When upgrading a truck or SUV suspension, buyers often compare lift height, shock diameter and brand reputation. One important feature that deserves just as much attention is the shock reservoir.
Standard internal-reservoir shocks are compact, affordable and capable of providing excellent performance for daily driving and moderate off-road use. External or remote-reservoir shocks are designed for more demanding conditions, offering additional fluid capacity, improved heat management and more consistent damping during repeated suspension movement.
For Canadian truck owners who regularly drive on washboard roads, rough logging routes, snow-covered trails or long stretches of uneven terrain, a remote-reservoir suspension system can provide a meaningful performance advantage.
This guide explains how remote reservoirs work, their benefits and drawbacks, and how systems from FOX, BDS Suspension, Carli Suspension, Eibach, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, King Shocks and Rough Country compare.
Explore suspension options from:
- BDS Suspension
- FOX
- Carli Suspension
- Eibach
- ICON Vehicle Dynamics
- King Shocks
- Rough Country
- Suspension lift kits
What Is a Remote Reservoir Shock?
A remote-reservoir shock uses a separate cylindrical chamber connected to the main shock body by a high-pressure hose. The reservoir provides additional space for shock oil and the pressurized nitrogen gas used to control the fluid.
Inside a conventional monotube shock, the piston, oil and nitrogen chamber must all fit within the main shock body. A remote-reservoir design relocates some of that volume to an external chamber.
This creates several potential advantages:
- Greater oil capacity
- More surface area for cooling
- Better separation of oil and nitrogen
- More room for suspension travel
- Reduced risk of aeration and cavitation
- More consistent damping during repeated impacts
- The ability to incorporate external compression adjusters on some models
A piggyback-reservoir shock works on the same general principle, but the reservoir is mounted directly to the shock body rather than connected by a hose.
Internal Reservoir vs. Remote Reservoir Suspension
The right design depends on how the vehicle is driven. A remote reservoir is not automatically necessary for every lifted truck, and a high-quality internal-reservoir shock may be the better value for many daily drivers.
Standard Internal-Reservoir Shocks
An internal-reservoir shock contains its oil and nitrogen chamber inside the main shock body. Common examples include many 2.0-inch monotube shocks, entry-level coilovers and original-equipment replacement dampers.
Advantages
- Lower purchase price
- Fewer hoses, brackets and mounting components
- Simpler installation
- Less potential for reservoir-line damage
- Easier packaging in tight wheel wells
- Usually sufficient for commuting and occasional trail use
- Lower long-term service cost
Disadvantages
- Less fluid capacity than a comparable remote-reservoir shock
- Smaller cooling surface area
- More likely to experience heat-related damping fade during sustained hard use
- Fewer external adjustment options
- May be less suitable for high-speed off-road driving or heavily loaded overland vehicles
A well-tuned internal-reservoir monotube can still be a major improvement over factory shocks. In fact, FOX offers certain 2.5-inch non-reservoir Performance Series shocks as a simplified way to gain the strength and damping capacity of a larger shock body without adding remote reservoirs or compression adjusters.
Remote-Reservoir Shocks
Remote-reservoir shocks increase total fluid and gas capacity by moving part of the shock’s volume into a separate chamber.
Advantages
- Better heat dissipation during repeated suspension cycling
- Greater resistance to shock fade
- More consistent damping on long, rough roads
- Reduced fluid aeration and cavitation
- Potential for improved wheel travel
- More precise tuning on adjustable models
- Better suited to heavier trucks, added accessories and sustained off-road driving
- Often rebuildable and revalvable on premium systems
Eibach notes that its reservoir shocks use the additional fluid volume to dissipate heat and reduce shock fade. The separate reservoir also helps minimize aeration by improving the separation between the shock oil and nitrogen charge.
Disadvantages
- Higher initial cost
- More complex installation
- Additional hoses and reservoir mounts
- Potential clearance concerns
- Greater exposure to salt, mud, rocks and road debris
- Premium rebuildable shocks may require periodic servicing
- Adjustable models require some setup knowledge
- Benefits may not be noticeable during light street driving
Remote reservoirs do not necessarily make a suspension softer. Ride quality still depends on piston design, spring rate, shock valving, vehicle weight, tire pressure and suspension geometry. The reservoir primarily helps the shock maintain its intended damping behaviour as temperatures and operating demands increase.
Why Heat Causes Shock Fade
Every time a shock compresses or extends, its piston forces oil through internal passages and valve stacks. That resistance controls suspension movement, but it also creates heat.
