Introduction
Sobat barbarnews, are you ready to conquer the most challenging terrains with your Silverado? If so, it’s time to upgrade to a long travel kit that will transform your truck into an unstoppable off-road beast.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about long travel Silverados, including the benefits, types, components, costs, and more. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your truck and experience off-roading like never before.
Benefits of a Long Travel Silverado
Enhanced Off-Road Performance
Long travel kits significantly increase wheel travel, allowing your tires to stay planted on the ground even in the roughest conditions. This translates to improved traction, stability, and control, making your Silverado a formidable force both on and off the road.
Increased Ground Clearance
By elevating your truck’s ride height, long travel kits provide increased ground clearance, allowing you to navigate obstacles and trail challenges with confidence. No more worrying about getting hung up on rocks, roots, or other obstacles.
Types of Long Travel Silverados
Bolt-On Long Travel Kits
Bolt-on long travel kits are a convenient and cost-effective option that installs directly onto your Silverado’s frame. These kits typically include all the necessary components, including upper and lower control arms, coil springs, shocks, and hardware.
Radius Arm Long Travel Kits
Radius arm long travel kits offer increased durability and articulation over bolt-on kits. They feature heavy-duty radius arms that connect the axle to the frame, providing a more robust and responsive suspension system.
Components of a Long Travel Silverado
Control Arms
Control arms are the backbone of a long travel suspension system. They determine the wheelbase and affect the suspension geometry. Long travel control arms are typically made from heavy-duty materials to withstand the rigors of off-roading.
Coil Springs
Coil springs absorb the impact of bumps and provide support for the vehicle’s weight. Long travel kits use stiffer coil springs to accommodate the increased travel and maintain ride height.
Shocks
Shocks control the rebound and compression of the suspension system. Long travel shocks are designed to handle the increased travel and provide damping to ensure a smooth and controlled ride.
Considerations for Long Travel Silverados
Cost
Long travel kits can be expensive, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the type of kit, materials, and labor. Factor this into your budget when planning your upgrade.
Modifications
Installing a long travel kit may require additional modifications to your Silverado, such as upgrading the steering components, drivetrain, and brakes to handle the increased performance.
Warranty
Modifying your Silverado with a long travel kit may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Check with your dealership or the kit manufacturer before making any modifications.
Comparison of Long Travel Silverado Kits
| Feature | Bolt-On Kit | Radius Arm Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Bolt-on installation | Requires fabrication and welding |
| Durability | Medium | High |
| Articulation | Less | More |
| Cost | $3,000-$6,000 | $6,000-$10,000+ |
Conclusion
Long travel Silverados offer the ultimate off-road experience, significantly enhancing performance, ground clearance, and durability. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an experienced overlander, a long travel kit will transform your Silverado into a capable and unstoppable adventure machine.
To learn more about all things off-roading, be sure to check out our other articles on barbarnews. Stay tuned for exciting adventures, expert insights, and the latest gear reviews.
FAQ about Long Travel Silverado
What is a long travel suspension?
A long travel suspension is a type of suspension system that allows for increased wheel travel, which is the distance that a wheel can move up and down relative to the body of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to handle rough terrain more effectively by keeping all four wheels on the ground and maintaining contact with the surface.
What are the benefits of a long travel suspension?
The benefits of a long travel suspension include:
- Increased wheel travel for improved handling off-road
- Improved traction and stability on rough terrain
- Reduced body roll and lean during cornering
- Increased ground clearance for obstacle clearance
What are the different types of long travel suspensions?
There are two main types of long travel suspensions:
- Independent: This type of suspension uses separate control arms and shocks for each wheel, which allows for more precise control over the suspension and improved handling.
- Solid axle: This type of suspension uses a solid axle that connects the wheels on each side of the vehicle, which is more durable and less expensive than an independent suspension.
What are the costs of a long travel suspension?
The cost of a long travel suspension will vary depending on the type of suspension, the vehicle it is being installed on, and the shop that is performing the installation. Generally speaking, a long travel suspension can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.
How long does it take to install a long travel suspension?
The installation of a long travel suspension can take anywhere from one to three days, depending on the complexity of the installation and the experience of the shop that is performing the installation.
Is a long travel suspension right for me?
Whether or not a long travel suspension is right for you depends on your individual needs and driving habits. If you frequently drive on rough terrain or you want to improve the handling of your vehicle off-road, then a long travel suspension may be a good investment.
What are some of the common problems with long travel suspensions?
Some of the common problems with long travel suspensions include:
- Increased wear and tear on driveline components
- Reduced fuel economy
- Difficulty aligning the vehicle
- Decreased ride quality on paved roads
How can I avoid the problems associated with long travel suspensions?
There are a few things you can do to avoid the problems associated with long travel suspensions, such as:
- Choose a suspension that is designed for your specific vehicle and driving needs.
- Have the suspension installed by a qualified mechanic.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the suspension.
- Avoid overloading the vehicle.
What are some of the alternatives to long travel suspensions?
If you are looking for a way to improve the handling of your vehicle off-road without installing a long travel suspension, there are a few alternatives you can consider, such as:
- Upgrading the shocks and springs
- Adding a leveling kit
- Installing a winch
- Increasing the tire size
How can I learn more about long travel suspensions?
There are a number of resources available online that can help you learn more about long travel suspensions, such as: