Get the Most out of Your Vehicle with Performance Suspension Upgrades
Whether you use your vehicle for daily commuting or weekend racing, upgrading your suspension is one of the best ways to improve performance and handling. With the right suspension mods, you can increase control, stability, and comfort when driving your car or truck.
Benefits of Performance Suspension Upgrades
Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from upgrading your suspension components:
- Better handling and cornering - Performance shocks, struts, springs, sway bars and bushings provide more responsive steering and reduce body roll in turns.
- Improved braking - Stiffer anti-roll bars keep the vehicle level under hard braking, allowing you to stop faster and safer.
- Decreased tire wear - Correct alignment and suspension geometry ensures tires meet the road evenly, maximizing tread life.
- Enhanced traction - Stickier tires paired with tuned suspension gives you maximum grip and acceleration.
- Comfortable ride - Higher quality shock absorbers and springs absorb bumps and vibration better for a smoother ride.
Types of Suspension Upgrades
Here are some of the most common and effective suspension upgrades to consider:
| Suspension Component | Upgrade Options |
|---|---|
| Shocks/Struts | Performance shocks with adjustable damping, larger piston diameter, better seals |
| Springs | Lowering springs, coilover springs, progressive rate springs |
| Sway Bars | Larger diameter hollow or solid sway bars, adjustable end links |
| Bushings | Polyurethane, delrin or aluminum bushings for stiffness |
Important Considerations
Upgrading your suspension is an excellent way to improve your vehicle's handling, but keep these factors in mind:
- Get an alignment after any suspension modifications to maximize performance and prevent uneven tire wear.
- Select components designed specifically for your year, make and model for proper fit and geometry.
- Lowered springs reduce ground clearance - be mindful of large bumps and steep driveways.
- Stiffer components like sway bars and bushings increase noise and vibration in the cabin.
- Consider how you use your vehicle - street driving, competition racing, hauling/towing when selecting components.
With the right upgrades dialed into your driving style and needs, you can enjoy better performance, handling and control from your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Shocks and Struts for Your Vehicle
Selecting the correct replacement shocks and struts for your vehicle is important for proper ride handling, comfort, and safety. With the right components, you'll get superior suspension performance and control.
Understand the Difference
Shocks and struts perform similar roles, but have key differences:
- Shocks - Provide damping to control spring and suspension movement
- Struts - Integrated shock/spring units that support vehicle weight
Struts are more common on front suspensions, while shocks are typically found on rear or front transverse spring setups.
Consider Your Needs
Evaluate how you use your vehicle and your goals for new shocks/struts:
- Daily driver comfort? Seek smooth ride with factory-level damping.
- Transport heavy loads? Prioritize load-leveling capacity.
- Performance handling? Select components with increased damping and reduced body roll.
- Off-road adventures? Choose longer travel shocks for articulation.
Types of Shocks and Struts
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Twin Tube | Affordable design for comfortable daily driving |
| Gas Charged | Improved response and heat dissipation under heavy use |
| Adjustable | Manually tailored damping levels for desired ride quality |
| Coilovers | Integrated shock and spring for lowered stance and performance handling |
Matching Components
- Match OE factory shock and strut mounting style and hardware.
- Ensure proper compressed and extended lengths.
- Check spring seat diameter and spring rates match.
- Select direct-fit components for your specific vehicle.
With shocks and struts properly matched to your vehicle and driving needs, you'll get a smooth, safe and controlled ride. Consult an experienced mechanic if unsure what components are best for you.
How to Upgrade Your Suspension for Improved Handling
Upgrading key components in your suspension system is one of the most effective ways to improve your vehicle's handling and cornering performance.
Lowering Springs
Lowering springs are one of the simplest upgrades to lower the center of gravity and reduce body roll. Consider:
- Coil or leaf springs designed to lower ride height 1-3 inches for performance benefit without being undriveable.
- Lowering too much can lead to problems like rubbing and bottoming out.
- Match to shock absorbers valved for lowered spring rates.
Sway Bars
Upgraded sway bars stabilize sideways body motion when cornering hard. Look for:
- Larger diameter hollow or solid bars for increased rigidity and roll stiffness.
- Adjustable end links to fine tune sway bar preload and performance.
- Polyurethane bushings instead of rubber for precision response.
Shocks and Struts
Performance shocks and struts provide increased damping control. Features that help:
- Larger piston diameter, tighter tolerances for tuned response.
- Mono-tube design with gas charge and deflective disc valving.
- Multi-stage adjustable damping when driving conditions vary.
Control Arms
Upgraded control arms correct geometry changes from lowering. Look for:
- Tubular arms with urethane or delrin bushings instead of rubber.
- Increased caster and camber curve adjustment range.
- High-strength ball joints for responsiveness.
Chassis Braces
Strut bars and chassis braces strengthen the suspension mounting points. Benefits:
- Reduce chassis flex for quicker response.
