Off-road driving is a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be hard on your vehicle's suspension system. One important component of your suspension that can greatly impact your off-road performance is the bump stop. The bump stop is a rubber or polyurethane block that limits the travel of your suspension system, preventing damage to other suspension components, such as shock absorbers, springs, and control arms. In this article, we'll take a look at what to look for in a bumpstop for off-road suspensions.
What Should you Look for in a Bumpstop
Compatibility With Your Vehicle
What is a Bumpstop?
A bumpstop is a component of a vehicle's suspension system that helps limit the travel of the suspension. It's typically a rubber or polyurethane block that sits at the end of the suspension's travel and prevents damage to other suspension components, such as shocks, springs, and control arms.
When a vehicle hits a bump or encounters rough terrain, the suspension system compresses and rebounds to absorb the impact. However, if the suspension is allowed to compress too far, it can cause damage to other components or cause the vehicle to bottom out. This is where the bumpstop comes in — it acts as a buffer to prevent the suspension from compressing too far and causing damage.
Bumpstops come in different lengths and densities, depending on the vehicle and the intended use. Off-road vehicles, for example, may require stiffer and longer bump stops to handle the additional stresses and impacts of off-road driving. Bumpstops can be installed on various parts of the suspension, including the control arms, shocks, and struts, depending on the vehicle and the specific suspension setup.
What to Look for in a Bumpstop
The first thing you should consider when choosing a bump stop for your off-road suspension is the material and durability. Bumpstops are made of different materials, including rubber and polyurethane. Rubber bump stops are more affordable, but they tend to wear out quickly and lose their effectiveness over time. Polyurethane bump stops are more expensive but offer better durability and longevity, making them a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Our 3-D printed bumpstops offer the best of both worlds. Instead of using expensive injection molds, our additive construction allows for the use of high quality thermoplastic polyurethane without breaking the bank. Offering a less expensive alternative without any compromises.
Length and Travel
The length and travel of your bump stop are crucial factors to consider when choosing one for your off-road suspension. The length of your bumpstops will determine how much compression your suspension can handle before the bump stop engages. The travel, on the other hand, is the distance that the bump stop can compress before it bottoms out. You want to choose a bumpstop that provides adequate length and travel to protect your suspension components from damage. At PerryParts, we differentiate the lengths on our rear stops on if you require one that is rated for Long Travel. These are designed to pair well with shock bodies labeled as extended travel, extended shocks or long travel.
Compatibility With Your Vehicle
Not all bump stops are created equal, and not all of them are compatible with your vehicle's suspension system. You need to choose a bump stop that is specifically designed for your vehicle's make and model to ensure proper fit and function.
This will also help prevent any potential damage to your vehicle's suspension system. For most makes and models, our bumpstops offer tool-less installation. Each is expertly designed to install exactly how your stock bumpstops were installed.
All vehicles come with front and rear bumpstops installed straight from the factory, However, Most OEM stops are a harsh, rubber mold offering little progression or dampening. An effective bumpstop solution is able to dissipate the energy over a longer distance, ensuring a more comfortable ride.
Price
Finally, price is always a factor to consider when purchasing any automotive component. Bump stops come in a wide range of prices, and you want to choose one that fits your budget while still offering the necessary features and benefits for your off-road suspension. Most bumpstops are created using expensive rubber injection molds that create a solid rubber bump stop. While this might seem like a positive, you're relying on chemical makeup alone to control your suspension's travel across rough terrain. Our bump stops use advanced CAD simulations and hundreds of miles of testing to find the optimum design that not only offers the best performance but also the best value for your money!
Conclusion
When choosing a bump stop for your off-road suspension, it's important to consider the material and durability, length and travel, compatibility with your vehicle, and price. Our PerryParts bumpstops offer the best of both worlds with 3D printed construction using high-quality thermoplastic polyurethane, providing excellent durability and longevity while remaining cost-effective. Our bumpstops are also expertly designed to fit your vehicle's make and model, ensuring proper function and preventing potential damage to your suspension system. Additionally, our advanced CAD simulations and hundreds of miles of testing result in the best-performing and best-value bump stops on the market. Choose PerryParts bump stops for a safe, durable, and effective off-road suspension system.