Author Trenton McGee, 4x4 suspension expert and former host of Outdoor Channel's Off-Road Adventures, explains 4x4 suspension systems in an easy-to-understand manner. He gets specific on types of suspensions available from all the major manufacturers including Jeep, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Dodge. He goes into a great level of detail on every different model, including early and modern systems.
The book covers front and rear solid axle, twin-traction beam, and independent suspension systems, as well as coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and more. This book has it all. If it's not covered in here, it doesn't exist. Also included is a glossary of suspension terms and a comprehensive source guide.
Author Trenton McGee, 4x4 suspension expert and former host of Outdoor Channel's Off-Road Adventures, explains 4x4 suspension systems in an easy-to-understand manner. He gets specific on types of suspensions available from all the major manufacturers including Jeep, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Dodge. He goes into a great level of detail on every different model, including early and modern systems.
The book covers front and rear solid axle, twin-traction beam, and independent suspension systems, as well as coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and more. This book has it all. If it's not covered in here, it doesn't exist. Also included is a glossary of suspension terms and a comprehensive source guide.
Preface
Chapter 1: Suspension Basics
Read this First!
Whaty Lift Systems Affect
Common Misconceptions Regarding Lift Systems
Determining Which Lift System is Best for You
What to Look for in a Lift System
The Domino Effect
Chapter 2: Suspension Theory
What Goes on Behind the Scenes
Suspension Geometry
Alignment Explained
Leaf Spring Tech
Coil Spring Tech
Shock Absorbers
Chapter 3: Solid Front Axle with Leaf Springs
Basic Anatomy
Steering
The Specifics
’69–’91 Chevy Trucks
’41–’95 Jeep CJs and Yjs
’99–’04 Super Duty Trucks
’79–’85 Toyota Pickups
Other Applications
Chapter 4: Solid Axle with Coil Springs
Shocking Matters
In a Bind
The Infamous “Death Wobble”
Coild vs. Coil-overs
Ford Trucks
Jeep Vehicles
Dodge Trucks
Chapter 5: Twin-Traction Beam (TTB)
How It Works
Lift System Basics
Alignment Matters
Steering Straight
Tire Wear
Radius Arms
Choosing the Right Spring
The Bottom Line
Chapter 6: Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with Torsion Bars
How It Works
Suspension Basics
The Bracket Method
Knuckle Method
Control Arms
Differential/CV Axles
Skid Plates
Torsion Bars
Steering
Controlling Suspension Travel
Other Issues
Shorter Lift Systems
Chapter 7: Independent Front Suspension with Struts
Suspension Basics
Lift Systems Basics
Traction Control: New Challenges
Knuckles and Subframes
Strut Matters
Shorter Lifts
Chapter 8: Rear Suspension
Leaf Springs: The Gold Standard
Coil Springs
Axle Wrap
Driveline Vibration
Chapter 9: Custom and High-Performance Suspension Systems
Ready-Made High Performance
Tube Tech Chassis
Other Suspension Designs
Racing Inspiration
The Domino Effect
Appendix A: Suspension Glossary
Appendix B: Source Guide