During normal street driving, the shock generally has enough time to cool. During repeated high-speed impacts, washboard roads, corrugations or heavily loaded travel, heat can build faster than it can escape.
Excess heat can reduce the oil’s ability to maintain consistent damping. It can also encourage aeration or cavitation, where bubbles form in the fluid. When that happens, the shock may begin to feel softer, less controlled or inconsistent.
A remote reservoir helps by increasing both the quantity of fluid and the available cooling surface. This can improve resistance to overheating, cavitation and damper fade during sustained hard use.
Who Should Buy a Remote Reservoir Suspension?
Remote-reservoir systems are most valuable for drivers who regularly place sustained demands on their suspension.
Consider a remote-reservoir kit when your truck is used for:
- Fast driving on gravel, desert or logging roads
- Long washboard-road sections
- Repeated trail impacts
- Overlanding with constant additional weight
- Heavy front bumpers, winches or skid plates
- Bed racks, rooftop tents, caps and camping equipment
- Aggressive recreational off-roading
- Work on remote resource roads
- Performance-oriented lifted builds
- Drivers who want external damping adjustment
A standard internal-reservoir shock may be the better purchase for a vehicle primarily used for:
- Highway commuting
- Urban driving
- Appearance-focused lifting
- Occasional slow trail use
- Mild forest-road travel
- Budget-conscious suspension upgrades
FOX Factory Race Series Remote Reservoir Suspension
FOX Factory Race Series products are among the most recognizable premium off-road shocks. Depending on the vehicle and application, the range includes 2.5-inch and 3.0-inch coilovers, smooth-body shocks, remote reservoirs, internal-bypass designs and Dual Speed Compression adjusters.
FOX Factory Race Series reservoir shocks are based on off-road racing technology and are designed to improve control, consistency and performance when leaving the pavement.
Key FOX Factory Race Series Features
Application-dependent features can include:
- 2.5-inch or 3.0-inch shock bodies
- External remote reservoirs
- Vehicle-specific valving
- Height-adjustable coilovers
- Rebuildable and serviceable construction
- Internal-bypass damping on select models
- Dual Speed Compression adjustment
- Aluminum shock bodies on applicable products
- High-flow pistons and premium internal components
FOX Dual Speed Compression, commonly abbreviated DSC, allows separate adjustment of low-speed and high-speed compression damping.
Low-speed compression adjustment affects slower suspension movements such as body roll, brake dive, weight transfer and gradual terrain changes. High-speed compression adjustment affects rapid piston movement caused by potholes, sharp trail impacts and square-edge bumps.
“High speed” refers to shock-shaft speed, not vehicle speed.
FOX Factory Race Series Pros
- Race-developed architecture
- Strong heat-management capability
- Excellent damping consistency during sustained use
- Wide range of direct-fit applications
- Rebuildable construction
- Useful adjustment on DSC-equipped models
- Strong choice for performance off-roading
FOX Factory Race Series Cons
- Premium price
- May be more suspension than a street-driven truck needs
- Periodic service can be required
- Exposed reservoir hoses must be routed correctly
- Adjustable models may take time to dial in
- Application-specific tuning should be matched to the vehicle’s actual weight and use
BDS Suspension Systems with FOX Factory Race Series Shocks
BDS Suspension is known for complete lift systems that combine vehicle-specific suspension geometry with FOX shock technology.
Depending on the BDS kit, the suspension may include crossmembers, control arms, radius arms, steering corrections, differential relocation components, coil springs, rear blocks, leaf springs or coilover conversions. Higher-performance configurations frequently use FOX 2.5 Factory Race Series or other premium FOX reservoir shocks.
Some BDS systems are available with precision-tuned FOX 2.5 Factory Race Series remote-reservoir coilovers. Select systems also offer FOX DSC adjustment for additional compression control.
Why Choose a BDS and FOX Combination?
The main advantage is integration. Rather than installing premium shocks on a lift that was not engineered around them, a complete BDS system can combine corrected suspension geometry with appropriately sized and tuned FOX dampers.
That makes these systems appealing for drivers who want:
- A complete engineered lift
- Greater tire clearance
- Corrected suspension and steering geometry
- Premium FOX damping
- A package intended to work together
- A more performance-oriented alternative to basic spacer or bracket lifts
BDS with FOX Pros
- Complete-system approach
- Strong supporting suspension hardware
- Vehicle-specific configurations
- Premium FOX reservoir options
- Available for many popular trucks and SUVs
- Suitable for larger lifts and more aggressive builds
BDS with FOX Cons
- Higher total system cost
- More involved installation
- Alignment and supporting modifications may be required
- Not every BDS kit includes Factory Race Series shocks
- Exact FOX series and features vary by part number
Customers should verify whether a particular package includes FOX Factory Race Series, Performance Elite, Performance Series or another shock option. These product families are not interchangeable, even when the shock-body diameter is similar.
