Shock Tech: IFP Shocks, Remote Reservoir Shocks and Emulsion Shocks
August 18, 2020
Emulsion Shock
- Oil and nitrogen are combined inside a single main shock body with no external reservoir.
- This design—known as an emulsion shock—leads to inconsistent damping because the nitrogen mixes with the shock oil.
- The limited space for nitrogen requires significantly higher internal pressures.
- Higher pressure increases friction, generates more heat, and leads to reduced ride quality.
- Unlike reservoir shocks where only oil flows through the valving, emulsion shocks force a mix of oil and nitrogen through, reducing damping precision.
- The elevated pressure also causes seals to compress more aggressively, which accelerates wear.
- Emulsion shocks are a budget-friendly option best suited for basic use, where performance isn’t a top priority.
- Due to these limitations, Fox has discontinued their 2.0 smoothie emulsion shocks in favor of higher-performance designs.
Examples of Emulsion Shocks available for purchase:
(IFP) Internal Floating Piston Shock
- Oil and nitrogen are housed in a single shock body but kept separate by an internal floating piston (IFP).
- The compact design leaves limited space for nitrogen, often requiring higher internal pressures.
- High pressure increases seal friction, leading to quicker wear and a harsher ride.
- The IFP takes up internal space, which means less overall shock travel compared to reservoir-style shocks.
- The nitrogen fill port is often difficult to access, making servicing or refilling a challenge.
- Most 2.0 IFP shocks are non-user-serviceable and must be rebuilt by the manufacturer—if at all—making them expensive or impractical to maintain.
- Best suited for mostly street-driven vehicles that rarely see aggressive off-road use.
- Commonly considered “throwaway” shocks once worn out due to limited serviceability and lower performance potential.
Examples of IFP Shocks available for purchase:
Remote Reservoir Shock
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Oil and nitrogen are separated by a floating piston inside the reservoir.
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The main shock body is dedicated to oil, while the secondary reservoir holds mostly nitrogen and some oil.
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Nitrogen in the reservoir maintains stable pressure on the oil in the main shock body.
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This nitrogen pressure aids tuning by forcing oil through the main piston valving.
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Stable pressures reduce seal wear, helping shocks last longer than IFP and emulsion designs.
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Reservoir shocks come in various sizes and lengths: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 4.0 inches.
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Piggyback shocks are also considered a type of remote reservoir shock.
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Many reservoir shocks offer options to add compression adjusters like Fox DSC or King Mid-Speed adjuster.
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Most Fox and King remote reservoir shocks are fully serviceable and tunable.
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Remote reservoir shocks are ideal for vehicles seeking improved performance and comfort, offering endless tuning options for the best ride quality.
Examples of Remote Reservoir Shocks available for purchase:
Summary
Remote reservoir shocks aren’t just for hardcore off-roaders. While the added oil volume and cooling capacity help prevent shock fade during aggressive off-road driving, reservoir shocks also offer benefits that many daily drivers and overlanders can appreciate. Their lower operating pressures reduce seal wear, improve durability, and allow for more tuning options, resulting in better ride quality, greater consistency, and a longer-lasting suspension system. Whether you’re commuting, towing, overlanding, or exploring backroads, a reservoir shock can provide advantages far beyond high-speed desert running.
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