The best in leaf spring suspension since 1982

Why better suspension is necessary for your vehicle

Why better suspension is necessary for your vehicle

Posted by Alcan Spring on 8th Sep 2024

Why You Need Better Suspension for Your Vehicle

When you're out on the trail, pushing your vehicle to its limits, nothing's worse than realizing that your suspension isn’t up to the task. Maybe you've felt it before: the jarring bumps, the uneasy handling, or the sudden jolts that make you wonder if your vehicle is going to hold up. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or just getting into the scene, understanding why better suspension matters is crucial. At Alcan Spring, we’ve seen firsthand how the right suspension setup can transform your off-roading experience—and we’re here to help you get there.


The Importance of Suspension in Off-Roading

Understanding Suspension Systems

Before diving into why you need better suspension, let’s talk about what suspension does. In simple terms, your vehicle’s suspension is responsible for maintaining contact between your tires and the ground, absorbing shocks, and ensuring a smooth ride. It’s a combination of springs, shock absorbers, and control arms, all working together to give you control over your vehicle.

But here’s the thing: not all suspension systems are created equal. The factory suspension on most vehicles is designed for comfort and everyday driving—not for the rough, unpredictable conditions of off-roading. While that factory setup might be fine for highway driving or the occasional dirt road, it’s going to fall short when you’re tackling boulders, deep ruts, or uneven terrain.

Why Factory Suspension Falls Short

If you’ve ever felt your vehicle bottom out on a trail, you’re already familiar with one of the biggest limitations of factory suspension: it’s just not built to handle the extremes of off-roading. Factory setups are designed with a compromise in mind—they need to be comfortable on the pavement but still somewhat capable off-road. However, this often means they’re not particularly great at either.

For example, stock suspension systems tend to have limited ground clearance and suboptimal shock absorption for off-road conditions. This can lead to rougher rides, reduced vehicle control, and increased wear and tear on your vehicle’s components. At Alcan Spring, we’ve seen countless vehicles come through our shop with suspension systems that just couldn’t keep up with their owners' off-roading ambitions.


Enhancing Performance with Upgraded Suspension

The Role of Custom Suspension in Off-Roading

So, why should you consider upgrading your suspension? Simply put, better suspension enhances your vehicle’s performance in almost every way. When you upgrade to a custom suspension system, you’re getting more than just a smoother ride—you’re gaining better ground clearance, improved shock absorption, and enhanced vehicle control.

Let’s say you’re into bouldering or rock crawling in Moab. These activities demand a suspension that can handle extreme angles, uneven surfaces, and sudden drops. A factory setup might leave you stuck or, worse, cause damage to your vehicle. But with a custom suspension from Alcan Spring, you can navigate these obstacles with confidence. We design our suspension systems specifically to meet the needs of off-road enthusiasts, ensuring that your vehicle performs at its best, no matter the terrain.

Safety First: How Better Suspension Protects You and Your Vehicle

One aspect of better suspension that’s often overlooked is safety. Off-roading isn’t just about having fun—it’s also about keeping yourself and your vehicle safe. A poorly performing suspension can lead to serious issues, like loss of control, increased rollover risk, and damage to critical vehicle components.

We’ve had customers come to us after experiencing near-misses on the trail, and often, it’s their suspension that was the weak link. By upgrading to a more robust system, you’re not just improving your ride—you’re also protecting yourself from potentially dangerous situations. At Alcan Spring, we’re proud to offer suspension solutions that enhance both performance and safety, giving you peace of mind while you’re out on the trails.


The Alcan Spring Advantage

Why Choose Alcan Spring for Your Suspension Needs?

At this point, you might be wondering why you should choose Alcan Spring for your suspension upgrade. The answer is simple: we specialize in custom leaf springs and suspension systems tailored specifically to off-road vehicles. With decades of experience under our belt, we know what it takes to build a suspension system that can handle the most demanding off-road conditions.

One story that comes to mind is a customer who brought in his Jeep after struggling on a particularly challenging trail in the Colorado Rockies. His factory suspension was bottoming out, and he was worried about damaging his vehicle. We worked with him to design a custom suspension system that not only improved his ground clearance but also provided the extra stability he needed on those tough Colorado trails. The next time he hit the trail, he couldn’t believe the difference—his Jeep felt like a completely different vehicle.

Tailored Solutions for Every Off-Road Adventure

One of the things that set Alcan Spring apart is our commitment to creating tailored solutions for every customer. We understand that no two off-road adventures are the same, and your suspension needs will vary depending on your vehicle, driving style, and the terrain you tackle. That’s why we take the time to design a suspension system that’s perfectly suited to your needs.

Whether you’re into mudding at Wild Cat Pass Arizona, rock crawling in Moab Utah, or desert racing in Grand Junction Colorado, we’ve got you covered. Our custom leaf springs are hand-built to your specifications, ensuring that your vehicle performs at its best, no matter where your adventures take you. And because we’re so confident in our work, we back every suspension system with a satisfaction guarantee.


Choosing the Right Suspension for Your Vehicle

Factors to Consider When Upgrading Your Suspension

So, how do you go about choosing the right suspension for your vehicle? The first step is to assess your needs based on the type of off-roading you do. Are you navigating rocky terrain, or do you spend more time in the sand dunes? Your suspension requirements will differ based on these factors.

Another key consideration is the weight of your vehicle, including any additional gear or modifications. For example, if you’ve added a winch, roof rack, or other heavy equipment, you’ll need a suspension system that can handle the extra load. At Alcan Spring, we take all of these factors into account when designing your custom suspension, ensuring that your vehicle is ready for whatever you throw at it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to upgrading your suspension, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-ideal results. One of the biggest mistakes we see is choosing a suspension system based on price alone. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, you often get what you pay for. A low-quality suspension might save you money upfront, but it can cost you more in the long run with poor performance and increased maintenance costs.

Another mistake is not considering the expertise required for installation. Suspension systems are complex, and improper installation can lead to serious problems down the road. That’s why we always recommend having your suspension installed by professionals who understand the intricacies of off-road systems. At Alcan Spring, our team of experts ensures that every installation is done to the highest standards, giving you the confidence to take on any trail.


Conclusion

Reinforce the Importance of Quality Suspension

In the world of off-roading, your vehicle’s suspension is more than just a comfort feature—it’s a critical component that impacts performance, safety, and durability. By upgrading to a better suspension system, you’re not just improving your ride; you’re also investing in your vehicle’s long-term health and your own safety on the trails.

At Alcan Spring, we’re passionate about helping off-road enthusiasts get the most out of their vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a smoother ride, better control, or increased safety, our custom suspension systems are designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Call to Action

Ready to take your off-roading to the next level? Contact Alcan Spring today to learn more about our custom suspension solutions or drop by our shop in Grand Junction Colorado. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you build the vehicle of your dreams. Don’t let your suspension hold you back—upgrade with Alcan Spring and conquer the trails with confidence!