Smarter Suspension on the Way for 2022 Trucks

In the past, pickup truck manufacturers have been slow to make major changes to truck suspension designs. Decades passed before any manufacturers moved from solid axles to independent front suspensions in the 1960s, with some four-wheel-drive models not changing until 2002. There have been few other developments in the last 50 years in truck suspension kits. However, there are some exciting design changes to pickup truck suspension and truck lift kits coming in the near 2022 future.

Independent Rear Suspensions

Although most modern vehicles are equipped with an independent front suspension, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the only pickup that has an independent rear suspension. The solid axle design used for almost 100 years is in large part responsible for the pickup truck's reputation for a rough ride and lack of rear traction. With a solid rear axle, any change in traction or terrain affects both wheels; independent rear suspension allows each wheel to react independently to such changes. Off-road enthusiasts who drive pickups would definitely enjoy the added traction from an independent rear suspension, while drivers who never leave the road would appreciate the smoother ride.

Magnetic Ride Control

Another design element making its way into the pickup truck world is the use of magnetically controlled monotube shock absorbers. This system has been used on a number of sports cars and luxury sedans, but has only recently been integrated into a pickup (GMC Sierra Denali). Magnetic ride control uses magnetic fields to alter the viscosity of fluid in the shock absorbers, allowing for instant changes to the stiffness of the suspension. Due to this ability to change continuously, magnetic ride control can deliver a smooth ride while still being able to stiffen the suspension as needed. In the future, these systems may even automatically stiffen the suspension when the sensors detect a heavy load.

Active Anti-roll-bar Systems

Traditional anti-roll bars connect each pair of wheels on a vehicle to prevent body roll, which is the tendency for the vehicle to tilt when cornering. In the traditional system, when one shock absorber goes down due to cornering, the opposing shock absorber is forced down to keep the vehicle level. Although this system works, it comes with an unwanted consequence: jarring events like driving through a pothole affect both wheels, not just one.

An active anti-roll-bar system uses sensors to detect the slightest amount of body roll and then begins to stabilize the vehicle. The system can become more stiff to level out the vehicle and improve handling while cornering, or decrease stiffness to improve ride quality at other times. Pickup drivers who enjoy extreme off-road driving will appreciate the newest advances which allow for the anti-roll bar to be completely disengaged. The wheels are able to travel significantly farther apart with this system, making it easier to drive over boulders and other off-road obstacles.

Please contact us for more information regarding custom truck suspension kits and truck lift kits options available for your truck. Tufftruckparts.com