- Connect shock towers, subframes, and other mounts.
- Lightweight metal and polyurethane construction.
Top Considerations When Replacing Worn Out Shocks and Struts
When shocks and struts wear out, it negatively impacts ride comfort, handling, and safety. Here are key factors to consider when replacing worn components:
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Inspect for Leaks and Damage
Look for signs of wear like:
- Oil coating on shafts indicating seal failure.
- Bent strut housings or rods from impacts.
- Corrosion buildup eating away mountings.
Severe leaks or damage require replacement. Also note any abnormal tire or suspension wear.
Review Ride and Handling Symptoms
Shocks and struts help control bounce, sway and roll. Notice any:
- Excessive bouncing after bumps or braking.
- Continued rocking when coming to a stop.
- Reduced cornering stability and control.
- Uneven tire tread wear from improper damping.
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Check Mounting Hardware
Inspect mounting bushings, bearings and fasteners. Replace any that are:- Cracked or deteriorated.
- Worn or loose allowing movement.
- Missing or incorrect.
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Match Components to OE Design
Ensure complete compatibility by matching OE factory:
- Mounting and bushing type.
- Compressed and extended lengths.
- Spring seat diameter and spring rates.
Consider Enhanced Performance Upgrades
For improved handling, consider upgrading to:
- Gas-charged struts with larger pistons.
- Lowered performance springs.
- Adjustable shocks tunable for any driving.
With attentive inspection and proper component selection, you can restore like-new ride, handling, and control.
Suspension Upgrades That Deliver a Smoother Ride
If your vehicle's suspension feels rough and you're tired of getting jostled around over bumps, consider these upgrades for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Better Shock Absorbers
Quality shocks make a huge difference in ride quality. Look for:
- Larger piston diameter and tightened tolerances.
- Increased fluid capacity and improved valving.
- Gas charged mono-tube design.
These features allow superior damping control for a smooth, stable ride.
Progressive Rate Springs
Unlike linear rate coils, progressive springs become stiffer as they compress. Benefits:
- Softer initial response over small bumps.
- Firmer control over large impacts and body roll.
- Maintains ride height regardless of load.
Cushioning Suspension Bushings
Rubber or polyurethane bushings isolate better than solid metal. Seek bushings with:
- Multilayer rubber for flexibility without deflection.
- Progressive stiffness rates.
- Optimized shapes to reduce harsh vibrations.
Larger Sway Bars
Bigger diameter sway bars allow fine tuning of roll resistance. Benefits:
- Reduce body lean for flatter cornering.
- Minimize sudden weight shifts in turns.
- Decrease mid-corner bump impacts.
Correctly balancing bar stiffness smooths overall handling.
Suspension Tuning
Have an experienced technician:
- Align and balance components to specs.
- Adjust shock valves and ride height.
- Set front/rear stiffness percentages.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy "Performance Parts: Shocks, Struts & Suspension"
Amazon Prime provides fast, free shipping and great prices on millions of items, including high-quality performance suspension parts. Here are some tips on using Prime to upgrade your ride:
Search within the Automotive Department
Amazon has dedicated sections for auto parts including performance shocks, struts, springs, coilovers and more. Search within Automotive to filter just suspension upgrades. Using specific keywords like "performance shocks" or "lowering springs" can further narrow options.
Check for Prime Eligibility
Look for the Prime logo or "Free One-Day" and "Free Two-Day" shipping tags on product listings to confirm fast, free delivery is included at no extra cost. The Prime filter on the left sidebar makes it easy to see only Prime-eligible parts.
Compare Brands and Prices
Amazon carries suspension upgrade brands like Bilstein, KYB, Eibach, Koni, and Pro Comp so you can select the right components at the best value. Use price and customer rating filters to compare products.
Take Advantage of Free Expert Installation
For extra convenience, choose Amazon's Professional Installation service for free shipping to local auto shops and discounted installation from ASE-certified mechanics on Prime-purchased parts. No extra membership fees required.
Enjoy Quick Delivery with No Minimums
Get free next-day or two-day delivery on Prime orders over $25. No membership fees, heavy order minimums or hidden costs - just fast access to the suspension parts you need to increase performance.
With Prime's selection, savings and convenience, you can easily upgrade your suspension for better handling.p>What Are The Benefits Of Upgrading Shocks, Struts, And Suspension?
Upgrading shocks, struts, and suspension can provide several benefits to your vehicle. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading:
What Are The Differences Between Aftermarket And Stock Shocks, Struts, And Suspension?
Here are the differences between aftermarket and stock shocks, struts, and suspension:
Stock Shocks, Struts, and Suspension:
Aftermarket Shocks, Struts, and Suspension:
It's important to note that the answer to whether aftermarket shocks and struts are better than OEM depends on your needs and preferences.
