A Beginner’s Guide to 4×4 Suspension Lift Kits

Posted 2 weeks ago by admin, under Automotive
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Billy Han asked:




You see them all the time: Light trucks, Sport Utility Vehicles, Jeeps, and more, coasting down the highway, sitting atop towering truck suspension lift kits and sporting a set of tires so big that a person could live in them. If you’re the curious type looking to lift up your own rig, a more important question than “How do I get my ride to do that” is “Why should my ride do that?”

There are several reasons why people might customize their vehicles with suspension lift kits, as well as quite a bit to know before you get started. If you’re a seasoned veteran who has conquered the most vicious terrains and knows your vehicle better than your own mother, there probably isn’t much for you to learn here. On the other hand, if you’re just getting started and want to familiarize yourself with the basics, read on.

Why should I lift my ride?

Glad you asked. Equipping vehicles with a suspension lift kits involves much more than buying the sexiest looking truck lift kit and then dropping your ride off at the local mechanic. Actually, chances are good that if that’s all you plan to do, lifting your ride might not be right for you in the first place. Installing truck suspension lift kits requires some hard work, a bit of technical savvy and consistent upkeep and attention to your vehicle’s components.

The first determination you need to make when considering suspension lift kits is what you want to do with it. There are essentially two main purposes for installing truck lift kits: style or function. Although the two are somewhat interrelated, it’s still important to consider which purpose you most wish to pursue, as it will assist you in making the correct modifications to your vehicle.

Style:

Let’s face it: Transforming a vehicle into a style statement has been a popular hobby ever since the advent of tailfins and flame decals. As much as we all might chuckle at a hybrid hatchback sitting on 18″ wheels, or the family sedan with a wing that resembles the Seattle Space Needle more than a spoiler, we also find our own vehicles having fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror, or a bobbling hula dancer statuette on the dash. As far as style is concerned, adding truck lift kits makes more of an impression than anything else you can do to your ride. Heads turn instantly at the sight of a lifted rig with massive tires that appear to be sprouting fangs and an exhaust system that scares stray puppies into hiding.

When it comes to adding suspension lift kits to make a style statement, looking good is the easy part. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook general, everyday performance in the midst of decking out a ride. For this reason, choosing the right suspension lift kit with attention to comfort, reliability, durability, safety, and not to mention price, should be given just as much consideration as those precious inches you want to add.

Performance:

So you’ve made the jump into tuning your rig for the off-road world, and you’re ready to take the plunge to invest in one of many truck lift kits. But before diving headfirst into a custom truck lift kit and gigantic tires, there are a number of issues to address to ensure a correct setup. The first step is to ask yourself what you will be doing the most, whether it’s slow-speed rock crawling, high-speed desert racing, general purpose 4 wheeling, mud racing, or long distance open country treks. From there, you can narrow down what you need to do in order to customize your vehicle to suit your needs.

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re the experienced professional, tuning your rig for optimum off-road performance is an expansive hobby with numerous factors to be wary of. The possibilities are limitless, which can sometimes make it hard to determine exactly which suspension lift kits are ideal for what you want.

Where do I begin?

As if determining which suspension lift kits to purchase weren’t complicated enough, installing truck lift kits can alter other components in your vehicle, sometimes causing unforeseen issues that could affect performance or be potentially detrimental to the vehicle itself. For example, drive shaft length, steering geometry, brake lines, highway performance and handling, gear ratios, and overall weight are just a few of the factors that could potentially be impacted by adding truck suspension lift kits.

Finding ample resources to determine what products you need can be difficult. Speaking with a mechanic can provide some insight. Reading factory service manuals, off-road magazines, internet message boards, manufacturer’s guides, and a number of other resources can help as well. But by far the most useful way to determine what truck lift kits are right for you and your vehicle is to consult an experienced and knowledgeable person who has a vehicle similar to yours and uses it in the manner similar to what you want to do. Not only can such a person suggest the correct products, but also likely has experience with installation tips and general drivability.

In the meantime, here are some of the basic elements of suspension lift kits for you to keep in mind as you plan your modifications.

What does a Suspension Lift Kit do?

