Long travel suspension dramatically enhances off-road capabilities and ride comfort, and at TRAVELS.EDU.VN we want you to have the best adventure possible. This comprehensive guide dives into long travel suspension systems, exploring their benefits, drawbacks, and everything you need to know to decide if this upgrade is right for your overland vehicle. Enhance your overlanding experience with improved stability and superior handling.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Long Travel Suspension
- How Long Travel Suspension Works
- Advantages of Long Travel Suspension
- Disadvantages of Long Travel Suspension
- Long Travel Suspension: +2 vs +3.5
- Maintenance and Upkeep
- On-Road Performance Without Sway Bars
- Is Long Travel Suspension Right for You?
- Cost Considerations
- Installation and Expertise
- Choosing TRAVELS.EDU.VN for Your Napa Valley Adventure
- Call to Action: Transform Your Travel Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Understanding Long Travel Suspension
Traditional suspension upgrades, like spacer lifts or coil-overs, primarily increase ride height without significantly altering the vehicle’s suspension geometry. These modifications are relatively straightforward and don’t fundamentally change how the suspension system operates.
Long travel suspension, on the other hand, is a transformative upgrade that redefines the suspension’s mechanics. It involves using longer lower control arms in the front and lower links in the rear (for vehicles with coil springs). This modification allows the wheels to be pushed outwards and downwards, providing a greater range of vertical movement.
2. How Long Travel Suspension Works
The core of long travel suspension lies in its extended control arms and links. These longer components create a wider track width and allow for increased wheel travel. Here’s a breakdown:
- Longer Control Arms/Links: These extend the wheels outward and allow for more up-and-down movement.
- Increased Wheel Travel: More vertical travel means the wheels and shocks can absorb impacts more effectively, preventing the vehicle from bottoming out on rough terrain.
- Wider Track Width: This enhances stability, particularly during off-road adventures.
This setup allows the vehicle to maintain better contact with the ground, improving traction and control.
3. Advantages of Long Travel Suspension
Long travel suspension offers several significant advantages for overlanding and off-road enthusiasts:
- Improved Off-Road Performance: The increased wheel travel allows the suspension to absorb more significant impacts, providing a smoother ride over rough terrain.
- Enhanced Stability: The wider track width increases stability, reducing the risk of rollovers and improving handling on uneven surfaces.
- Greater Comfort: By absorbing shocks more effectively, long travel suspension reduces the amount of jarring and vibration felt inside the vehicle, making for a more comfortable ride.
- Increased Ground Clearance: While not the primary goal, long travel suspension often results in a slight increase in ground clearance, further enhancing off-road capabilities.
- Better Traction: Maintaining consistent contact with the ground improves traction, allowing you to navigate challenging obstacles with greater ease.
“Off-road, the ride is significantly different,” says Nick DeLuca, an Overland Bound Member with long travel suspension on his Toyota Tacoma. “Additional wheel travel and truly independent front suspension will soak up most of what you can throw at it. The additional wheel travel also helped me keep all four tires on the ground through much of the Rubicon Trail.”
4. Disadvantages of Long Travel Suspension
Despite its benefits, long travel suspension also has some drawbacks to consider:
- Higher Cost: Long travel suspension systems are more expensive than traditional lift kits, with parts alone ranging from $2800 to $5500 or more.
- Increased Maintenance: These systems require more frequent maintenance, including regular lubrication of uniballs and joints to prevent squeaks and rattles.
- Complexity: The complex nature of long travel suspension means that not all mechanics are familiar with it, potentially making it difficult to find qualified service providers.
- Axle Issues: Longer axles are required, and these are not standard parts. Breaking an axle on the trail can be a significant problem, as replacements are not readily available.
- On-Road Handling: The removal of sway bars (often necessary to maximize travel) can result in increased body roll during on-road driving, affecting handling and stability.
- Alignment Challenges: Getting a long travel vehicle properly aligned can be challenging, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment.
5. Long Travel Suspension: +2 vs +3.5
Long travel suspension systems typically come in two main varieties: +2 and +3.5. These numbers refer to the length of the axles and how far each wheel is extended.
- +2: This option extends each wheel by 2 inches, providing a moderate increase in track width and wheel travel. It is often a good choice for those who want improved off-road performance without significantly altering the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
- +3.5: This option extends each wheel by 3.5 inches, providing a more significant increase in track width and wheel travel. It is ideal for those who prioritize maximum off-road capability and are willing to accept some compromises in on-road handling.
The choice between +2 and +3.5 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the type of terrain you typically encounter and how much you value on-road versus off-road performance.
6. Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintaining a long travel suspension system requires diligent attention to detail. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
- Regular Lubrication: Lubricate uniballs and joints frequently to prevent squeaks, rattles, and premature wear.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect all suspension components for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, leaks, or loose bolts.
