7 Best Off-Roading Upgrades For Your 4×4 Truck
Since automobiles were invented, they have constantly seen changes and advancements in many ways. Even though new trucks keep getting better technology, there are still many upgrades available that can be very worthwhile. Off-road driving is very popular in many different parts of the world. People want to drive their trucks off-road to remote places. Off-roading can be an enjoyable and thrilling experience but also very dangerous.
For people who are unsure where to start with upgrading your 4WD truck, this article will help guide you toward the seven best off-roading upgrades you can make.
Tires
Having proper tires on your truck is crucial for off-roading! It is easily one of the most important things to consider for upgrading your 4×4. Even if you buy a 4WD vehicle designed for off-roading, the tires that often come on them are still too road-oriented. All-Terrain (AT) tires designed specifically for off-roading provide you better grip and control in rough terrains. Proper tires make your truck more capable, safer and essentially more fun!
Off-road tires are much more durable and resistant to wear so they can last you a long time. Road tires will get shredded in no time off-road!
Fender Flares
Fender Flares might seem insignificant but they play a massive role in protecting your vehicle from all types of stuff. A fender flare protects your car by blocking debris your tires might throw from the tread when rotating. Having the right flare when driving off-road protects the finish of your vehicle.
4×4 trucks with big tires can be a legal issue too! Many countries and states around the world require cars to have appropriate tire coverage so you don’t affect others around. Tires sticking out wider than the body of the truck is usually illegal as debris from you tread can fling out and hit other vehicles, objects, or people nearby. Fender flares effectively make your body wider to cover the oversized tires.
Brakes
When changing the stock tires to a larger size, it is also essential to
know if your brakes are still adequate. Having the right brakes is very important as any fault with your brake system can be devastating. Undersized brake rotors will not slow you down fast enough and are also prone to overheating and failure.
Driving off-road, your brakes must be very responsive to allow you the most control
possible. Stock trucks might not have the best brakes for off-road driving, and upgraded brakes can make your driving experience much safer.
Lights
When driving your car on the road, there are many sources of light at night time. This isn’t the case when you go off-road. Typically the only source of light you have in the woods is from your own truck. Having upgraded headlights or even adding more lights on your truck will improve your visibility at nighttime.
Generally, we don’t recommended that you drive off-road at night, but it’s always better to have it in case it happens. You must be prepared for the worst when you’re in these remote areas.
Suspension
The stock suspension in most trucks isn’t always the best for off-roading. This can be one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make to your truck. Suspension setups with more articulation and clearance will make your truck so much more capable. When it come to suspension, check for transmission shops in your area that may specialize in this. For example, My Transmission experts is a Houston Transmission service that can satisfy all your needs if you are located in Houston.
Lift kits
You will see a massive difference in your off-road capabilities by installing a lift kit. They give your truck more clearance, keeping it higher off the ground. You can put larger tires on the truck than you could fit with the stock clearance. When driving off-road, the inconsistent terrain can sometimes put you in a position where the base of your vehicle might be touching the ground or rock below. We call this bottoming out and it also causes you to lose traction. Having more clearance helps you avoid such situations and ensure that your undercarriage doesn’t get damaged.
Roof racks
A roof rack isn’t something that will improve the performance or safety of your 4WD, but having it is beneficial for many other reasons. You gain the ability to carry more stuff on your truck when off-roading which is priceless in many different scenarios. Whether you need to pack lots of camping gear or if you need to carry some essential tools or parts, you will have a ton more space with a roof rack.
In Conclusion
Think your upgrades through. You need to consider what you personally need out of your truck. Also make note of what the limitations are to your specific 4WD. Not all trucks are created equal. Everyone has their own needs so the upgrades another truck needs might be wasted in your situation, or vice versa.