Explore BDS Suspension products.
Carli Pathfinder Remote Reservoir Suspension Systems
Carli Suspension specializes heavily in suspension systems for Ford Super Duty and Ram heavy-duty trucks. Rather than focusing only on lift height, Carli develops complete systems around ride quality, usable suspension travel, chassis control and vehicle-specific tuning.
The Carli Pathfinder system occupies a distinctive position in the company’s lineup. It uses Carli-SPEC 2.5-inch remote-reservoir dampers but is tuned with a stronger emphasis on street comfort and light-to-moderate off-road use than more aggressive systems.
Carli positions Pathfinder as a controlled and predictable system intended for owners who prioritize on-road comfort while still wanting a substantial improvement in off-road capability. On applicable vehicles, it may sit between Carli’s Backcountry and Pintop systems.
Carli Pathfinder Features
Depending on application, Pathfinder systems may include:
- Carli-SPEC 2.5-inch remote-reservoir shocks
- Hard-anodized shock components
- Vehicle-specific shock tuning
- Dedicated reservoir mounts
- Lift or leveling springs
- Adjustable track bars
- Radius-arm or supporting geometry components
- Optional progressive rear leaf springs
- Optional torsion sway bars
- Steering-stabilizer compatibility
Carli Pathfinder Pros
- Developed specifically for heavy-duty trucks
- Street-comfort-focused tuning
- Meaningful improvement over factory off-road control
- Premium 2.5-inch reservoir architecture
- Complete-system philosophy
- Well suited to daily-driven diesel trucks
- Designed around correct spring and shock pairing
Carli Pathfinder Cons
- More expensive than basic leveling systems
- Not intended to be Carli’s most aggressive high-speed system
- Some configurations have application restrictions
- Supporting options can increase the total cost substantially
- Certain Pathfinder systems may not be upgradeable into other Carli systems
- Exact lift, rear suspension configuration and tire fitment vary by vehicle
The Pathfinder is especially compelling for owners who want a premium reservoir system but do not need the more aggressive tuning or added cost of a competition-influenced setup.
Shop Carli Suspension systems.
Eibach PRO-TRUCK-LIFT Stage 2R
Eibach’s PRO-TRUCK-LIFT Stage 2R combines adjustable front coilovers with rear remote-reservoir shocks. It is designed as a step above the standard Stage 2 system, which typically uses non-reservoir rear shocks.
The Stage 2R architecture generally includes:
- Front 2.0-inch PRO-TRUCK coilovers
- Threaded front ride-height adjustment
- Rear PRO-TRUCK remote-reservoir shocks
- Application-specific rear springs where included
- Vehicle-specific damping
- Monotube shock construction
Eibach’s Stage 2R rear reservoir shocks are particularly useful for vehicles carrying additional weight over the rear axle.
That makes Stage 2R a relevant option for trucks equipped with:
- Bed caps
- Rooftop tents
- Drawer systems
- Recovery equipment
- Camping supplies
- Tools
- Constant cargo
- Rear bumpers or spare-tire carriers
Eibach Stage 2R vs. Stage 2
The primary difference is normally found at the rear of the vehicle.
Stage 2 commonly pairs adjustable front coilovers with conventional PRO-TRUCK rear shocks. Stage 2R upgrades the rear to remote-reservoir dampers for additional fluid capacity and improved consistency under demanding use.
Eibach also offers the more advanced Stage 3R for select applications, using larger 2.5-inch front coilovers with rear reservoir shocks.
Eibach Stage 2R Pros
- Strong balance between price and performance
- Front ride-height adjustability
- Rear reservoir shocks benefit loaded vehicles
- More approachable than some premium racing-derived systems
- Good road manners
- Vehicle-specific tuning
- Direct-fit design on supported applications
Eibach Stage 2R Cons
- Reservoirs may only be included at the rear
- Less externally adjustable than some premium competitors
- Availability depends on vehicle application
- Not as aggressive as larger 2.5-inch systems
- Supporting control arms may still be advisable at increased lift heights
Shop Eibach suspension products.
