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Choosing the Right Shocks and Struts for Your Vehicle
Selecting the proper shocks and struts for your vehicle is important for ride comfort, handling, and safety. Worn out shocks and struts can compromise steering control and increase braking distances. Upgrading to performance shocks and struts can significantly improve your car's handling and cornering. Here are some tips for choosing the best shocks and struts:
Know When It's Time to Replace
Signs that your shocks or struts need replacing include:
- Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
- Leaking fluid on shocks or struts
- Clunking noises when driving over bumps
- Uneven tire wear
- Swaying or wandering on highways
- Poor braking performance
Shocks and struts should be inspected every 50,000 miles. Replacing them between 50,000-100,000 miles is recommended.
Types of Shocks and Struts
There are different types of shocks and struts for different vehicles and performance needs:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Twin Tube | Most common design with inner and outer tube. Good balance of affordability, comfort, and handling. |
| Monotube | Single tube design with external gas reservoir. Used on performance vehicles for improved response. |
| Air Suspension | Uses air bladders instead of hydraulic fluid for a customizable, adjustable ride. |
Consider Your Needs
Think about how you use your vehicle to determine the best shocks and struts:
- Standard daily driver - Prioritize affordability, comfort, and general performance.
- Frequent off-road use - Seek out rugged shocks designed for tougher terrain.
- Performance and handling - Choose shocks and struts optimized for responsiveness and cornering.
- Hauling or towing - Look for heavy duty shocks able to handle more weight.
Consulting with a knowledgeable parts supplier or mechanic can help you select the ideal shocks and struts.
Brand and Quality Matter
Stick with reputable, high-quality brands like Bilstein, KYB, Gabriel, Monroe, Sachs, or Rancho. Avoid cheap no-name components that may fail prematurely. Paying a little more for shocks and struts from leading manufacturers is worthwhile for better performance and longevity.
With the right shocks and struts matched to your vehicle and driving needs, you'll enjoy a smoother, safer and more responsive ride.
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Improving Handling and Ride Quality with Suspension Upgrades
Upgrading your suspension is one of the most effective ways to enhance your vehicle's ride, handling, and performance. The right components can transform an unstable, loose-feeling car into a grippy, responsive machine.
Where to Start
Begin by identifying your suspension needs and goals. Consider:
- Ride comfort - Do you want a soft, smooth ride or something firmer and sportier?
- Handling - Seeking sharper steering and turn-in or a more balanced feel?
- Performance - Looking for better acceleration, braking, and cornering?
This will help narrow down which parts to upgrade first.
Suspension Components
Here are some key components to upgrade for improved ride and handling:
| Component | Upgrades | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Shocks/Struts | Performance shocks, adjustable coilovers | Enhanced handling, cornering, grip |
| Sway Bars | Larger front and rear bars | Reduced body roll, flatter cornering |
| Bushings | Polyurethane bushings | More precise steering, better response |
Additional Upgrades
Other components to consider include:
- Lowering springs - Lower center of gravity for sharper handling
- Chassis bracing - Increase structural rigidity
- Track bars - Improve cornering stability
- Camber kits - Enhance grip when cornering
Upgraded brakes, wheels, and tires complement these suspension mods.
Installation Tips
Have a professional shop install suspension components to ensure proper fitment, alignment, and safety.
With carefully selected upgrades installed correctly, you can enjoy much improved ride and handling. Your daily commute or track days will never feel the same again!
Lowering Kits: Dropping Your Ride for Better Handling
Lowering kits are a popular modification for lowering the ride height of a vehicle to improve performance and aesthetics. Lowering your car or truck properly can provide significant handling and styling benefits.
Benefits of Lowering
Here are some of the main advantages of installing a lowering kit:
- Lower center of gravity - Helps improve handling, cornering, and stability
- Reduced body roll - Less swaying from side to side during maneuvers
- Improved aerodynamics - Lower front reduces drag and turbulence
- Better aesthetics - Gives your vehicle a sleeker, more aggressive look
- Increased wheel clearance - Allows fitting larger wheel/tire packages
Types of Lowering Kits
There are two common types of lowering kits:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Coilover System | Replaces entire shock absorber/spring assembly. Fully adjustable ride height. |
| Lowering Springs | Just replaces factory springs with shorter, stiffer aftermarket springs. |
Coilovers allow more adjustability but are more expensive. Lowering springs provide a basic drop in ride height at an affordable price.
