Should I Upgrade My Semi Truck’s Suspension?

Upgrading your semi-truck’s suspension is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a project that requires awareness and understanding of the current state of your vehicle, its unique needs, and what your typical driving conditions are. We’re going to take a closer look at the key considerations, pros, and cons of upgrading your semi-truck’s suspension.

What is Semi-Truck Suspension?

Suspension is a complex system of shock absorbers, springs, and linkages that connect a vehicle to its wheels. A semi-truck suspension is designed to provide stability and enhance driver comfort by maximizing the friction between the road surface and the tires. The truck’s suspension is a critical part of the truck’s handling and ability to brake safely.

Importance of a Good Suspension System

The suspension of a vehicle plays a crucial role in its safety, performance, and longevity. A well-maintained suspension system provides your semi-truck with more than just comfort. This is a vital system for many different reasons, including:

• Smooth Ride: The main function of a suspension system is to absorb and dampen the shocks of the road to ensure a smoother ride. This increases the comfort of the driver, as well as protecting any cargo traveling in the semi-truck.
• Better Control: With a good suspension system, semi-truck tires have better contact with the road surface, improving traction and control. This allows for safer handling and maneuvering, which is essential when carrying heavy loads.
• Prevents Further Wear and Tear: A functioning suspension system helps spread the weight of your semi-truck across all tires, preventing uneven wear. It also softens the impact of bumps on the road, reducing the likelihood of damage to other components and potentially saving a lot on repairs in the future.
• Safety: Perhaps the most important aspect of a good suspension system is that it greatly improves the overall safety of your semi-truck. Between increased stability during starts and stops and the reduction in rollovers, suspension is essential for safe operation.

Signs Your Semi-Truck Suspension Needs to Be Upgraded

Fleet managers and drivers alike must be able to recognize the signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade a semi-truck’s suspension. Here are some of the key signs that you should be aware of:

• Excessive Bouncing: One of the biggest signs that your suspension could be wearing out is excessive bouncing. A healthy suspension system absorbs shock from the bumps of the road. If your truck continues bouncing excessively after minor road bumps or continues rocking back and forth once you are at a stop, your semi-truck’s suspension system may need repairs or replacement.
• Poor Handling: A general feeling of the truck pulling or drifting to one side or difficulty with steering could indicate a suspension issue. When the suspension is failing, this can lead to a loss of control, which can be extremely hazardous while operating a semi-truck.
• Uneven Tire Treads: Another common indicator of a failing suspension is uneven wear on your tires. A healthy suspension promotes even tire wear, as it will maintain proper wheel alignment. With a failing suspension system, some tires may bear more weight than others, which can cause noticeably uneven tire wear. This is an easy indicator to keep an eye on, so you should regularly check your tires for uneven wear.
• Dipping and Nose Dives: If your semi-truck dips forward or nose dives while braking, this is a clear sign of suspension problems. Maintaining stability during sudden stops with a noticeable dip in the front end could mean suspension failure. This failure can be especially dangerous, as it increases the stopping distance and makes controlling your truck quite difficult.
• Visible Damage: The most obvious sign that your suspension needs attention is visible damage to the system. You should regularly inspect your suspension system for visible signs of damage, including damaged shocks or struts, broken springs, and fluid leaks. Any of these means your semi-truck’s suspension needs to be repaired or upgraded.

Pros and Cons of Upgrading Your Semi-Truck’s Suspension

Just like any significant vehicle modification, upgrading your semi-truck’s suspension comes with a unique set of benefits and potential drawbacks. If you’re considering upgrading the suspension system on your semi-truck, it’s important to consider these factors before you make any big decisions.

Pros

1. Improved Handling: From the moment you get into your truck after an upgraded suspension system is installed, you’ll notice improved handling and driver comfort. A more stable semi-truck is easier to control, and a comfortable driver is more able to control it.
2. Increased Safety: Upgraded suspension systems can provide better road contact, give better steering response, and enhanced stability, which all contribute to improved safety.
3. Extended Truck Lifespan: Upgrading your suspension can help reduce wear and tear on various components and systems of the truck, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing vibration-related maintenance and repairs. A good suspension system can reduce tire wear and even lower the strain on the semi-truck’s frame.

Cons

1. Cost: One of the most common drawbacks to a suspension upgrade is the cost. High-quality suspension systems can add up to several thousand dollars, and the installation can add several more. This is important to consider when pricing out your system.
2. Comfort: Even though many suspension system upgrades offer boosted performance, they can sometimes result in a stiffer ride, which is less comfortable for many people. Some truck drivers may not care, but it can be a deal-breaker for others.
3. Compatibility Issues: Sometimes there can be significant challenges in finding a full suspension system that is compatible with your semi-truck, which can mean expensive modifications are needed before successful installation.

Choosing the Right Suspension for Your Semi Truck

There are a lot of suspension systems available for modern semi-trucks, but with so many options, it’s going to require quite a bit of consideration on your part. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so the best choice for you is going to depend on your unique needs. Consider the following factors before you make your final choice:

• Load Types: Consider your usual loads and what the nature and weight usually are. If you generally haul heavier loads, a more robust suspension system would likely be the better choice for your truck.

• Driving Conditions: The weather conditions and type of terrain you commonly experience on your routes also play a big role. Challenging weather or rough roads often necessitate a more responsive and durable suspension system.

• Budget: Quality and safety are important, but you should consider the cost before making the upgrade. Decide whether or not the purchase is justifiable and provides value for the money spent.

• Expert Consultation: With such a major upgrade, you should always consult with a professional truck service company like Blaine Brothers. They can provide valuable advice based on their years of industry experience and knowledge, helping you make the most informed decision.

Let Blaine Brothers Keep Your Rig Riding Smooth

While upgrading your semi-truck’s suspension can have big performance and longevity benefits, it’s important to think about the cost and potential sacrifice to your ride quality depending on the system you choose. If you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your suspension upgrade, or if you just need more information before making a decision, reach out to Blaine Brothers today to talk with a local expert in Minnesota or Wisconsin about your semi-truck’s needs.