4WD vehicles have unique challenges you need to be prepared for, and the suspension system is one of them. Your vehicle’s tires are a big part of how well it handles, especially on rough terrain. While many modern vehicles come with decent factory suspensions, there are times when something more rugged is needed. That’s where aftermarket suspension systems can help!
Suspension Types
When you’re looking to get your 4×4 suspension upgraded, there are a few different options. The most common suspension types are leaf springs and coil or air suspensions. Leaf springs are a classic design that is cheap, simple and durable. Coil or air suspensions offer more control and comfort than leaf ones but may be more expensive depending on your vehicle type.
The second thing you’ll want to consider with your 4×4 suspension is what level of off-road capability you need. For example, if all you do is drive down dirt roads occasionally, then all-terrain tyres will do just fine for getting through mud or sand without too much hassle (but if it’s really muddy, then maybe consider something larger). If your family enjoys camping in remote areas where there are no signs of civilization, then you need something that can handle extreme off-road conditions and carry your gear when needed!
Control Arm Length
The longer the control arm length, the more wheel travel you get. More wheel travel is necessary for off-road use because it allows your wheels to move up and down more during rough terrain. The downside of longer control arms is that they will allow more slop in your suspension system.
Slop occurs when one part of the suspension system moves while the other doesn’t (for example, when you go over a bump or hit a dip). This can cause issues with handling and safety and should be taken into consideration when selecting which length control arm you want on your 4WD vehicle.
Suppression of Axle Tramp
When you have a vehicle that is designed to go off-roading, it’s very important to make sure that your suspension system is up to the task. If you’re going to be driving on uneven ground all of the time, it’s even more important than normal because the terrain can cause a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle.
When this happens, one or more components may begin to break down which will cause your vehicle’s performance to suffer. One common byproduct of this process is axle tramp—a condition where excessive movement between two parts causes them both to wear out faster than they should.
Coil-Over Shock Absorbers
Coil-over shock absorbers are the most common type of shock absorber used by 4WD owners. Coil-overs use a simple design with a gas or oil filled shock absorber, which is attached to a spring that acts as an extension against the vehicle’s chassis.
This design enables coil-over shock assemblies to be easily adjusted for different terrain conditions, as well as allowing for more precise control over suspension travel. A good choice for off-road vehicles, coil-over suspensions move up and down through their full range smoothly without bottoming out like other types of suspension systems do when they hit a bump too hard or hit something on their downward travel path.
This article must have given you a better understanding of the various options available when looking for the perfect 4WD suspension system.
