Thank you CJC! I had this exact question and after speaking to you ended up with the pintop and all the fixins on my 2500 limited. Truck is absolutely amazing running on 37s. For years i had to brace for every bump on a cheap leveling kit. No longer. The ride is smooth, absorbs bumps from small to large and makes driving pleasurable. Not to mention it draws a lot of comments and looks badass. Thank you for an amazing build and for taking the time to talk me through all of the options and answering all of my questions. For those watching this... don’t hesitate. the crew at CJC will put you in the right system and the install is perfection. It is worth every penny
Keep up the content. I love that your videos are not crazy edited and unfiltered. Just two dudes bantering about the trucks we love with technical details sprinkled in.
I’ve got the Pintop shocks and 2.5” leveling springs in my cart and I’m just waiting to pull the trigger. I’m currently running an Icon 2.5” leveling kit and my drivers side coil spring has pretty much collapsed at the top. The top three coils are touching. So I cannot wait to get the new stuff installed.
Just set up an appointment with my local dealer here in AZ to have a fully optioned Backcountry kit put on in a few weeks on my 2013 F-250. This video helped me decide on the package I needed. Thanks CJC!
One reason I'm going to get the best system I can afford is to be able to get in and out of back country locations quickly without it beating the heck out of us or my truck. I only have a limited amount of time and right now I spend way too much time getting there and back.
So, while we know about the off-road ratings of the King shocks in the Pintop package, what would you rate the ride quality of these shocks on the street or as a daily commuter; 1 being not a chance in hell and 5 being amazing ride quality, where would you put these shocks?
Both are exceptional on road. We’d rate the 2.5 Kings at a 5 and the 2.0 Back Country at a 4 on that scale. The Kings take the win all around since the increase in size gives more tuning ability and damping.
I am on the fence for about a couple months now. I would like go either with the backcountry 2.5 or the 3.5 . Would the pintop 2.5 levelling kit ride better on road then the 2 back countys? @@CJCOffRoad
I would LOVE to see a video of one of these F250's with a 5.5" pin top or back country with the full progressive leaf pack and long travel air bags w/ 37's towing something. Nothing crazy. Like an 8-10k lb bumper pull load or something. Pleeeeease! Just to tide me over and confirm my decision with this kit.
Sadly these are all customer trucks so we can’t go out and tow with them for a video, but feel free to check out our tagged photos on insta. LOTS of our 4.5” or 5.5” Ford customers tow large trailers without issue thanks to the Carli LT bags!
So is there a "Commuter" kit with Fox reservoir shocks out for 2021 Ram 3500 WITH Air Assist rear suspension? You made a brief mention but I wasn't sure....
I dont want a lift I am looking at the carli leveling setup is the king pin top 2.5 leveling system a true leveling system. If not can the carli leveling kit be upgraded with res shocks
I'm anxiously waiting for Coles review on the 2020 Ram dominator system. I'm on the fence on that kit and the back country, also if I decide to go with the 3.0 kings is there another option other then blue? I prefer a gold with black look. Thanks guys for all the great info it really puts things in to perspective when choosing the right setup. Keep it up!
The 14+ Ram Dominator system is hands down the smoothest all around production suspension system ever made for a solid axle diesel truck. We’ve truly never experienced anything like it. That set up will be well worth the wait and cost. If you’re okay with a little added cost and lead time, we can get the shocks anodized or coated any color you like.
@@CJCOffRoad I just fell backwards off the fence while reading your comment!. I know what I'll be ordering. I'll reach out to you guys this weekend to work out the color details. Thank you guys!
It is completely identical minus the difference in piston thickness in the shocks giving the Backcountry shocks a slight (we're talking millimeters) advantage in travel. For your use case, the backcountry shocks are perfect.
Maybe this is a dumb question but as you stated in the video the pin top is more capable offroad but would one be better for everyday commuting and city driving?
