The "King & Fox" Alternative? Why I’m Looking at the Bilstein 8112 DSA+

Cervantes714

Jan 07, 2026

Hey Bronco Nation,
I’m currently in the middle of a major suspension overhaul project for my 2022 Non-Sasquatch Bronco Outerbanks (4-door). Like many of you, I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through threads about the "big two"— Fox and King. There’s no denying they are popular, but after a lot of research, I’m leaning toward something a bit more technical: the Bilstein B8 8112 Black Hawk ZoneControl CR DSA+ coilovers.

Why Not the Usual Suspects?
While Fox 2.5s are great for cooling and Kings are legendary in the desert, I’m looking for a "balanced" build. My Bronco is a daily driver that needs to handle Southern California freeways, just as well as it handles weekend trails. I currently have 2" spacers that I’m itching to pull off in favor of a true performance setup.

What Caught My Eye About the Bilstein 8112s
I don't mean to make this sound like a commercial, but the tech in these seems like a "cheat code" for the Bronco platform. After watching some videos and reading some forums, here’s why I’m looking at them over the standard 2.5 alternatives:

ZoneControl CR Technology: This is a 5-zone setup (3 compression, 2 rebound). It uses an internal hydraulic bump stop (JCO) and a rebound cut-off (RCO), which theoretically eliminates the need for external bump stops or limit straps.
Triple Piston Design: It has a massive 60mm main piston, which is huge for a bolt-on kit.
DSA+ (Dual Speed Adjust): I want the ability to click through high and low-speed compression settings to find that "butter smooth" feel for the whoops without losing on-road stability.

The Rest of My Build
To make sure I’m not just "shoehorning" these in, I’m planning to pair them with Turn Offroad Billet UCAs and Tie Rods. Since I’m sticking with 35" KO2s, I want to make sure my geometry is spot on.

I Need Your Feedback!
Does anyone here have the 8112 DSA+ installed?

Is the "ZoneControl" as silent as they claim? I’ve heard rumors of a slight "clack" during deep impacts.
How is the low-speed chatter? Some say it’s plush; others say it’s firm until you're going 40+ mph.
How did your alignment go? Especially for those of you who also went with billet UCAs.

I’ve got a solid quote from a local shop here in Orange County, but I’d love some real-world "smiles per mile" reports before I pull the trigger.

Sort by date

Reaction Score

Jan 07, 2026

I have a 21 Outer Banks 191K+ miles and installed the Ford Performance lift when they first came out. I had maybe around 25K when installed. I go off-roading all the time (Top Of The World, Bronco Knoll, Hell's Revenge and ....) no problems, especially keeping up with Nation events, some that are said to need lockers. I drive mine across country all the time, they are great on the highway also. The paint on the shocks will fade off, at least the ones produced back then.
Purchased: November 15, 2022
https://gear.thebronconation.com/products/ford-performance-2021-2023-bronco-off-road-suspension-1

Cervantes714

Jan 07, 2026

I have the 8112 DSA+ along with Icon tubular UCA’S and HD tie rods. For all around on and off road, are AWESOME! I stuck with 35” tires and this Suspension is a perfect fit!

Cervantes714, robatl067

Jan 07, 2026

TK1215
I have the 8112 DSA+ along with Icon tubular UCA’S and HD tie rods. For all around on and off road, are AWESOME!

When mine wear out I will do this.

Cervantes714

Jan 07, 2026

TK1215
I have the 8112 DSA+ along with Icon tubular UCA’S and HD tie rods. For all around on and off road, are AWESOME! I stuck with 35” tires and this Suspension is a perfect fit!

How many miles do you have on this setup?

Jan 07, 2026

robatl067
How many miles do you have on this setup?

I just installed them in early August. I have gone on several runs here in Arizona during the late summer, the fall and up through December. From mild to wild. Also did a five day Ghost Town and Goldmines tour through Southern California and Nevada deserts and across the Sierra’s into Eastern California. Open desert running at high speeds, rocky trails, boulders, sand dunes and even into an old mine into the mountains. As for on road ride I have driven around town and even to San Francisco Bay Area and back to Arizona. I really liked how firmly planted my rig feels while driving at speed on off camber roads. The adjustability is great but it is a learning curve with it. I have put maybe 2500- 3000 combined on and off road miles on it. Next up is the King of the Hammers at the beginning on February. This will be the first time towing our trailer since the install and I am curious as to how it will ride. Then in March doing a week in Baja.

Unicorn, Jakob1972

Jan 07, 2026

I had done a ton of research on all of the different available suspensions and for me the big hold up was wanting to stay with 35” tires and keeping as close to stock geometry as possible. These are specifically designed to work best with the tires and the geometry. Definitely not inexpensive, but not having to do any crazy modifications really sealed the deal. I was seriously considering the ADS system but I didn’t want the height, bigger tires and all of the additional modifications I would have to do. Oh and these are supposed to last 100 K miles without having to rebuild.

Unicorn, Jakob1972

Jan 07, 2026

TK1215
I had done a ton of research on all of the different available suspensions and for me the big hold up was wanting to stay with 35” tires and keeping as close to stock geometry as possible. These are specifically designed to work best with the tires and the geometry. Definitely not inexpensive, but not having to do any crazy modifications really sealed the deal. I was seriously considering the ADS system but I didn’t want the height, bigger tires and all of the additional modifications I would have to do. Oh and these are supposed to last 100 K miles without having to rebuild.

