Abstract: A vehicle suspension component includes a shock absorber movable between rebound and compression positions and an external valve in fluid communication with the shock absorber to control shock absorber stiffness. The external valve has a valve housing, a piston received within the valve housing, and a blow-off ring movable relative to the piston between an initial position and a blow-off position. At least one deflection disc has a preload to bias the blow-off ring toward the initial position and the blow-off ring is movable to the blow-off position when fluid pressure exceeds the preload.