Mistakes are part of life, and we've all got it wrong at some point. However, while everybody makes mistakes, there are times when you badly want to minimize or completely avoid them. One of these scenarios is when it comes to handling your car's suspension.
Whether you want to modify or upgrade the suspension system, give it a slight lift, or add a long travel system, it is important to avoid potential mistakes that can become costly to correct thereafter.
Experts from Toytec Lifts have highlighted the top 5 suspension mistakes to watch out for when modifying your Toyota truck's suspension system. Read on to learn from other people's mistakes before committing them yourself.
1. Not Thinking of Your Suspension as a System
The first mistake that people make is not thinking about their suspension as a complete system. Your suspension consists of different parts that work jointly to make it effective. Since they work in harmony, replacing one part can affect how other elements work.
Unfortunately, most people tend to focus on some parts of their suspension and neglect the rest. For example, if you only focus on struts or shock absorbers and forget other components, your suspension might fail to achieve peak performance.
In addition, you should also give equal attention to the front suspension and rear suspensions because they complement each other. As a result, you will have a smooth ride even in rough roadways.
2. Mixing Suspension Kits
Mistake number two is blending suspension kits. Although you can gain additional lift by mixing two separate suspension kits, professionals don't recommend it. Different manufacturers design various kits to provide a specific amount of lift.
Switching around leveling kits and spacers can give you a much higher lift, but it might push the kit beyond what it was initially designed for. This trick can work in some situations, but it fails in most cases, so you would rather avoid it.
3. Skimping on Shocks
Shocks play an integral role in the performance of your vehicle's suspension system. Generally, a quality ride entails using quality suspension shocks, especially on rough roads. Wrong shock absorbers are unreliable and can cause your rig to be stiff and mushy, affecting your ride’s quality.
On the contrary, a quality set can improve your vehicle's performance, control, and safety on rough road surfaces. Plus, you should look for valving that works perfectly, depending on your vehicle's height and weight. At Toytec Lifts, we carry a wide variety of shocks that can be suitable for your Toyota truck.
4. Blocks and Bumps
Another mistake most people make is going too big with blocks. Although it is an easy and simple way to lift the back leaf spring, blocks are not the most recommended technique. Lifting your vehicle too high with blocks can cause axle wrap, which often occurs when the axle is too far from the leaf spring. In uneven road surfaces, axle wrap can worsen under stiff acceleration or when the vehicle encounters an obstacle.
5. Maintenance
Once you change your suspension system, the next step is to ensure its kept in the best condition. Most people make a common mistake in installing a suspension lift and forgetting about it altogether. Remember that a properly installed and maintained lift can improve many things, including ground clearance, ride quality, and wheel circulation.
However, a neglected suspension lift might not serve you too well and will ultimately fail. Checking your suspension system regularly can help ensure the shocks, torque, and other parts are working correctly.
Bottom Line
Above are some of the most common mistakes associated with suspension systems. Therefore, it is essential to be careful when upgrading your suspension system to avoid these mistakes and ensure it serves you longer.