Yes, at the time that is why I went with the Ford Performance set. I just wanted the 2" lift and 35" tires.

TK1215

Jan 07, 2026

I just took a look and I am right at 6K miles on the new suspension 🫣

Unicorn, robatl067

Jan 07, 2026

robatl067
I have a 21 Outer Banks 191K+ miles and installed the Ford Performance lift when they first came out. I had maybe around 25K when installed. I go off-roading all the time (Top Of The World, Bronco Knoll, Hell's Revenge and ....) no problems, especially keeping up with Nation events, some that are said to need lockers. I drive mine across country all the time, they are great on the highway also. The paint on the shocks will fade off, at least the ones produced back then.
Purchased: November 15, 2022
https://gear.thebronconation.com/products/ford-performance-2021-2023-bronco-off-road-suspension-1

These crossed my mind too, as they are easier on the wallet, but there was something about zone control and being able to make adjustments if needed that made me pass on these. Thanks for that feedback!

Jan 07, 2026

#10

TK1215
I have the 8112 DSA+ along with Icon tubular UCA’S and HD tie rods. For all around on and off road, are AWESOME! I stuck with 35” tires and this Suspension is a perfect fit!

Thanks for the photos and feedback! What you said is why I am leaning on these. I want to keep the 35" KO2's I have and also try to stay as close as I can to the look height I have, but a way better ride. Since this photo, I have added a few Baja Designs lights.

Unicorn, robatl067

Jan 07, 2026

#11

Cervantes714
Thanks for the photos and feedback! What you said is why I am leaning on these. I want to keep the 35" KO2's I have and also try to stay as close as I can to the look height I have, but a way better ride. Since this photo, I have added a few Baja Designs lights.

On my Badlands with Sasquatch I did get a little more height both in front and back. Ride is level now. I think I got 3/4 in the rear and 1 1/2 in the front. On your non Sasquatch you will bring it up to my ride height. So the UCA’s and tie rods will help you more on the flex. And don’t forget to remove the crash bars. (If you haven’t already) You are going to love these. The faster you go the better they get!

Unicorn, Cervantes714

Jan 07, 2026

#12

Have you looked at the Dobinsons MMRs?
I am getting these added as we speak.

BN 1100, Desert Sand Everglades. Reservation 7/30/20. ordered 1/22/21, reordered 10/15/21 dropped tow and hard top, reordered 3/9/22 changed to Everglades. production date 9/7/22 rescheduled 9/14/22 completed 9/26/22, shipped 10/7/22, arrived 10/31/22, delivered 11/03/22

Cervantes714, TK1215

Jan 09, 2026

#13

Jakob1972
Have you looked at the Dobinsons MMRs?
I am getting these added as we speak.

Thanks for that video link. I have not looked at them and the price point is interesting. Let me know how you like them after a few weeks.

Unicorn, Jakob1972

Jan 09, 2026

#14

Did you read the Nation's News story by Laura about the Ford Performance Lift Kit?

Ford’s Sleeper Builds: My Time in a Coastal Package Bronco

Jan 09, 2026

#15

This is mine with them installed. I kept the 18" with 34.8" tires.

Unicorn, Cervantes714

Jan 09, 2026

#16

Jakob1972
Have you looked at the Dobinsons MMRs?
I am getting these added as we speak.

Will do.the one hour ride home was amazing. I need to play with the adjustments to see how it changes. I don’t know how much of a lift I got but I has 8-1/4” from tire to flare, front and back. And they have that cool 80s vibe too.

Also I will be heading to Baja with Tim maybe we can do a little side by side comparison.

Unicorn, robatl067

Jan 09, 2026

#17

Jakob1972
Will do.the one hour ride home was amazing. I need to play with the adjustments to see how it changes. I don’t know how much of a lift I got but I has 8-1/4” from tire to flare, front and back. And they have that cool 80s vibe too.

Also I will be heading to Baja with Tim maybe we can do a little side by side comparison.

You know we will!

Cervantes714, Jakob1972

Jan 09, 2026

#18

Well, at the risk of interrupting the Bilstein love fest, but I went with the Ride shocks and Icon UCAs. They give me both great on-road ride, and exceptional off-road capability. Right now I'm still on 35's and have the Ford Performance steering rack upgrade, along with the JKS max clearance kit. All in preparation for if/when I go with 37's.

I spent a lot of time talking with the folks at AccuTune about the differences between King, and Fox, and finally went with the Ride. Note that if you buy Kings or Fox shocks from Accutune they will tune them for you before shipping them to you.

Ride will give you choices on spring rates as well, which the others don't "out of the box". This is especially important if you have a winch, and/or a heavy aftermarket bumper on the front. We also talked about my load-out and if I have things like a rooftop tent, etc. and my skid plates. All that adds weight to the vehicle, and they recommended the right springs for my configuration. All intended to make sure I got the right springs with the right spring rate the first time.

OnX Expert Trail Guide and Tread Lightly Member.
4 Door BadSquatch | Soft-top | Velocity Blue | 2.7 Auto

Unicorn, Jakob1972

Jan 10, 2026

#19

robatl067
Did you read the Nation's News story by Laura about the Ford Performance Lift Kit?

Ford’s Sleeper Builds: My Time in a Coastal Package Bronco

No, I will check it out now.

You must log in or register to post here.