There are basically four different kinds of bump stops on the market.
Factory bump stops
Every vehicle comes with bump stops installed at the factory. Bump stops should always be incorporated in a suspension design to stop metal-to-metal contact of components, prevent leaf springs from flexing too far, and protect shocks from damage.
But factory bump stops are inadequate for off-roaders. Factory stops deliver a harsh jounce when the vehicle bottoms out. This creates poor ride quality and loss of control.
In order to improve the ride and increase control, you need a different type of bump stop.
TeraFlex
TeraFlex Speed bumps limit the upward movement of the axle, and actually slow the axle down. They also capture the rebound energy created when the suspension compresses and bottoms out, providing a real advantage over factory bump stops.
In other words, both vehicle and driver experience less stress, better control and improved handling.
Here’s a situation where the SpeedBump shines on a Jeep:
High speed off-road driving presents constant high energy impacts to the Jeep’s suspension. A high speed impact to the stock bump stops causes a loss of control. The Jeep with stock bump stops must reduce its speed dramatically in order to keep the rig under control.
The Jeep equipped with Speedbumps, however, will efficiently maintain its speed and control over the same terrain. The Speedbumps absorb over 4.5 times the amount of energy as factory bump stops.
Consequently, this keeps the driver comfortable and the Jeep under control.
Nitrogen Bump Stops
The gas-pressurized, nitrogen bump stop (often called air bumps) became more popular in recent years.
These cylindrical velocity-sensitive units consist of a short-stroke shock mechanism. The inside has oil, much like a standard shock. This allows the bump stop to effectively dampen, or slow, the suspension movement through its final inches of travel.
A suspension using air bumps can often run a softer spring rate, making the ride smoother under normal driving conditions. Air bumps supplement the progressive spring rate of the suspension.
Active Off-Road Bump Stops
Timbren’s Aeon® hollow rubber springs – used as bump stops for off-roaders – install in the same location as the factory bump stops.
Because they’re designed with soft rubber and a hollow core, they soften the harsh ‘jolt’ when the suspension bottoms out. This increased dampening response helps maintain control of the vehicle navigating the trails.
So, there you have it: 3 great alternative bump stops.
Which one is right for you?
