AoD
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 429
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- Hammondsville, Ohio
So, you have all these want-to-do's but just don't know how to setup your suspension? Well, let's look at the things we can change to make it better or worse for you.
Springs! The easiest suspension tuning out there!
Springs effect only one thing. Rebound. They can make a stiffer suspension, and quicker rebounds. But, theres a couple things to know about changing springs. First thing is to know what a spring really does. A spring basically adjusts how easy the shock compresses and extends. The stiffer the springs, the harder it is for the truck to push the shocks up causing them to do their job. Also, when you do happen to get the shocks into motion, the springs decompress them at a certain rate. The stiffer the springs, the higher decompression rate. So, when choosing springs, remember these key things. The stiffer the springs, the harder it is to get the shocks to do their job.
Shocks, where to start?!?
Well, there's plenty to learn about shocks, but let's learn what they do. Shocks are designed to dampen the effects of a bump, landing, or anything else that might cause an instant bounce of the wheels. They simply keep the suspension from jolting really quick and causing lost traction. There are many different ways to set your shocks up, but lets' look at two main important ways to change how your shocks will react.
Shock Oils!
Shock oil is inside your shock. A piston travels up and down the shaft of the shock body, and it has small holes to let oils through the piston. This reduction from flow by the holes is how the shock works. Now, the heavier the weight of shock oil, the harder it is to push through the pistons holes, in effect causing the shocks to travel slower and with more force. The lighter the oil causes an opposite reaction. The oil travels through the piston easier and quicker with less force necessary to move the shock. There are many different types and weights of oils. Select a type that fits what you want.
Shock pistons!
These work the same as shock oils, but give a more precise way to adjusting the shock. The smaller and the less holes mean that less oil will be passed through the piston, causing more force needed to compress and decompress the shock. The bigger and more holes in the piston allow for more oil to travel through the piston. That means less force is necessary to compress or decompress the shock.
Spring Spacers
If you need a really quick spring adjustment, you can simply put in a spring spacer. They are simple to use, and easy to change. You can buy them just about anywhere and do on the spot suspension tuning.
Now, remember, there are many different ways to set your suspension up. Just make sure you know this. The softer the springs, the lower your actual ride height will go, but the easier it'll handle really rough terrain. The harder the suspension, the more it will bounce, but the better it will hold a groove in a corner. This all rounds down to what you're wanting your suspension to react like. Experiment with different settings to find out what works for you.
Springs! The easiest suspension tuning out there!
Springs effect only one thing. Rebound. They can make a stiffer suspension, and quicker rebounds. But, theres a couple things to know about changing springs. First thing is to know what a spring really does. A spring basically adjusts how easy the shock compresses and extends. The stiffer the springs, the harder it is for the truck to push the shocks up causing them to do their job. Also, when you do happen to get the shocks into motion, the springs decompress them at a certain rate. The stiffer the springs, the higher decompression rate. So, when choosing springs, remember these key things. The stiffer the springs, the harder it is to get the shocks to do their job.
Shocks, where to start?!?
Well, there's plenty to learn about shocks, but let's learn what they do. Shocks are designed to dampen the effects of a bump, landing, or anything else that might cause an instant bounce of the wheels. They simply keep the suspension from jolting really quick and causing lost traction. There are many different ways to set your shocks up, but lets' look at two main important ways to change how your shocks will react.
Shock Oils!
Shock oil is inside your shock. A piston travels up and down the shaft of the shock body, and it has small holes to let oils through the piston. This reduction from flow by the holes is how the shock works. Now, the heavier the weight of shock oil, the harder it is to push through the pistons holes, in effect causing the shocks to travel slower and with more force. The lighter the oil causes an opposite reaction. The oil travels through the piston easier and quicker with less force necessary to move the shock. There are many different types and weights of oils. Select a type that fits what you want.
Shock pistons!
These work the same as shock oils, but give a more precise way to adjusting the shock. The smaller and the less holes mean that less oil will be passed through the piston, causing more force needed to compress and decompress the shock. The bigger and more holes in the piston allow for more oil to travel through the piston. That means less force is necessary to compress or decompress the shock.
Spring Spacers
If you need a really quick spring adjustment, you can simply put in a spring spacer. They are simple to use, and easy to change. You can buy them just about anywhere and do on the spot suspension tuning.
Now, remember, there are many different ways to set your suspension up. Just make sure you know this. The softer the springs, the lower your actual ride height will go, but the easier it'll handle really rough terrain. The harder the suspension, the more it will bounce, but the better it will hold a groove in a corner. This all rounds down to what you're wanting your suspension to react like. Experiment with different settings to find out what works for you.