Clearance


For starters, one of the foremost reasons for installing truck suspension lift kits is to raise the height of your ride off the ground to enable steeper ascent or descent off-road, and higher ground clearance. In general, it makes sense that when driving over boulders, slogging through mud, coasting across the desert, or even just making your way through the occasional forest trail, higher clearance facilitates negotiating certain obstacles. This can often be a tricky bit of artistry to manage, as higher clearance also raises your vehicle’s center of gravity, which can reduce handling.


Larger Tire Fitment


The general consensus suggests that larger tires equate to more traction, right? Well, not entirely. While larger tires may provide some improvement to traction in off-road conditions, there are other ways to improve a vehicle’s traction that are far more efficient than simply bulking up the rubber. Aside from the obvious stylistic discretion, the main reasons for adding larger tires are for higher vehicle clearance for improved performance in mud, deep snow, rocks, and deeply rutted trails. Certain tires designed specifically for off-road conditions can improve traction depending on the circumstances, but the added clearance is the most immediate and direct benefit of larger tires.

Factors to Consider with Truck Suspension Lift Kits:


Installation: Many manufacturers offer manuals for installing truck lift kits onto certain vehicles; however, some installations are quite intricate, requiring some welding or cutting in order to add some necessary components. In this case, having a trusted mechanic or a few knowledgeable friends is the best resolution. Additional Modifications: Upgrading to truck lift kits with taller tires also means that a number of components may require part upgrades or some tuning to compensate. For instance, a truck’s engine is tuned at specific gear ratios to propel the vehicle. When adding taller tires, the gear ratios must be tweaked accordingly, since the engine has to spin much larger, heavier tires. Again, consult with more experienced individuals for further insight. Highway Performance: Larger, wider tires can sometimes result in instability on roads or a noisy, uncomfortable ride, particularly at high speeds. Also, more aggressive off-road tires tend to wear faster on the highway, and traction might not be as great as you would expect on wet roads. In this sense, larger tires can sometimes be a gamble without any direction from an experienced off-road veteran. Weight: larger tires are heavier, which can put a lot of strain on your suspension, particularly if it’s a stock suspension. Trusted, durable suspension components and lighter aluminum wheels can sometimes help to reduce the strain. Handling: Adding truck suspension lift kits will undoubtedly raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, resulting in less stable turns. This is a common issue when installing truck lift kits, but is mostly just a matter of becoming accustomed to a vehicle’s change in performance. Legality: Some suspension lift kits are such a serious change in your suspension system that it may not be legal. Check the suspension regulations within your country, state, or province to be sure. A Few Useful Accessories: Before installing a lift kit, it’s a good idea to first examine if any components will be affected by your vehicle’s new height. Here are a few useful accessories that may need to be upgraded: Brake Upgrades: Stock brakes can’t always accommodate larger tires, or will wear easily due to the added strain. Drivetrain and Differential: Axles, gears, differential covers, lockers and more ensure that your drivetrain is up to par with your suspension. Replacement Parts: Longer Control Arms and Track Bars to compensate for the additional height of your rig. Shocks: For those taller lifts, longer shocks will ensure the smoothest performance both on and off road. Other Parts: Steering linkage, slip yoke, drive shaft length, u-joint angle, and brake lines are all worthy of consideration before installing suspension lift kits.

Installing Suspension Lift Kits:

When it comes time to install a lift kit, there are two ways possible ways to go about it: install it yourself, or have a professional do the job. Naturally, each has its advantages and disadvantages, and when it comes to your rig, attention to detail is crucial. A general rule to follow is that even if you know you want a large lift, it’s best to start with a small lift and work your way up. This allows you to work out any kinks and hindrances along the way to make sure your kit works right.

Do-It-Yourself


Even if you’re not technically inclined, taking the time to learn the inner mechanics of your vehicle is a valuable experience that can save you time and money. An intimate knowledge of your rig can also allow you to make your own modifications to your vehicle if the need arises. There are numerous resources available that can usually guide you through the majority of the process; however, one must keep in mind that it’s a lot to take in, and tweaking the intricate components of your vehicle is no small matter. It’s always a good idea to have a second set of hands or an experienced individual assisting you.

