Explain to me like I'm 5

I did my best to educate myself before I go asking for answers.

If I planned on adding weight to my truck (Roof rack, Tent, onboard air ) what areas of the suspension system are a MUST and what can be over looked?

What are some things to consider if I wanted to improve road trips with suspension in mind?

Parking Garages are a concern for me.


Coil springs: Absorb the impact of bumps in the road
Shock absorbers: Also known as dampers, these support the coil springs to reduce the impact of bumps
Rods and linkages: Connect different parts of the suspension system
Joints, bearings, and bushings: Allow some suspension system components to slide
Struts: Also known as MacPherson struts, these are hydraulic shock absorbers that run through a coil spring
Control arms: Responsible for locating the steering axis
Ball joints: Connect the steering knuckle to the lower control arm
Hub and bearing: Allow the wheels to spin freely while still being connected to the car
Anti-sway bar: Stabilizes the vehicle and shifts wheel movement
Torsion bars: I dont know

 

If parking garages are a concern for you, then don't it. Most garages have a very low clearance height. The garage for my office in Dallas is very low. My 4Runner is stock height, with stock size tires and OEM roof rails. I barely clear it.

I say barely, but I probably have 6 - 8 inches between the 4Runner/Ceiling.

 

We have coilovers or double A arm suspension. Struts turn with the wheel.

 

Springs hold up the weight. Their purpose is not to absorb bumps.

Dampers "dampen" the up and down motion of the springs. They are also called shock absorbers because they "absorb" the bumps in the road.

Sway bars are torsion bars. They dampen or absorb body roll through a torsional aniti-sway bar. They are a form of horizontal damper. They are not what most people refer to when they say torsion bar, but that's what they are. Anti-sway bars are torsion bars, but there are other torsion bars, or.they are torsion bars but not all torsion bars are anti-sway bars.

Torsion bars are another form of spring to hold up the vehicle's weight.

Not all struts are Macpherson, but a strut is a spring/damper combo.

"What are some things to consider if I wanted to improve road trips with suspension in mind?"

You probably should drive the vehicle for a few thousand miles and then ask specifically related to what isn't working well for you. Your question is so broad the answers could include every suspension component out there. What don't you like about your suspension when on road trips?

 

Huh, turn with the wheel?

 

Yes.

 

They rotate with the steering knuckles. There’s a bearing at the top mount. My GTO uses a front strut setup just like @1SilverRunner posted.

 

For those, I believe you can get away keeping it stock and changing if you feel it’s needed.

If you were adding on metal bumpers then you will want to beef up suspension accordingly but for a tent and whatnot I think you’ll be fine as is.

 

@whippersnapper02: The 4Runner has a double wishbone suspension. The spindle turns with the wheel. The strut does not.

@Acesandeights: the purpose of the springs is to both support the weight and absorb the bumps. The dampers control the speed of the compression and rebound of the springs, and also prevent the springs from oscillating.

 

Correct. I referenced my GTO as having struts.

 

If you're only planning to add those three items I'd run the stock suspension.
The stock stuff is very compliant on road and a couple hundred pounds spread out accross the vehicle is not enough to warranty stiffer springs.

If you want a lift for looks, then that's a different story. But the stock stuff is going to work just fine with that small increase in weight.