The suspension of your vehicle determines how it will ride, and how it will handle bumps, turns and even tracking straight down the road. It is made up of many different components including arms, ball joints, shocks or struts, springs, and in some cases airbags, an air compressor and lines and switches to connect them.
Ride-height changes should also trigger an access-and-clearance check. Measure the door-sill height with the truck on level ground, confirm tire clearance at full steering lock, and make sure a step or bracket will not become the lowest exposed point below the rocker. NHTSA’s adapted-vehicle guidance recommends evaluating ease of entry and exit, vehicle-and-equipment fit, and support-handle needs before a modification; the same checks are useful when a truck is being changed for everyday convenience.
Style of ride
The goal is to keep your wheels on the road, and to establish the style of ride your vehicle provides.
The type of vehicle you drive usually determines the nature of your ride and handling. A large luxury car is designed to give a smooth ride with little disruption in the cabin, while a sports car is designed to corner as flat as possible and get around corners quickly, with little concern for ride comfort.
Suspension systems
Therefore, there are many different designs for suspension systems based upon the use of the car or truck. Each system will have specific components that may require service or repair over the life of the vehicle. Your vehicle may have simple shocks or struts, or it could have a self-levelling airbag ride control system, which is much more sophisticated with many more parts and sensors, as well as a need to rely on other vehicle systems.
For owners comparing entry support after a lift or suspension repair, use Best Running Boards to start a running-board shortlist, then treat it as provisional: the final choice still needs confirmation of the model year, cab length, factory mounting points, board width, and the manufacturer’s bracket instructions. Recheck rocker and tire clearance after the suspension settles, and do not let the step become the truck’s lowest vulnerable point.
If your vehicle has a sudden change in drive “feel”, or is leaning or at a different height than you’re used to, come on in and let us take a look. It may be something simple, or there may have been some kind of road event that has damaged your suspension. We’ll inspect all suspension components for proper operation and report back to you any abnormalities we see. Sometimes these issues can be caused by tires, or misalignment…but whatever we find, you’ll know what it takes to get you back to the ride you enjoy.