My Recent Upgrade to the Des Sol EV-1 75mm Shocks on My Suzuki Jimny
I’ve always believed in improving my Suzuki Jimny with upgrades that balance performance and practicality. When my old Des Sol/Gabriel shock setup started feeling a bit worn out after 40,000+ km, I knew it was time for a change. That’s when I decided to go all-in on the Des Sol EV-1 remote reservoir shocks with a 75mm lift.
Why I Chose the Des Sol EV-1 Shocks
- Old Shocks Were Done: My previous setup was definitely an upgrade over stock, but after a good 40,000+ km of adventures, they were showing signs of wear. Bumps felt harsher, body roll had increased, and my confidence in the ride quality started declining.
- Recommended by Des Sol: After chatting with Stan at Des Sol, they recommended the 75mm shock they were still testing at the time. Now that testing is complete, these shocks will be available on their store very soon!
- Worth the Investment: Yes, these Des Sol EV-1 shocks come with a higher price tag compared to some other options in South Africa. But when you compare remote reservoir systems across the board, they’re actually on the cheaper side.
- Serviceability & Warranty: These shocks are serviceable, which means a lower overall cost in the long run. Plus, Des Sol offers excellent warranty support—a big advantage for anyone who relies on their 4×4 for both daily driving and weekend adventures.
- Heavier Build: My Jimny, lovingly nicknamed Peach, weighs a fair bit thanks to all the overlanding gear and modifications. I needed something robust enough to handle the load and keep me comfortable both on and off the road.
New Setup Details
- Shock Sizes: 3″ springs in the front and 5″ springs in the rear with 75mm Des Sol EV-1 shocks.
- Custom Heavy-Weight Coils: I swapped the coils for heavier-rated ones to handle the extra weight.
- Ride Height: The car sits perfectly even now, balancing out the extra gear in the rear.
- Remote Reservoir Mount: The only hiccup I’ve encountered is the rear reservoir mount not lining up perfectly with my 33″ tyres. For most people with up to 31″ tyres, this won’t be an issue. In my case, I’ll have to fabricate custom mounts or shift the reservoir to another location.
Initial Impressions: Overkill? Not Anymore
I admit, I thought these shocks might be overkill at first. The old Des Sol/Gabriel combo was already better than stock, so how much more improvement could I expect? Well, after a few trips, I’m at a loss for words. It’s a whole new level.
On-Road Performance
- Reduced Body Roll: High-speed driving feels more stable, with significantly less lean around corners.
- Crosswind Stability: Crosswinds still push the lightweight Jimny, but the rebound is so quick that the car snaps back into line almost immediately. Overall, driving at speed is more comfortable and predictable.
Gravel and Off-Road Adventures
- Predictability at Speed: These shocks soak up washboard gravel and uneven terrain like champs. I can maintain higher speeds on gravel (around 100 km/h) without feeling like I’m on the verge of losing control. (Not that I recommend cruising at 100 on gravel—just for testing!)
- Better Dampening: The shocks handle ruts, small ditches, and corrugations efficiently, resulting in a more controlled, less jarring ride.
Impressive Flex
Despite running extremely long bump stops and massive 33″ tyres, I’m still getting solid articulation on the trail. The suspension flex is surprisingly good, and the photos I’ve taken speak for themselves. Even with the oversized setup, the new shocks manage to balance compression and rebound, keeping the tyres on the ground and the ride smooth.
Any Downsides?
- Rear Reservoir Mounting: As mentioned, my 33″ tyres interfere with the designated reservoir mounting spot. This is more of a “me problem” because I run oversized tyres. For most setups, this won’t be an issue.
- Cost: They’re pricier than many other local options, but if you compare them to other remote reservoir shocks, the price is quite competitive.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend these Des Sol EV-1 shocks? Absolutely, if your budget allows. They represent a hefty initial investment, but you’re getting serviceable, warrantied shocks that transform how the Jimny handles both on and off the road. Even if you don’t want extra lift, you can get these in stock sizes—and trust me, the ride quality alone might be worth it.
Besides, they look awesome on Peach, and when paired with a turbo, the Jimny starts to feel like a little go-kart. If you’re serious about comfort, performance, and longevity, these shocks are a game-changer.
