How to use our IFP Depth Tool

How to Use the IFP Depth Tool

View the IFP Depth Tool in the store

The IFP Depth Tool is used to accurately set the depth of the internal floating piston (IFP) inside the piggyback reservoir of your rear shock damper. This is a crucial step during damper servicing to ensure proper oil displacement and pressure balance during compression.

When Do You Need This?

  • Any time you service a damper with an IFP ( air or coil )
  • Not required for bladder-based systems (like the Cane Creek DB Inline, ΓΆhlins shocks, New EXT and more)
  • Standard tool works for all piggyback shocks with IFPs
  • Use the Extra-Long IFP Depth Tool for inline shocks with IFP depths over 50 mm (e.g., Monarch R, RT3, RL, etc.)

Why Ours Is Different:

  • Compatible with all brands and sizes
  • Made from plastic so won’t scratch polished aluminum or anodized internals
  • Graduated in both mm and inches to 0.01 mm precision
  • Features a twist-lock seat : no threads, no bolts, fast and easy to use
  • Modular tip : remove it when you need to measure from inside the body or from the center plane of the IFP (required for many inline shocks)

How It Works:

Before your rebuild, confirm the IFP depth using your shock’s official service manual or check:

After bleeding and sealing the damper (sealhead torqued, bleed port open), push the IFP in using the tool until the twist-lock seat hits the reservoir edge. For shocks with deep IFPs (50 mm+), remove the tool’s tip and measure from the center of the IFP as required by most RockShox inline models.

Very Important: If you're working on a non-piggyback shock (like Monarch R, RT3, RL, etc.), you must:

  • Use the Extra-Long IFP Depth Tool
  • Measure from the center surface of the IFP (not the outer lip)
  • Close the IFP air-fill port before threading in the sealhead to avoid the IFP being pushed deeper during sealhead install
  • After reassembly, test that the full stroke is usable, if you feel a harsh stop or dead zone, the IFP may be too deep and could hydro-lock

These inline shocks can be more finicky. They heat up fast and are easy to over-pressurize or damage if the IFP isn't correctly positioned. Please be careful, setting the depth wrong can destroy your shock.

Also Recommended:

⚠️ Always depressurize the reservoir before inserting any tools. Confirm the bleed port is open and all pressure is fully released. By using this tool, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge the risks of working with damper internals.

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