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Posts Tagged ‘Air Suspension Parts’

Lincoln LS Air Suspension Parts Has Been Revealed!

When the Lincoln LS was first introduced, it was heralded as the domestic answer to the premium mid size sedans from Europe’s luxury brands. At the time, the rear-drive LS had the look and the technology to compete with Europe’s best in a way few American cars could. Early reviews pegged it as a 10 in terms of fun to drive, and some described it as a car that offered the roominess of a BMW 5 Series at the price of a 3 Series.

The LS had the option of a V6 or V8 and, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive configuration and well-tuned suspension, was reasonably entertaining on a back road. But as good as the LS seemed initially, the car became less appealing over the years as the ranks of newer, more competent and more luxurious entry-luxury sedans grew. With sales slowing, Lincoln discontinued the LS after the 2006 model year.

Though lacking a little in terms of prestige and refinement, the Lincoln LS is still a respectable choice for a used luxury sedan with sporting tendencies. Its pricing is lower than many competing models, and maintenance costs should also be slightly lower than those of some European cars, but don’t expect the LS to be as trouble-free as its competitors from Japan.

A mid size entry-luxury sedan, the Lincoln LS was produced for the 2000-’06 model years. Originally, the LS was available in just two trim levels differentiated by the engine equipped. The Lincoln LS V8 came with a 252-horsepower, 3.9-liter engine that moved the sedan from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard.

The less expensive choice was the LS V6. Its 3.0-liter engine provided just 210 hp but slightly better fuel economy. For this engine, Lincoln initially offered either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Standard features for both cars included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, alloy wheels, fog lights and ABS. However, a few upscale items, such as a navigation system, weren’t initially offered.

At the time, we found that V8 versions of the Lincoln LS delivered smooth and acceptable acceleration. The ride was comfortable and compliant, and the LS was at its best when being used as a touring sedan rather than an all-out sport sedan. Notably, it was roomy enough to provide comfortable quarters for four adults. The interior materials were lacking in terms of quality, though, and storage space was minimal in the cabin.

Early models had automatic transmission problems, so it might be wise to avoid them on the used market. Even when that issue was addressed by Lincoln, shifts from the automatic were not exactly smooth and many customers still complained. For this reason, we’d advise any prospective LS buyer to do a thorough test-drive before making a purchase.

For 2003, Lincoln did its first major update on its mid size luxury sedan. Output for the V8 was raised to 280 hp, and the V6 added 12 hp for a total of 222. The five-speed manual that was available with the V6 was dropped due to lack of consumer interest.

Other changes that year included returned steering (resulting in better feel), a returned suspension (resulting in a slightly softer ride) and improved interior materials and storage. New features were also added, such as a navigation system, side curtain airbags and a THX sound system. To make the most of your used-car dollar, we suggest looking at 2003 or newer LS models.

A few other changes occurred before the Lincoln LS was discontinued. Satellite radio was added as a dealer-installed option for 2004, and Lincoln made additional improvements to the automatic transmission to improve shift quality. For the final year, the V6 version was dropped from the LS lineup.

Want to find out more about Lincoln LS Suspension Kits, then visit Justin Lofton’s site on how to choose the best Lincoln LS Air Suspension Kits for your needs.

Posted by Justin Lofton on May 3rd, 2010 No Comments

Discover Basic Things About Car Suspension!

A car’s suspension system is among the most significant aspects in determining the quality of the ride. Perhaps the smoothest roads are full of variations in height and surface texture. Along with the car’s natural shake as the engine runs and also the constant buffeting of air at high speeds, suspension makes driving a comfortable and safe undertaking.

Although car suspensions come in a variety of configurations, the basic elements are springs and shock absorbers. Springs provide a simple mechanical disconnect between the shocking forces sustained by the vehicle’s wheels and axles and the body of the car with the passengers inside. The majority of modern cars employ classic coil springs that are affixed vertically (or at a vertical angle) between the axle and the car’s frame. In some cases torsion bars or metal leaf springs are used. They serve the same purpose as a coil spring.

