UPFIT

WORDS: AR STAFF // PHOTOS: AR STAFF & FOX

The Adventure Rigs team and other media outfi ts had a chance to join Fox to test out their their new Performance Elite 2.5 Series shocks for or the Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. The 107 degrees grees Fahrenheit desert temperature made the conditions ons perfect to test out the new shocks against its siblings lings - the Performance Series and Factory Race Series. . Fox brought out 4 Jeeps equipped with diff erent suspension setups - factory stock, Performance Series, Performance Elite 2.5 Series, and Factory Race Race Series shocks.

Fox partnered with 4WP in putting together the event vent in Riverside, California for media and 4WP executives ves to experience the entire Fox lineup of Jeep-specifi c c products and introduce their Performance Elite 2.5 5 shocks to the public. It was an eye-opening experience ence for those who attended. The premier performance shock manufacturer chose to launch their new 2.5 aluminum body Jeep shocks through 4WP and by the the time you read this they should already be available at e at your local 4WP retail locations.

The stock Jeep Wrangler felt capable and at home on on the 2-mile dirt trail where we were doing our testing. It ng. It had no problems going over small obstacles and rutted utted sections of the trail and was adequate but lacking. It . It wasn’t until we’d ridden on the Fox-equipped Jeeps s that we realized why the hell would one keep their r stock Jeep shocks and not upgrade.

Fox’s “entry-level” Performance 2.0 Series shocks were a big improvement in handling ruts, washboards, whoops, and loose dirt on the trail. However capable the Performance Series shocks were, it was apparent they lacked the refi nement, smoothness, and adjustability of its Factory Race Series big brother. The Jeep (owned by King of the Hammers Champion Jason Scherer) equipped with the Factory Race Series shocks was a completely diff erent beast. We could feel the tires planted on the ground at all times, but at the same time gave us a sensation of fl oating over the rough sections of the trail. Jason showed us the full capability of the shocks drifting around technical turns at high speeds and fl ying up rutted hills. Fox’s “Go Big” top of the line shocks is a truly refi ned suspension system in itself.

The new Performance Elite 2.5 Series shocks were developed to bridge the price and performance gap between the Performance Series and Factory Race Series products. The Gladiator test mule we were in went around the 2-mile dirt trail much smoother and noticeably faster than both the stock Jeep and the one equipped with Performance 2.0 Series shocks. It’s safe to say that the Performance Elite 2.5 Series shocks felt closer in performance to the Factory Race Series than to its little brother. Having 2.5” diameter aluminum shock bodies and external reservoirs proved to be benefi cial in the sweltering afternoon temps as the ride quality didn’t seem to diminish with extended use. Just like on the Factory Race Series shocks, the external adjustments on the reservoirs to control compression and rebound allowed the Performance Elite 2.5 Series on the Gladiator to adapt to varying terrain and driving style with the turn of a knob. These new shocks can handle a lot of abuse as it was designed with durability in mind with its redundant sealing packs and oversized shafts. Just like all Fox shocks, this new off ering from Fox is fully-rebuildable which gives you the confi dence to “Go Harder”!