Thanks for all the great videos. My biggest factor that has me debating back country or pintop is the huge bumper and winch i will be getting next week. About 500 lbs of winch/ bumper. Any chance the back country can handle that??? Or is the pintop %100 the way to go for heavy bumper working in the oil field? Thanks yall
The shock package actually plays no role in supporting the weight. What matters is the coils. You’ll be fine with that bumper, but the truck will sit lower than the stated 3.25” lift those coils normally provide.
What would be better for a daily driver ram 3500 srw. Torn between the leveling kit or going with the 3 1/4 kit because then you can change rear leafs too
Check me on this - Fox is Aluminum and King is Stainless Steal - Correct? Thinking of corrosion up here in MN... Do the Kings come in anything other than baby blue?
I have icon stage 1 leveling kit on my 2018 Ram 2500 and want to replace the shocks with Kings 2.5 pin top shocks. Can I still use the icon coils with the Kings or should I upgrade the coils also?
We recommend doing the Carli systems as a system if possible since the shocks are tuned to work with the coils and the supporting parts that accommodate the additional travel.
what about fox 2.5 factory series dsc vs 2.5 pintop shocks? I am about to buy a good suspension system but I am not sure which one to decide on, it is for a 2001 dodge ram 2500
What's your opinion on the new RBP DOT approved beadlock's (50r Cobra)? I'm only asking because I value you guys opinion a lot. I'm pretty settled on the method NV wheels. But those RBP perked my interest.
We don't have any experience with that wheel sadly so we can't comment! We can say that beadlocks are really only necessary for the 1% out really using their trucks hard in the dirt. We've jumped our trucks for years on a mix of simulated and real beadlock wheels and have never had a failure or issue at even at 15 psi on simulated wheels. These days most of us at the shop tend to run simulated wheels since they take less maintenance.
@@CJCOffRoad Word not the street is that CJC was going to do engine swaps for the new Bronco....offering to swap in the 5.0 coyote V8. Somebody should.
This might be a really dumb question. I've tried to do some research but not super plugged into forums and message boards. I'm pretty handy and think I can do most of this myself. I just ordered the Backcountry 2.0 3" kit. Will I need to go have an alignment job done after the install? Thanks for the info.
Looking to keep the height as close to stick as possible. Very little off road, towing a 5th wheel. Looking for a better ride...and I know that's alot to ask from a 1 ton. 2016 f350 drw
Absolutely! Remember that shocks have nothing to do with load capacity. Springs bear weight, and shocks damp movement. The kings or Fox Back Country shocks actually improve towing manners dramatically since they’re able to damp and control trailer feedback and bounce that would normally be transferred to the truck.
Hey I have a question no one can seem to answer. I have a 2017 f150 with leveled billsteins with 33s k02s. I need a better set up for my suspension for smooth riding. I drive on normal roads and highways in the northeast with pot holes ect for 6 hours a day. No off roading. What set up should I buy to comfort over bumps and uneven paved roads. Someone said kings. What is your professional opinion
Definitely not Kings! They'll handle what you do without issue, but that's more shock than you need if you stay on pavement. Our recommendation would be the Carli Commuter system or Carli Backcountry system so you can run the full replacement rear leaf springs! www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/2-5-systems
No they actually add considerably more control than stock. The heavier you tow, the bigger the shock we recommend since the shock needs to control the weight of the truck plus the load.
I have a 2011 F350 SRW. I have a Icon leveling kit and I’m sick of rebuilding their shocks every 15000 to 20000 miles. Can I run one of these two reservoir shocks with a leveling kit? If so, which one? I tow a 16000 lb fifth wheel but I have airbags to assist. Please let me know. Thanks.
Our recommendation is to sell the Icon kit and switch to a complete Carli Back Country level system. The Carli systems have custom tuned shocks and coils designed to work together and cycle significantly more travel than the competitors (9” up front on your truck). As a result you need the supporting parts and whole system to make everything work. The ride quality and durability improvement will be well worth it.
KING makes great shocks but because they’re steel, they rust and look like crap after a year. I’m speaking from experience and that’s why fox are better because they are made from aluminum and don’t tarnish after a year or two.
