King 4.5 RS 5-Tube Bypass Remote Reservoir | 20.00" Stroke

/// King Performance Race Series Bypass Shocks represent King’s highest level of race shock development, engineered for demanding competition applications and maximum tuning control.

Product images are for reference only and may not reflect the exact configuration selected.

▶ Understanding External Bypass Shocks (Diagram)

/// External bypass shock is a position-sensitive shock absorber that uses external bypass tubes to control hydraulic oil flow at different stages of suspension travel. Unlike a conventional shock, multiple independently adjustable damping zones allow suspension characteristics to change according to shock position.

Each bypass valve meters oil flow within its designated zone, allowing compression and rebound damping to be progressively tuned for the vehicle, suspension geometry, and intended application.

/// Compression damping controls how the suspension reacts as the shock compresses. Compression bypass circuits control oil flow during the compression stroke.

Each compression bypass tube is positioned to control a specific portion of the shock's travel. Closing a compression bypass valve restricts oil flow, increasing compression damping within that zone and making the suspension more resistant to compression. Opening the valve allows more oil to bypass the piston, reducing compression damping and allowing the suspension to compress more freely.

Because each compression tube controls its own section of travel, damping characteristics can be progressively tuned throughout the suspension stroke instead of remaining the same from beginning to end.

/// Rebound damping controls how the suspension reacts as the shock extends after compression. Closing a rebound bypass valve restricts oil flow, increasing damping and slowing extension. Opening the valve reduces damping and allows the suspension to recover more freely.

Proper rebound tuning helps maintain tire contact, improve vehicle stability, and control suspension recovery after an impact.

/// Overlapping Bypass Zones

Bypass zones may overlap, allowing multiple circuits to influence damping within the same portion of travel. This blends the transition between zones rather than creating abrupt changes in damping.

Combining independently adjustable and overlapping zones allows the suspension to remain compliant where desired while progressively increasing control where additional damping is needed.

/// External Bypass vs. King Internal Bypass (IBP)

Both external bypass and King Internal Bypass (IBP) shocks provide position-sensitive damping, but they achieve that control differently.

An external bypass shock routes hydraulic oil through independently adjustable bypass tubes mounted outside the shock body. Each compression and rebound stage can be tuned separately, providing maximum external control over damping throughout the stroke. King describes each external bypass stage as separately tunable, position-sensitive, and independently operating.

King Internal Bypass (IBP) uses a full-diameter piston, full-size valve shims, and a special hollow shaft that feeds the Ride Valve Chamber. During normal travel, the primary piston and Ride Valve Chamber provide high fluid flow for compliance over smaller terrain. As the shock approaches the end of compression, a tapered metering rod progressively closes the hollow-shaft ports, reducing flow and increasing damping resistance to create a controlled position-sensitive bump zone.


/// External Bypass Shocks remain the preferred configuration when independently adjustable external compression and rebound stages and maximum tuning flexibility are required.

Proudly made in the U.S.A.