Photo by Perry Mack
Shopping for a New Suspension
Shopping for a New Suspension
Never be afraid to ask a ‘stupid’ question. The companies that deserve your business will take the time to educate you. Some items to be aware of, and to check for their inclusion or availability as an option will be:
: Shocks (or dampers) of the correct collapsed and extended lengths for your system, along with the right compression/rebound settings for the weight of your particular vehicle when loaded.
: Some systems will come with drive-shaft spacers to eliminate the need to lengthen the stock drive shafts. However, if the replacement of one or more driveshafts is required that cost needs to be factored in and you may wish to consider a system with less lift, wheel travel or articulation.
: Slip-yoke eliminator (SYE) kits and their design quality. A SYE kit will transform a slip yoke style driveshaft (where the rear driveshaft mates with the slip yoke at the rear of the transfer case in a 4WD vehicle) into a fixed yoke driveshaft, which offers many positive qualities such as the ability to remove the rear driveshaft without the worry of losing transfer-case fluid. An SYE can offer the use of a double-Cardan U-jointed rear driveshaft allowing a better operating angle to avoid rear driveline vibrations particularly in short wheelbase vehicles such as Jeeps.
: Steering components such as a drop pitman arm that may assist in keeping steering angles correct will usually be included if needed.
: Adjustable track-bars have become a favourable option over a basic relocation bracket, as these adjustable track-bars allow for an exact alignment through precise adjustability while offering more strength over the stock track-bar.
: Heavy-duty draglinks and tie-rods offer a significant improvement in strength also, allowing your vehicle to absorb more punishment.
: Installing a larger steering stabilizer when running larger tires is something your complete steering system will enjoy as it will control those large tires much easier then the wimpy stock stabilizer, allowing greater longevity to all your steering components.
: Taller bump-stops or the spacers to lift the stock bump stops or optional air bumps are worth looking into if you want to go fast in the duns or fire roads etc.
: Sway-bar extension links are a common addition included in most systems, yet the option of a quick disconnect set-up will generally prove a greater advantage if you plan on wheeling in the rocks as it will offer more articulation when on the trail while maintaining a stable street ride.