The suspension system of every vehicle is nearly as complex as its engine. While there is no fuel or sparks mixing together, there are more than a dozen parts with all having some level of adjustability to them. This can be a lot to take in for someone who wants to upgrade even a single part. But it doesn't have to be that complex, especially if you choose to go with coilovers.
A coilover is similar to a shock absorber in that it acts as one but, in fact, does so much more. 4X4 coil overs are able to provide a stable ride and make for a more comfortable experience while letting you adjust your 4x4's ride height. The level of customizability you get with coilovers is unmatched.
What to Look for in Coilovers
Spring Rate
An element of coilovers that refers to the amount of weight that's going to compress them by 2.5 cm is the spring rate. For example, if a pair of coilovers have a spring rate of 130 kg it means they are going to compress by 2.5 cm when that much weight is applied. The higher the spring rate of a coilover in a 4x4 vehicle the more stable of a ride you'll have. Springs with lower spring rates are going to make for a more comfortable ride but there will be more body roll.
Adjustability
As you already know the level of adjustability you get with coilovers is already a lot better than that of shocks or struts. But even with coilovers you can get different levels of adjustment. AWD coilovers allow you to work with up to three different rings that allow you to adjust other factors than just ride height.
Compression & Rebound
The other two elements you're are able to adjust with certain types of coilovers are compression and rebound levels. Compression is what refers to the piston of the coilover being pushed down into the body and thus compressing the springs. Rebound is the opposite of compression which is the force that takes the piston up and brings the springs back into their original position.
Helper Springs
When it comes to lowering the height of your 4x4, coilovers make use of helper springs. These types of springs are used to prevent the springs on the coilovers from becoming loose. Helper springs are light and don't hinder the proper operation of coilovers. Since helper springs maintain constant tension they ensure coilovers work the way they're meant to. You can also unload your vehicle safely with helper springs on your coilovers.
Upper Mounts
An important part of every coilover reliant 4x4 vehicle is the upper mount. The upper mount is what ensures your vehicle drives smoothly. This is because the upper mount mounts the coilover to the car and keeps everything together. You have two types of upper mounts, pillow-ball and rubber. The former is better at providing good handling but they are not good at absorbing vibrations. Rubber upper mounts absorb impacts better but are not as good when driving on a twisty road.
Material
There are two types of materials you can go for when it comes to the spring perch of a coilover. There are ones made of stainless steel and others that are galvanised. Stainless steel perches are able to withstand dirt, salt, and road grime better than galvanised ones. But if you're not going to be driving in the rain that much, galvanised perches are a great option since they are quite affordable.
Types of Coilovers
Shock Adjustable
One of the more versatile 4x4 coil overs you can find are shock adjustable coilovers. These types of coilovers let you make your 4x4 have a smooth compression and rebound whilst being able to adjust ride stiffness too. Because of this, shock adjustable coilovers are the most popular option.
Non-Shock Adjustable
Unlike adjustable, non-shock adjustable AWD coilovers are, as you'd expect, more limited. But although you can't adjust any of the elements you can with shock adjustable coilovers, non-shock adjustable coilovers focus more on height adjustment. This is because they are a full-bodied coilover that is more of a set-it-and-forget-it type of solution.
Sleeves
The most basic coilover upgrade are coilover sleeves. Sleeves act much like lowering springs but the former has one difference. They are height adjustable. But aren't non-shock adjustable 4x4 coil overs only height-adjustable too? Yes, but the two aren't the same thing. Coilover sleeves are installed on top of shocks while non-shock adjustable coilovers act as a replacement. Also, coilover sleeves are the most affordable coilover suspension upgrade you can get while being the least time-consuming when it comes to their installation process.
Coilovers with Camber Kits
The most comprehensive coilovers you can get are those that come together with a camber kit. This is essentially a combination of shock adjustable coilovers and a camber kit which is meant to be used on the front, but more advanced kits come with rear camber adjustment.
