OEM vs Aftermarket Suspension: What’s the Difference for Your 4x4?
Your 4x4 does a lot. It’s your daily commute, Mom’s taxi, highway cruiser, dirt road companion, trail explorer, dune rider, safari vehicle, towing machine, and overlanding partner. Sometimes it’s empty, sometimes fully loaded, and sometimes towing heavy trailers. With such a wide range of uses, how do you know whether your Original Equipment (OE) suspension is enough—or if an aftermarket suspension upgrade, like IRONMAN 4x4, is right for you?
Understanding Original Suspension (OEM)
OEM suspension is designed to perform safely across a wide spectrum of conditions. Manufacturers aim to balance comfort, handling, and load-carrying ability for the “average” driver. In reality, this often means the suspension performs reasonably well in most situations—but rarely excels in any single one.
Because OEM suspension must meet safety regulations, cater for warranty conditions, and suit everyday driving, it sometimes falls short when the vehicle is pushed to extremes:
- Heavy towing or fully loaded overlanding trips
- Off-road or trail driving with upgraded tyres
- Harsh desert or rocky terrain
- Vehicles fitted with accessories like bull bars, winches, or additional batteries
Occasionally, OEM suspension is simply not ideal for a particular application. Even after hundreds of thousands of test kilometres, a vehicle may still launch with handling or comfort compromises that only become apparent in real-world use.
What Makes Aftermarket Suspension Different?
Aftermarket suspension upgrades, like IRONMAN 4x4, are designed to solve specific shortcomings of the OEM system. They allow you to tailor your 4x4’s performance to your needs, whether that’s:
- Increased load-carrying capability for overlanding gear or heavy towing
- Lifted ride height for bigger tyres or rough terrain
- Improved ride quality, making the vehicle smoother, firmer, or more controlled depending on use
- Enhanced spring rates to support accessories like bull bars, winches, or second batteries
- Custom style or “image upgrades” for off-road enthusiasts
Essentially, aftermarket suspension focuses on your 4x4’s specific application—rather than the “one-size-fits-all” compromise of OEM suspension.
Things to Consider with Aftermarket Upgrades
While aftermarket suspension can dramatically improve performance in key areas, there are trade-offs to be aware of:
- Heavier springs for full loads may make the ride harsher when the vehicle is empty.
- Increased ride height can slightly affect high-speed handling.
- Not all suspension providers openly explain these trade-offs upfront, so it’s important to choose a reputable company.
Which Should You Choose?
- OEM suspension: Fine for general use and everyday driving. Works “okay” in most situations.
- Aftermarket suspension: Ideal if you regularly carry heavy loads, tow, off-road, overland, or fit your 4x4 with accessories. Provides improved safety, comfort, and control for your specific application.
In short, OEM suspension covers the basics, while aftermarket suspension, like IRONMAN 4x4, allows you to unlock your 4x4’s full potential and enjoy every adventure with confidence.