Shock absorbers provide damping of the motion experienced by the vehicle’s wheels as the move up and down over an uneven road surface. They normally use a hydraulic system to provide potential to deal with the kinetic energy manufactured by the wheels. Shock absorbers also are variable across different speeds, and therefore the more energy they are asked to absorb, the more resistance they produce. This prevents the car’s wheels firmly on the road while providing a smoother ride for the car at all points above the suspension.

The modern pairing of springs and shock absorbers evolved from earlier systems alongside the development of the automobile in general. Early car suspensions were derived from the springs used on horse-drawn carriages. As cars were designed to move at faster speeds, new suspension systems were necessary. Besides providing comfort to the passengers, excessive shaking could damage a vehicle, literally shaking it apart if the proper suspension system was not used. The first suspensions to use shock absorbers designed specifically for cars were used in the early 1900s. By 1920, British automaker Leyland was using torsion bar suspensions on some of its models. Independent suspension systems became popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Since the 1930s, different suspension configurations have come and gone. However, the fundamental layout of a variety of a spring and a shock hydraulic absorber has remained the standard for all types of cars. An independent suspension system allows each one of the two wheels on a shared axle (front or rear) to move vertically independent of one another. This prevents motion on one side of the vehicle from affecting motion on the other hand and offers a smoother ride and more consistent handling. Independent suspension is especially useful during acceleration, braking, turning, and when a car’s load is unevenly distributed from side to side. Most modern cars feature independent front suspensions, where steering is performed. Other cars, especially rear-wheel drive models, may also include independent rear suspension. Cars with all four wheels suspended independently are known as “fully independent suspension”.

Independent suspension systems may feature any number of mechanical layouts and are often quite complex. For this reason, full independent suspension is found on more expensive or performance-oriented cars and trucks. Many widely used terms exist that refer to specific kinds of suspension. The “MacPherson Strut” is a simple design in which a spring and shock absorber pivot on a ball joint as the vehicle receives kinetic energy from impacts with the road.

A “double wishbone suspension” is commonly cited in automobile marketing. This term refers to a pair of wishbone-shaped arms that support the wheel spindle with a spring and/or shock absorber sandwiched in between. Double wishbone suspensions take up a great deal of space under the vehicle but allow for a large range of motion of the wheel. “I-Beam suspension” is another common term. I-Beam suspensions, also known as “twin I-Beam suspension,” is actually a seldom-used design in which a solid axle is split and rejoined in an offset pattern that produces independent front suspension. This configuration is useful in trucks carrying heavy loads, but provides little shock absorption when the vehicle is unladen.

Want to find out more about Suspension parts, then visit Justin Lofton’s site on how to choose the best Air Suspensions for your needs.

Posted by Justin Lofton on April 18th, 2010 No Comments

Discover How To Install Suspension Parts In Your Lincoln Mark LT!

The Lincoln Mark LT was available only as a full-size crew-cab truck in two sizes: a standard-wheelbase model with 5.5-foot bed or a longer-wheelbase version with a 6.5-foot bed. Compared to its down-market Ford cousin, the Lincoln differed mainly in its styling.

There was only one trim level available - standard features included leather seating, wood trim, heated front seats, air suspension parts, key less entry and a premium MP3/CD audio system (with satellite radio added for ‘08). Options included rear-seat DVD entertainment, a navigation system, a rear view camera (added for ‘08), a power rear window and chromed 18-inch wheels, bed-rail caps and running boards.

Behind the Mark LT’s air suspension signature Lincoln grille was a 5.4-liter V8 making 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque; the only transmission was a four-speed automatic. Depending on your traction requirements, two- and four-wheel-drive variants were available.