- Alignment: Ensure proper alignment to prevent uneven tire wear and maintain optimal handling.
- Axle Care: Carry spare axles, as these are not readily available at standard auto parts stores.
- Professional Service: Seek out a qualified mechanic who specializes in off-road vehicles to perform maintenance and repairs.
Remember, long travel suspension systems are often closer to race truck suspensions than standard setups. This means they require more frequent and specialized maintenance.
7. On-Road Performance Without Sway Bars
One of the trade-offs of long travel suspension is the potential impact on on-road handling. To maximize wheel travel, sway bars are often removed. Sway bars help to minimize body roll during cornering, so their absence can result in a more pronounced swaying sensation.
Nick DeLuca suggests, “If you are currently trying to decide if LT is right for you, I suggest removing the sway bars on your truck and drive it around. This will give you a taste of what it is like to drive on pavement with LT, but keep in mind that with LT the sway is twice as much. I have compared it to the way a speedboat drives.”
While the increased body roll can take some getting used to, many drivers find that the benefits of long travel suspension outweigh this drawback, especially if they spend most of their time off-road.
8. Is Long Travel Suspension Right for You?
Deciding whether to upgrade to long travel suspension requires careful consideration of your driving habits, budget, and tolerance for maintenance. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How often do I go off-road? If you spend a significant amount of time on rough terrain, long travel suspension can provide a noticeable improvement in ride quality and capability.
- What type of terrain do I encounter? Long travel suspension is particularly beneficial on rocky, uneven surfaces where maximum wheel travel is essential.
- Am I willing to invest in regular maintenance? Long travel suspension requires more frequent maintenance than standard setups, so be prepared to dedicate time and resources to upkeep.
- Can I afford the upfront cost? Long travel suspension systems are more expensive than traditional lift kits, so factor this into your budget.
- Am I comfortable with increased body roll on the road? Removing sway bars can affect on-road handling, so consider whether you are willing to accept this trade-off.
If you prioritize off-road performance, are willing to invest in maintenance, and can afford the upfront cost, long travel suspension may be the right choice for you.
9. Cost Considerations
The cost of long travel suspension can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the specific components used, and the labor involved in installation. Here’s a general breakdown of the expenses:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Long Travel Kit | $2800 – $5500 |
| Longer Axles | $500 – $1000 |
| Installation Labor | $1000 – $3000 |
| Alignment | $100 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4400 – $9800 |
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on your location and the specific shop you choose. Be sure to get multiple quotes and factor in the cost of any additional components or services that may be required.
10. Installation and Expertise
Installing a long travel suspension system is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. It is not a DIY project for the average vehicle owner. It typically involves welding, cutting, and other modifications that should only be performed by experienced professionals.
When choosing an installation shop, look for one that specializes in off-road vehicles and has a proven track record of installing long travel suspension systems. Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure that the shop is reputable and reliable.
11. Choosing TRAVELS.EDU.VN for Your Napa Valley Adventure
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- Support: We provide ongoing support throughout your trip, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and addressing any issues that may arise.
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12. Call to Action: Transform Your Travel Experience
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13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about long travel suspension:
1. What exactly is long travel suspension?
Long travel suspension is a type of suspension system that uses longer control arms and links to allow for greater wheel travel, improving off-road performance and ride comfort.
2. How does long travel suspension differ from a standard lift kit?
While standard lift kits primarily increase ride height, long travel suspension fundamentally changes the suspension’s geometry, allowing for increased wheel travel and improved handling.
3. What are the main advantages of long travel suspension?
The main advantages include improved off-road performance, enhanced stability, greater comfort, and increased ground clearance.
4. What are the potential drawbacks of long travel suspension?
The drawbacks include higher cost, increased maintenance, complexity, axle issues, and potential impact on on-road handling.
5. What is the difference between +2 and +3.5 long travel suspension?
The numbers refer to the length of the axles and how far each wheel is extended. +2 extends each wheel by 2 inches, while +3.5 extends each wheel by 3.5 inches.
6. Is long travel suspension suitable for all types of vehicles?
Long travel suspension is most commonly installed on trucks and SUVs that are used for off-roading or overlanding.
7. How much does it cost to install a long travel suspension system?
The cost can vary widely but typically ranges from $4400 to $9800, including parts and labor.
8. Can I install long travel suspension myself?
Installation is complex and requires specialized knowledge, so it is best left to experienced professionals.
9. How often does long travel suspension need to be maintained?
Long travel suspension requires more frequent maintenance than standard setups, including regular lubrication and inspection of components.
10. Does long travel suspension affect on-road handling?
The removal of sway bars can result in increased body roll during on-road driving, affecting handling and stability.
By understanding these aspects of long travel suspension, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right upgrade for your vehicle. And for all your travel needs in Napa Valley, remember to contact travels.edu.vn for an unforgettable experience.
