Ride Shocks DPA Adjuster: Not Your Typical Compression Adjuster

Enhancing Performance with Ride Shocks Dual Piston Adjuster: A Game Changer for Suspension Systems

Compression adjusters on Ride Shocks are designed to let you manually control the resistance the suspension provides when it compresses under load, such as when the vehicle encounters speed bumps, whoops, drainage ditches, or g-outs. For off-road vehicles, the suspension’s main job is to absorb impacts while keeping the tires in contact with the ground, which enhances both comfort and control. The compression adjuster specifically alters the suspension’s response during the compression phase when the vehicle hits a bump. Ride Shocks feature two levels of adjustment on the Dual Piston Adjuster: low speed adjustment and high speed adjustment, allowing for a customizable and optimized ride.

Mastering Control with the Low Speed Compression Adjuster: Fine-Tuning Your Ride

What is Low Speed Compression?

Low Speed Compression on a shock refers to the rate at which the shock shaft compresses into the shock body, typically resulting in smoother and more gradual shock movement. This type of compression adjustment comes into play when a vehicle is cornering, braking, accelerating, or driving over rolling bumps. It helps control the suspension’s response during these lower-speed, more controlled movements, ensuring a more comfortable and stable ride.

When would I need to adjust Low Speed Compression?

If you notice that the vehicle experiences excessive brake dive, feels too bouncy, or bottoms out on large rolling bumps, increasing the Low Speed Compression on your Dual Piston Adjuster (DPA) can help. Low speed adjustments are particularly effective when compensating for added weight, as they provide better control over the suspension’s response to slower, more controlled movements, improving stability and comfort.

Optimizing Performance with the High Speed Compression Adjuster: Unlocking Better Handling

What is High Speed Compression?

High Speed Compression refers to the shock’s response when it compresses rapidly. This occurs when the suspension is subjected to sudden, impactful forces, such as hitting curbs, speed bumps, larger rocks, or washboard roads at higher speeds. While driving speed is a factor, the key to high speed compression is the rate of impact. For instance, even at 75 mph, approaching a gradual hill would still be considered low speed compression due to the gradual nature of the terrain. However, when you hit a speed bump at just 15 mph, the shock must react quickly to absorb the sudden impact, which is classified as high speed compression.

When would I need to adjust High Speed Compression?

If the suspension and tires are bottoming out or slamming through hard hits, you should increase the high speed compression. This adjustment helps the shock absorb sudden, forceful impacts more effectively. Additionally, increasing high speed compression is beneficial for more aggressive off-road driving, where quicker, harsher impacts are common. High speed compression adjustments are often more noticeable and can be one of the most useful changes to make, as they directly impact how the suspension handles intense, high-impact situations.

Fine-Tuning Suspension: The Impact of 12 Clicks in High and Low Speed Compression Adjustment

Ride Shocks come from the factory with both adjusters set to their softest setting, meaning they are fully decreased (open). This provides you with the maximum range of adjustment to increase the firmness of the ride. Each of the 12 clicks represents a noticeable increase in stiffness, allowing you to make quick, precise adjustments with a clear impact on performance. The Engineering Team at Ride Shocks carefully chose the 12-click adjustment range because it strikes a balance between offering enough customization and ensuring each click provides a meaningful change. Having too many clicks can make it difficult to keep track of adjustments and might not deliver significant changes between settings.

Beyond Ride Quality: Exploring the Other Benefits of Compression Adjusters

There are many other lesser known benefits of compression adjusters that improve the performance of your shocks such as increased damping, better cooling and more consistency.

Increased Damping
Compression Adjusters act as an additional damping piston, enhancing your shock’s performance by controlling oil flow into the reservoir based on the displacement of the piston rod. By adding this second damping piston, both the damping area and force are significantly increased, ensuring a more controlled and responsive ride. This is especially crucial for Independent Front Suspension systems, which can easily run out of damping force without the added adjustment. With Compression Adjusters, you get the precision and power needed to keep your suspension performing at its best.

Lower Operating Temperatures
The compression adjuster piston is strategically located next to the reservoir, allowing it to more effectively transfer heat into the oil, where it can be efficiently cooled. This design ensures optimal performance by preventing overheating and maintaining consistent damping, even during demanding conditions. With this advanced feature, you get enhanced reliability and improved shock performance for a smoother, more controlled ride.

Less Chance of Cavitation
Finally, the compression adjuster piston plays a crucial role in preventing cavitation, ensuring that your shock maintains consistent damping performance. The DPA adjuster was specifically engineered to eliminate the risk of cavitation, which directly enhances both ride comfort and overall performance. This feature alone can make the adjusters well worth the investment, providing you with a smoother, more controlled ride that stands up to the toughest conditions.

Summary

Ride Shocks DPA Adjusters are the perfect solution for anyone looking to optimize ride quality, whether you’re adjusting for added weight, changing terrain, or simply seeking the best performance. With their high-flow design, linear adjustment, resistance to cavitation, and application-specific tuning, these adjusters play a crucial role in maximizing your shocks’ overall performance. Offering precise control and adaptability, Ride Shocks DPA Adjusters ensure you get a smooth, responsive ride tailored to your needs.