On the downside, even with the increasing availability of bolt-on kits, installing suspension lift kits is no easy task, particularly if you’re a beginner. Additionally, certain instructions or resources can sometimes be misleading or based upon the personal preferences of individual gearheads. Often times, after installing a lift kit you’ll find yourself spending hours tweaking the other components of your vehicle to get them back to spec. That’s a whole lot to take on, particularly if you’re inexperienced.


Mechanic


A licensed professional installing your lift kit is typically the best way to ensure that suspension lift kits are installed correctly, so long as you’re willing to pay the labor charges. A professional can perfectly tune your vehicle to your liking and see to it that all components are working as they should, all within a fraction of the time it would take even the most experienced gearheads to install it themselves.

On the other hand, as is the case with regard to any mechanic, it might be difficult to find one you can trust to install the kit properly while not overcharging you for any unnecessary parts. Also, if you’re not a gearhead, anytime there’s a functional deficiency or your vehicle needs minor tweaking, you have no choice but to return to the mechanic for service.

Suspension Lift Sizes:

Small: A small lift consists of 1.5 or fewer inches, and will grant you a little more clearance and room to run slightly larger tires. The most common way to gain a small lift is by using coil spacers in front and long shackles in the rear.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Small lifts are inexpensive and easy to install with very few complications.

Medium: A medium lift is roughly 2″ of lift, and is a good choice for those looking for the best tire clearance, but aren’t planning on doing any off-roading. Common medium-sized lifts use spacer and add-a-leaf lifts, and sometimes come with new shocks.

Advantages/Disadvantages: You’ll notice changes in handling and performance: some good, some bad. You’ll also need strong rear springs, and if you plan to use an add-a-leaf kit, later modification for more lift may be difficult, since add-a-leafs are designed to lift stock springs.

Large: The largest lifts consist of 3 to 4″ or more for an aggressive look and the best off-road performance. A common large lift setup consists of new front coils and add-a-leafs in the rear, plus some combination of new front coils and new rear springs. These kits often include a matching set of shocks.

Advantages/Disadvantages: Large lifts are obviously the most expensive, and more complications are expected than with smaller lifts. On-road performance will also be affected, sometimes dramatically. But a large lift will transform your rig into an intimidating off-road machine that will stand out among a crowd.

Types of Suspension Lift Kits:

Spring Over Axle (SPOA):


SPOA suspension lift kits are most popular among serious rock crawlers looking for the utmost articulation (up and down wheel travel). These truck lift kits keep the tires on the ground for maximum traction, while correctly lifted springs lifts everything out of harm’s way, including the springs.

Shackle Reverse (S/R) Suspension Lift Kits:


S/R truck lift kits are designed to provide a smooth ride upon mild terrain such as forest roads, desert driving, and scenic trails; however, high-speed driving on highways is not recommended.

Coil Suspension Lift Kits:


The choice of many of the world’s best-riding 4 wheel drive vehicles, Coil Suspension Lift Kits offer unrivaled ride quality and cheaper springs, but installation sometimes requires some welding. The end result, however, is a suspension lift kit that provides excellent articulation on the trail, and a comfortable ride you have to feel to believe.

Lifted Spring Suspension Lift Kits:


The most commonly used type of truck lift kits in the world, Lifted Spring systems are easier to install, and an excellent choice for first-time lifters in the off-road world. These truck lift kits allow you to run larger tires for additional clearance, while producing control on the highway.

Shackle Suspension Lift Kits:


As probably the most affordable way to add inches to your rig, Shackle Suspension Lift Kits are primarily for the truck enthusiast looking to add larger tires, yet are not intending to do much hardcore off-roading. Moderation is recommended with these truck lift kits, as Shackle systems are known to affect steering and sway control.

[Truck Parts]

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Improve the Ride Quality of Your Old Truck With an Independent Front Suspension

Posted 2 weeks ago by admin, under Automotive
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Joseph Ceschin asked:




Classic trucks can have their ride greatly improved with the replacement of the original front end with a modern independent front suspension. This is something that can be done with almost any brand of classic car or old truck.

