Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Best 5 Modifications for Your 4x4

By Brent Maxwell


Off road vehicle owners are challenge takers and thrill seekers. To tackle the challenges and increase the thrill, many enthusiasts begin to customize and modify their 4X4 vehicle as soon as they get it. Some modifications and some new off road parts can greatly improve off road excursions. An off roader can go to extreme limits after adding the five most popular 4X4 vehicle modifications.

Many 4X4 owners change shocks soon after buying their vehicle. Off road shocks should be specifically designed to suit the user's needs. Also, 4X4 shocks and other offroad parts receive a lot of abnormal wear and tear, or abuse, and need to be replaced occasionally. Hydraulic, bypass, monotube, multitube, gas, and air shocks are good for some users. Many prefer coilover shocks. Remote control shocks are a handy, modern convenience.

Manual locking hubs are another common modification on 4X4s. Hubs can be automatic or manual. Automatic hubs are convenient, unless there is a malfunction, but in terms of overall reliability and strength, manual locking hubs are the preferred choice. Manual hubs allow the driver to engage and disengage the front hubs as needed. Disengaging the hubs provides a smoother, quieter ride on the road.

Additional traction is very beneficial when four wheeling over varied terrain. Most 4X4 enthusiasts are not satisfied with "limited-slip" differentials. Manual or automatic locking differentials are preferred by most drivers. A locker, sometimes called a Detroit Locker or a Powertrax Lock Right, will dispatch 100% of the engine torque to both wheels on the axle. Some choose the manual lockers for reduced noise and a smoother on road ride, when deactivated.

Large tires are eye catching and make an impression. Huge tires can be quite intimidating. Although big tires add a lot to the appearance of the vehicle, they add some extremely beneficial, extra inches of ground clearance. Some off roaders still use bias tires. They are great for trails, rocks, mud, and more. Many use radial tires. They provide a quieter, smoother ride on the road. Deep tread with angles and reinforced sidewalls are best for off roading.

Of course, after the larger tires are on the truck, a lift kit will be needed. Lift kits are available for small, medium, and large lifts. Shackle, shackle reverse, and spring lift suspension lift kits are decent options. For serious off roaders, coil suspension lifts or spring over axle suspension lifts are optimal. Lifting will affect other components. Additional modifications will be necessary.

Off road enthusiasts can find awesome off road parts, kits, manuals, and tires online. Fortunately, helpful information and advice are available, also. Remember, after installing new 4X4 parts or making any modifications, performance and handling will be different.




About the Author:



No comments: