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Keeping your ride control system in good shape is integral to staying safe while driving any car, as these give the stability needed to sustain higher speeds. If you are a diesel truck driver and are a fan of hitting the trails but have yet to upgrade suspension systems, you may experience certain issues with your chassis and ride control parts over time. 

Traditional SLA suspension systems contain four ball joints that are the usual suspects when it comes to clunks, squeaks, or odd noises when passing through bumps in the road. Strut suspension systems entail a wishbone combination, wherein the upper mounting plate can wear out and cause noises while running. 

Cars are supposed to make sounds, and that is a fact, but you should be able to differentiate if the sound is a usual sound that is normal and a sound that is trying to tell you something. Remember that suspension systems are responsible for stability when driving, whether it be offroad or on asphalt, and ultimately affect comfort and safety. 

Check Ride Heights For Disparities

Your diesel truck has an optimal ride height that comes stock out of the factory and can be either lifted or slammed depending on the tastes of the user using coil-overs. When you measure the ride height, have the proper height in mind to determine whether or not your ride control system needs to be changed. If it does require a change, be sure to always do a full replacement of both sides, as this will reduce issues of irregular wear and tear down the road. 

Depending on the age of your diesel truck, it will contain different spring types. Modern springs are coated with a plastic material to prevent it from corroding because of rust. Older ones may have no coating or have had it peeled off because of age. Additionally, check the bushings, as these are made of rubber or urethane, causing them to fail as they age. 

Shock Absorbers And Strut Bars

Fortunately for us diesel enthusiasts, so many aftermarket diesel parts for better suspension systems exist. Whether your goal is for road comfort, or for the pure off-roading experience, there is a proper shock absorber for each, and in between. Running any shock absorber thousands of miles will wear it out, as these things are not immortal pieces of the car. 

Remember that the suspension holds the monolithic weight of the truck, and mixing gravity with prolonged use will definitely wear down the shock absorbers. Some signs that it is time to swap them out are noticeable vibrations, bouncy rides, car chassis sways, and nose-diving when braking hard. These are all very dangerous, especially when you are driving at high speeds, so be sure to replace any wrecked suspension assemblies ASAP. 

Watch Out For Leaking Fluids From A Strut Or Shock Assembly

There is a life expectancy on each shock absorber product and strut bar, but it is still impossible to accurately predict when it gives out, as road conditions and driving style affects its lifespan. Driving smoothly on well-paved roads is a much better route to go for the survival of your car’s suspension system. Manufacturers normally chalk the number up to 50,000 miles provided that the vehicle is being driven in optimal conditions. 

Shock absorbers use a hydraulic system that entails fluids being packed inside a strongly-built body, which gives it the stability to absorb the force caused by potholes and humps. Once the fluid leaks, this means that the shock is done for and is due for a replacement. 

Conclusion

Suspension systems are an integral part of a car’s anatomy, as these affect the way we direct the car’s steering, and our safety when cruising down the highway. Wobbly rides that feel unstable when you hit the brakes mean that the ride control parts are likely damaged and require immediate attention. Always remember that if you own a diesel truck and plan to ruck it off to the trails, this requires a good amount of upgrade parts, starting with engine upgrades and suspension systems. 

US Diesel Parts is the premium distributor of top-tier US-spec diesel parts for engines, suspension systems, and other essential parts to get your diesel truck at the top of the line. It doesn’t matter if you own a Ford, Dodge, or Chevy, we have a selection of parts and services that are extremely varied and of high-quality.