The main reason for the installation of an independent front suspension on your old truck is to improve the quality of the ride but it can also be done in order to lower the suspension and give the old truck a totally different look. The type of front end you choose may also give your old truck a wider stance.

Depending on the make and model of your old truck you can choose between several types of front ends. For Chevy trucks made between 1947 and 1955 one of the easiest ways is to get the front end of the C10 series Chevy trucks made between 1973 and 1987. The assembly unbolts and comes down complete and can then be bolted to the frame of the old Chevy truck. The whole steering assembly can also be installed to the old truck. This type of suspension is very rugged, has disc brakes and will last forever on classic trucks. But beware: although this is a relatively easy adaptation it can’t be done by an amateur. You will have to take careful measurements of the two frames even before you remove the suspension from the donor C10 truck, especially the steering components if you want to do a good job.

Another type of suspension which has been used in both Ford and Chevy old trucks used to be found in the old AMC Pacer automobile of the late 1970s. This type of suspension also has the advantage of being a complete unit that you can unbolt from the donor car and bolt to the frame of the old truck. A kit for this adaptation is available for sale at many old truck parts distributors.

Among the advantages of this type of suspension is the fact that it comes with front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. The installation of the Pacer suspension is easier to do then the installation of the C10 suspension, but there are a few problems here too. First, it is very difficult to find a Pacer suspension nowadays. The car went out of production well over two decades ago and it wasn’t produced in large quantities to begin with. And even if you find one of these suspensions it will be difficult to get the bushings and other components you’ll need to rebuild it.

Another option to improve the ride of classic trucks is to install a modern IFS system produced specifically for your brand and model of old truck. There are several companies that do this and their systems are the best you can find, with disc brakes, rack-and-pinion power steering and coilover springs. They are the best and they are also the most expensive. Their prices start a little over US$ 1,000 and go all the up to almost US$ 3,000. But if you can afford one of these you’ll be rewarded with the best type of independent front suspension available today for old trucks.

The Mustang II type of independent front suspension is also a great option for old trucks. You can either find a Ford Mustang II and use its suspension or buy this type of front end ready to install in your old truck. It is one of the strongest you can get and the quality of the ride will make you feel like you’re driving a car.

[air suspension]
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Toyota Truck Recall: Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, and Sequoia

Posted 3 weeks ago by admin, under Automotive
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Anna Henningsgaard asked:




A wide scale recall is the last resort for a car company to take with a problematic vehicle, and most automotive problems do not even make it to recall stage. Toyota has been known to avoid issuing recalls at all cost, preferring to issue safety warnings and avoid covering repair costs on vehicles that are beyond warranty. This should put this year’s massive Toyota truck recall into perspective.

This May, Toyota Motor Corp issued one of its largest safety recalls in history. Toyota is recalling more than 750,000 pickup trucks and SUV’s because of problems with the front suspension that could make the vehicles difficult to steer. The recall covers 775,000 vehicles in the United States alone, including 2001-2004 model years of the Toyota Tacoma, the 2001-2002 models of Toyota 4Runner and the 2002-2004 model Tundra and Sequoia.

During the manufacturing of these vehicles, the surface of the front suspension ball joint was scratched. Wear and tear on this ball joint creates friction that makes the vehicles difficult to control. At speeds as low as 20 mph, Toyota drivers have reported ball joints collapsing, causing the front wheels to fold under the truck.

Overall, Toyota admits to conducting five recalls this year in the United States affecting nearly 1 million vehicles. In 2004, Toyota conducted nine recalls affecting 1,060,000 vehicles, according to the NHTSA. This year, Toyota has also recalled:

- 92,577 Celica coupes from 2000-2001 models to adjust daytime running lights that blind oncoming drivers

- 23,000 model year 2005 Tacoma pickups to tighten a lock nut on the parking brake pedal

This ball-joint recall was the second time in the same week that Toyota issued a high-profile safety warning. Just days before the recall was issued, Toyota began looking into 13 complaints about a possible software glitch that could cause the Prius hybrid car to stall at highway speeds. If you or a loved one have been injured by a Toyota truck that has since been recalled, consult a lawyer about collecting damages.