Lowering Considerations
Keep these factors in mind when lowering your vehicle:
- Avoid excessive lowering beyond 2 inches. Can compromise handling and drivability.
- Have proper alignment done after install to avoid tire wear.
- Adjustable dampers help you fine tune ride comfort and performance.
- Lowering limits suspension travel - beware of bottoming out over bumps.
Tips for Installation
Here are some tips for safely installing lowering kits:
- Use a specialty shop familiar with lowering installs.
- Have them measure ride height prior to install.
- Install new shocks/struts with springs for optimum performance.
- Double check ride height after install to confirm amount lowered.
With a quality lowering kit properly installed, you can enjoy the thrill of driving a meaner, lower ride with enhanced handling and style.
Coilover Suspension Systems for Tuning Performance
Coilovers are a high-performance suspension upgrade that allows drivers to fully tune their vehicle's ride and handling characteristics. Coilovers offer significant advantages over stock suspension and basic lowering springs.
What are Coilovers?
Coilover suspensions replace the factory shock absorbers and springs as an all-in-one integrated system. Key features include:
- Tunable spring rates for desired firmness and ride quality.
- Adjustable ride height to lower the vehicle's center of gravity.
- Customizable dampening for tuning compression and rebound.
- Robust shock bodies with larger pistons and oil reservoirs.
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Benefits of Coilovers
Here are some of the major benefits of upgrading to coilovers:
- Reduced body roll for flatter, sharper cornering.
- Improved steering response and turn-in.
- Better traction and grip from optimized downforce.
- More consistent handling at varied ride heights.
- Custom tuned ride for daily driving or track use.
Types of Coilovers
There are three common types of coilover configurations:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Adjustable | Adjustable dampening with fixed spring rates. |
| Double Adjustable | Separate adjustment of compression and rebound dampening. |
| Triple Adjustable | Adds adjustable spring rates for complete tuning ability. |
Considerations for Coilovers
Coilovers are an advanced suspension upgrade. Work with an experienced installer and tune settings incrementally. Lower gradually and have alignment checked to avoid issues. Paired with proper tires and chassis bracing, coilovers can transform a vehicle's capabilities.
Off-Road Suspension: Lift Kits, Shocks and More for Rough Terrain
Upgrading your off-road vehicle's suspension is crucial for tackling tough terrain. The right components improve ground clearance, suspension articulation, and handling over rocks, ruts, and hills.
Lift Kits
Lift kits raise the vehicle's ride height allowing larger tires and increased clearance:
- Body lifts - Spacers between chassis and body for 1-3 inch lift
- Suspension lifts - Raises suspension mounting points 2-6 inches
- Coilover conversions - Extended shocks with taller springs; up to 12 inches
Shocks
Heavy duty shocks designed for off-road use improve damping and absorb impacts:
- Monotube shocks - Single tube design resists fading
- Reservoir shocks - External reservoir provides cooling
- Position sensitive - Compression adjusts to ride height
- Coilover shocks - Integrated with springs for lift kits
Suspension Components
Other key components for off-road include:
- Sway bar disconnects - Improve articulation on uneven terrain
- Track bars - Enhance side-to-side stability
- Control arms - Reinforce weak points and allow more flex
- Skid plates - Protects components from rocks and debris
Suspension Considerations
Factors to consider when upgrading off-road suspension:
- Intended usage - Rock crawling, overlanding, desert racing, etc.
- Lift height - Consider legal limits; too high can impact stability
- Component strength - Upgrade components to handle bigger tires
- Alignment - Have aligned any time ride height is adjusted
Work with experienced off-road shops to select the ideal suspension setup. Your truck or SUV will conquer tough terrain and obstacles.
SUSPENSION AND RIDE CONTROL
A vehicle's suspension system is critical for providing a safe, comfortable ride. The suspension controls the vehicle's ride height and body motions, isolating it from road irregularities and imperfections.