The Mark LT’s roomy cabin seated five and, although luxurious, it was not substantially different from its fully dressed Ford cousin. The leather seats were comfortable and had contrasting colored piping, while the gauges were chrome-trimmed and incorporated the Lincoln logo. To lend an upscale look to the cabin, Lincoln designers dressed up the dash with faux wood trim and leather; the trim on the dash, steering wheel and shifter was especially nice, as the exposed stitching added an extra element of refinement.

On the road, the Lincoln’s V8 lacked the low-end grunt of the V8 engines in the Escalade EXT, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra, but almost made up for that with its smooth, quiet power delivery.

Lincoln Mark LT Suspension tuning was on the soft side, resulting in a smooth and comfortable highway ride, but handling was not exactly nimble. Brake pedal feel was only so-so as well, though the Lincoln Mark LT stopped acceptably short for a vehicle that weighed nearly 3 tons loaded.

Want to find out more about Lincoln Mark LT Suspension parts, then visit Justin Lofton’s site on how to choose the best Lincoln Mark LT Air Suspensions for your needs.

Posted by Justin Lofton on March 24th, 2010 No Comments

Most Important Tips Regarding Suspension Lift Kits

Suspension lift kits widely-used to raise the vehicle’s suspension. This is accomplished by having leading after which rear leaf springs as well as the shocks of the vehicle replaced. This kind of vehicle add-on creates greater suspension articulation and travel. Moreover, it allows the vehicle to allow for tires that are significantly taller.

Having taller tires ensures that you will see a substantial increase in clearance between the bottom and the vehicle’s axles. Creating a good kind of suspension lift kits also improves the articulation, although this affects the steering geometry, causing “bump steer.” To scale back this negative effect, some opts to add on steering stabilizers.

If you want to have additional or increased height in the existing suspension blocks of your vehicle’s rear part, then putting a suspension system on its rear is the best option. However, adding such suspension blocks on your own vehicle’s rear suspension could cause “axle tramp” or the axle vibration under the vehicle’s acceleration. Your vehicle’s drive line angles may become affected. Remember that it is not advisable to have suspension blocks added on your front suspension.

If you are considering costs, keep in mind that when compared with a body lift kit, suspension lift kits can cost more as it is expensive. However, it really does produce desirable results in terms of adding ground clearance, vehicle handling and increasing the height.

The most common suspension kits for achieving better results are 4 inches or 10.16cm up to 6 inches or 15.24cm. Although some lift systems can be as tall as 18 inches or 45.72cm, these are not anymore advisable because extreme lifts of the height could compromise the safe vehicle handling, drastically. Such kinds of lift kits are usually installed just for showcase cars or hobbyists automobiles.

Before investing in a suspension lift kit, ensure that you have identified your main objective for having such ad on. If your main purpose to install is in order for your vehicle to support larger tires, remember that it may affect your odometer and speedometer and render them inaccurate. Furthermore, you have to fit new gears to the vehicle’s differentials - one that can accommodate the circumference of the new tires. You can compute the gear ratio that you’ll need by utilizing a good calculator.

A great deal of manufacturers make suspension lift kits and their prices vary in accordance with their models or kinds of lift system. While a nice and durable suspension lifts can be quite affordable, remember that you’ll also add expenses on purchasing a new set of tall tires, re-gearing and the vehicle modification.

Looking to find the best deal on Air Suspension Parts, then visit www.strutmasters.com to find the best advice on Air Suspension Conversion Kits for you.

Posted by Justin Lofton on March 23rd, 2010 No Comments

How Air Ride Suspension System Can Help You Haul Your Horse More Smoothly!

You’ve planned the season’s races, and you’ve exercised all the details of entries, trainer, trailer, and tack. Now the focus is solely on your horse and his performance. How well will you be able to take care of your equine athlete’s mental and physical strength for your season?