[Discovery Parts]
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Using the Best Jeep Parts

Posted July 25, 2010 by admin, under Automotive
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Chris Pierce asked:




Jeeps are well known for being rugged, off-road vehicles. Even if you buy a Jeep brand new, you will start to notice the wear and tear on your Jeep parts if you take your vehicle into rugged terrain on a regular basis. When the time to replace these pieces comes around, you should only be using the best products. In the following article, we will review some important information about using the best Jeep parts.

When you buy a Jeep, you can rest assured that the parts on that particular vehicle will be able to take on rough terrain for some time before needing replacement. During this time, you will be able to simply service your Jeep without having to replace them. However, there will come a time that servicing these parts will no longer suffice and you will have to look in to replacing or upgrading. Unfortunately, there are no Jeep parts that will last you a lifetime. There are products that will last you a long time, but there are none that are forever. Top-of-the-line parts will guarantee a much longer rate of service if you have the money to invest in them. These can be easily obtained in many locations.

Whatever part you may happen to need, the auto market will have it. Bumpers, body lifts, shocks, winches, wheels, exhaust systems and many other parts can be easily located on the auto market for mostly decent prices. The Jeep parts that are on the market will not only meet your replacement needs, but they may also upgrade the performance of your Jeep. You have the ability to make your Jeep as durable and reliable as you want.

Jeep parts can also be used to make your Jeep unique to all the others on the road. These can also be used to heighten the comfort and safety of your Jeep, which is very important if you take your Jeep off the beaten path on a regular basis. When buying Jeep items to improve the safety of your vehicle, you should always choose the best ones you can afford.

[suspension parts]
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Leveling Kits – Improve Gas Mileage With a Leveling Kit

Posted July 23, 2010 by admin, under Automotive
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Billy Han asked:




Leveling kits practically avoid the spotlight when it comes to 4×4 and off-road parts, but this certainly shouldn’t suggest that a leveling kit isn’t an essential piece of hardware.

In fact, with gas prices as high as they are these days, many truck, Jeep, and SUV owners are looking for ways to conserve gas and lessen the impact to their wallet. This is where leveling kits come into play.

Though you might not guess, a leveling kit can actually have a decent impact on your gas mileage numbers, and knowing how it can have an effect on your suspension system can save you a bundle in both gas and maintenance costs.

How a Leveling Kit Affects Fuel Economy
When we talk about how a leveling kit impacts gas mileage, one should note that we’re pleading common sense in terms of saving gas. In other words, optimizing gas mileage from the perspective of leveling kits won’t produce a massive jump in MPG numbers.

Rather, leveling kit are one of the many pieces of equipment that affect gas mileage over a longer period of time, or contribute as one of many enhancements you can make to your vehicle for improved mileage in the short term.

In either case, herein, we’ll discuss ways a leveling kit, or lack thereof, can affect your gas mileage.

Overview of Leveling Lift Kits
Vehicle customization is one of the most exciting parts of owning a 4×4 vehicle; however, modifying your ride can often be a complicated endeavor that can produce a wide range of unforeseen side effects.

One issue in particular that commonly plagues 4×4 enthusiasts is suspension sag. Depending on the type of vehicle you own and the lift kit you add, customization can sometimes cause a vehicle to ride with an uneven stance; that is, one end rides lower than the other.

Other factors can sometimes play a role in this as well. Even if you perform a perfectly level suspension install, additional items like heavy duty front bumpers and winches can sometimes weigh down the front end.

Aside from just plain being unsightly, an uneven stance can also affect performance over the long haul. It puts more strain on your suspension, and can also cause tires to wear faster or deflate easier.

Leveling kits are the perfect solution for eliminating sag, as they are fairly easy to install, and allow you to add those extra precious inches to even out your ride. A few inches may not seem like much, but you’d be surprised just how big of a difference a leveling kit can make.

Managing Tire Wear
It is general knowledge that front tires wear faster and deflate easier than rear tires, simply due to the added movement and strain that steering causes. Now throw in front end sag, and your front tires are wearing out even faster.

Nothing affects both on and off-road performance like uneven tires, and not to mention, gas mileage. In fact, under-inflated tires are one of the leading causes of loss in fuel economy for both everyday commuters and off-road enthusiasts.

Add a leveling kit, and suddenly your tires offer tread life and performance like they should. Leveling kits can extend tire life and reduce deflation, thereby allowing you to maximize fuel economy, and also get much improved tread life in the long run.

A Complete Overhaul
What good is having a truck or utility vehicle if you aren’t putting it to work?

Using your 4×4 vehicle for towing, load-hauling, and other constructive applications is a common practice amongst truck, Jeep, and SUV owners. But putting your vehicle under great duress is another factor that impacts mileage and performance.

Enter block kits, or leveling kits that lift the rear of a vehicle. A block kit can help compensate for the added weight or load on the rear end of your vehicle, thereby lessening the strain, and allowing for more efficient all-around performance.

A vehicle with a raised rear offers less drag when towing or hauling, and more all-around stability for those really tough jobs, ultimately translating to long term gas mileage improvements.

A Matter of Inches
In the end, a few inches can make a huge difference in improving or hindering your fuel economy.

Leveling kits are just one of the many ways to ensure that you’re getting the best MPG possible with your vehicle, and along with a leveling kit, the right combination of components can go a long way in improving your gas mileage.

[lift kits]
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Points to Ponder on Before Buying a Lifted Truck

Posted July 16, 2010 by admin, under Automotive
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Paul Roxas asked:




Lifting your truck gives you added style points plus some performance benefits. It turns heads whenever they see a lifted truck. It can also give you the capability to travel off-road and through harsh terrains. However, such pluses come with some negatives that you cannot ignore and must take into consideration.

The primary consideration is the safety of objects and persons around the lifted truck. When you lift your truck, the center of gravity also lifts with it. This is dangerous when you drive too fast when cornering. If your speed is too fast, your truck will roll over possibly crashing into other vehicles. Another thing is the bumper. When you lift your truck, it comes without saying that your bumper will rise too. Bumpers are made to bump with other bumpers in case of accidents. This is to ensure that minimal damage will happen to the vehicles involved and persons inside those vehicles. However, since the bumper is raised, the lifted truck bumper won’t bump into other bumpers but will crash into the windows of the other vehicles thus putting the passengers at risk. I am not discouraging you or anything but you must consider this things when computing and analyzing how lifted your truck would be.

With great lifted trucks come great giant wheels. Yes, lifted truck owners change their wheels to a much bigger one to match the elevated height of the truck. Having small wheels to match an elevated truck does not look good. There is also the rim to consider. If you are going to buy a new wheel, then might as well buy a new rim! And of course the speedometer. Since you have a much bigger wheel in place, the speedometer has to be recalibrated to provide you with accurate speed readings.

Next is to determine what type of lifted truck you want. There are 2 kinds, a lifted truck with a body lift and a lifted truck with a suspension lift. A suspension lift raises the entire frame, engine and power train to the height of your choice. This type of lift is for those who want to enjoy off-road driving. On the other hand, a body lift just lifts its body and does not lift the frame. It is much cheaper than a suspension lift but does not provide as much off-road capabilities like the suspension lift. If you are driving on established roads, then the body lift would suffice.

So you see there are many things to ponder before buying a lifted truck. If you are going to buy one, make sure to take the things above into consideration.

[air bag]
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Truck Suspension Lift Kits – Factors You Should Consider

Posted July 14, 2010 by admin, under Automotive
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Kay Zetkin asked:




Here are the following factors you have to consider when you purchase suspension lift kits for your truck:

Installation – you can install your own lift kit into your truck since many manufacturers now offer a manual for doing the installation yourself. However, several types of truck suspension lift kits involve complicated installations. These types require welding and cutting in order to some important components can also be added. During such cases you may have to call on your trusted mechanic or request for some knowledgeable friend’s advice concerning the best resolution.

Additional Modifications – if you need to do upgrades on your truck’s lift kits by having taller tires, then you also need to do some part upgrades or tuning on a number of truck components to compensate for it. Your truck’s engine is adjusted according to a specific gear ratio in order to propel the entire vehicle, properly. When you need to add taller tires, your gear ratios also need to be tweaked accordingly since the vehicle’s engine must spin much heavier and larger tires. You may need to consult more experienced individuals/truck owners’ further insight on this matter.

