Suspension Upgrades
Get your Tow VEHICLE or 4x4 Outback Ready
Why Get A Suspension Upgrade?
When it comes to someone getting their vehicle ready for towing or outback touring, a suspension upgrade should always be near the top of the list. Here at the Towing Performance Centre we have tried and tested a number of suspension systems over the years and understand the right suspension comes down to your specifics and purpose.
The right suspension upgrade will improve a vehicle’s performance and control. Often a suspension is selected and installed based on an unhitched vehicle’s characteristics, but once you add a caravan or camper into the mix that solution may no longer be ideal.
This can lead to a vehicle being over or under sprung when changing between towing; pairing a suspension upgrade with Airbag Man Helper Bags can help allow for this changing load. Helper bags will give added support to the suspension to assist with the heavier load when towing while allowing you to keep a spring suitable for daily unloaded driving.
To give you the right fit for your suspension needs we haven’t limited the suspensions we fit in the Towing Performance Centre to a single brand. On our current fleet and available for fitment out of the TPC are suspension systems from Pedders, Old Man Emu, TJM and JMACX.
Types of Suspension Upgrades
Spring Upgrades
When a vehicle first leaves the factory the coil springs have been tuned to the stock form of the vehicle. Once a vehicle has been modified (bullbar, canopy etc added) or is towing, the factory fitted coil springs may no longer be a suitable solution.
Under these conditions a suspension spring upgrade becomes an essential modification for maintaining ride comfort and performance.
Upgraded suspension springs have the ability to reduce body roll during cornering, minimize squat and dive during acceleration and braking, and provide a smoother and more comfortable ride over uneven surfaces.
Spring upgrades can also help mitigate the effects of heavy loads, making them particularly beneficial when towing.
Shock Absorber Upgrades
Shock absorber upgrades can improve vehicle clearance, assist with carrying additional load and improve ride quality with their ability to absorb driving forces.
Shock absorbers also help maintain proper tire contact both on and off the road, enhancing traction and braking capabilities.
Recent innovation has seen the release of electronically adjustable shock absorbers, such as the JMACX Alpha Electric shocks, allowing increased control of ride characteristics.
Air Helper Bags & Full Air Conversions
Airbag helper bags are one of the best ways to maintain the ride quality of your tow vehicles if regularly travelling both with and without a towable. Helper bags also offer the major benefit of being able to level-out your tow vehicle to avoid sagging and offer stability and handling improvements.
Full Air Conversions are also available for select models, replacing the stock springs completely for improved ride comfort and functionality.
Airbags can enhance ride comfort by assisting in the absorption of bumps and vibrations in the road, making them ideal for towing on corrugations or rough terrains. With the ability to adjust ride heights, air bags options also allow for adjustable ground clearance.
Airbag solutions are available for standard, lowered and raised suspension set ups.
Suspension Upgrade Options
At the Towing Performance Centre we install a variety of Suspension Upgrades from reputable brands including Jmacx, Airbag Man, Pedders, TJM & Old Man Emu.
JMACX
Australia’s leading suspension specialists for the Toyota Landcruiser and the innovators of the bolt in coil conversion , we have you covered from leaf to coil suspension true GVM options from 3900 to 6000 and legal lift of up to 4 inches and 35 inch tyres.
AIRBAG MAN
The Airbag Man brand has been instrumental over the past 20 years designing & manufacturing unique high-quality air suspension systems to suit hundreds of vehicle types in the automotive industry from light passenger to heavy transport as well as industrial & agricultural applications.
PEDDERS
Pedders offers a vast selection of quality TrakRyder 4X4 & SUV suspension kits for motorists looking to upgrade or replace their vehicles orginal equipment. A typical TrakRyder Suspension kit includes coil and or leaf springs plus shock absorbers.
TJM
TJM are well known for their Suspension upgrades including XGS Roamer to XGS Rugged & XGS Remote. Whether you’re testing your 4x4 skills off-road, heading to that off-the-grid camping spot or gearing up for some touring across the country, tJM have a suspension upgrade for your vehicle.
OLD MAN EMU
Designed for superior performance across all terrain, an Old Man Emu suspension upgrade will provide noticeable improvements to a vehicle’s performance, including load carrying capacity and control characteristics.
Previous Suspension Upgrades
Looking for some inspiration for your vehicle? Here’s just a few examples of vehicles that have had suspension upgrades installed through the Towing Performance Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, shock absorbers play a crucial role in a vehicle's suspension system, making a significant difference in terms of safety and overall driving experience. These components are designed to absorb and dampen the impact of bumps, potholes, and other irregularities on the road.
By controlling the movement of the suspension, shock absorbers ensure optimal contact between the tires and the road surface, improving traction, stability, and control.
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No, shock absorbers do not make your car sit higher. Shock absorbers dampen the movements of the suspension, providing a smoother and more controlled ride.
While shock absorbers can affect the way your car handles and feels on the road, they do not directly impact the ride height. The ride height is primarily determined by the design of the suspension system, including the springs and control arms.
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If you notice that your vehicle is bouncing excessively on bumps or uneven surfaces, it could be a clear indication that your shock absorbers are not working effectively. Other telltale signs are fluid leaks on the shock absorbers themselves or excessive wear and tear on the mounting brackets.
Lastly, if your vehicle tends to sway or lean excessively during turns or sudden maneuvers, it could be a sign that your shock absorbers are worn out and need replacement. It is important to have your shock absorbers inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety.
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Installing airbags on your vehicle and you’ll be able to lift and level up a sagging rear end when towing caravans, boats, campervans and trailers or when carrying extra uneven loads. Airbags give your vehicle the extra support needed in the suspension for more comfortable, economical and safer driving.
Airbags can be adjusted for varying loads and road conditions by inflating or deflating, just like inflating or deflating a car tyre, to give you rear to front and side to side levelling control of your vehicle. Suitable for wide range of vehicles with all sorts of suspension whether it be in between the leaf/axle and chassis, inside a coil spring and even a full coil replacement.
You can add air via a service stations tyre inflation facilities or if you have a portable compressor that will work perfectly as well. If you wanted to inflate or deflate your airbags from the comfort of your vehicle, we have a range of on board air accessories that will give you the ability of individual press of a button technology and pressure readings via an analogue or digital gauge.
After a bullbar for your tow vehicle or 4x4? Have a chat with the experts at the Towing Performance Centre today to find a bar that’s right for your vehicle. Complete the booking form below or give us a call on 07 3624 3821.