How to Choose the Best Suspension for Your Off-Road Adventures
When it comes to off-roading, your vehicle’s suspension is one of the most crucial components for performance, comfort, and capability. A well-chosen suspension system can mean the difference between a smooth ride over rugged terrain and a harsh, jarring experience that limits where you can go. Whether you're gearing up for overlanding, rock crawling, or desert racing, selecting the right suspension setup is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing the best suspension for your adventure rig.
1. Understanding Suspension Types
Before upgrading your suspension, it's important to understand the main types available:
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Lift Kits – Ideal for those looking to gain extra ground clearance for larger tires and better approach/departure angles. Lift kits come in spacer lifts (not recommended), coil spring lifts, and full suspension kits.
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Coilovers – These are adjustable and high-performance suspension systems that offer superior ride quality and tunability for off-road and on-road driving.
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Leaf Springs vs. Coil Springs – Older trucks, many Land Cruisers, and Jeeps use leaf springs, which are rugged but stiff, while coil springs provide a smoother, more flexible ride.
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Shocks & Struts – Upgrading to remote reservoir or monotube shocks from brands like Dobinsons, Old Man Emu, Radflo and Total Chaos can vastly improve ride control and shock absorption on tough trails.
2. Choosing the Right Suspension for Your Terrain
The type of terrain you’ll be driving on plays a huge role in your suspension choice:
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Overlanding/Touring & Long-Distance Travel – Comfort is key! A setup with adjustable coilovers, remote reservoir shocks, and upgraded control arms will provide the best mix of comfort and durability.
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Rock Crawling – You’ll need high articulation and flex, so a long-travel suspension kit with durable shocks and sway bar disconnects is ideal.
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High-Speed Desert Running – A bypass shock setup with heavy-duty coilovers is recommended to handle whoops and high-speed bumps.
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Mud & Trail Riding – A simple lift kit with monotube shocks works well for weekend warriors who want clearance without excessive modifications.
3. Key Components to Upgrade
When modifying your suspension, consider these critical components:
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Shocks & Struts – Upgrading to performance shocks can drastically improve ride comfort and off-road control.
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Upper & Lower Control Arms – Aftermarket control arms help maintain proper alignment and suspension geometry.
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Sway Bars & Disconnects – A must-have for rock crawlers, allowing for greater wheel articulation.
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Bump Stops – Protect your suspension from bottoming out during heavy impacts.
4. Ride Height vs. Practicality
A higher lift may look aggressive but comes with trade-offs:
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2-3 Inch Lift – A great balance for daily driving and off-road capability.
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4-6 Inch Lift – Ideal for bigger tires and more aggressive off-road use but may require additional drivetrain modifications like diff drop kits, sway bar end links, brake line extensions and more.
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Long Travel Kits – Best for high-performance off-roading but requires extensive modifications.
5. Budget & Brand Considerations
Suspension upgrades can range from $500 for basic kits to $5,000+ for premium long-travel setups. Some of the best brands for off-road suspension include:
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Radflo Suspension – High-performance shocks & coilovers.
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Total Chaos Fabrication – Industry-leading control arms and long-travel kits.
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Dobinsons - A go-to option for durability and high-performance.
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Old Man Emu – Tried and True. Well-balanced performance and durability.
Final Thoughts: Find the Right Suspension for Your Build
Choosing the right suspension comes down to your driving style, terrain, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a simple lift kit for better ground clearance or a high-end long-travel setup for serious off-road capability, investing in quality suspension components ensures your rig is ready for any adventure.
Also consider that you don't need to get the full suspension all at once. If you're getting a bed rack and roof top tent on your Tacoma, consider just getting new leaf springs to support the additional weight in the rear end. Now that the rear is supported, you can upgrade the rest of the system as you go.
Check out our full selection of off-road suspension kits and get your build ready for the trails!
If you need help selecting suspension for your overland build, please reach out to us and we would be happy to help outfit your truck for your specific needs.
Contact us for free suspension consultations!
Garrett Jackson | garrett@evergreenoffroad.com | (206) 590-0489
Ernesto Lopez | ernesto@evergreenoffroad.com | (206) 588-6994
