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Fox vs Dirt King (Elka)

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by FourT6and2, May 20, 2024.

  1. May 20, 2024 at 12:01 PM
    #1
    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    Thinking about new coilovers. Either Fox 2.5 PES from Accutune or Dirt King 2.5 DCA. Considering the Dirt King because they have a package/bundle that includes other items I want and Elka seems to have a good reputation. If I go with Fox from Accutune, I need to source some other components that are on backorder 2-3 months. But I'd get a custom tune/re-valve so that's a plus. I'm concerned with the Fox PES due to reports of the adjusters seizing due to corrosion. Best guess I've read is galvanic corrosion between the aluminum housing and the steel ball bearings they use as detents for the adjuster knobs. But that's beside the point.

    Dirk King coilovers are very new, so not a lot of history there. But... I've tried contacting Fox every single day for the last two weeks without a single response. I call Dirt King and they pick up the phone on the first ring and were willing to provide a ton of info when I grilled them.
     
  2. May 20, 2024 at 12:03 PM
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    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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  3. May 20, 2024 at 12:04 PM
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    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    I've crossed King off my list because I drive in the snow a lot and want to avoid corrosion as much as possible.
     
  4. May 20, 2024 at 12:06 PM
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    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    So the others are more resistant to Salted snowy road conditions? Got any articles on that?
     
  5. May 20, 2024 at 12:06 PM
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    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    Not here to argue. Just going by what I've read/heard with aluminum vs steel shock bodies.
     
  6. May 20, 2024 at 12:08 PM
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    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    King coil-overs are also aluminum...At least I thought the OEm replacements are
     
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  7. May 20, 2024 at 12:12 PM
    #7
    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    Steel bodies are typically plated too, Anodizing on aluminum to be corrosive resistant needs to be spec'd for a certain resistant property and is typically pricey.
     
  8. May 20, 2024 at 12:15 PM
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    Oreo Cat

    Oreo Cat Worst Member

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    king or ADS
     
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  9. May 20, 2024 at 12:16 PM
    #9
    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    Just confirmed with King on the phone. They're steel and they did say corrosion is an issue for my application. They suggested spraying the shock bodies down every once in a while with a protectant. Anyway... this is all beside the point. I'm asking about Fox and Dirt King.
     
  10. May 20, 2024 at 12:18 PM
    #10
    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    you answered your own question with regards to Fox, and kinda answered about DK.
     
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  11. May 20, 2024 at 12:20 PM
    #11
    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    Was hoping someone actually had the DK and could share their experience and/or someone with Fox who could shed some light on the adjusters seizing. Customer service-wise... yeah Fox is awful considering they don't answer the phone.
     
  12. May 20, 2024 at 12:21 PM
    #12
    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    There are other shock manufactures....could try them
    Locked is one.
    Oreo mentioned ADS
    perhaps a call to Bilstein and ask them about corrosion resistance?
     
  13. May 20, 2024 at 12:21 PM
    #13
    Oreo Cat

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  14. May 20, 2024 at 12:22 PM
    #14
    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    I live a few miles from Fox, trying to get them on the phone is like pulling teeth from a baby, and is why all of my shocks are kings, but I dont have corrosion issues.
     
  15. May 20, 2024 at 12:22 PM
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    Oreo Cat

    Oreo Cat Worst Member

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    Id pass on fox after watching this video and the lack of customer service you are getting
     
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  16. May 20, 2024 at 12:24 PM
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    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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  17. May 20, 2024 at 12:32 PM
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    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    Yeah I've already been down the rabbit hole, so to speak, and narrowed it down.
     
  18. May 20, 2024 at 12:33 PM
    #18
    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    I'm in the snow a lot.
     
  19. May 20, 2024 at 12:33 PM
    #19
    SoCaltaco65

    SoCaltaco65 Well-Known Member

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    ok, I reached out to friends I used to overland with and none have even heard of DK coilovers
     
  20. May 20, 2024 at 12:34 PM
    #20
    FourT6and2

    FourT6and2 [OP] Member

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    They've never heard of Elka? That's who actually makes them. But yes... Dirt King's offering is pretty new.
     

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