The Cars

Off road vehicle owners are challenge takers and thrill seekers. To tackle the challenges and increase the thrill, many enthusiasts begin to customize and modify their 4X4 vehicle as soon as they get it. Some modifications and some new off road parts can greatly improve off road excursions. An off roader can go to extreme limits after adding the five most popular 4X4 vehicle modifications.

A lot of owners install new shock absorbers shortly after purchasing their 4X4. Highly functional, quality shocks are necessary for traversing various terrains. In addition, off road shocks and other offroad parts need to be specific to suit the user’s purposes. Coilover shocks are among the most popular. Bypass, hydraulic, multitube, monotube, air, and gas shocks are other options. Remote control shocks are available, also.

Manual locking hubs are another common modification on 4X4s. Hubs can be automatic or manual. Automatic hubs are convenient, unless there is a malfunction, but in terms of overall reliability and strength, manual locking hubs are the preferred choice. Manual hubs allow the driver to engage and disengage the front hubs as needed. Disengaging the hubs provides a smoother, quieter ride on the road.

Additional traction is very beneficial when four wheeling over varied terrain. Most 4X4 enthusiasts are not satisfied with “limited-slip” differentials. Manual or automatic locking differentials are preferred by most drivers. A locker, sometimes called a Detroit Locker or a Powertrax Lock Right, will dispatch 100% of the engine torque to both wheels on the axle. Some choose the manual lockers for reduced noise and a smoother on road ride, when deactivated.

Big tires are impressive. In addition to other upgrades and offroad parts, almost every 4X4 driver buys bigger wheels. Larger tires provide ground clearance. Owners can choose from bias tires or radial tires. Bias tires can’t be beat for crawling rocks, traversing trails, and rolling in the mud. However, they are uncomfortable, noisy, and lack durability on the road. Radial tires are more durable and provide a much more pleasant ride on pavement. Deep, angled mud terrain and rock crawling treads are best for off road conditions.

After purchasing larger tires, a lift kit will probably be needed. Small, medium, and large size lift kits are available whether they be suspension or body lift kits. Small will give the vehicle about 1.5 inches. Medium provides about two inches. Large will provide four inches or more. Spring lift, shackle, reverse shackle, coil, and spring over axle are options for 4X4 suspension lifts. 1, 2, and 3-inch spacers are the options for body lift kits.

Off road enthusiasts can find awesome off road parts, kits, manuals, and tires online. Fortunately, helpful information and advice are available, also. Remember, after installing new 4X4 parts or making any modifications, performance and handling will be different.

There are many choices available for truck shocks. If you’re looking for both a shock and lift, then you might be interested in a set of Rancho Quick Lift shocks.