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We can all agree that a 4WD’s standard ability to carry load and tow is ‘shocking’. This is due to factory spring rates being set as low as possible for comfort reasons. However, as there is a growing demand for taking your 4WD touring and on offroad adventures. When upgrading your 4WD you need to consider a few things before and after adding front accessories such as bull bars, winches, fishing rod holders, etc.
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Having front accessories while on stock suspension can throw off your vehicles balance, bringing majority of the weight to the front of the vehicle, especially when braking. Having too much weight at the front section of your 4x4 without upgraded springs, will cause sag, poor handling, failure to front springs and unsafe body roll. Knowing the weight of your front accessories and or constant load can help us determine what type of springs your vehicle needs and the type of ride you are after. This is especially true when installing a lift kit.
Yes. if you have any front accessories on your 4WD, then it would be a great idea to upgrade your springs. Your bull bar, winch, secondary battery, etc. are all additional weight that your standard springs are not designed to hold. Upgrading your springs to a higher rate will solve any sag, body roll and performance issues. All our lift kits are designed to handle additional front load accessories, we just need to know what you have installed.
You need to match your front spring rate to your front constant load. The first thing you should do before upgrading your springs or getting a 4x4 lift kit fitted. Is to install all your constant load accessories or at least know exactly what you are going to get. The reason behind this is that all your constant load accessories will be installed in or on the vehicle, 24/7. Having your constant load accessories added before getting a 4x4 lift kit installed will ensure we can provide the correct springs, giving your 4WD a level lift and quality ride. If you do not do this it is likely you may be provided the wrong spring rates and will not get the best suspension upgrade.
You obviously don’t want a spring that is rated too high or too low for the loads you carry at constant. If you do get springs rated for incorrect loads, you are up for some nasty implications. If you overload your front springs, it will sag and ultimately fail. This can be done by overloading a spring by carrying too heavy of a load such as a heavy bull bar or winch. Let’s say for example, you have 100kg rated front springs but load your front to 150kg, then your front springs would fail. In saying that, you also definitely don’t want to get front springs that are rated too high for what you carry at constant. If you get springs that are overrated for your constant load then you are in for a very stiff and harsh ride which can lead to suspension failure such as shock top outs, coil spring issues and many more. For example, if you get 100kg rated front springs but carry a constant load of 20kg, then your vehicle will be nose high and will not sit level and you will have an uncomfortable ride.
Vehicle rake is the position of the front end of the vehicle in reference to the rear of the vehicle. There are two types of rake, positive and negative. Most 4WD’s that come out of the factory have positive rake. This is where the front end of your car is slightly lower than the rear. This is not a design flaw or an issue of any kind. Instead, it helps with stability and direct steering. If you try to eliminate rake by having a higher lift in the front compared to the rear, this means you have negative rake and will negatively affect your steering and handling. You will notice this at high speeds or when towing, which in certain circumstances can make driving your 4WD very dangerous. Our lift kits are designed to not eliminate rake, but instead maintain positive rake ensuring you get the best ride.
You’ll usually find that linear springs are ideal for the front end of your vehicle where the weight doesn’t drastically change no matter what you put into it. Linear springs have the same thickness and spacing throughout it meaning they are perfect for carrying one weight. However, you don’t need to worry about this if you shop with us at Fulcrum. We will ensure you get the right springs.
Each front load accessory has a different weight so depending on the front constant load you have on your vehicle will determine which spring rates you will need. The spring rates will need to suit and match the level of constant front load your vehicle has.
Having front accessories such as a bull bar while on stock suspension can throw off your vehicles balance, bringing majority of the weight to the front of the vehicle, especially when braking. Having too much weight at the front section of your 4x4 without the correct spring rate can cause poor handling, failure to front springs and unsafe body roll. As a result, depending on your accessories setup, your front springs need to be rated to suit the extra constant load added.
If you have installed a bull bar and winch to your vehicle while on stock suspension, then you have done the right thing. Having your constant load accessories added before getting a 4x4 lift kit installed will ensure you get a level lift and quality ride. But be quick to upgrade your suspension before your stock suspension fails. If you have installed a bull bar and winch to your vehicle that already has an aftermarket lift kit, and your vehicle is sagging or sitting low then you have incorrect rated springs. Let’s say for example, you have 100kg rated front springs but load your front with accessories that weigh close to 150kg, then your front springs would sag and ultimately fail.
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