Driving or riding in a truck should be a pleasant experience, one that makes you feel capable, comfortable, and in control. If your truck has a poor suspension system, you can’t enjoy any of these things. A bad suspension system or one that’s in need of an upgrade typically means a bumpy ride, difficult handling, and the potential for danger on the road.
Fortunately, a simple upgrade can make a world of difference. But, before you upgrade your truck’s suspension system, there are a few things to know and consider.
Understand The Benefits Of Upgrading Your Suspension System
First things first, don’t make the mistake of thinking that a suspension system doesn’t make a big difference, especially for commercial trucks. The suspension system is a key part of a truck’s performance, and upgrading or improving it can make a major difference. For example, with an optimized suspension system that utilizes quality commercial truck parts, you’ll enjoy less drag even when transporting the heaviest of loads. Additionally, turning, even on tight corners, is easier, safer, and more stable with a quality suspension system. The risk of a rollover incident is also reduced.
Many drivers also report that they get more use and longevity out of their tires with a better suspension system, thereby reducing overall operating costs. In short, a great suspension system is extremely important. So, if you’ve putting off upgrading, consider all the benefits you’re missing out on.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Now that you understand the advantages of a quality suspension system, it’s vital that you know when to upgrade. Ideally, you’ll be having your truck and your suspension system checked out by a mechanic on a regular basis. If you are, they’ll be able to tell you when it’s time for upgrades or a complete overhaul of your system. If you’re not, for whatever reason, then be aware of the indicators that your suspension system isn’t quite up to par.
These signs can include things like experiencing problems or resistance when steering, feeling like your truck is scraping against the road, tires that wear unevenly, or noticing oil leaks after being parked for a while.
If you experience any of these issues, you’ve probably waited too long to upgrade your steering system. But, don’t panic. If you take action quickly and consult with a professional about the changes you need, chances are you can still improve your truck’s performance without long-term damage or concerns.
Understand That A Suspension System Contains Many Parts
Something else you should know is that a suspension system isn’t just one thing. Instead, it really is a system that consists of multiple parts. For instance, your truck’s shocks, springs, struts, wheels, torsion bar, rods, and more all make up the suspension system. In some instances, you may actually want to upgrade and overhaul every single part and piece of your system. This is especially common after long periods of neglect, which is why regular maintenance is so important.
More often, though, you can choose to simply upgrade specific parts of your system. Many drivers even prefer to do so a little at a time, allowing them to spread the overall cost of the upgrades over a longer period. If you know you want an upgrade but aren’t sure where to start, consulting with a professional is a great first step. They can help you prioritize your suspension needs and develop a feasible plan for continual improvement.
Consider Starting With Strut Braces
If you determine that your truck needs quite a bit of suspension work and aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. As mentioned, you should follow the advice of your mechanic. But, if you have a few different options for how to begin, strut braces are a great first upgrade.
They are a quick, efficient way to fix many steering issues. Furthermore, good strut braces offer excellent support for the rest of your suspension system. So, even if your system is struggling, they can help make it last for longer.
Proper Maintenance Can Go A Long Way
Once you have new suspension parts, your work isn’t done. It’s still up to you to keep these parts and pieces in good working order. Also, maintaining your truck overall can help support the suspension system and keep it in good shape for longer. This can lead to less frequent upgrades, maintenance, and replacements.
One simple thing you can do, for instance, is to keep your tires inflated to the correct amount. Your mechanic can test your tires for you and let you know their ideal inflation level. By keeping tires inflated properly, they’ll wear more evenly, which helps support your suspension system. The better care you take of each part of your suspension system and of your vehicle in general, the better the outlook for your truck.
Suspension System Alterations Can Improve The Look Of Your Truck
As a final “bonus,” you’ll be glad to know that suspension system alterations can help you achieve the look and feel you wish to project with your truck. While functionality should always come first, some changes can make your truck look more stylish, attractive, or professional on the road. Visually pleasing wheels, for example, can change the aesthetics of a truck.
You can also make modifications to make the truck sit higher above the ground or closer to it, depending on your needs. Just remember that you shouldn’t make a change solely for the sake of appearance, particularly if it could affect the way you need your truck to perform.
Now that you understand more about your truck’s suspension system, you’re ready to make some informed decisions about what to do next. The best starting point, of course, is to consult with a mechanic, especially if it’s been quite a while since your truck or your suspension system has been assessed. From there, with the knowledge you now have, you can work to improve your truck’s suspension system and keep it performing optimally.
