Off road vehicle owners are challenge takers and thrill seekers. To tackle the challenges and increase the thrill, many enthusiasts begin to customize and modify their 4X4 vehicle as soon as they get it. Some modifications and some new off road parts can greatly improve off road excursions.

A lot of owners install new shock absorbers shortly after purchasing their 4X4. Highly functional, quality shocks are necessary for traversing various terrains. In addition, off road shocks and other offroad parts need to be specific to suit the user’s purposes. Coilover shocks are among the most popular. Many enthusiasts install manual locking hubs in place on the automatic ones that might already be on the vehicle. Locking hubs engage and disengage the front wheels and axle. Automatic hubs can be convenient when functioning correctly, however their reliability can not be compared to that manual locking hubs. Manual locking hubs are stronger and guaranteed to work 100% of the time.

Additional traction is very beneficial when four wheeling over varied terrain. Most 4X4 enthusiasts are not satisfied with “limited-slip” differentials. Manual or automatic locking differentials are preferred by most drivers. A locker, sometimes called a Detroit Locker, will dispatch 100% of the engine torque to both wheels on the axle. Some choose the manual lockers for reduced noise and a smoother on road ride, when deactivated.

Larger tires might be the most common modification to off road vehicles. Bigger tires provide more ground clearance and maneuverability. Off roaders can use bias or radial tires. Bias tires are great for rock crawling, riding trails, and running through the mud. However, they are not good, at all, for road use. Radial tires are more versatile. They provide a quieter, more comfortable ride on a paved surface. Off road conditions require deep, angled tread to grip and climb the rugged terrain.

After purchasing larger tires, a lift kit will probably be needed. Small, medium, and large size lift kits are available whether they be suspension or body lift kits. Small will give the vehicle about 1.5 inches. Medium provides about two inches. Large will provide four inches or more. Spring lift, shackle, reverse shackle, coil, and spring over axle are options for 4X4 suspension lifts.

Vehicle modification should only be used for entertainment and used only for the purposes the modifications are designed. Modifying your vehicle from the factory original specifications will indeed shorten the lifespan of your vehicle.