There isn’t one suspension setting to rule them all; that’s why your shocks have adjusters. But there is a better place to start from than all the others, and that’s what we call “factory settings”. Curious how to set factory settings for Dual-Speed Compression (DSC) adjusters? Check out the video below.
What are the Dual-Speed Compression (DSC) factory settings?
Three clicks from fully open for low-speed compression damping (LSC) and three clicks from fully open for high-speed compression damping (HSC).
Here's how to adjust your DSC to factory settings:
- Use this process for all four shocks on the vehicle: left and right, front and back.
- Turn the LSC knob counter-clockwise (left) until it doesn’t turn anymore. This is “fully open”.
- Turn the HSC knob counter-clockwise (left) until it doesn’t turn anymore. This is “fully open”.
- NOTE: when you turn the HSC knob, the LSC knob will move with the HSC knob. This is not adjusting the LSC setting.
- Turn the LSC knob clockwise (right) three clicks.
- NOTE: a “click” for LSC is determined by a detent inside the adjuster that encourages movement in approximately 120-degree increments. A “click” is not a full turn.
- Turn the HSC knob clockwise (right) three clicks.
- NOTE: a “click” for HSC is determined by a detent inside the adjuster that encourages movement in approximately 90-degree increments. A “click” is not a full turn.
Do DSC factory settings differ from vehicle to vehicle?
We recommend three clicks from open for both LSC and HSC across most vehicles, but there are a few exceptions, which are listed in the relevant owner’s manuals.
The tuning strategy our engineering teams use to tune shocks equipped with DSC adjusters starts with keeping the DSC in the three clicks from open for both LSC and HSC. Then, they drive the vehicle and tune the shims on the main piston assembly in order to get the vehicle to ride with the right balance of comfort and support.
Using this strategy ensures you always have an opportunity to make the shock move faster by turning left or slower by turning right.
Why should I use the DSC factory settings?
Factory settings are a great place to start because they give you a good all-around setting for on- and off-road driving. Depending on what you’re feeling, you can tune your ride by adding or removing damping.
Is it okay to use DSC settings that aren’t the factory ones?
Factory settings for your DSC adjusters are the starting point in your journey to find your preferred set up(s). They are not the settings you are required to use in every situation.
Chances are, you’ll move beyond the factory settings and into a particular set of settings you prefer. You may even find that you have a few groups of settings you really like depending on if you’re (a) commuting to work, (b) driving trails on your own, and (c) camping with friends, family, and gear.
You’ll find that your specific set of expectations of how your vehicle will perform, the way you drive your vehicle, the terrain you’re driving over, and how your vehicle is set up will dictate some changes to low-speed compression, high-speed compression, or both. This is okay.
There isn’t one setting to rule them all; that’s why your shock has DSC adjusters.
Use the 10 clicks of low-speed compression adjustment and 12 clicks of high-speed compression adjustment to dial in the comfort and support of your shocks to fit your unique combination of expectations, driving style, terrain, and vehicle set up.
One more thing: it’s okay for front and rear shocks to have differing settings from one another. But make sure that the two front shocks have the same settings, and the two rear shocks have the same settings. The vehicle needs to be balanced from left to right.
So, I’ve set my DSC to factory settings. Now what?
If you’ve read this whole article about the mysterious “DSC acronym” and you still aren’t quite sure what it means; well done, we're impressed. Check out the video and article “What Does DSC Actually Mean?”
If you’re curious about how to use and tune your DSC adjusters based on what you’re feeling, check out the video and article “How to Use Low- and High-Speed Compression Adjusters.”
// ridefox.com
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