Types of Independent Vehicle Suspension Systems

truck speeding in the freeway

Truck manufacturers have introduced several upgrades for their products to guarantee you the highest level of safety and fun when driving. While commendable, the upgrades might not offer as much as you might be expecting. This does not mean you should contend with only what the manufacturer has provided and save up for another truck featuring a few of the elements you believe will boost your driving experience. All you should do is get a truck dealership focused on giving the highest level of truck upgrades.

You can choose lifted trucks for your off-roading in Phoenix, AZ, or other aftermarket upgrades at an incredibly low cost compared to investing in another truck. One of the popular upgrades for trucks is the installation of a suspension system. This is meant to boost your truck’s shock-absorbing ability and the stability of your vehicle irrespective of the roads you are driving on. The suspension system is also designed to keep the tires in contact with the road and consequently enhance your overall safety. Independent, semi-independent and dependent suspension systems are your available truck suspension options. The following are your independent suspension system alternatives.

Macpherson Strut-Type

This marks the most common independent suspension system used for the front wheels of medium and small trucks. The construction of the MacPherson strut-type is relatively simple. The parts of this suspension system types are small, so it is incredibly light and has a reduced unsprung weight. The small size also means you are left with more space for your truck’s engine compartment.

Wishbone-Type Suspension

delivery trucks parked

This suspension system is generally used for the front and rear suspensions for cars and the front suspension of small trucks. The wishbone-type suspension is mounted to your truck’s body using the lower and upper arms that will, in turn, be pivoted to a frame member. The weight of your vehicle will be distributed from the cross member and body to the coil spring. Wishbone-type suspension systems will not only transmit your vehicle’s load to the springs and position its wheels but will also resist the forces associated with cornering, braking and acceleration.

Vertical Guide Suspension

This suspension system has its kingpin directly attached to the cross member of your vehicle’s frame. The suspension will slip up and down to correspond to the motion of your wheels while elongating or compressing the springs. Though your wheelbase, track and altitude remain unchanged, the vertical guide suspension does not offer as much stability as other independent suspension systems.

Trailing Link Suspension

Here, a helical coil spring will be horizontally rather than vertically attached to your truck frame’s cross member. Its other end will be attached to your trailing link that is then attached to the shaft carrying the wheel hub. Your wheel’s movement will wind and unwind the helical spring and absorb the vibrations arising from road irregularities.

Trucks do not come cheap. Caring for them to guarantee their durability irrespective of the roads you will be driving on using either of the above suspension systems is thus essential. Before settling on an independent suspension system, get a professional’s input on the best choice for your terrain and driving habits.

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