ICON Suspension Stages Explained
ICON Vehicle Dynamics organizes many of its complete suspension packages into stages. The exact number of stages, components and upgrade path varies by vehicle, so a Stage 5 system for one truck should not be assumed to contain exactly the same parts as a Stage 5 system for another.
Some applications offer systems through Stage 11, while newer or specialized application families may use a different number of available stages.
In general, ICON stages progress from entry-level internal-reservoir systems toward more complete packages with:
- Remote-reservoir coilovers
- Larger rear shocks
- Compression adjusters
- Upper control arms
- Rear links
- Track bars
- Coil springs
- Electronic damping adjustment
- Additional travel and chassis-control components
ICON Internal Reservoir Systems
Lower-stage ICON systems are often suited to drivers who want:
- Improved street handling
- Moderate off-road performance
- Adjustable front ride height
- Larger tire clearance
- A lower entry price
- Simpler installation
These systems can still provide a substantial upgrade over factory suspension.
ICON Remote Reservoir Systems
Higher stages may introduce ICON 2.5 Series remote-reservoir coilovers and matching rear remote-reservoir or piggyback shocks.
The additional oil volume and cooling area improve performance during sustained demanding use. Some systems add ICON’s Compression Damping Control Valve, or CDCV, which provides manual compression adjustment.
ICON CDEV and Electronic Adjustment
Select newer applications use ICON’s electronically controlled CDEV system. These systems allow compatible dampers to be adjusted electronically rather than requiring the user to turn a knob at each shock.
The exact control strategy, hardware and compatibility depend on the vehicle and kit.
ICON Stage 11
Stage 11 packages are positioned near the upper end of applicable ICON product structures. Depending on the vehicle, they may combine:
- 2.5 Series remote-reservoir front coilovers
- CDCV or CDEV adjustment
- 2.5-inch rear remote-reservoir shocks
- Upper control arms
- Rear links or track-bar upgrades
- Multi-rate or application-specific springs
- Extended-travel components
- Comprehensive front and rear suspension tuning
ICON Pros
- Wide range of upgrade levels
- Vehicle-specific tuning
- Internal and remote-reservoir choices
- Rebuildable premium shocks
- Manual and electronic adjustment options
- Strong supporting-hardware selection
- Complete front and rear packages
ICON Cons
- The stage system can be confusing
- Stage contents vary significantly by vehicle
- Higher stages can become expensive
- More adjustment and hardware create more complexity
- Premium systems may require periodic servicing
- Not every driver needs the components included in the highest stages
The best ICON stage is not always the highest one. Buyers should choose according to vehicle weight, terrain, desired adjustability and supporting-component requirements.
Explore ICON suspension systems.
King Remote Reservoir Shocks
King Shocks has a strong motorsports and off-road racing background. Its OEM Performance Series brings much of that architecture to direct-fit truck and SUV applications.
Common King OEM Performance features include:
- 2.5-inch diameter shock bodies
- Remote or piggyback reservoirs
- Adjustable front ride height on applicable coilovers
- Vehicle-specific valving
- Rebuildable and revalvable construction
- Optional external compression adjusters
- Large pistons and full-size valving
- Direct-fit mounting on supported vehicles
King’s large 2.5-inch shock bodies increase fluid capacity for smoother and cooler operation. Its external reservoirs further increase fluid capacity and heat dissipation, helping maintain damping performance under demanding conditions.
King Remote Reservoir Pros
- Racing-derived construction
- Excellent thermal capacity
- Rebuildable and revalvable
- Optional compression adjustment
- Large 2.5-inch bodies
- Strong performance under repeated heavy use
- High degree of tuning potential
King Remote Reservoir Cons
- Premium purchase price
- Service and rebuild costs
- Blue anodized components may require regular cleaning in salted climates
- Adjustment can be unnecessary for casual users
- Reservoir and hose placement must be protected
- Correct vehicle-specific tuning is important
King is an especially strong choice for experienced off-road drivers who value serviceability, tuning potential and sustained high-load performance.
Rough Country Vertex Remote Reservoir Systems
Rough Country Vertex systems bring 2.5-inch remote-reservoir coilover technology into a more accessible price category.
Depending on the vehicle, Vertex kits can include front reservoir coilovers, matching rear reservoir shocks or complete lift-system components.
Common Vertex features include:
- 2.5-inch monotube construction
- Nitrogen charging
- External remote reservoirs
- Steel-braided reservoir lines
- Increased oil capacity
- Improved heat dissipation
- Height-adjustable coilovers
- Vehicle-specific lift configurations
- Corrosion-resistant finishes
The remote reservoir and braided line help improve heat dissipation, while the nitrogen-charged monotube design helps reduce shock fade under demanding use.
