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.
Traction is a major factor in off road activities. Many off roaders agree that clutch-type limited slip differentials are not satisfactory for many 4X4 challenges. Most drivers prefer manual or automatic locking differentials. A locker, also known as a Powertrax Lock Right or a Detroit Locker, equally dispatches 100% of the engine torque. Since automatic lockers jerk and make noise when driving around corners or on curves, some prefer manual.
Big tires are impressive. In addition to other upgrades and offroad parts, almost every 4X4 driver buys bigger wheels. Larger tires provide ground clearance. Owners can choose from bias tires or radial tires. Bias tires can’t be beat for crawling rocks, traversing trails, and rolling in the mud. However, they are uncomfortable, noisy, and lack durability on the road. Radial tires are more durable and provide a much more pleasant ride on pavement. Deep, angled mud terrain and rock crawling treads are best for off road conditions.
Bigger tires will require more space. Small, medium, and large lift kits can be used to raise the vehicle. The space provided will range from about 1.5 inches to four inches and more. Many experienced off road enthusiasts prefer spring over axle (if their vehicle is leaf-sprung) or coil suspension lifts. For the offroader that needs a few extra inches of clearance without the need of a full blown suspension lift, they may opt for a body lift kit.
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.
If you need help with a ring and pinion, lift kit, or other off road parts, there are many sources online that can help you find just what you need for your vehicle.