The 4x4 Suspension Handbook by Trenton McGee is published by CarTech Books.
Off-roading and rock crawling are very popular hobbies, and most off-roading enthusiasts are upgrading their 4x4 suspension systems to meet the demands of those activities.
In addition to improving the off-road capabilities of any 4x4, improved suspension systems can be beautiful and used also for show purposes.
However, as you probably are aware of, 4x4 and off-road suspension systems can be complicated so having a solid understanding of the basics is crucial, before you start making modifications and upgrades.
In this book, author Trenton McGee, a 4x4 suspension expert, explains 4x4 suspension systems in an easy-to-understand way, and covers many types of such systems, from all major manufacturers, ranging from early to modern systems.
Book Excerpt
SUSPENSION BASICSCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING LIFT SYSTEMS A Lift System Stiffens The Ride "While this statement may have been true 20 years ago, today nothing could be further from the truth. The goal for the vast majority of the suspension companies is to maintain factory ride quality at an increased ride height. They use factory spring rates as a goal, not a starting point. The springs are often sourced from the same companies that build them for the original equipment manufacturers, as are the shocks (springs and shocks are rarely manufactured in-house but instead sourced from an outside supplier)."
Subject: Transportation: Off-Roading: 4x4: Suspension systems. How-to modify, repair and upgrade. ISBN-10: 1613250827 | ISBN-13: 9781613250822 | CarTech SA137P
Above: Tracy Pouch poses with his 1987 Jeep YJ Wrangler after it drove itself into Tracy's swimming pool. Winnie, Texas.
Read this first! | What lift systems affect | Common misconceptions regarding lift systems | Determinig which lift system is best for you | What to look for in a lift system | The domino effect Suspension Theory
What goes on behind the scenes | Suspension geometry | Alignment explained | Leaf spring tech | Coil spring tech | Shock absorbers Solid Front Axle with Leaf Springs
Basic anatomy | Steering | The specifics | 1969-1991 Chevy trucks | 1941-1995 Jeep CJs and YJs | 1999-2004 Super Duty trucks | 1979-1985 Toyota pickups | Other applications Solid Axle with Coil Springs
Shocking matters | In a bind | The infamous "Death Wobble" | Coil vs. coil-overs | Ford trucks | Jeep vehicles | Dodge trucks Twin-Traction Beam (TTB)
How it works | Lift system basics | Alignment matters | Steering straight | Tire wear | Radius arms | Choosing the right spring | The bottom line Independent Front Suspensions (IFS) with Torsion Bars
How it works | Suspension basics | The bracket method | Knuckle method | Control arms | Differentials/CV axles | Skid plates | Torsion bars | Steering | Controlling suspension travel | Other issues | Shorter lift systems Independent Front Suspension with Struts
Suspension basics | Lift systems basics | Traction control: New challenges | Knuckels and subframes | Strut matters | Shorter lifts Rear Suspension
Leaf springs: The gold standard | Coil springs | Axle Wrap | Driveline Vibration Custom and High-Performance Suspension Systems
Ready-made high performance | Tube tech chassis | Other suspension designs | Racing inspiration | The domino effect Appendices
Suspension glossary | Source guide
