There’s nothing compared to taking your rig out on the trail and dominating the landscape, no matter how harsh and unforgiving it is. When you tackle terrain that would send other people packing, it makes you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. However, your vehicle may have some other thoughts about that, particularly if you are still riding on your stock suspension. Today we’re going to go over the importance of upgrading to Bilstein shocks and a new suspension system when you’re out on the road.
Understanding Shocks
If you’re not that familiar with this component of your vehicle, then now is the time to learn. Your shocks are an integral part of your suspension system, and they are what keep your wheels from going out of control every time you hit a bump or dip in the road.
Not only do they dampen the impact of the road, but shocks also transfer that energy into heat. As such, the more you work them, the hotter they get, which can put a lot of wear and tear on them. This is why you don’t want to use stock models in your off-roading vehicle, as they will break down much too quickly.
Hydraulic vs. Pressurized
As you go down in price, shocks are usually hydraulic, which means that they use air to dampen and absorb impact. However, as the oil inside (lubricant) heats up, it can start to foam, which means that it will mix with the air, and thus lead to failure over time.
Instead, opt for a pressurized model that has nitrogen inside. This will prevent foaming and keep the shock absorber in prime condition for longer.
Suspension
Although shocks can do a lot for your off-roading experience, you also need a comprehensive suspension system that will allow your wheels to move more freely so that you can scale larger obstacles without damaging your axle or undercarriage. Having both of them work in tandem ensures that your ride stays in tip-top shape.
Along with the suspension and shocks, it’s also a good idea to invest in Jeep mud tires so that you can maintain better traction as well. All of these components work together to give you more control on the trail.