Highway performance – sometimes, having larger and wider tires result to instability of the vehicle on roads or having an uncomfortable and noisy ride when you are driving at high speed. More aggressive off-road tires on vehicles also have a tendency to wear faster when used on the highway. When riding over wet roads, you may also experience not so great traction as you would expect. Make sure that you get the proper direction from an experienced off – road rider before having larger tires on your vehicle since it can be such a gamble.

Weight – your suspension may suffer a lot of strain, particularly if stock suspension since larger tires can be heavier. This is a very common issue in truck lift kits installation. Nonetheless, it can really be just a matter of becoming more accustomed to your vehicle’s performance change.

Legality – realize that suspension lift kits can be a serious change on your truck’s suspension system and as such, they may be violating suspension regulations of your country. Check out first these regulations within your state, province or country so that you can be sure of the legality.

Some useful accessories – before you install a suspension lift kits, you have to examine if other components can become affected by the new height. You may need to do upgrades on some useful accessories like the brake upgrades, drivetrain, differential, replacement parts, shocks, steering linkage, drive shaft length, slip yoke, u-joint angel and brake lines.

[suspension parts]
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Custom Trucks

Posted July 8, 2010 by admin, under Automotive
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Tatiana Storm asked:




Today, building the truck of your dreams is about as difficult as opening boxes considering the huge selection of suspension components, wheels and tires, performance enhancements, grilles, lighting, bed covers and more which are now available. Admit it; a stone stock truck will never serve your needs.

Whether you lucked out and hit the lottery or just received your income tax return, you can soon be driving the custom truck of your dreams. That picture in your mind of the perfect truck portrays an extension of your personality and it can easily be fabricated by simply making a list of components.

Who knows, in a few short months you could be winning show trophies, enthusiasts will be shooting photos of your wild ride and cute girls asking for a ride. A few more web site trips and I will have my parts list complete. Ah…dreams!

Exterior customizing accessories are probably one of the most popular of all aftermarket products because they convey immediate visual impact, everything that a person would want to install to give the exterior of his truck that cool, custom appearance.

Adding performance is a necessary part to building a custom truck. Simple ways include adding an air intake and a cat-back exhaust system, which not adds power, but also makes your custom truck sound more aggressive. There are many different products to choose from ranging from exhaust to superchargers to power programmers.

Brake upgrades are really a natural for a sport truck for a couple of reasons. First, any time that you increase the diameter of your wheel and tire combination you are giving the Wheels and Tires a lot more leverage on your brakes than the stock Wheels and Tires had. This in effect actually reduces the performance of your factory brakes and a brake performance upgrade is necessary to restore the stopping power of your truck. Second, a set of 20-inch or larger Wheels create a lot more space inside your Wheels and the best way to fill that space is with a set of big brakes – especially if the plans for your truck include any of the products from the engine performance section. Because when you add products to make your truck quicker and faster it makes sense to add products that will help it stop in a shorter distance as well.

SUSPENSION

Whether your truck is lifted or lowered, altering the ride height is one of the first steps a custom truck builder has to perform in fabricating a cutting-edge truck, which is an extension of your personality. This is the only way to make your wheel & tire selection fit the wheel well openings of your truck. You literally have hundreds of custom components at your fingertips when it comes to perfecting your trucks stance and we made the shopping and selection a breeze! Only question is whether or not you drop it ’til it scrapes or lift it until your nose bleeds?

TIRES

One of the nearly automatic products that custom truck owners want to get their hands are a set of aftermarket tires, usually to go along with a new set of wheels. As most know in today’s tire age, there are spectrum of sizes and dimensions. It is important to know the height and width of your prospective new Tires and understand how they will both look and fit on your truck.

INTERIOR

Whatever kind of truck you drive, chances are you spend most of your time in the driver’s seat looking out. Regardless of how passersby view your truck, they see it from the outside. You live on the inside. Even though most late model pickup trucks look great from the factory there is always room for personalizing. And if your truck is an earlier model vehicle, the options for upgrading and improvement are almost endless.

