4WD suspension is not a simple affair and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Determining the right options for your vehicle demands special attention. Follow this guide to ensure you choose the right suspension that suits your vehicle’s gear and its future adventures.
WHY UPGRADE?
The suspension that comes on your Four-Wheel Drive vehicle from the factory is a compromise. Vehicle manufacturers design a suspension for a mass market which has a variety of uses. It may be a daily driver picking up their kids from school, a tradesman’s vehicle carrying tools and supplies, a touring vehicle that tows a trailer or boat, or even a weekend wheeler that tackles moderate off-road trails.
It’s exceedingly difficult for manufacturers to build a single suspension system that suits everyone’s needs. Instead, they build a one size fits all suspension. It usually drives great on road but not so great off-road, and even worse when loaded.
WHEN TO UPGRADE?
If you are planning on using your vehicle as a daily driver and don’t plan on seeing dirt, the factory suspension may suit your needs. Ultimately, that suspension has been designed to do that job and it will do so for thousands of miles.
However, if you are planning on modifying your 4WD with a range of accessories, plan to carry a constant load, and/or need additional ground clearance when off road, there are better solutions available.
A well-engineered off-road suspension opens the door to other necessary aftermarket components that will enhance your 4WD off-road. Without the support of an off-road suspension, crucial modifications such as larger tires for additional ground clearance along with heavy-duty armor for protection are not practical. Let’s not forget the added weight from tools and gear. None of which, your factory suspension can support.
WHY OLD MAN EMU?
Most lift kits do just that and only that, lift. These kits usually provide the bare minimum: springs/spacers or shocks. Sure, it will enhance the look of your vehicle and provide clearance for bigger tires; however, as soon as you add additional weight, these lift kits will start to sag which in return may cause your larger tires to rub.
Old Man Emu produces suspension systems. These systems are designed to enhance ride quality, ride control, load-carrying capacity, and ride height. With over one-hundred different configurations for certain vehicles, finding a combination that suits your vehicle couldn’t be easier.
Our engineers aim to get as much lift as possible while also accounting for the limitations of the vehicle’s factory components. Depending on the type of suspension design your vehicle has, there may be additional components needed along with springs and shocks/struts. These components include but are not limited to:
- Bushings
- Greasable shackles
- Anti-inversion plates
- U-bolts
- Center pins
- Spring packers
- Caster correction kits
- Steering dampers
- Spring trim packers
- Gearbox packers
- Sway bars
- Sway bar links
- Control arms
- Adjustable panhard rods
- Brake line brackets
- Stone guards
Just because it fits, doesn’t mean it should. Every Old Man Emu application equates for thousands of hours of vehicle evaluations and prototype testing. These tests include but are not limited to durability, side load, temperature, mud/dirt, and dynamometer tests. This allows us to understand the suspension limits of the vehicle and the areas for us to improve. In return, this provides complete confidence when tackling the harsh conditions when off-road.
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