Groovin' Along with Shock Absorbers

Whenever you modify the height of your rig, whether hoisting it up into the heavens or dropping it down to the asphalt, one thing to be aware of is your suspension system. Any time you add a lift kit or lowering kit, it’s a good idea to pair it with performance-grade suspension components. And without question, the single most important component in your suspension system is the shock absorber.

Your suspension system supports the weight of your vehicle and all of the additional weight it’s hauling, including everything from additional passengers to that trunk-full of who knows what. The suspension allows the tires and wheels to move up and down to compensate for uneven pavement while preventing excessive body squat and dive during accelerating or braking. Aftermarket shock absorbers are robotically-welded for accuracy and quality construction. Each is specially-tuned to your make, model and year, whether it's a Chevy Silverado shock absorbers or a Toyota Tacoma shock absorbers, to renew your vehicle to its fresh-off-the-line level of performance. Shocks are available as custom-fit, universal performance shocks, OEM-style and even factory replacements, ensuring the perfect match for replacing those worn out or underperforming stock components.

Whether your suspension utilizes air or springs, one thing is for sure: you’d feel every bump and crack in the road without good shock absorbers. Unlike the other components in your suspension system that actually store energy, shocks absorb and dissipate it, creating the smooth ride that the true auto enthusiast is always on the prowl for.

For the ultimate in smooth, pair a set of performance-grade shock absorbers with an air suspension system. Air suspension kits are powered by an engine-driven or electric air compressor and continue to be wildly popular among die-hard gearheads. The compressor pressurizes air and uses it to replace conventional steel springs, providing a smoother ride that's even self-leveling in some cases. Depending on your vehicle and the model selected, the air cushion softens the contact between the axle and the frame to reduce bottoming out, providing between 500 - 5,000 lbs of load-leveling capacity. Plus, air suspension kits allow you to adjust each wheel's air pressure individually and even tilt the vehicle side to side or front to back.

And what would an upgrade be if it didn’t incorporate the latest technology? Boring. That’s why air suspension kits are on the cutting edge with air compressors that can be controlled by a wireless remote control from inside the cab of your vehicle. Adjusting your air springs is accomplished with the simple push of a button. Plus, the wireless design prevents you from having to pull a web of wiring through your rig.

If you’ve spent the money raising or lowering your vehicle, don’t suffer through the rough ride of stock components. Shocks, performance-grade suspension systems, and air suspension kits are three upgrades that provide a simple and relatively inexpensive way to give yourself the smoothest ride possible.