Suspension Upgrades for Better Ride Quality

Nobody likes a bumpy ride, and for a lot of drivers and car enthusiasts, having a good suspension system is the name of the game.

Suspension parts are all about absorbing road impact to give you a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Some makes and models are applauded for having exceptional suspension setups, while others aren’t.

If you feel like your vehicle isn’t exactly a stellar candidate for having great ride quality, you might want to check these upgrades out.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Many pickups and SUVs tend to have harder suspension for safer cornering to help prevent rollover. Softening the suspension on a vehicle with a high center of gravity makes the vehicle less safe to drive. Many SUVs now have been outfitted with strut suspension for better and safer cornering but still have the warning stickers posted.

Enjoy Maximum Ride Comfort With These Suspension Upgrades

Here are some of the most popular suspension upgrades you can get for your vehicle.

Performance Shocks and Struts

Regular shocks and struts are usually enough for a driver who frequents the city and freeway, but someone who enjoys going off-road might go for something a bit more sturdy.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Realize, however, that you may get a firmer ride where you feel every bump, so make sure you know what you’re getting into. Comfort and performance usually go in opposite directions when it comes to suspension.

Performance shocks and struts are perfect for those who frequently drive on rocky and uneven terrain because they’re equipped to handle tough road conditions and absorb trail impact.

Performance shocks and struts are typically intended for lifted vehicles, providing them with longer shock absorbers.

Upgrading your stock shocks and struts can also help mitigate shock fade, which occurs when the oil in shocks heats up.

Average Price Range: $250-$500

Brands to Check Out:

• Monroe
• TrueDrive
• KYB

Air Suspension Kit

Upgrading your suspension system to an air suspension setup is a great option for daily drivers and off-roaders alike.

An air suspension kit replaces factory shocks and struts with air shocks that can adjust ride height and prevent trucks from squatting when towing or hauling heavy cargo.

Air suspension is more versatile than factory shocks and struts because it lets you adjust your vehicle’s ride height whenever you please.

Also, air shocks are known to provide a softer and more comfortable ride quality than factory shocks. They also reduce stress on U-joints and the driveshaft.

On the other hand, keep in mind that over time, air suspension will develop leaks and require replacement parts that may not be available if you’re using an aftermarket upgrade.

Average Price Range: $250-$500

Brands to Check Out:

• Replacement
• Westar
• TrueDrive

Coilovers

Coilovers essentially combine shock absorbers and coil springs to form a single unit and are usually found in high-performance and sports cars.

A coilover suspension system is customizable in the sense that the coilovers can be adjusted to a specific height and stiffness. Round track race cars use this kind of suspension for quick and easy adjustment.

Essentially, coilovers are great at distributing weight across the entire vehicle, leading to improved balance and stability. They also reduce body roll and improve tire grip during cornering.

Lastly, coilovers can make a vehicle look more aggressive and sporty, creating a wide space for fitting large-diameter wheels.

Average Price Range: $500-$1,000

Brands to Check Out:

• Bilstein
• Belltech
• H&R

Leaf Springs

Leaf springs are great at providing rear suspension support. They’re generally more popular than coilovers and offer a simpler suspension setup.

Leaf springs are great shock absorbers during stop-and-go traffic, reducing the impact of sudden braking activities.

Many commuter vehicles go for leaf springs because they’re efficient at absorbing up-and-down and side-to-side motions, but off-roading duties might call for coilovers instead.

Average Price Range: $100-$500

Brands to Check Out:

• Skyjacker
• Belltech
• Crown

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Torsion Bar

A torsion bar essentially works the same way as a coil and leaf spring. It creates a counter-rotation that forces the lower control arm to the ground, keeping the vehicle in place.

Torsion bars are usually OEM on four wheel drive vehicles but require a lower control arm and crossmember replacement or modification if you want to go that route.

Torsion bars are essentially maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry too much about them. A lot of them also come with an adjusting bolt, which lets you change the position of the torsion bar key or lever.

Average Price Range: $50-$100

Brands to Check Out:

• Dorman
• Moog
• Mevotech

Lift Kit

Creating a higher ground clearance for your vehicle gives more space for your wheels to absorb road shocks. Installing a suspension lift kit is arguably one of the fastest ways you can achieve a higher ground clearance.

Most lift kits come with longer shocks, lifted springs, and a new set of control arms to lift the entire suspension. This upgrade is popular among off-roaders.

Keep in mind, however, that there are some additional steps to installing a lift kit. Depending on your vehicle, you might need to install extended brake lines and steering stabilizers, too.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Note that if you lift it too much, you may get some driveline vibration due to sharper angles on the driveshaft u-joints, and wheel alignment issues will need to be dealt with.

Average Price Range: $500-$1,000

Brands to Check Out:

• Skyjacker
• ReadyLift
• Daystar

Suspension Bushings

Upgrading your factory bushings seems like it won’t do much, but it actually comes with a lot of benefits.

Swapping your factory suspension bushings with polyurethane ones can lead to increased stability, less body roll, and less flex.

Polyurethane bushings are generally more durable and stiffer than rubber bushings, so they’re better at keeping parts in place.

These suspension bushings are also more resistant to wear caused by UV rays, road salt, and oils, among others, so you can expect them to last for a long time.

Average Price Range: $100-$250

Brands to Check Out:

• Nolathane
• Dorman
• AC Delco

Strut Brace

A strut brace or bar is a popular aftermarket upgrade for suspension systems. This brace links the two suspension towers to reinforce the chassis and reduce flex. Installing a strut brace can also help reduce body roll and understeer.

Because of the strut brace’s rigidity, you’ll notice that your vehicle’s high-speed turns become more stable and the overall ride quality is smoother.

You’ll also be able to feel more control and precision over your vehicle with a strut brace, especially when navigating through rough terrain.

Average Price Range: $100-$500

Brands to Check Out:

• AEM Air
• Whiteline
• BBK

Before You Go

Always keep in mind that suspension upgrades can have a significant impact on other systems in your vehicle. Some modifications might require you to replace a couple of parts, given that they’re essential for your safety.

So before you go and tear your vehicle’s chassis apart, make sure that you’re well-equipped with all the necessary information when it comes to installing your chosen upgrade.

It also pays to get a professional opinion from a certified mechanic to ensure that you’re going in the right direction.