Your horse’s performance depends on wellness and one of the easiest ways to ensure that she stays mentally and physically healthy is to eliminate the stress created when you travel with your horse. Any time you set out on the road with your horse in tow, you are placing her at risk for injuries. Often, rough hauling can initiate mental or physical stress within your horse. Remember, every sharp turn, every dip in the road, every bump you go over, is felt by your horse, making her feel disoriented and consumed with stress as soon as you reach your destination. In the worst cases, some horses suffer from pulled muscles, bruises, and torn ligaments, all due to rough transporting.

Installing a truck air ride suspension system is a sure-fire way to guarantee that your horse enjoys a smooth ride and is protected from the emotional and physical stresses of transportation. With an air ride suspension system, both you and your horse will take advantage of a smoother ride, fewer bumps, slower braking, and less vibration fatigue.

Whether you’re traveling five miles or five hundred miles, an air ride suspension system can help you haul your horse more smoothly, with less anxiety and fewer injuries. He will go to your destination more rested and relaxed - and ready to give his best on the track.

Often, first time horse owners try to cut expenses and opt not to install an air suspension system - until AFTER their first bad towing experience. But, as any experienced equestrian enthusiast will show you, whether you use your trailer professionally or recreation-ally, these prices mount up for hauling and performing. The sum of the cost of your towing vehicle, trailer, tack and horses,additionally to all other expenses involved in the equine experience, make the, cost of an air ride suspension system minimal. It will pay for itself quickly by reducing stress on your horse and preventing inevitable repairs as time passes.

What if you currently have air suspension in your truck or trailer? Well- that’s definitely an edge. But, the most critical location for eliminating torque (and ensuring a smooth ride) is at the hitch. Without a truck air ride suspension hitch, you are still lacking maximum protection and cushioning for your horse - and yourself.

With an air ride suspension system, you’ll have a safer ride overall. The air suspension system allows for precision braking and more control around curves - both of which will reduce motion impact on your horse. Another advantage to an air suspension system is being able to adjust to load size, so if you’re towing a young filly, a large stallion, or even two horses, you can feel confident that they’re adequately protected and in good condition to perform.

Whether you’re a novice or a professional, before you decide to head out on the highway for an additional show, consider installing an air ride suspension system. You’ll both benefit from the ride- and just maybe your horse will many thanks with a stellar performance on the track!

Looking to find the best deal on Air Suspension Parts, then visit www.strutmasters.com to find the best advice on Air Suspension Conversion Kits for you.

Posted by Justin Lofton on March 10th, 2010 No Comments

Suspension System: Spring, Shock And Other Components

Suspension system for a vehicle is an integration of various machine components designed and assembled in such a manner to absorb all the shocks and vibrations.The design and objectives of suspension are mentioned in detail. Various components of suspension system are also studied here. Obviously this is done to isolate the different parts of machine against shocks. These shocks cause vehicle to bounce, pitch, roll or sway. No one wants to have a ride which gives more of roller coaster feelings. Everyone wants the ride to be smooth and comfortable this is what the suspension does for us. All the machine parts which help in isolating the vehicle against the road shocks are collectively called a suspension system.

Suspension system that has air as its working fluid and acting as shock absorber is called air suspension system. The detection of causes and remedy for the problems with suspension system are discussed here. As the name suggests the front and rear suspension system or the suspension units on the two sides of the vehicle are connected with each other. They are also termed collectively as linked system. It was very much effective as compared to independent front and rear suspension units and was able to reduce the tendency of vehicle to bounce, pitch or roll and was able to provide smooth and comfortable drive.

The most tragic thing in the life of a motorist is having a car without optimum performance of speed and smoothness. Different small components of your car make this possible. Suspension bushes one such small and rubber made components. These components ensure that the chassis of car must remain in good condition and the tires of your car must have excellent grip on the road. These two particular functions are necessary for the maintenance of the smoothness and speed of your car.

You might know that the job of a car suspension system is to maximize the normal friction between the tires of your car and the road surface. This is also one of the major functions of the suspension bushes. These are fitted to your vehicle at all those points where the chassis of your car is joined to a moving suspension component. So, you must not compromise on their quality and it is your responsibility to use the best ones.

