspension will void your vehicle manufacturer's suspension warranty. Any suspension-related problems after installation become your responsibility. Your vehicle's powertrain warranty (engine, transmission) usually stays intact. Ask your dealer what specific warranties are affected before you install anything.
Do I need new springs if I'm replacing shocks?
Not always, but it depends on your vehicle's age and condition. If your springs are worn or you're changing your lift height, new springs are necessary. If your springs are in good condition and you're just replacing worn shocks, you may be able to keep them. A shop can inspect your springs and tell you whether replacement is needed.