Truck Suspension & Chassis Parts

One advantage of modifying truck suspension parts is the ability to raise or lower the vehicle. Whether creating "show truck" that is lowered or an off-road vehicle with a lifted look, modifying ride height to create a lifted or lowered look with lift or lowering kits will dramatically change the appearance and attitude of your pickup.

Upgrading truck suspension components provides the benefit of improving both handling and traction for your vehicle. Whether driving in a straight line or curved route on paved or dirt surfaces, building a firmer suspension helps plant the tires against the track, road, or dirt as well as reduce vehicle pitching and swaying using anti-roll bars and sway bars.

The chassis is the main platform or "skeletal" structure that the truck body, bed, and engine sits on top of. It is also the attachment point that the front / rear suspension and steering components (such as tie rod, spindle, idler arm, etc.) bolt to. When identifying where the chassis is on a truck, looking underneath, inward of the fenders, rockers, and bed will reveal long sections of "rail" that run from the front end to the rear, helping to support heavy areas such as the engine, cab, and bed.

The truck suspension system is the connection between the chassis and the wheel on each corner of the pickup. This connection is designed to absorb uneven driving surfaces by allowing the wheels to move up and down within the wheel wells, providing a more comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. The absorption is primarily handled by shocks and springs with control arms allowing up and down movement. Depending on the year, make, and model of the pickup, the suspension design can vary as well as include additional suspension components.

The two main areas that can be modified to soften the suspension on a truck are the shocks and either leaf or coil springs (depending on the suspension design). A softer shock will allow the spring to compress and extend easier, creating a more "cushy" ride. Similarly, softer springs allow compression and extension to happen with more ease. For a complete changeover, coil-over shock conversion systems are also available. Softening a suspension on a truck does reduce the ability to keep the tires firmly planted to the driving surface at higher speeds, so it is important to determine if a softer suspension is ideal for your truck's intended use.

There are many different performance suspension parts to choose from when deciding on how to upgrade truck suspension components. If you are looking to raise or lower your pickup, suspension lift or lowering kits will be required. If you want to change the ride quality, swapping out the shocks and springs for either firmer or softer parts will help achieve your goal. If handling corners better is what you accomplish, upgrading the sway bars will help control your truck and keep it more even, reducing body roll. If using your truck to transport a trailer or heavy load, Air Lift suspension systems help to keep your vehicle ride height from lowering.