Some newer Vertex coilovers also use honed steel bodies, heat-treated bearings, zinc-plated finishes and double clear coats intended to improve durability and corrosion resistance.
Rough Country Vertex Pros
- Lower entry price than many premium reservoir systems
- 2.5-inch remote-reservoir architecture
- Strong visual presentation
- Adjustable ride height on applicable coilovers
- Broad availability for popular trucks
- Useful performance upgrade over basic lift shocks
- Corrosion-conscious finishes on applicable models
Rough Country Vertex Cons
- Fewer advanced tuning options than some high-end competitors
- Not positioned as a fully competition-oriented system
- Application-specific features vary
- May not offer the same rebuild and custom-valving ecosystem as premium racing brands
- Complete kits may still require supporting geometry components
Vertex is a practical option for drivers who want reservoir performance and appearance without moving immediately into the highest premium price tier.
Explore Rough Country suspension products.
Remote Reservoir Suspension Comparison
| Suspension Family | Reservoir Configuration | Adjustment Availability | Best Suited For | Relative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard internal-reservoir monotube | Internal | Usually fixed | Daily driving and moderate trails | $ |
| Eibach Stage 2R | Primarily rear remote reservoirs with front coilovers | Front ride height | Loaded daily drivers and overlanding | $$ |
| Rough Country Vertex | Remote-reservoir coilovers and shocks, application-dependent | Ride height and model-dependent damping features | Value-focused lifted builds | $$ |
| Carli Pathfinder | Carli-SPEC 2.5-inch remote reservoirs | Primarily vehicle-specific fixed tuning | Heavy-duty trucks emphasizing street comfort | $$$ |
| FOX Factory Race Series | 2.5-inch or 3.0-inch remote reservoirs | DSC on applicable models | High-performance road and off-road use | $$$$ |
| BDS with FOX | Complete lift with premium FOX options | Depends on included FOX series | Complete engineered lifted builds | $$$$ |
| ICON higher stages | 2.5-inch remote reservoirs or piggybacks | CDCV or CDEV on applicable systems | Tunable, complete vehicle systems | $$$$ |
| King OEM Performance | 2.5-inch remote or piggyback reservoirs | Optional compression adjustment | Aggressive use and custom tuning | $$$$ |
Pricing, shock specifications and included components vary significantly by vehicle.
Are Adjustable Reservoir Shocks Worth It?
External compression adjusters can be useful when one vehicle performs several different jobs.
For example, a truck may be driven unloaded during the week, carry camping equipment on weekends and tow occasionally. An adjustable shock can help the owner compensate for changing terrain or operating conditions.
Adjustment can be especially valuable for:
- Heavy front bumpers and winches
- Variable cargo loads
- Towing
- High-speed gravel roads
- Slow technical trails
- Drivers who are sensitive to body motion
- Vehicles that alternate between street and off-road use
However, an adjuster cannot correct improper spring rates, overloaded suspension or poor alignment. It should be treated as a fine-tuning tool rather than a substitute for selecting the correct suspension system.
Remote Reservoir Suspension in Canadian Winters
Canadian conditions place additional demands on premium suspension components. Road salt, calcium chloride, packed snow, mud and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can affect shock bodies, mounting hardware, reservoir brackets and hose fittings.
Owners should:
- Rinse the underbody regularly during winter
- Clean around reservoir clamps and brackets
- Inspect hoses for rubbing or cracking
- Check fittings for seepage
- Protect reservoirs from tire contact and road debris
- Inspect exposed shafts before extended storage
- Follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations
- Avoid coating shock shafts with thick grease that can attract dirt
- Recheck mounting hardware after installation
Corrosion resistance should be considered when comparing shock-body materials and finishes, but no premium suspension system should be considered maintenance-free in a salted climate.
Do Remote Reservoir Shocks Need to Be Rebuilt?
Many premium FOX, ICON and King shocks are rebuildable. Rebuild intervals vary according to mileage, contamination, heat exposure and driving intensity.
A pavement-driven truck may go much longer between services than a vehicle regularly driven at speed across washboard roads. Signs that a shock may require inspection include:
- Oil leakage
- Reduced damping
- Excessive bouncing
- Unusual knocking
- Inconsistent behaviour when hot
- Damaged reservoir hoses
- Corroded or damaged shafts
- Loss of external-adjuster effectiveness
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific shock model. A fixed mileage interval should not be assumed to apply to every brand or driving condition.
