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Upgrade Your ’73-’87 Chevy with Long Travel Suspension
There’s a certain thrill in pushing the boundaries of your ’73-’87 Chevy truck. One area where you can significantly upgrade your truck’s performance is its suspension system.Investing in a long travel suspension kitcan take your Chevy’s off-road capabilities to new heights. Let’s delve into why and how you can upgrade your ’73-’87 Chevy with a long travel suspension.
Understanding Long Travel Suspension Systems
What is Long Travel Suspension?
Long travel suspension is a type of suspension system designed to absorb significant shocks and impacts, especially during high-speed off-road conditions[^1^]. Its extended suspension travel lets your vehicle’s wheels move a greater distance vertically, providing better ground clearance and shock absorption.
How Does it Work?
Long travel suspension systems work on the principle of increasing the distance your vehicle’s suspension can travel. This extended travel allows for more wheel movement, providing smoother handling over rough terrains. These systems typically involve larger shock absorbers, extended control arms, new leaf springs, and sometimes even a new chassis.
Why Choose Long Travel Suspension?
A long travel suspension system can greatly enhance your Chevy’s off-road performance. It allows for smoother rides over rough terrain, improved handling, and increased ground clearance. It also helps reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage during off-roading[^2^].
Upgrading Your ’73-’87 Chevy with Long Travel Suspension
Choosing the Right Kit
The choice of a long travel suspension kit depends on your driving needs and budget. Kits can range from basic to high-end, with the main difference being the quality of components and their impact on performance. Brands such as King Shocks, Fox, and Camburg Engineering offer a range of kits suitable for ’73-’87 Chevy trucks.
Installation Process
Installing a long travel suspension kit can be a complex process, involving significant changes to your vehicle’s suspension system. It’s recommended to have a professional mechanic handle the installation. However, if you’re comfortable with advanced mechanical tasks, you can undertake the installation yourself with the right tools and instructions.
Maintenance and Care
Once installed, a long travel suspension system requires regular maintenance. This includes frequent inspections for wear and tear, ensuring proper alignment, and timely replacement of worn-out components.
Real-World Performance: Case Studies
Let’s look at a few examples of ’73-’87 Chevy trucks equipped with long travel suspension systems to understand their real-world performance.
Case Study 1: The ’73 Chevy K10
The ’73 Chevy K10 equipped with a Camburg Engineering long travel kit showed remarkable off-road capabilities. Its increased ground clearance and enhanced shock absorption made it a formidable contender in off-road racing[^3^].
Case Study 2: The ’87 Chevrolet Silverado
A ’87 Chevrolet Silverado equipped with a King Shocks long travel kit showed significant improvement in handling rough terrains. The vehicle was able to tackle steep inclines and rocky trails with ease[^4^].
Expert Tips and Best Practices
- Choose a kit that matches your needs: A high-end kit may not be necessary if you only occasionally engage in off-roading.
- Regularly inspect your suspension system: Regular inspections can help identify and address issues before they become severe.
- Work with a professional: A professional mechanic can ensure the correct installation and maintenance of your long travel suspension system.
Conclusion
Upgrading your ’73-’87 Chevy with a long travel suspension kit can significantly enhance its off-road capabilities. By choosing the right kit, ensuring proper installation, and conducting regular maintenance, you can enjoy a smoother and more exciting off-road experience.
FAQs
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What is a long travel suspension system?A long travel suspension system is designed to absorb significant shocks during high-speed off-road conditions. It provides better ground clearance and shock absorption.
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Why should I upgrade my ’73-’87 Chevy with a long travel suspension?Upgrading to a long travel suspension can enhance your vehicle’s off-road performance, provide smoother rides over rough terrain, improve handling, and increase ground clearance.
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What does the installation process involve?The installation process can be complex, involving significant changes to your vehicle’s suspension system. It’s recommended to have a professional mechanic handle the installation.
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What maintenance does a long travel suspension system require?A long travel suspension system requires regular inspections for wear and tear, ensuring proper alignment, and timely replacement of worn-out components.
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Can I install a long travel suspension kit myself?If you’re comfortable with advanced mechanical tasks, you can undertake the installation yourself with the right tools and instructions. However, it’s generally recommended to have a professional mechanic handle the installation.
