Before you upgrade suspension

How tires, your project, and vehicle matter

We could all use a smooth ride, right? But when it comes to aftermarket tire and suspension upgrades the right shocks can help smooth out your project and your ride.

If you are hitting the track or a trail, the proper setup provides stability, savings, and the safety you want no matter what track, trail, or cliff you are tackling.

Higher Ride:  There has been a ton of enhanced products added to the market to raise your ride. Most manufacturers have been unable to keep up with demand. Always be leery of that newest product that may be available overnight. Stick with tried-and-true brands you know or have references for. There are a lot of “HOT” products out there. Make sure you go with something interchangeable with a well-known provider that will work with a variety of brands suspension parts, enhancements and look to changes in the future. Let’s face it, you are not going to leave your mod long term.  It’s just the way we roll. There’s always something interesting out there to spark the next project.

Questions to ask:  Make sure you consider available options and know what performance you hope to achieve. Do you want 3” of lift? Do you want 2” lower? Can your current frame support the changes without fender rub? No matter the goal, make sure the parts you buy are the ones to meet your goals that fit within your frame. Many a DIYer has found themselves in a situation where they must cut the fenders to avoid tire wear and rubbing. That is just one of the most common issues when making suspension adjustments.

In addition, new tires sizes are usually part of any suspension project. Consider the tire in conjunction with the lift or lower project.

Once your installation is done, it will not be complete until you check the alignment. Too many skip that step and end up with worn tires and broken components, as well as any number of problems. That is a buzz kill after you get your ride looking as fine as you dreamt of having her.

Make sure you look for a shop that is reliable and has experience with suspension mods before you agree to let them check your alignment.  You can also check it yourself with a QuickTrick Alignment kit but give us a call if you are unsure what you need. In many cases, you just need to check toe and that will save you a lot of money in the short and long run. If you have a solid rear axle, you will only need a two-frame setup. For anyone who needs to check thrust angle, as well as caster, camber, and toe, you can check out the 5^th Gen QuickString which comes in a range of wheel sizes from 10 – 23” and up to 38” tires. If your tires are larger than the 38” then give us a shout via email, text or phone and we can get you hooked up with one of our newer accessories (in beta testing now) or customize the toe bars of a kit for you.

In closing, do your due diligence. If you are at all unsure about what your frame can handle or anything else, check for a local truck shop that is familiar with lifting and lowering vehicles.  You will NOT find that at Firestone or any of the retail chain tire and alignment shops.

You can check out the QuickTrick options here and/or reach out if you want some assistance or have any questions. We are happy to help you meet your goals, whether you are purchasing a QuickTrick or not.

Email

Phone: 205-475-2419

Text: 205-475-2419

Send pictures of your project from the tire aspect to the number above.