By Jack Shaw, Guest Writer
Car customization has always been popular for cosmetic purposes. However, suspension adjustments focus more on functionality and performance. These tweaks can make a big difference in how a vehicle experiences bumps and corners, evident for the racer inside and as a viewer outside.
Several suspension adjustments are standard among average automobiles. For instance, working out the stiffness of the car shocks can make the ride much smoother. Modifications to the suspension components can also make the vehicle seem taller, which protects the bottom of the car when driving on rocky terrain.
In the competitive scene, quick suspension adjustments are quite impactful. Notable shifts to the car’s system can make a considerable difference between being safe and ahead of all the other vehicles on the same track. But like most car customization options, these changes can be more complex and invite several challenges.
One of the most underrated issues with quick suspension adjustments is pricing. These changes can involve recalibrating the existing springs of the car or tightening up screws in the car’s system. However, it’s important to have various specialized parts for the system change.
Right now, the sector responsible for global automotive suspension components is projected to reach $26.2 billion in the U.S. by 2024. That figure doesn’t even include the specialized tools required for such operations.
Before the race, a team must check whether production for those components has been discontinued. Some tech may have a premium price tag due to its exclusivity.
Another factor to consider is the availability of aftermarket suspension parts. Depending on the car model, it may be difficult to find the exact piece needed to achieve the ideal suspension system.
Suspension components can also change depending on their overall design. Some shocks produce more tightness and force to withstand more tumultuous driving conditions. Race teams must ensure they get variations that can manage track conditions ahead of time.
That said, it is possible to have the exact system calibration but have it act differently depending on the track conditions on the day. Rain can affect track safety and endanger racers. Fast and strong winds can also impact loose suspensions.
Another consideration is the balance between aesthetics and performance. Quick suspension adjustments are subtle enough to make a difference in a vehicle’s overall look. Race cars are primarily focused on practicality, but the marketability of an automobile’s appearance should not be understated.
For instance, some units hold appeal because of their low height. Unfortunately, the car’s bottom is at risk of damage from bumps and scratches from the road. It’s imperative to strike the right balance.
That said, attention to detail requires plenty of technical expertise. Professional race car drivers will have their own pit crew to tackle the task. Inexperienced members will have to learn plenty of crucial information.
For example, they can’t make the mistake of using shock absorbers for all car wheels. They’re mostly compatible with models with an upper control arm, lower control arm and solid axle on the rear. If a vehicle doesn’t have such features, they must look into using struts instead.
However, there’s no luxury in taking time when facing constraints during or ahead of a race. There’s limited time to assess the terrain and switch up the suspension system. Even then, a pit crew won’t know the exact impact on its performance unless it undergoes testing.
Bradley Erickson finished 5th at an ARCA Menards West Series season race in 2023. He recalls the pressures of making adjustments with their unpredictable car for the tournament:
“At Kern we were battling tightness in the center throughout practice and made some adjustments to help it but it carried over into the race, didn’t qualify as well as I hoped but luckily I was able to finish 5th. A good points day.”
Other people who made different adjustments found their models finished later than expected during crunch time. Thus, the challenge behind suspension changes is figuring out how they work consistently for the best performance possible.
Dealing with suspension system damage can also be quite difficult. NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez finished 4th at the Auto Club Speedway in 2022. He complimented how his pit crew pulled through to give him a spot in the top five despite a damaged rear diffuser and grip loss:
“That was the best pit crew I’ve ever had. It was crazy [to] have a good pit crew like that. I just can’t wait to keep going in the season,” Suarez said. “Very, very happy to continue working with them. Mentally and physically, I feel great; my car is a little hurt right now.
“In the short run, I was just a little bit too tight. I just didn’t have enough grip in the front to stay with them. We made a few mistakes in the race. The diffuser broke so we had to make a lot of pit stops to fix the diffuser.”
Most suspension system damage comes from front and rear collisions, like Suarez’s. However, race teams must also be wary of incurring impairments from improper suspension adjustments when tweaking automobiles. One wrong turn of a bolt sparks a big safety concern in the long run.
The road toward accomplishing quick suspension adjustments can be quite a long one. So many resources and knowledge go into the operation. Ultimately, it’s a treat to watch crews master and perform them at a high speed.
Author Bio
With a passion for all things automotive, Jack Shaw is a respected writer in the racing and off-roading scenes. As a sought-after contributor for Engine Labs, Ford Muscle, NASCAR Chronicle and more, his expertise and attention to detail bring articles to life, keeping readers informed and entertained.