Are you ready for the real thing off-road? Off-road driving places much higher demands on your vehicle than you might think.
The standard equipment of a 4×4 is often suitable for a dirt track. It can also be used on light terrain. But those who want to go into heavier terrain soon notice the limitations of a standard car.
At Lensen Products, we work every day on vehicles that can take a beating. Here are five upgrades that will make your car stronger. They are important if you often drive off-road.
1. Johnny Joints - More flex, less wear
Many people think that off-road driving is mostly brute force. But just as important is that your suspension can move sufficiently. This is because standard rubbers in your suspension restrict the rotation of your axles and transmit vibrations to your chassis. This is not only felt while driving, but also causes faster wear.
Johnny Joints replace those rubbers with a solid ball construction. As a result:
- Have your axles much more freedom of movement, even at extreme angles
- Will put less stress on your chassis and suspension parts
- Components last much longer
- Are they easy to maintain and adjust
Especially on technical bits of terrain, such as rocks, potholes or sharp slopes, Johnny Joints make a huge difference. They make your wheels stay in contact with the ground longer - and that means grip.
👉 Check out our Johnny Joints here
2. Hydraulic Bump Stops - absorbing shock without damage
Anyone who occasionally drives briskly off-road knows the sound: sounded - if your suspension springs completely. Standard bump stops are simple rubber blocks that do dampen slightly, but all the force has to go somewhere. The result can be:
- Shocks in your back
- Bent suspension parts
- Or at worst, cracks in your chassis
Hydraulic bump stops work much smarter. They catch the last centimetres of your suspension travel slowly and in a controlled way. That means:
- No more hard knocks
- Less damage to suspension and chassis
- More comfort, even with firm impact
- Longer life of your suspension parts
They are useful not only for those who like to drive briskly, but also for those who want to negotiate large obstacles without damage to the car.
👉 Check out our Hydraulic Bump Stops
3. Coilovers - Tailor-made ride height and damping
Most 4×4s are built ex-factory for average use. But off-road driving is anything but average. Certainly not if you:
- Fitting heavier bumpers or protective plates
- Installing a winch or roof tent
- Larger tyre rides
All those extra kilos push your car down. The result? Worse handling, unstable steering and sometimes damage if your suspension doesn't have enough suspension travel left.
With coilovers solve that perfectly:
- You adjust your ride height precisely so your car is nice and level
- You can adjust the cushioning → supple for everyday use, or firm for off-road
- Coilovers are often lighter and more heat-resistant than standard shock absorbers
- They are available in different colours for a beautiful look
Moreover, coilovers allow you to achieve more suspension travel - important if you want to tackle big obstacles.
4. Chromoly Heim Joints - Extremely strong and reliable
Heim joints, or rod ends, are found in places where considerable forces are exerted, for example in your steering rod or suspension. Normal steel can get play or even crack after a while, especially if you ride in wet or muddy terrain.
We therefore recommend Chromoly Heim Joints:
- Made of chrome-molybdenum steel → much stronger than standard steel
- More wear-resistant, even in mud and dirt
- No backlash → you steer tighter and more precisely
- Ideal for custom suspension or steering projects
In short: if you are serious about off-roading, you want Heim joints that don't give up on their work at the first splash of mud.
5. Custom exhaust system - More power and a brutal sound
Many people underestimate how much difference a good exhaust can make. Factory exhausts are mostly quiet and cheaply produced. But that pretty much squeezes the performance of your engine, especially if you apply chiptuning or have fitted a larger engine, for example.
A custom exhaust system provides:
- Better flow → more power and torque, especially at higher revs
- Weight savings → stainless steel or thin-walled steel is often lighter than standard exhausts
- Customised sound → do you want subtle or roaring? It's up to you
- Perfect fit → no rattles or sticking parts under your car
At Lensen Products, we fully customise exhaust systems. That way, you not only get more performance out of your car, but also a sound that suits your style.
👉 If you want to know more, contact us!
Ready to upgrade your offroader?
Whether you enjoy driving off-road or just want to make your car stronger and more reliable, these upgrades will help you get more out of your 4×4.
Want to know what fits your car best? Feel free to contact us or check out our webshop. We are happy to think with you!
