If you’re into off-roading, you know that a good suspension is critical to having a good time. Many different types of suspensions are available on the market, and it can be tough to decide which is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of each type of suspension and help you decide which one is best for rock crawling!
Coil Springs
Coil springs are popular among off-roaders as they provide increased ride comfort and a great deal of flex over uneven terrain. These suspension systems typically feature several steel coil springs around a shock absorber, allowing for smooth, consistent travel over rough terrain.
Coil springs make it easy to adjust the stiffness of the vehicle’s suspension based on the terrain you are driving on and can offer improved agility compared to other types of suspension.
The pros of using coil springs include their high degree of adjustability, ability to provide better traction when taking tight turns, and improved performance with large tire sizes. Additionally, coil spring suspensions usually have a more comfortable ride than other suspension systems as they have less body roll due to their stiffer nature.
On the flip side, some cons associated with using coil springs include difficulty in tuning them properly for different types of terrain and the fact that they may add more weight than other suspensions due to their steel construction.
Additionally, since most shocks used with these suspensions are oil-filled it can lead to additional maintenance costs over time due to potential leaks or seal failure.
Overall, coil springs are a great option if you want an adjustable ride height, improved responsiveness while cornering at speed or on rough terrain, and higher tire clearance than traditional leaf-sprung vehicles.
Of course, there are downsides too that should not be overlooked such as added weight or potential maintenance costs involved with oil-filled shocks. Ultimately though, if you prioritize performance and agility then coil spring suspensions could be ideal for rock crawling pursuits!
Leaf Springs
Leaf springs are a popular and long-standing choice in the off-roading world. This type of suspension is made up of several parallel metal leaves which are connected together with a shock absorber for increased versatility and travel. It’s known for its great ride quality, as it offers smooth movement over uneven terrain due to its natural flex characteristics.
The most important benefit of leaf spring suspensions is their affordability, as they tend to be cheaper than coil spring systems. Furthermore, they can provide better traction when driving on loose surfaces like sand or mud thanks to the larger contact patch created between tire and ground (as opposed to multiple individual coils). Leaf springs also offer more articulation than other suspension types since each leaf can flex independently of the others.
On the downside, leaf springs are heavier than coil spring suspensions and can cause a rougher ride due to their lack of adjustability. Additionally, they tend to lose performance when loaded up with larger tires or additional cargo due to their lack of stiffness, which can make them unsuitable for more aggressive off-roading activities like rock crawling.
Air Suspension
Air suspensions are becoming increasingly popular among off-roaders due to their versatility, comfort, and increased performance over bumps. These types of suspensions feature several airbags placed inside the shocks which can be adjusted for a softer or stiffer ride depending on the terrain you’re driving on.
The main benefit of air suspension is that it offers more clearance than traditional leaf springs or coil systems due to its adjustable nature. That means you have more room for larger tires and other modifications without sacrificing ground clearance too much.
Air suspension also provides greater comfort when compared to leaf springs as it naturally absorbs bigger impacts better and reduces body roll thanks to its adjustable features.
On the downside, air suspensions tend to be more expensive than traditional types and they require more maintenance due to their extra components. Additionally, they are prone to leaking due to the airbags inside so it’s important to check them often for any issues as this could cause an unpredictable ride or performance loss.
Overall, if you’re willing to make the initial investment, air suspension can provide excellent performance and comfort when driving off-road. However, keep in mind that it requires more maintenance to stay in top condition and may not be suitable for rock crawling due to its additional weight.
In conclusion, all three suspension types have their own pros and cons which should be weighed before making a decision on what type of suspension is best for your vehicle. Coil spring suspension offers excellent performance and agility, leaf springs provide great ride quality and affordability, and air suspension provides more clearance and comfort.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of suspension is best for your off-roading needs.