How to Choose the Right Reservoir Suspension System
1. Vehicle Weight
Account for permanent accessories such as bumpers, winches, skid plates, bed caps, tools, drawer systems and rooftop tents. Shock tuning and spring rate should match the truck’s real operating weight.
2. Driving Speed and Terrain
Slow trail driving generates a different suspension load than repeated high-speed impacts. Reservoir systems deliver their clearest advantage when the shocks cycle rapidly and repeatedly.
3. Desired Lift Height
Do not choose shocks based only on the advertised lift range. Control-arm angles, CV angles, track-bar geometry, brake-line length, bump-stop position and available suspension travel must also be considered.
4. Need for Adjustment
Adjustable shocks are valuable for changing loads and terrain, but fixed vehicle-specific valving may be simpler and more consistent for drivers who do not want to tune their suspension.
5. Service Expectations
Premium rebuildable shocks offer long-term serviceability, but they also involve maintenance. A sealed internal-reservoir system may be more convenient for a lightly used daily driver.
Which Remote Reservoir System Is Best?
There is no universal best system. Each brand addresses a different type of buyer.
Choose FOX Factory Race Series for racing-derived performance, strong heat management and available DSC adjustment.
Choose a BDS system with FOX shocks when you want a complete lift package with corrected geometry and premium dampers engineered into the system.
Choose Carli Pathfinder for a heavy-duty Ford or Ram that prioritizes daily comfort while still requiring genuine remote-reservoir capability.
Choose Eibach Stage 2R for a balanced, moderately priced system with adjustable front coilovers and additional rear-shock capacity, particularly on a loaded overland vehicle.
Choose a higher-stage ICON system when you want a comprehensive upgrade path, supporting suspension hardware and manual or electronic damping adjustment.
Choose King for rebuildability, custom tuning potential and demanding off-road use.
Choose Rough Country Vertex for an accessible route into 2.5-inch remote-reservoir coilovers and a performance-oriented lifted-truck appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do remote reservoirs make a truck ride smoother?
They can help a shock maintain more consistent damping, especially when hot, but they do not automatically create a softer ride. Spring rates and shock valving have a greater direct effect on ride firmness.
Are remote reservoirs only for racing?
No. They are also useful for overlanding, work trucks, towing setups, heavy accessories and frequent travel on rough roads.
Are remote-reservoir shocks better for towing?
They may improve damping consistency under sustained loads, but they do not increase the vehicle’s payload or towing rating. Correct rear springs, tire capacity and weight distribution remain essential.
Can remote-reservoir shocks be installed on a daily driver?
Yes. Many FOX, Carli, Eibach, ICON, King and Rough Country systems are tuned for combined street and off-road use.
What is the difference between a remote reservoir and a piggyback reservoir?
A remote reservoir is connected by a hose and can be mounted separately. A piggyback reservoir is attached directly to the shock body. Both increase fluid and gas capacity.
What is an internal-bypass shock?
An internal-bypass shock uses internal passages that alter damping according to piston position. It can provide softer movement through one portion of the travel and progressively stronger control near the ends. An internal-bypass shock may also use an external reservoir; “internal bypass” and “internal reservoir” do not mean the same thing.
Do reservoir shocks add suspension travel?
They can free space inside the main shock body and may support longer-travel designs, but actual wheel travel depends on the entire suspension system. Installing a reservoir shock alone does not guarantee additional usable travel.
Are remote reservoirs worth the money?
They are worthwhile for drivers who generate enough heat to benefit from additional fluid capacity and cooling. For a commuter that rarely leaves pavement, a quality internal-reservoir shock may offer better value.
Upgrade Your Truck’s Suspension at Off-Road Canada
The right suspension should do more than increase ride height. It should control the vehicle’s weight, maintain tire contact, manage heat and remain predictable across the terrain you actually drive.
Whether you need an approachable Eibach Stage 2R or Rough Country Vertex package, a comfort-focused Carli Pathfinder system, a complete BDS and FOX lift, or a premium ICON, King or FOX remote-reservoir setup, selecting the correct application is essential.
Browse the available brands:
- BDS Suspension
- FOX
- Carli Suspension
- Eibach
- ICON Vehicle Dynamics
- King Shocks
- Rough Country
- All suspension lift kits
Fitment, included components and adjustment features vary by year, make, model, drivetrain and suspension configuration. Confirm the complete application details before ordering.