There are many upgrades that make life on the road (and off) extra comfortable. Roof tents, racks, drawer systems and portable fridge freezers aside, however, what’s going on inside your vehicle can define your ride quality and driving experience too.
Suspension kits are popular upgrades for 4×4 drivers looking to maximise the quality of their rides as well as enjoy a neat little lift that makes off-roading more satisfying. Shock absorbers are vital parts of the suspension upgrade puzzle.
To help you reap the rewards of a shock absorber upgrade, we’ve dedicated this post to exploring the connection between shock absorber upgrade and ride comfort, the two basic types of shocks that are currently on the market, and how you can pick the right shocks for you.
Why upgrade your shock absorbers?
Whilst their role isn’t necessary to ‘absorb shock’ as their name suggests, a shock absorber upgrade can make your ride smoother and improve the tyre contact that gives you even better control of your vehicle.
Put simply, your shock absorbers manage the vertical movement of your 4×4’s wheels. Working in correlation with new springs (the true shock absorbers of automotive technology), a shock absorber upgrade can help to enhance the driving experience and reduce the risks that go hand-in-hand with poor spring control (such as increased body roll).
What are mono-tube shocks?
Choosing to upgrade your shock absorbers is just the beginning. There are in fact two basic types of shock absorbers on the market. Let’s start with mono-tube shocks…
As you may have guessed, mono-tube shocks combine all the internal components in a single tube. Inside this tube, you’ll also find a piston separating the oil and gas chambers. This construction ensures a higher gas pressure and larger oil capacity are possible. Mono-tube shocks unlock several benefits for 4x4s used regularly in tougher conditions that require a high level of performance and more efficient temperature regulation.
How do twin-tube shocks differ?
Twin-tube shocks use two separate cylinders to encase these components, meaning there’s no physical barrier or piston between the oil and gas.
Thanks to their simpler construction, twin-tube shocks are more economical to produce and purchase, and a more widespread shock absorber upgrade as a result. Unlike mono-tube shocks, the twin-tube design promises lower gas pressure.
Which shock absorber is right for me?
The differing constructions of twin- and mono-tube shocks mean varying advantages for 4×4 drivers looking to upgrade. If you want to achieve a better ride quality as part of your shock upgrade, one shock type comes out on top as Tomorrow’s Technician reveals:
“The best ride quality is achieved when the dampening force is stabilised. The pressure inside the shocks must be distributed evenly (especially with adjustable valving in the mix). Monotube shocks offer more dampening options than twin-tube shocks for several reasons. Monotubes use a single valve mechanism that exerts pressure equally, whereas twin-tubes use several valves on the piston.”
Monotube shocks however tend to be more expensive, are available for far fewer vehicle applications, and give a firmer ride due to increased gas pressure. In comparison, twin-tube shocks are more common and come highly recommended for a larger range of applications.
Both mono-tube and twin-tube shock absorbers are easy to maintain, with 99% of shocks requiring no maintenance at all!
It is important to note that not all shocks contain gas, some are purely hydraulic and use only oil. Whether going mono-tube, twin-tube or purely hydraulic however, there are more factors to consider when upgrading your shock absorbers.
Opting for premium shocks from the top brands for 4×4 upgrades is recommended. With our Old Man Emu, Terrain Tamer and Koni shocks, you can realise the power of high-quality components and casing first-hand.
Shop our shock absorbers today to find the quality shocks you need to enhance your ride.