There can be many repercussions of using poor quality suspension bushes which have many drawbacks like too high wear rate, wearing away of mating metal parts, deterioration due to the effects of petrol and oil, poor resilience specially at high hardness, poor load bearing and low tensile strength, high compression set causing permanent deformation. These drawbacks makes them bad for your car and your car can develop overall bad health by using such components.

Therefore, always insist on polyurethane made suspension bushes because polyurethane has a longer working life which is three to four times that of rubber and it is impervious to petrol and vehicle oil. Also, one of the major qualities of polyurethane is high resilience that is the ability and speed of returning back to its original shape. These qualities have made it an ideal component for being used in suspension bushes.

Want to find out more about Suspension parts, then visit Justin Lofton’s site on how to choose the best Air Suspensions for your needs.

Posted by Justin Lofton on February 23rd, 2010 No Comments

Discover How To Lifting Your Truck’s Suspension!

A Suspension lift can be distinguished according to its size and the purpose for its use. There are also two ways to install a Suspension lift kit to your vehicle. In terms of sizes, as with almost everything in this world, there are three varieties of suspension lift size: small, medium and large. Small suspension lift kits usually comprises of 1.5 inches or fewer.

It will grant some clearance and room for vehicles with somewhat larger tires. Commonly, the proper way in gaining a small suspension lift can be done by means of coil spacers in front and long shackles on the rear. They are relatively inexpensive as well as very easy to install because less complications is involve in attaching them to the car. Small lifts are great for those who need to watch their budget and it is also the easiest to install. Users of this size also have little to complain regarding complications.

As for the medium suspension lifts, it is capable of almost 2 inches of lift. This size is the best choice for vehicle owners who are looking to gain tire clearance but are not exactly planning to do any off-road riding. Spacer and add-a-leaf lifts is commonly used for this size. Sometimes, their package may also come with the latest shocks.

Most users of medium suspension front lift kits may notice several changes in the performance and handling of their vehicles upon its installation. Some changes would be good and some could be bad. Users must have strong, even new and tough rear springs. For those planning later modifications on their vehicle, more lift could become difficult to achieve especially if an add-a-leaf kit is preferred since this kind is designed for lifting stock springs.

Now, for large sized suspension lifts, which consists of about 3 - 4 inches of ground clearance, for a much more aggressive vehicle and assurance of great off-road adventures? Commonly, large suspension lift setup comprises of new add-a-leafs, placed in the rear, front coils and even additional new rear springs and front coils. A set of shocks to match are also included in this large kit package.

Obviously, this setup is quite pricey and users have to expect more complications with their vehicles than those with the smaller sizes of lifts. There may also be a dramatic effect on the performance of the vehicle on on-road rides. For off road riding enthusiasts, this size is the best as it transforms their rigs into intimidating machines to take to the wilds and still stand out. How will you control the speed and movement of the vehicle if it is big?

You know how a big truck or an SUV looks like and how heavy it is, compared to the mainstream cars. Because of the suspension system adapted in vehicles, it makes it possible to get pass bumpy roads without damaging it. That is also, why most of them adapt modification by installing Suspensions on them to enhance the suspension system on their big vehicles.You can feel certain in your suspension purchase today.

Looking to find the best deal on Air Suspension Parts, then visit www.strutmasters.com to find the best advice on Air Suspension Conversion Kits for you.

Posted by Justin Lofton on February 13th, 2010 No Comments

Your Kit on Suspension Lift Kit

Suspension lift kits are a system of springs used to raise a vehicle by suspending the frame, body, engine and power train above the wheels. It is a modification, often done by Jeep, truck, suv and off-road enthusiasts to raise the ride height of their vehicle. Suspension lift kits have become tremendously popular among people who wish to give their automobiles

You can spend a few bucks on some performance shocks and simple brackets to completely change your rig’s height and look. You can also opt to ditch the stock springs and shocks altogether for a set of adjustable air bags. Or, if so inclined, you can go with something like a 15″ body and suspension lift kit that requires an air-traffic controller to pull into your driveway.