You’re correct on the outer body wear. We always recommend that customers in harsh climates wrap or otherwise protect their King shock bodies. Remember though that there’s a whole lot more to a shock that the outer body material.
Great to see you with the Power Wagon. What year is it and have you experienced any issues with electronic sway bar disconnect mechanism locking/unlocking? Would appreciate your thoughts.
Both are equal really, so what matters is the tuning and design inside them. For our case, Carli works with king to develop a completely custom spec for their Ford and Ram systems with custom lengths, piston designs and shim stack tuning. That works better than any off the shelf shock from either brand. King is more accommodating to custom spec shock programs like this, which is why Carli uses them.
The King systems have more damping, giving them the advantage any time there's a large impact. That said, the Back Country shocks will handle a speed bump like nothing. Here's a great example: ua-cam.com/video/Aqlb3y35vPw/v-deo.html
Carli has a dedicated pintop King system for your truck in both 2.5” and 4.5” height! You can check out those systems here: www.cjcoffroad.com/Carli-2005-2016-Ford-Systems-s/64.htm
You’ll never regret having more shock than you need. If you’re on the fence, just go for the pintop from the start since it’s cheaper than upgrading later!
Thank you CJC! I had this exact question and after speaking to you ended up with the pintop and all the fixins on my 2500 limited. Truck is absolutely amazing running on 37s. For years i had to brace for every bump on a cheap leveling kit. No longer. The ride is smooth, absorbs bumps from small to large and makes driving pleasurable. Not to mention it draws a lot of comments and looks badass. Thank you for an amazing build and for taking the time to talk me through all of the options and answering all of my questions. For those watching this... don’t hesitate. the crew at CJC will put you in the right system and the install is perfection. It is worth every penny
Thank you so much for the support and glad to hear you’re enjoying the truck! You truly get what you pay for with these systems!
Keep up the content. I love that your videos are not crazy edited and unfiltered. Just two dudes bantering about the trucks we love with technical details sprinkled in.
We try to keep it real! 👍
I’ve got the Pintop shocks and 2.5” leveling springs in my cart and I’m just waiting to pull the trigger. I’m currently running an Icon 2.5” leveling kit and my drivers side coil spring has pretty much collapsed at the top. The top three coils are touching. So I cannot wait to get the new stuff installed.
Will go with pintops 100% once i order my f250. Thanks for your videos!
Just set up an appointment with my local dealer here in AZ to have a fully optioned Backcountry kit put on in a few weeks on my 2013 F-250. This video helped me decide on the package I needed. Thanks CJC!
Glad we could help!
give us an update review please
@@akathedude3266 Huge difference. Worth every penny.
One reason I'm going to get the best system I can afford is to be able to get in and out of back country locations quickly without it beating the heck out of us or my truck. I only have a limited amount of time and right now I spend way too much time getting there and back.
Great video, and great to know that we can buy a backcountry And have it for a few years and then upgrade to the kings when we're ready
That’s my plan! Though I stare at the Dominator for my 2013 and think that I would be the happiest with that package. Lol
Just ordered the king pintop. Can't wait to try them out
What's the turn around time to get your shipment?
About to pull the plug n get the pintop myself.
I just bought the fox for my 08 dodge looking forward to the difference
Y’all are killin it lately
so over time, these 2 options will need a rebuild at some point? and will the commuter shock system need a rebuild?
The wheels on the black power stroke are beautiful and rugged. What are those? 4:08
Always great content from CJC. Thanks.
So, while we know about the off-road ratings of the King shocks in the Pintop package, what would you rate the ride quality of these shocks on the street or as a daily commuter; 1 being not a chance in hell and 5 being amazing ride quality, where would you put these shocks?
Both are exceptional on road. We’d rate the 2.5 Kings at a 5 and the 2.0 Back Country at a 4 on that scale. The Kings take the win all around since the increase in size gives more tuning ability and damping.
CJC Off Road Amazing! Thanks brothers!!
