What Do Shocks Do on a Pickup Truck?

Pickup trucks are some of the most versatile vehicles on the road. They can haul large loads, tow heavy trailers, and traverse difficult terrain. However, they do have one major weak spot: their suspension.

Most pickup trucks have relatively basic suspensions that can’t handle rough roads or aggressive driving. This is where shocks come in.

Shocks are an important part of a truck’s suspension system and help to reduce the amount of bounce and body roll when driving over uneven terrain or cornering at high speeds. The shock absorbers dampen the up-and-down motion of the suspension, reducing the amount of strain put on the vehicle’s components and making for a much smoother ride.

Trucks that come from the factory with shocks are usually equipped with standard shocks designed for everyday use. These are usually not adjustable, meaning that if you want to change their stiffness or responsiveness you’ll need to replace them with aftermarket shocks. Aftermarket shocks come in various levels of stiffness and adjustability, allowing drivers to fine-tune their truck’s ride quality for different types of terrain or driving styles.

There are also air shocks available for pickup trucks which use pressurized air instead of oil to dampen suspension movement. Air shocks provide more control over ride quality than standard hydraulic shocks, but can be more expensive and require regular maintenance such as checking tire pressure and refilling the air tanks when necessary.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, having functioning shocks on a pickup truck is essential for providing a smooth ride over rough terrain and reducing strain on other components within the suspension system. Standard hydraulic shocks offer good durability at a reasonable cost but may not be adjustable; aftermarket adjustable shocks provide more control over ride quality but can be more expensive; air shocks offer even more control but require regular maintenance.

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Stephen Dunn