Though some people install a suspension lift for aesthetic purpose, others purchase it for its principal purpose– to lessen the jarring of the automobile that is caused by irregularities in the roads traveled. Since the wheels of an automobile accelerate, stop, and steer it, the suspension lift kit must also serve to keep the wheels in close contact with the road surface at all times. Suspension lifts (also referred to as lift kits or leveling kits) enable steeper ascent, descent and breakover angles, higher ground clearance, and helps accommodate larger rims and tires

Whether you wanna lift your rig for a cool look, better performance or towing big loads, the market has every option covered. It is just up to you to choose a trusted online lift kit shop for the perfect product for your beloved vehicle.

In order to get a smooth road ride and improved handling for off-road use, you’ll need to get a quality lift kit. All kits will give you more ground clearance, of course, with the increased wheel travel helping to smooth the trails. A quality kit will include performance shocks that not only rebuff bumps and ruts; they can do wonders for your on-road handling as well.

Whether you use your rig for work or play, a high-quality suspension lift kit lends a major change to your rig’s altitude and attitude. Looks and performance are both seriously altered, hopefully for the better. There are a lot of kits and styles available, so careful consideration must be taken to meet your lift needs and stay within your budget. Luckily, an eager suspension industry is waiting to serve you.

Looking to find the best deal on Air Suspension Parts, then visit www.strutmasters.com to find the best advice on Air Suspension Conversion Kits for you.

Posted by Justin Lofton on February 9th, 2010 No Comments

Air Suspension For Ford Mustang Are Revealed!

Just because a Ford Mustang is a sports car doesn’t mean that there’s no room for improvement when it comes to suspension. Cornering capability is all about the suspension and there are plenty of options give a Mustang a better cornering ride. The stock suspension for the Ford Mustang may seem to ride well at first but that is just because you haven’t experienced the improved cornering of aftermarket suspension components. Once that excitement of the new car wears off, things start to jump out that could be better and in your mind should be better. At this point it is time to explore the wide world of the aftermarket Mustang upgrades. Some may not even think to start with the suspension and others might even say, what does the suspension have to do with the Performance of a Mustang.

First of all for those that won’t think about the suspension, take your mind out of the engine for a little while and think of the ride. Boosting the power of the mustang is going to give more of an exhilarating feel off the line, but half of the exhilarating feeling of having a sports car is the G force that you feel through the turns, so suspension upgrading shouldn’t be neglected. Second of all if you have all this power and no suspension you will have to slow down more at every turn or pay the consequences, burning up the tires or the brakes too often more often. With either some anti sway bars or a performance suspension upgrade taking turns will be easier and the stability of the Mustang will be much improved, which means taking tighter and faster turns. More fun.

Mustang sway bars will greatly improve cornering traction for safer driving and cornering capabilities, by getting rid of the body roll that happens when you take a turn. Anti sway bars are going to keep the car flatter in the turns. These sway bars are an easy bolt on installation that is engineered to your specific to each vehicle. So they are not a universal component, ensuring that you get the highest quality possible. The improvement will be felt right away through the very first corner.

sway bars are manufactured with heat treated ASTM 4140 alloy steel and are made in s California based facility, these sway bars include integral forged end link landings, high durometer polyurethane bushings, heavy duty zinc plated hardware and powder coated components. Again, insuring the best quality and the most durable parts to take the abuse of the new corner happy driver. The Sway bars for the Mustang can be installed with common hand tools although some kits may require some drilling. Sway bar systems enable a Mustang to handle wind, passing trucks, winding roads and everyday driving with more confidence, control and stability.

