Today's 4x4's (I prefer to call them less capable 4x4's in the guise of Sports Utility Vehicles) are becoming more and more on road biased than their original cousins (the real 4x4's). However, there are still those who still enjoy putting their vehicles to proper off road use and I felt that they will find this article interesting reading. Please keep in mind that I am referring mainly to those who enjoy traveling off the beaten track in search of nature's offerings, than those who enjoy off road competitions. The latter requires far more aggressive modifications.

Traveling in such conditions your vehicle is subject to heavy punishment from the terrain and also the loads it may be required to carry in terms of passengers, camping equipment, camping supplies and not to mention the accessories (eg winch) the owner may have fitted. Thus, there is a need for a completely different suspension to that found in the more on road-biased vehicles.

One of the main features you must have is good axle articulation. This refers to the suspension's ability to allow the wheels to move up and down. The greater the articulation the easier it will be to overcome tough obstacles, because the wheels will stay in contact with the surface. On road however, too much articulation will lead to body roll, thus affecting handling.

Vehicles with the best articulation for off road conditions have live axels and coil springs all around.

Also important are good shock absorbers as the shocks on off road conditions work much harder than when they are on road. This is why gas shocks are such a good investment.

All shock absorbers are filled with oil. When the piston in the shock absorber moves up and down rapidly, heat is generated causing the oil to thin. When this happens, the shock absorber won't be able to damp vibrations as well as it should. Thus the recommendation for fitting gas charged shock absorbers.

At the end of the day, it is you the individual who knows exactly how much of time you will spend on the road and off the road. Hence, when deciding to purchase a SUV/4x4 vehicle give some thought to the suspension layout.

Happy Outdoor 4x4ing everyone.

Duncan Udawatta - Botswana (Southern Africa)
Team Autolanka.

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