Key Suspension Components
Here are some of the main components that make up a suspension system:
- Shock absorbers/struts - Dampen vibrations and dissipate energy from bumps
- Coil springs - Absorb impacts from the road surface
- Control arms - Pivot to allow the wheels to move up and down
- Sway bars - Reduce body roll during cornering
- Bushings - Cushion movement between suspension parts
Types of Suspension Systems
There are several common types of vehicle suspension configurations:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| MacPherson Strut | Strut assembly provides springing and damping in a compact design. |
| Double Wishbone | Upper and lower control arms allow optimal wheel placement. |
| Leaf Spring | Long steel leaf springs mount to the axles and chassis. |
| Air Suspension | Uses air springs and pneumatic dampers that can be adjusted. |
Suspension Design Factors
Automotive engineers optimize the suspension based on considerations such as:
- Vehicle use - Passenger car vs heavy duty or off-road needs
- Ride quality - Comfort and noise isolation over bumps
- Handling - Responsiveness, cornering, and steering precision
- Packaging - Component space claim within the vehicle
- Cost - Balance performance with affordability
Advances in materials and design enable modern suspensions to balance these factors exceptionally well.
Suspension Problems: Signs You Need New Shocks or Struts
Shocks and struts are key components in your vehicle's suspension system. Worn shocks and struts can compromise handling, braking safety, and ride comfort. Watch for these signs that your shocks or struts need replacing:
Bouncy Ride
When your shocks can't dampen vibrations properly, your vehicle will have a bouncy, uncontrolled ride. You'll feel the up and down motions over bumps and loose handling around corners.
Body Roll
Weak shocks allow more body roll or leaning during cornering and maneuvers. Too much roll leads to loose, wallowy handling.
Nose Diving
When braking, worn shocks let the front of the vehicle dip down excessively. This can reduce steering control.
Leaks
Leaks around the shock or strut indicate loss of fluid. This prevents them from damping properly. Wet areas near the shock mounts signal a bad seal.
Clunking Noises
If you hear a clunking or knocking noise when driving over bumps, the shocks' bushings likely are worn out. This allows excessive movement.
Uneven Tire Wear
Bad shocks or struts can cause tires to wear unevenly and cup prematurely. Have your alignment checked too.
Sinking Suspension
When parked, if the vehicle continues to settle down on its suspension, the shocks and struts aren't holding it up properly.
Check Shocks & Struts Every 50,000 Miles
Inspect shocks and struts during routine service at 50,000 miles. Consider replacing between 50,000-100,000 miles for best suspension performance.
Replace in Pairs
Always replace shocks and struts in pairs on the same axle to ensure balanced braking and handling.
Choose Quality Components
Go with an OEM part or quality aftermarket brand like KYB, Bilstein, or Monroe for optimal durability and performance.
New shocks and struts restore your vehicle's stability, comfort, and safety. Invest in quality components and have them installed correctly.
What is the use of Amazon Prime for a regular buyer of "Performance Parts: Shocks, Struts & Suspension"?
For enthusiasts frequently purchasing performance suspension parts, an Amazon Prime membership can provide significant benefits and convenience.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on thousands of eligible items. For auto parts buyers, this means being able to order shocks, struts, coilovers, lowering kits, and other components on Monday and have them delivered by Wednesday in most cases.
The fast free shipping allows you to quickly get the parts you need for your next upgrade or repair project.
Prime Early Access Deals
Amazon Prime members get 30 minute early access to select Lightning Deals. This includes discounted performance parts that typically sell out quickly. You can take advantage of extra savings on parts from top brands during the early access window.
Prime Try Before You Buy
The Prime Try Before You Buy program allows you to try on certain parts like shocks and coilovers for a week before purchasing them. You can install them, test the performance, and make sure you like the ride quality before committing.
Streaming Entertainment
An Amazon Prime subscription includes access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, and more. You can watch car shows or listen to tunes while wrenching on your vehicle.
Additional Prime Benefits
Other Amazon Prime perks include photo storage, access to books/magazines, and discounts at Whole Foods. For frequent buyers of performance suspension parts, the shipping benefits and exclusive deals make Prime a great value.
With Prime's perks, upgrading your ride's handling and performance is quick and convenient.
Upgrade Your Car's Suspension With Performance Shocks And Struts
Upgrading your car's suspension with performance shocks and struts can significantly improve your vehicle's handling and ride quality. Here are some tips and recommendations for upgrading your car's suspension:
- Consider aftermarket shocks and struts from top brands like Bilstein and Koni.
- Look for performance suspension systems that include lift kits, shock absorbers, and sway bars.
- Choose suspension upgrades that are tailored to your specific vehicle make and model.
- Consider adjustable coilovers for fine-tuning your suspension to your driving style.
- Make sure to properly maintain your new suspension components to ensure optimal performance.
- Upgrade your suspension in stages, starting with shocks and struts before moving on to other components.
- Don't forget to consider the overall cost of the upgrade, including installation and alignment.
