Signs You Should Replace Your Truck's Shocks Before You Go Off-Roading
Posted on: 4 September 2018
If you enjoy taking your truck off-road, the stress and strain of driving over rocks, banks, and other rough terrains can take its toll on your shocks. Whenever you go out driving your truck, keep a lookout for the following signs that you should replace the shocks before your next outing.
The Front End Nose Dives When You Hard Brake
One of the first signs you may notice when your shocks are failing is the way your truck behaves when you hard brake to come to a complete stop. Whenever you slam on the brakes, you may find that your truck's front end takes a nose dive, allowing the front bumper to hit the ground.
When you apply the brakes hard and fast, all of the truck's weight is pushed forward. If your shocks are worn down or have minor cracks in the metal, they cannot support this sudden shift in weight. As a result, the shocks give under the force, causing the front of your truck to take a dive.
If you are driving through a hilly patch of woods or along a creek bed, this nose-diving action could give you a lot of problems. If there is enough force, the bumper could get caught in rocks, under a large branch, or even underwater.
The Back End Dips When You Accelerate While Stopped
On the flip side of having your truck take a nose dive whenever you hit the brakes, another sign that your shocks are worn out and need replacing happens when the back end dips down whenever you take off from a complete stop. You may hear the back bumper scrape on pavement or rocks or feel the force of the back end hitting the ground.
When you hit the gas and accelerate quickly from a dead stop, the force and weight of the truck are pushed toward the back, which is the opposite of when you hard brake. Once again, if your shocks are wearing down, they will not be able to handle this sudden change in weight and pressure.
If the back end of your truck keeps dipping down lower, the rear bumper could eventually come off, and the rear axle can become severely damaged. If the shocks become extremely worn, the back end could pull up the front so that you are doing a small wheelie in the woods, which could accidentally bring the bottom of your engine compartment down on a rock or tree stump.
If your truck is exhibiting any of the above behavior, you should probably replace the shocks before you try to drive it on your next off-roading adventure. Contact a truck part service such as A & B Truck Recycling for guidance on selecting the right shocks for your off-road truck.
Share