Shock Tech: IFP Shocks, Remote Reservoir Shocks and Emulsion Shocks

August 18, 2020

Emulsion Shock

Oil and Nitrogen are mixed together in the main shock body.
Mixing shock oil and Nitrogen makes the damping inconsistent.
Single shock body, no reservoir.
Very little room for Nitrogen results in higher pressures.
High pressure = high friction = high temperatures = poor ride.
Both Nitrogen and shock oil are now being forced through the valving, instead of just oil.
Very high pressure makes the seals squeeze hard = wear out quicker.
Emulsion shocks are for someone on a budget, and not concerned about performance.
Fox discontinued the 2.0 smoothie emulsion shocks.

(IFP) Internal Floating Piston Shock

Oil and Nitrogen are separated by a floating piston.
Oil and Nitrogen are both in a single shock body.
Very little room for Nitrogen. Pressure can get very high.
High pressure makes the seals squeeze hard = wear out faster and worse ride.
Not as much shock travel because the IFP needs room to move.
Nitrogen fill port can be very difficult to access.
Most 2.0’s are only rebuildable by the factory (expensive, or not an option)
IFP shock would be adequate for a mostly street driven vehicle that sees very little high speed off-road use. These are considered a “throw away” shock once they are worn out.
Average price for an OEM fit 2.0 Fox IFP Shock is around $170/each

Remote Reservoir Shock

Oil and Nitrogen are separated by a floating piston inside the reservoir
Main shock body dedicated to oil. Secondary reservoir holds some oil and mostly nitrogen.
Nitrogen in reservoir keeps pressure on the shock oil in the main body. Pressure is stable
Nitrogen pressure helps with tuning, forcing oil through the main piston valving.
Stable pressures keep the shocks seals happy, and will last longer than IFP & Emulsion shocks
Reservoir shocks come in a variety of shock sizes & lengths. 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0
Piggyback shocks are also considered a remote reservoir shock
Reservoir shocks have an option to add a compression adjuster (DSC or Mid Speed)
Most Fox and King remote reservoir shocks are fully serviceable & tunable
Remote reservoir shocks should be used on any vehicle that wants better performance and comfort. Endless tuning options allow for the best ride quality.
Average price point for a 2.0 Aluminum Body Smoothie Shock is around $280.00/each