Do you want to give off-roading a try? Hey, it can be a lotta fun. But before you leave the pavement and hit the trails, you need to think about bump stops. Not sure what a bump stop is? No problem. Today, we’re going to learn about OEM bump stops and why they’re not gonna cut it on rough, off-road terrain. We’ll also talk about Off-Road Bumpstops and introduce you to the best off-road suspension upgrade.
What are OEM bumpstops?
Whether you call them bump stops, jounce bumpers or axle snubbers, it all means the same thing. We’re talking about a small – but important – component that works together with your suspension and, in some cases, is part of the suspension on your truck, van, or SUV. There is always a gap of about 4 inches between the bump stop and the axle.
In the case of trucks and SUVs, most bump stops are mounted to the frame just above the lower control arm of an independent front suspension or somewhere between the frame and the axle tube on the rear. Bump stops can also be mounted to the top of a leaf spring.
Depending on the design, a bump stop could be made of various materials. Factory bump stops are usually made of rubber or microcellular foam. Many aftermarket bump-stop manufacturers choose polyurethane for its durability and its capability to be used for injection-molded products.
The main purpose of a bump stop is to serve as the final cushion when the suspension bottoms out. That way, there’s always a bit of protection to prevent metal from hitting metal or, in some cases, prevent the frame from traveling too far.
When the bump stops contact the axle (or, in some cases, the frame) the suspension has bottomed out and can go no further.
Off-road bump stops take it one step further by softening the harsh jounce when the suspension bottoms out. This helps to maintain better ride quality on rough terrain, giving the driver more control over the vehicle. Active Off-Road Bumpstops are designed to absorb the constant stress of bottoming out by allowing a better cushion between frame and axle.
Which off-road bump stops are best?
If you've gone off-road and your Raptor is still equipped with original bump stops from the factory, it can sound like a loud, cringe-worthy ‘clunk’ when your suspension bottoms out.
There are basically three types of bump stops designed to replace the bump stops that were installed at the factory. All three minimize the damage caused when the suspension bottoms out:
- Hydraulic bump stops
- Speed Bump bump stops
- Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops
If price is no object, hydraulic bump stops are a viable alternative. These adjustable stops are filled with shock oil and nitrogen. You’re going to need a custom shop that specializes in made-to-measure installation because these bump stops work best in conjunction with your existing shocks.
If price is an issue, Active Off-Road Bumpstops are the way to go. They’re made of natural rubber and come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on what you drive, there is a custom kit that will fit your 4x4 pickup or SUV. If you can remove a factory bump stop, you can install a set Active Off-Road Bumpstops.
Here’s how easy it is to install Active Off-Road Bumpstops – part # ABSTORSEQ – on the rear of a Toyota 4Runner:
- Raise vehicle allowing the axle to hang freely.
- Remove existing bump stop assembly.
- Assemble Aeon® rubber spring and metal bracket.
- Mount Timbren assembly using existing holes and Timbren-supplied fasteners.
- Lower vehicle.
5 easy steps make Active Off-Road Bumpstops easy to install and easy to maintain!
Why choose Active Off-Road Bumpstops over the others?
Active Off-Road Bumpstops are made of natural rubber and come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on what you drive, there is a custom kit that will fit your off-road vehicle. If you can remove a bump stop, you can install a set of Active Off-Road Bumpstops.
Why are Active Off-road Bumpstops so popular? Here are some of the advantages:
- Easy to install
If you’re looking for an off-road bump stop that is easy to install and maintain, softens the blow when your F-150 Raptor bottoms out, and comes with a Lifetime Warranty, Active Off-Road Bumpstops are your best choice.
For more information visit Timbren.com.
