Remote Reservoir Shocks Installation Guide

Why Remote Reservoir Shocks Matter

Remote reservoir shocks move extra fluid and nitrogen into an external canister, increasing oil volume and cooling area. More fluid means slower temperature rise, so damping stays consistent on washboard, long descents, and loaded highway runs. The reservoir also allows a larger piston and longer stroke, which improves small bump compliance and overall control. Add adjustable compression, and you can fine tune for a heavy van one day and a lighter day trip the next.

Heat is the enemy of damping. As oil thins with heat, standard shocks can fade and feel bouncy. Remote reservoirs reduce that fade, keeping the ride predictable and steering precise. For vehicles carrying rooftop tents, water, bikes, or moto gear, the stability gain is noticeable in crosswinds and during emergency maneuvers. On rough gravel, wheels track the ground better, which shortens braking distance and protects tires.

Heat Management And Fluid Volume

With a greater fluid reservoir, shocks resist cavitation. Nitrogen pressure behind the internal floating piston keeps bubbles at bay. That consistency helps on corrugated roads, where thousands of small hits can overwhelm a basic damper. The result is less chassis shake and a quieter cabin.

Mounting Considerations And Hose Routing

Reservoir placement affects cooling and protection. Mounts should provide airflow, avoid exhaust heat, and stay clear of rocks. Hoses require gentle bends, abrasion sleeves, and secure clamps to prevent rubbing through over time.

How Installation Works Step By Step

A quality install begins with the right shock length for your ride height and travel. Measure compressed and extended lengths against your bump stops and droop limits to prevent topping or bottoming. Hardware must match factory or aftermarket brackets, and torque values should follow manufacturer specs. Use thread locker where required, and confirm free movement at full droop and compression.

A typical workflow looks like this:

• Remove old shocks, inspect mounts, and clean contact surfaces
• Test fit new shocks and reservoir brackets for clearance with tires and steering
• Route hoses with natural curves, away from pinch points and heat sources
• Torque fasteners to spec and secure lines with cushioned clamps
• Set nitrogen to the recommended pressure and confirm there are no leaks

After installation, cycle the suspension to verify hose slack at full lock and full articulation. Check that reservoirs do not contact the frame, sway bar, or body. If the system has compression adjusters, start at a neutral setting before road testing.

Post Install Checks And Alignment

Suspension work can influence alignment and ride height. Perform a fresh alignment, confirm corner weights if possible, and set ride height consistently side to side. Re torque hardware after the first few drives, then again at 500 miles. Listen for hose contact and inspect clamps for movement.

Tuning, Maintenance, And Common Mistakes

Tuning is about matching damping to weight, springs, tire sidewalls, and speed. Heavy vehicles may prefer more low speed compression for body control, while lighter rigs benefit from freer movement for comfort. If your shocks include adjusters, make changes in small increments and test on the same loop to isolate results. Tire pressure is part of tuning too; excessive pressure can mask good damping with a harsh feel.

Maintenance keeps performance stable. Periodically check for leaks, worn bushings, and chipped hoses. Rebuild intervals depend on mileage, load, and terrain. If you notice increased bounce, fade on descents, or clunking over small bumps, it may be time for service. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Over tightening hose fittings, which can stress seals
• Mounting reservoirs near exhaust or in stagnant air
• Running mismatched springs and shocks, creating a pogo effect
• Ignoring alignment after installation

Thoughtful integration pays off on long drives and technical trails alike. When the suspension moves freely, the cabin stays calmer, and driver fatigue drops.

Practical Setup Examples

• Heavy camper van: Add a touch of low speed compression for roll control, maintain moderate high speed for chatter
• Lightweight pickup: Softer compression for compliance, slightly firmer rebound for stability with an empty bed
• Overland loadout: Prioritize heat management and consistent damping on corrugated roads with balanced compression settings

OZK Customs builds and tunes rigs that carry real weight across varied terrain. Our suspension upgrades integrate remote reservoir shocks with correct spring rates, clean brackets, and protected hose routing. For owners planning a fully capable travel platform, see our overland rigs to understand how we package suspension, power, and storage as a system.

When you want expert help on a purpose built chassis, our team handles fitment, torque procedures, nitrogen charging, and post install testing. Explore what a tailored upfit looks like on our custom overland upfit page for examples of how we design around your goals.

If you are weighing shops or comparing processes, learn more about our approach, build quality, and handoff experience at why choose OZK Customs.

Make Every Mile Feel Planted

Remote reservoir shocks installation is not just about comfort. It is about control, heat management, and preserving components when your vehicle is loaded for the long haul. Tell us how you drive, what you carry, and where you plan to go, and we will spec, mount, and tune a suspension that stays composed on washboard and quiet on the interstate.

At the end, we deliver a dialed ride that supports your travel plans, trail days, and family road trips. Submit the form and let us build a suspension that feels right the first time.

What we build:

• Complete custom builds for overland travel
• Partial upfits including suspension and lifts
• Fabrication for clean reservoir mounts and protection

Links:

• Overland rigs
• Custom overland upfit
• Why choose OZK Customs