I am on the fence for about a couple months now. I would like go either with the backcountry 2.5 or the 3.5 . Would the pintop 2.5 levelling kit ride better on road then the 2 back countys? @@CJCOffRoad
I would LOVE to see a video of one of these F250's with a 5.5" pin top or back country with the full progressive leaf pack and long travel air bags w/ 37's towing something. Nothing crazy. Like an 8-10k lb bumper pull load or something. Pleeeeease! Just to tide me over and confirm my decision with this kit.
Sadly these are all customer trucks so we can’t go out and tow with them for a video, but feel free to check out our tagged photos on insta. LOTS of our 4.5” or 5.5” Ford customers tow large trailers without issue thanks to the Carli LT bags!
I can't wait to get my hybrid king pintop setup, cjc has great customer service and quick shipping!
Thanks for the support!
What are the wheels on the Ford at the 4:10 minute mark? The black one... they are bad ass
That truck is on Innov8 G600 wheels: www.cjcoffroad.com/Innov8-Racing-Forged-17x9-Beadlock-Wheels-p/g600.htm
@@CJCOffRoad Is that bronze? Backspacing?
So is there a "Commuter" kit with Fox reservoir shocks out for 2021 Ram 3500 WITH Air Assist rear suspension? You made a brief mention but I wasn't sure....
No those trucks can only do leveling kits and the dedicated air assist pintop setup.
I dont want a lift I am looking at the carli leveling setup is the king pin top 2.5 leveling system a true leveling system. If not can the carli leveling kit be upgraded with res shocks
Yes the King pintop levels for both Ram and Ford are a true level system!
I'm anxiously waiting for Coles review on the 2020 Ram dominator system. I'm on the fence on that kit and the back country, also if I decide to go with the 3.0 kings is there another option other then blue? I prefer a gold with black look. Thanks guys for all the great info it really puts things in to perspective when choosing the right setup. Keep it up!
The 14+ Ram Dominator system is hands down the smoothest all around production suspension system ever made for a solid axle diesel truck. We’ve truly never experienced anything like it. That set up will be well worth the wait and cost. If you’re okay with a little added cost and lead time, we can get the shocks anodized or coated any color you like.
@@CJCOffRoad I just fell backwards off the fence while reading your comment!. I know what I'll be ordering. I'll reach out to you guys this weekend to work out the color details. Thank you guys!
Wheel travel is the same for both Pintop and Backcountry? I need the wheel travel of the logging roads but do not need to go fast.
It is completely identical minus the difference in piston thickness in the shocks giving the Backcountry shocks a slight (we're talking millimeters) advantage in travel. For your use case, the backcountry shocks are perfect.
What wheel is that at 4:39?
Maybe this is a dumb question but as you stated in the video the pin top is more capable offroad but would one be better for everyday commuting and city driving?
They both work just fine for commuting, but the Backcountry is a touch softer on small bumps if you compare back to back.
On the black f250 with the bronze methods…are those 37’s on the 2.5 level kit?
The are!
Thanks for all the great videos. My biggest factor that has me debating back country or pintop is the huge bumper and winch i will be getting next week. About 500 lbs of winch/ bumper. Any chance the back country can handle that??? Or is the pintop %100 the way to go for heavy bumper working in the oil field? Thanks yall
The shock package actually plays no role in supporting the weight. What matters is the coils. You’ll be fine with that bumper, but the truck will sit lower than the stated 3.25” lift those coils normally provide.
Can I buy shocks from you? And if I can how long would it take to get them in? I ordered sum and have been waiting for months 🤷
We have lead times listed on our website!
What would be better for a daily driver ram 3500 srw. Torn between the leveling kit or going with the 3 1/4 kit because then you can change rear leafs too
If you want ride quality improvement, the 3.25" system is the way to go!
I’m actually in the fence between the Backcountry and the Pintop....
Check me on this - Fox is Aluminum and King is Stainless Steal - Correct? Thinking of corrosion up here in MN... Do the Kings come in anything other than baby blue?
They make a shock cover clear film like 3m that sticks on and they to make black hoses the black anodized shocks are like 300 bucks more.
I live in the northeast...road crews use salt and brine for the winter here. Which shock package would hold up better ?
