Performance Suspension Parts For The Discriminating Driver

When it comes to hard-working systems that often go unappreciated

, your suspension system takes the cake. Similar to a plumber, when your air suspension is doing its job well, no one notices. But, when something goes wrong, suddenly everything turns to crap.

Your suspension system and shocks support the weight of the car, its passengers and any additional cargo while allowing the tires and wheels to move up and down to compensate for uneven pavement. That"s a big jobtoo big for stock parts. So, whether you need off-road performance or are just in search of a smoother ride, upgrading your suspension system is the place to start. Here"s how.

Replacing conventional steel springs with an air suspension system is one of the most popular methods for bolstering your stock suspension. Powered by an engine-driven or electric air compressor, the pump inflates and deflates air bags, which provide support to your suspension. Best of all, you can control the amount of pressure in the air bags, making them stiffer when you're loaded down with cargo or softer when you're just cruising around town. Air suspension also allows the vehicle to sit extremely low, yet rise high enough to clear obstacles like speed bumps and curbs. This system allows the user to adjust each wheel's air pressure individually and even tilt the vehicle side to side or front to back. And they"re great when paired with lowering springs or lowering kits.

While air suspension systems are popular with trucks and SUVs, performance coil springs or leaf springs are favored upgrades for all types of vehicles from zippy sport compacts to mud-bogging Jeeps. Coil springs absorb shock through the collection and release of energy and are constructed of an elastic material that's twisted into a helix like a mattress spring. Somewhat similar, leaf springs are one of the oldest and most simple forms of suspension. The one advantage that a leaf spring holds over its helical counterpart is that the end of the springs can be guided along a definite path. Dating as far back as medieval times, leaf springs are typically reserved for larger vehicles, farm equipment and railway cars. While a leaf spring can reduce some of the vibration, it"s difficult to control and creates static friction resulting from the motion of the suspension. As a result, it has been used less and less in automobiles since the 1970s. But, a suspension system is not a collection of springs alone.

Shock absorbers are a vital part of any performance-grade suspension system. Keeping the ride smooth, they balance out the varying terrain by absorbing or dissipating energy, working in unison with the springs which only store energy. Aftermarket shock absorbers are available as custom-fit, universal performance shocks, OEM-style and even factory replacements, ensuring the perfect match for replacing those worn out or underperforming stock components.

by: Daniel Cruse

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