Does ZFG Recommend Suspension upgrades?
Aftermarket Part:
Parts Category:
Other Names / Types:
Suspension
Suspension
Suspension, handling modifications, stability control, stabilizing bars, anti body roll, performance springs, lowering springs,
coil-overs, coils, coilovers, shock absorbers, shocks, struts, sway bars, strut bars, bushings
The Basics:
Optimized Performance:
Suspension and handling modifications can significantly enhance a vehicle's performance, providing a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience. Upgrading suspension components can significantly improve stability, reduce body roll, and enhance cornering capabilities. This ensures that your vehicle maintains optimal tire contact with the road, manages weight transfer effectively, and absorbs shocks from uneven surfaces. However, whether to upgrade suspension components depends on the platform, intended use, and personal preferences.
Common examples of upgraded suspension components include performance springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, and bushings.
Recommended Modifications & Tune-Related Impact:
Recommended vs Required:
Upgrading the suspension and handling components is not required for tuning. However, these upgrades may be useful in some applications.
We do not recommend for or against these modifications.
These modifications do not require a tune.
Adding them to a tuned vehicle does not require a tune update.
How it Works:
Performance Springs: Upgrading to performance springs, such as lowering springs, can reduce the ride height and lower the car's center of gravity. This reduction in ride height helps improve stability and reduces body roll during launches, cornering, and generally makes the car more agile and responsive. Performance springs are designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling, ensuring a smoother ride while enhancing the vehicle's performance.
Shock Absorbers: Shock absorbers, or dampers, control the rebound and compression of the springs. Upgrading to performance shock absorbers provides better damping control, which enhances the car's handling characteristics. Adjustable shock absorbers allow you to fine-tune the suspension setup to your preference, whether you prefer a softer ride for daily driving or a stiffer setup for track days. Together, upgraded springs and shock absorbers work to provide a balanced and controlled ride, improving both comfort and performance.
Sway Bars: Also known as anti-roll bars, sway bars play a critical role in reducing body roll during cornering. They connect the left and right sides of the suspension and work by transferring forces from one side of the car to the other. Upgrading to thicker sway bars increases the car's resistance to body roll, which improves cornering stability and handling. This is particularly beneficial for high-performance driving or spirited driving on winding roads.
Bushings: Suspension bushings are small components that cushion the joints between suspension parts. Upgrading to performance bushings, such as polyurethane bushings, can reduce flex and improve the precision of the suspension system. This results in better handling and a more connected feel between the driver and the road.
Coilover Kits: Coilover kits combine springs and shock absorbers into a single unit, allowing for adjustable ride height and damping settings. This provides the flexibility to fine-tune the suspension setup for different driving conditions, whether it's for daily driving, track use, or off-road adventures. Coilovers offer a comprehensive solution for those looking to achieve the best possible handling and performance from their vehicle.
Strut Braces: Strut braces are bars that connect the tops of the strut towers, increasing the rigidity of the chassis. This helps reduce flex during cornering, improving the vehicle's stability and handling. Strut braces are a simple yet effective upgrade for enhancing the overall performance of the suspension system.
Explorer-Specific Recommendations:
General information applies.
F150-Specific Recommendations:
General information applies.