Elka 2.5

Thinking of suspension to help get softer plush ride than stock over road imperfections, potholes and speed bumps and off-road on dirt rocky desert roads, washboards (think driving through Death Valley terrain, not racing over 40mph).

was looking at the Elka. Comes in 2.5 IFP, 2.5 Reservoir, 2.5 DC Reservoir

does anyone have experience on if the ride is significantly better in those driving situations with any of those shocks?

I don’t think I’d be bother to want to do adjustments so kinda leaning away from the 2.5 dc

out of the 2.5 IFP vs 2.5 Reservoir would there be significant noticeable softer, smoother ride on and off road? Does having the Reservoir make the shock more likely to break or need maintenance?

 

@kmeeg is the one person I know who can compare the ride of the Elka's with stock suspension but I think he had the 2.5 DC res. That is the highest end shock in their line. The advantage of the DC is that you can adjust based on condition for softer ride when driving faster on washboards or stiffer running more technical trails. The reservoir isn't likely to require more maintenance but will increases fluid capacity enabling the shock to stay cool and run smoother for longer vs. the non-reservoir. It's going to provide a better ride when riding the shock hard hence the higher price tag. I have Elka 2.5 DCs on order and from what I have heard they are some of the best coil overs on the market. My 2 cents.

 

@Oldtoyotaguy?

 

With my experience ELKA 2.5DC is noticeably good on trails and especially dirt roads. On the first day me and my wife was like "dang..!! These are shock absorbing. ". ELKA 2.5DC is very good compared to Ironman FCP and miles ahead of TRD Fox shocks on Trail and Dirt roads. On pavement its not easy to say its fantastic as stock suspension like XREAS was better in absorbing on road imperfections than ELKA 2.5DC but bigger potholes ELKA will absorb better. If I go with ELKA 2.5 DCs again for my Pro I would keep the factory preload at 2.5in lift for extra bit of comfort than full 3in lift.

A minor thing to note. I've heard here in CO rebuilding would push you to closer to fall of this year. So check around with the shops if they have parts availability for rebuilding. Something I didn't think about. Less common suspension might not get parts faster if you were to rebuild. In 2020 I think I waited 6 months (if not 8 months) for my ELKA to come to the shop. I've heard now that part is solved but parts supply might be an issue as they might be a relatively smaller company.

I know I started with all good about them and now saying bad things. That's because recently I heard about this rebuilding delays. So want to give that info as well for anyone to find out before making a decision.

 

Good feedback.

do you know by chance how the non adjustable 2.5’s with reservoir ride compared to the adjustable ones? I’m guessing they are probably tuned to like a balanced midway setting on the 2.5 DC,s.

when you need to make adjustments on the DC do you have to take tires off? Or is it pretty quick easy and take like 10-15 min?

 

Sorry I'm not sure about that. Toytec Aluma series might be same as ELKA non adjustable ones. My friend Hugo who has lot of experience with Toytec and ELKA was talking about spring rates & gas pressure differences but that info just went over my head. LoL. But you can give him a call and ask details. He's working at R4T, Hugo (303) 909-6047.

No you don't have to remove the tire. You can easily reach both the dials.

 

I saw on one of the FB groups someone mentioned "303 Shock Services " told that its out till fall for shock re-builds. I could be wrong. Sadly I don't have shock rebuilding experience since I didn't have much time with the ELKAs since my TRD ORP met with an accident. However recently the new owner talked to me and she is extremely happy with the suspension.

 

Would be really interesting to hear how often folks are servicing vs re-building aftermarket shocks like Kings and Fox.