Airlift has been manufacturing superior air suspension systems since 1950. In today’s age, time tells everything and for over 50 years Airlift has been doing it. The Airlift suspension for the Mustang will make it feel like riding on air, after all it is an air suspension kit. These kits are a little more difficult to install and in most cases will need the assistance of a professional.

All of their products do come with a one year warranty as long as there isn’t any tampering with parts or proper installation. Airlift really focuses on ride height. With an Airlift system you can manually control your ride height, whether you want to be few inches below the stock height or an inch above or you want to slam it to the ground during a car show, it is as simple as a touch of a button. The way this suspension works is that it employs a flexible membrane to capture compressed air. The “spring” is the air, and the air spring takes advantage of the physical properties of air that allows it to be compressed. In simpler terms you are riding on air, giving yourself a very smooth ride.

Want to find out more about Suspension parts, then visit Justin Lofton’s site on how to choose the best Air Suspensions for your needs.

Posted by Justin Lofton on February 8th, 2010 No Comments

All Truck Air Suspensions are Not Created Equal!

If you’re a serious towing enthusiast, you probably already know the reasons why you should add a truck air ride suspension system to your heavy-duty truck: a quality truck air suspension system helps by cushioning a bumpy ride, leveling your vehicle, reducing wheel hopping, limiting trailer bucking and adding stability during braking. And, an air ride suspension system helps you protect your investment in your heavy-duty truck by preventing the harsh wear and tear caused by heavy towing. Adjustable “helper” springs. This type of system is generally comprised of an add-on helper spring that aids in leveling the truck and reducing vehicle bounce, dip, or bottoming out when hauling a heavy load or towing. The air springs can be adjusted, often with a service station air hose, to the truck’s load condition for more control and leveling support.

Complete towing suspension system. This type of system is designed to both level the truck and improve the overall ride. Installing these kits involves removing the steel leaf spring on the truck and replacing it with an entirely new air spring. Some manufacturers also replace front and rear shocks for optimum performance. As with any product, each truck air suspension system claims to have the “latest and greatest” features and benefits. It’s easy to get caught up in all the hype, but when you come right down to it, there are a few things that are more important than others. Here’s a list of major features and options to consider when comparison shopping.

Does the manufacturer use high quality premium parts that will hold up over years of heavy hauling? Avoid plastic fittings and lower grade materials that may wear out or need to be replaced. Quality materials translate to greater reliability and a longer life for your air ride suspensions system, even under the harshest towing conditions. Is the system easy to use? Can you easily adjust your suspension level? Are there in-cabin controls to help you determine air pressure and load information? An air suspension system that’s difficult to level and adjust will cause you added stress and unpredictability.

Look for the towing capacity of the air suspension system and be sure it can adequately handle the load you plan to tow. When it comes to towing capacity, the bigger the air spring, the more weight it can handle. Keep in mind that your truck and trailer load should never exceed the gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which is the total weight of the trailer under fully loaded conditions, including food, water, gear, etc.

How is the system installed? Does your truck’s frame need to be altered to install the system? Do holes need to be drilled? Can the system be removed if necessary? Before you buy, be sure that installation won’t be a problem for your or your truck. Find out if you can install the system yourself or if it will require manufacturer assistance. If assistance is required, does the manufacturer provide you with a manual or access to a dealer or installation specialist?

Does your system provide a warranty that won’t expire before you’ve had time to really test your system with a long haul? Does the manufacturer stand behind the product? Does the manufacturer offer a no-risk guarantee if you are not satisfied with the system? Do a little research up front and you’ll avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your truck - and costly repairs down the road. Your main consideration should be overall ride performance, safety and stability during heavy towing. If you’re serious about towing, you need to be sure you are buying an air ride suspension system that can do more than level the ride; it needs to be suited for heavy towing. Like many things in the automotive industry, using an inexpensive aftermarket part often yields less than optimal results.

Want to find out more about Suspension parts, then visit Justin Lofton’s site on how to choose the best Air Suspensions for your needs.

Posted by Justin Lofton on February 6th, 2010 No Comments