Lift Smart. Ride Better. Conquer More.
Upgrading your suspension is one of the most important—and exciting—mods you can make to your off-road rig. Whether you’re building a weekend trail runner, a daily driver with attitude, or a full-blown crawler, your suspension determines how your vehicle handles, how it feels, and where it can take you.
Let’s break down the options, the pros and cons, and how to choose what’s right for your Jeep or truck.
Coilovers vs. Leaf Springs: What’s the Difference?
Coilovers: Modern Ride & Maximum Flex
Coilover suspension systems combine a coil spring and shock absorber into one unit. They’re adjustable, tunable, and ideal for precision performance.
Pros:
- Smoother ride on and off-road
- Better articulation and handling
- Adjustable ride height and damping
- Ideal for rock crawling, overlanding, and high-speed trails
Cons:
- Typically more expensive
- Requires more setup or tuning
- Some require custom mounting or fabrication
Best for: Jeep Wranglers, Gladiators, and trucks built for performance or trail versatility.
Leaf Springs: Tried, True, and Tough
Leaf springs are stacked metal strips that flex as a unit. They’re rugged and still found on many trucks and older off-road rigs.
Pros:
- Strong load-carrying capacity
- Simpler design, fewer moving parts
- Reliable under heavy weight (like overlanding builds or utility trucks)
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Rougher ride quality
- Limited articulation compared to coils
- Less customizable
Best for: Workhorse pickups, older rigs, or those who prioritize hauling capacity over comfort.
Suspension Lift Kits: How High Should You Go?
Here’s a quick guide to help decide:
- 1–2.5” Lift: Great for daily drivers and light trail use. Keeps factory handling close to stock while fitting slightly larger tires.
- 3–4.5” Lift: A solid middle ground—enhanced clearance, more aggressive stance, and serious trail capability.
- 5” + Lift: For the hardcore off-roader or show truck. Big articulation, big tires, and big commitment to modifications (think longer control arms, driveshafts, re-gearing, etc.)
Brands We Trust & Install at High Mountain Off-Road
We’ve tested just about everything out there—and these are the suspension brands we stand behind:
🔹 Fox
High-performance shocks and coilovers, known for their superior ride and adjustability. Perfect for high-speed desert runs or technical trail riding.
🔹 King Off-Road
Top-tier coilovers and bypass shocks for serious builds. These are race-inspired components with ultra-smooth ride characteristics.
🔹 BDS Suspension
A reliable lift kit manufacturer with great warranty support. Ideal for full-size trucks and daily drivers that want more off-road capability without sacrificing comfort.
🔹 Old Man Emu (OME)
Engineered specifically for overlanding and long-haul off-road travel. Known for excellent ride quality and long-term durability.
🔹 Rough Country
A solid, budget-friendly option for basic lift kits and daily-driven rigs. Great entry point if you’re new to lifting your vehicle.
(We also install Teraflex, Fabtech, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, and Skyjacker—just ask us what fits your goals.)
So… What’s the Right Suspension for You?
Ask yourself:
- What do you use your rig for? (Trails, towing, camping, commuting?)
- How much lift do you really need?
- What’s your budget?
- Do you want comfort, performance, or load capacity—or all three?
The right suspension setup balances all these factors, and that’s where our team at High Mountain Off-Road comes in.
Ready to Build It Right?
Choosing the right suspension isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll walk you through it, help you find the perfect kit for your goals, and install it with expert precision.
Stop by the shop or schedule an appointment—we’ll help you build a rig that’s as capable as it is comfortable.
Phone: Oakland Shop Morgantown Shop