[volkswagen]
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The 2006 Nissan Frontier Truck

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Stuart Simpson asked:




Nissan hits hard when they remodel their vehicles. The new Frontier is no exception. This truck finally has the power and looks to rival any of the competition. I wanted to help you in your shopping by pointing out the features I saw the other day on my test drive.

The 4.0 DOHC V6 puts 265 hp down and 284 lb-ft of torque. It feels like it can pull a house down. The new engine has an aluminum block and is very smooth. The 4-cylinder is no slouch. It puts down 154 hp and is much more balanced for a smooth like comparison to the V6.

The new, boxed frame is similar to the big brother Titan’s full size frame. The welded in cross members add to the midsize trucks rigid handling. Nissan went all out. This truck has a double wishbone suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. Drives like a car in the city, but the structure of a big truck for work or off road time. Speaking of off roading – your 4×4 guys will like the 10.1″ of ground clearance. Nothing is hanging down anymore. Add a skid plate to the 4WD model and some optional off road tires and you are ready to climb a hill with just the push of a 4WD button.

Technology was put into this bad boy, too. 4 wheel limited slip so that the wheels don’t loose traction and a vehicle dynamic control. It keeps your truck in control by braking and engine controls to help maintain total vehicle control. Of course, it may not prevent an accident, but it sure could help on a rainy day.

My friend got the NISMO Frontier. It has the off road package and some special graphics along with Bilstein shocks. The interior was a unique as were the wheels. His was an automatic, and although he doesn’t take it off roading, it sure did ride nice and it wasn’t that much more with all of these options. He had a bed protector and the utili-track bed rail system. The tie down locations were limitless. It has two glove boxes. Yes, in the front where you only get one. The Nissan also had neat under seat storage and the front passenger seat folded up to provide a desk type surface.

The truck has been really well thought out. There are tons of air bags for protection on the sides, window curtains, and of course in front. ABS and brake assist (helps you apply more braking force if necessary) features along with the brake distribution (applies more braking power to the rear wheels balance the weight) helps remove safety as a concern.

The truck is truly a world-class midsize pickup and leads in most categories. I wish you had to opportunity to drive one as I did.

[isuzu trooper]
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R4Tech by Firestone

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Bond Mejeh asked:




R4Tech by Firestone is a new technological advancement for truck suspensions. The R4Tech is a hybrid system that combines a traditional leaf spring suspension with an adjustable air spring suspension. The ride becomes better as the air spring adjusts when riding with heavy to light truck loads. This unique suspension combination creates a much smoother ride for light trucks under all load conditions. The improvements in handling also help reduce the wear and tear on the truck.

Handling is another factor that gets improved when using the R4Tech by Firestone. The weight of the load becomes balanced evenly by the adjustment capability of the air spring system. There is less steel and therefore less weight, so the mileage on the vehicle is also improved. Handling while loading is improved because you can lower the truck bed for loading and unloading cargo or hooking up trailers or 5th Wheel RVs.

Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC and co-developer SANLUIS Rassini recently were honored for their contributions to the suspension arena of products, for this joint development effort. They received the Editor’s Choice Award for 2008 from Popular Mechanics at the SEMA Show. The award is given to developers of products that are innovative, and that are demonstrative of top quality new design and engineering. Firestone is the exclusive distributor for the R4Tech, where they insist that professional installation of this aftermarket product is necessary; although it is said to be easy to install.

The system includes the Rassini leaf spring foundation suspension combined with the Firestone Airide air spring and compressor control system. This combination offers the best of both systems, which work together for an improved ride, handling, and suspension and for the economy of better mileage from smoother control. This system allows for a more comfortable ride for passengers, and more protection from rough roads for cargo loads and trailers. With your cargo riding more smoothly, truck efficiency and mileage become better, thus costing you less in the long run.

Firestone brings its 65 years of spring development together with the world leading SANLUIS Rassini, and with it’s leaf spring design and manufacturing experience, it became a successful new product. Air spring suspension has been used widely for the big trucks, and now R4Tech by Firestone brings air spring suspension benefits to light trucks.

[lift kits]
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