Fox will hold up better to salt since they use aluminum bodies.
I want the Carli Pintop with King shocks but the hose clamps holding the reservoir is really cheap looking. Any other options?
Lots of people make billet resi clamps!
I have icon stage 1 leveling kit on my 2018 Ram 2500 and want to replace the shocks with Kings 2.5 pin top shocks. Can I still use the icon coils with the Kings or should I upgrade the coils also?
We recommend doing the Carli systems as a system if possible since the shocks are tuned to work with the coils and the supporting parts that accommodate the additional travel.
what about fox 2.5 factory series dsc vs 2.5 pintop shocks? I am about to buy a good suspension system but I am not sure which one to decide on, it is for a 2001 dodge ram 2500
You absolutely want to do a tuned Carli or Thuren shock over the DSC. Having a compression clicker never compared to a truly tuned shock!
@@CJCOffRoad Thank you so much
Wish you guys talked a little more on the 2.0 non res king !!
They have a video on that.
Cody, by any chance are you related to Toby from the Office? Thanks
Surprisingly no! Haha
he is Rick Moranis's cousin @@CJCOffRoad
What's your opinion on the new RBP DOT approved beadlock's (50r Cobra)? I'm only asking because I value you guys opinion a lot. I'm pretty settled on the method NV wheels. But those RBP perked my interest.
We don't have any experience with that wheel sadly so we can't comment! We can say that beadlocks are really only necessary for the 1% out really using their trucks hard in the dirt. We've jumped our trucks for years on a mix of simulated and real beadlock wheels and have never had a failure or issue at even at 15 psi on simulated wheels. These days most of us at the shop tend to run simulated wheels since they take less maintenance.
Does CJC have any options for the new Ford Bronco coming out? From what I have seen it comes with coil over shocks.
Nothing yet.
@@CJCOffRoad Word not the street is that CJC was going to do engine swaps for the new Bronco....offering to swap in the 5.0 coyote V8. Somebody should.
This might be a really dumb question. I've tried to do some research but not super plugged into forums and message boards. I'm pretty handy and think I can do most of this myself. I just ordered the Backcountry 2.0 3" kit. Will I need to go have an alignment job done after the install? Thanks for the info.
You do have to align the truck, but on these solid axle vehicles there isn’t a whole lot to it.
Looking to keep the height as close to stick as possible. Very little off road, towing a 5th wheel. Looking for a better ride...and I know that's alot to ask from a 1 ton. 2016 f350 drw
The Carli 2.5” front lift systems are as low as you can go and still have a significant ride improvement!
Do the kings hold up to any kind of towing?
Absolutely! Remember that shocks have nothing to do with load capacity. Springs bear weight, and shocks damp movement. The kings or Fox Back Country shocks actually improve towing manners dramatically since they’re able to damp and control trailer feedback and bounce that would normally be transferred to the truck.
Hey I have a question no one can seem to answer. I have a 2017 f150 with leveled billsteins with 33s k02s. I need a better set up for my suspension for smooth riding. I drive on normal roads and highways in the northeast with pot holes ect for 6 hours a day. No off roading. What set up should I buy to comfort over bumps and uneven paved roads. Someone said kings. What is your professional opinion
Definitely not Kings! They'll handle what you do without issue, but that's more shock than you need if you stay on pavement. Our recommendation would be the Carli Commuter system or Carli Backcountry system so you can run the full replacement rear leaf springs! www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/2-5-systems
Is there any issues with towing heavy with these shocks?
No they actually add considerably more control than stock. The heavier you tow, the bigger the shock we recommend since the shock needs to control the weight of the truck plus the load.
Could you guys do a long arm and short arm difference on the dodges please🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Way ahead of you on that video! You can watch it here: ua-cam.com/video/L3w9IDeOP1I/v-deo.html
I tow a dump trailer sometimes, which system would be good pintop or backcountry, I don’t wanna lose towing capacity, what do you recommend?
Shoot us an email with the year, make and model of your truck and we can help out!
