How Much Does Off Road Suspension Cost?

‍To take a vehicle on rugged terrain, it needs an upgraded off road suspension. But first, we recommend learning about how much this installation will cost.

An off road suspension can cost as little as $500 up to $4,000, depending on the performance capabilities of the suspension kit. Price matters for this feature and larger trucks should expect to spend at least $2,000 to get a reliable suspension with enough performance.

Off-road suspensions allow vehicles to travel over rough terrain with ease. We have compiled prices based on the best-selling off road suspension kits and consulted with mechanics who do these installs to get the proper pricing estimates for this guide.

‍How Much Does Off Road Suspension Cost?

Depending on the equipment, an off-road suspension upgrade installation will cost between $500 and $4,000. There are less advanced suspension systems that can be installed for much cheaper.

Off road suspensions use springs, dampers, and shock absorbers to easily handle rugged off-road conditions. It can be used on any vehicle but is especially popular on truck and SUV vehicles.

The most important thing to note when looking at off-road suspensions is that they are not meant for paved roads. They are meant to be used in rougher, more uneven terrain.

How Much Should You Spend On An Off Road Suspension?

Off-road suspensions can be found on many vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and ATVs. The amount spent on one will vary based on the vehicle type and suspension kit quality.

The cost of off-road suspensions varies depending on the size of the vehicle, its weight, and other factors. The cost also differs by manufacturer and model.

In general, expect to pay around $1,000 for a decent quality off road suspension for a truck equipped with 4-wheel drive and enough stability to handle rough conditions.

For a bigger truck, we recommend spending around $2,000, assuming the suspension quality was worth it.

Does Price Matter For An Off Road Suspension?

Off-road suspensions are designed with a higher level of performance. They need to be able to handle rough terrain and large bumps with ease.

While some people think that the price is not worth it, others believe that the extra cost is worth it because they get a better product and experience.

Upgrading the suspension to a durable off road one will improve ground clearance, ride quality, shock absorption, and more. But price does matter when considering the quality of a suspension system.

It also depends on what the driver needs most from a suspension. For example, driving on tight trails means traction will be that driver's primary concern, so spending extra on a suspension that does this well is worth it.

Generally, more expensive suspension setups will provide much better performance. This is why for larger vehicles, we recommend spending a minimum of $2,000 to ensure the best results possible.

How Does An Off Road Suspension Work?

An off-road suspension allows the wheel to move up and down in unison with the terrain below it. This helps prevent bottoming out, which can cause damage to the wheel, tire, and/or vehicle's frame.

The suspension uses a solid axle to remain stable and balanced despite rugged conditions, bumps, and dips. This differs from a softer road axle, whose primary focus is to help the tires remain on the ground.

The suspension is a dependent system and uses a solid axle with coil springs. This also includes mounted shock absorbers to help handle the bouncing.

The suspension also works because of a sway bar to help with the vehicle’s body roll. This is essential to maintaining stability and balance.

Which Suspension Is Best For Off Roading?

A solid axle suspension works much better for off-roading than a softer suspension. It is also more durable and can easily handle the bumps and jolts of the terrain.

Solid axle suspensions are more reliable and can absorb the shock from rough terrain. They also reduce the amount of noise that is made when going over bumps and rocks, which is important for stealth operations.

This axle works by connecting both wheels on the same housing. This is a dependent suspension, meaning movement on one wheel can impact the other on this same housing.

Other Types Of Off-Road Suspension Setups

Off-road suspension setups are designed for difficult terrains. As mentioned, the solid axle suspension works best for most off-road vehicles.

But there are other types worth considering too. This includes independent suspension, beam suspension, and leaf spring suspension.

Independent Suspension

An independent off road suspension allows each wheel to move without impacting the other wheel. This helps create more ground clearance while also maintaining a comfortable ride on all surfaces.

The other main difference between this type of suspension and the more common coil spring suspension is that it does not share the load between the front and rear axles.

This means that it can be used on vehicles with different wheelbase lengths, unlike coil-spring suspensions, which are limited in their application by their need to share the load.

Beam Suspension

The main function of the beam off road suspension is to provide a level of comfort and control for the driver while also increasing traction and stability.

The axle runs across the vehicle to reach both sides. This means the tire camber changes when one side of the axle moves.

It’s common to see this suspension type. When it moves upward, it compresses air in the cylinder, creating pressure that pushes out against the spring to absorb some of its force.

Leaf Spring Suspension

The primary function of the leaf springs is to control the movement and location of the wheel, which is achieved by allowing each wheel to move up and down relative to its own center.

A leaf spring's basic design consists of two parallel leaves connected at their ends, with a pivot point in between them.

The lower or front end of the first leaf is attached to one side or corner of the vehicle's frame, while its upper or rear end is attached to another side or corner.

How Long Does An Off Road Suspension Last?

An off road suspension will last about 3,000 miles, depending on its use. However, if it has been abused or neglected, there may be damage to the components that could cause premature failure.

The suspension can last for a long time if properly maintained. The main thing to remember is to keep the tires inflated and other parts of the vehicle intact.

This suspension system will also allow for greater articulation than other types of suspensions and come with various features that protect the vehicle from damage.

Because these suspensions and shocks experience more difficult conditions, they wear out faster. The typical OEM suspension lasts close to 75,000 miles for pavement and road use.