I have a 2011 F350 SRW. I have a Icon leveling kit and I’m sick of rebuilding their shocks every 15000 to 20000 miles. Can I run one of these two reservoir shocks with a leveling kit? If so, which one? I tow a 16000 lb fifth wheel but I have airbags to assist. Please let me know. Thanks.
Our recommendation is to sell the Icon kit and switch to a complete Carli Back Country level system. The Carli systems have custom tuned shocks and coils designed to work together and cycle significantly more travel than the competitors (9” up front on your truck). As a result you need the supporting parts and whole system to make everything work. The ride quality and durability improvement will be well worth it.
Is there a 3.0 settup king shock tuned by carli coming out?
The 3.0 system for the 14+ Ram trucks is almost out. The only trucks without a 3.0 King option are the 19+ Fords.
@@CJCOffRoad my 2.5 are only a year old but that 3.0 would be awesome. I have the a 17 air assist one ton 2.5 carli kit. It's pretty awesome ride
Any idea when Carli or let’s say Fox will start catching up on orders since they moved?
Fox has promised us and Carli shocks by the first week of September and say they’re confident they can hit that deadline.
When is the dominator kit coming out for the 2500 rams
It’s been slightly delayed because Carli is overwhelmed with orders, but it will come out before the end of Summer though!
CJC Off Road hell ya I’m super interested in that system I have your hubs and ball joints just waiting on the bad boy
Can you upgrade the King shocks with different colors.
Absolutely! However it does add more lead time and cost.
KING makes great shocks but because they’re steel, they rust and look like crap after a year. I’m speaking from experience and that’s why fox are better because they are made from aluminum and don’t tarnish after a year or two.
You’re correct on the outer body wear. We always recommend that customers in harsh climates wrap or otherwise protect their King shock bodies. Remember though that there’s a whole lot more to a shock that the outer body material.
Great to see you with the Power Wagon. What year is it and have you experienced any issues with electronic sway bar disconnect mechanism locking/unlocking? Would appreciate your thoughts.
Are you guys going to make a vid on the green 2nd gen that was on your insta? I neeeed 2nd gen viiiids haha
It’s coming back for a few more parts and then we’ll drop the video with it all done!
Fox 3.0 or king shocks and why please I want to know before i buy
Both are equal really, so what matters is the tuning and design inside them. For our case, Carli works with king to develop a completely custom spec for their Ford and Ram systems with custom lengths, piston designs and shim stack tuning. That works better than any off the shelf shock from either brand. King is more accommodating to custom spec shock programs like this, which is why Carli uses them.
What would you suggest if I am wanting to get up to a 7” on f350?
Don’t...but definitely go with a 4.4/5.5 Carli kit. Why on earth would you want a 7” lift?
How do these compare when hitting speed bumps with speed?
The King systems have more damping, giving them the advantage any time there's a large impact. That said, the Back Country shocks will handle a speed bump like nothing. Here's a great example: ua-cam.com/video/Aqlb3y35vPw/v-deo.html
Own both kits on a 4.5” Ford with full rear leaf. Just skip the backcountry and go pintop.
As a customer, what makes the kings have better ride quality?
Could I adapt the KINGS to my Ford F-250 2004?
Carli has a dedicated pintop King system for your truck in both 2.5” and 4.5” height! You can check out those systems here: www.cjcoffroad.com/Carli-2005-2016-Ford-Systems-s/64.htm
Thank you for your reply.
Will that 2.5 work on my 2004 Ford?
I’m on the fence but I’m thinking of going with the kings. Lol
I went back country then Kings. Just go Kings
You’ll never regret having more shock than you need. If you’re on the fence, just go for the pintop from the start since it’s cheaper than upgrading later!
Yup just going to do it KINGS it is. Lol
@@pablo3735curious why you switched later. Was there something you didn’t like about the back country?
@@michaelherbin1517 needed something while kings were being rebuilt. Currently running e-click 😏
I'm going to be honest here. I'm simply not going to put that baby blue on my truck. Non starter!
We offer Kings in black too!
@@CJCOffRoad How do these compare to the Fox Elite Series?