By Mic van Zyl
In some cases – depending on the vehicle and the type of suspension upgrade – a suspension modification can actually reduce off-road ability or even compromise on-road safety. But when it comes to the Suzuki Jimny, the short answer is yes… although not always.
Why is a suspension upgrade required?
Original Equipment (OE) suspension systems are designed to perform safely and comfortably across a wide range of conditions. Most 4WDs are expected to serve as everything from daily commuters and school shuttles to long-distance tourers, trail and dune explorers, towing vehicles, and overlanding rigs.
This wide variety of uses means the OE suspension must strike a balance between comfort, handling, load-carrying ability, and off-road performance – a tall order, if not an impossible one. As a result, some owners find the factory setup lacking in certain situations, prompting them to seek a tailored solution.
There are also cases where OE suspension engineers simply miss the mark, despite thousands of development kilometres. Some vehicles hit the market with noticeable flaws such as poor ride quality or unsettled handling. That’s where the aftermarket steps in.
How does aftermarket suspension fix this?
Aftermarket suspension systems are designed to address specific shortcomings in OE setups. They can increase load-carrying capability for those fitting accessories or carrying constant heavy loads, raise ride height for greater ground clearance and larger tyres, or alter ride quality if the factory suspension is too firm or too soft. And, of course, there’s always the aesthetic appeal of a more purposeful stance.
However, every gain has a trade-off. Stiffer springs that handle a full holiday load will feel harsh once that load is removed. Raising ride height for better clearance increases the centre of gravity, which can affect high-speed stability. In short, OE suspension is a compromise that works well for most owners, while aftermarket systems optimise performance in certain areas – sometimes at the expense of others.
Different suspension types
Broadly speaking, 4WD suspensions are either solid axle or independent. The traditional solid axle design – found on both front and rear axles of older or more robust off-roaders – is extremely tough. Most modern 4WDs feature independent front suspension with a live rear axle, while a handful of SUVs use fully independent systems at both ends for improved on-road comfort rather than heavy-duty load carrying.
Solid axles are tougher and can handle heavier loads, especially when paired with leaf springs, which is why they’re common on the rear of bakkies. Their main disadvantage is a higher unsprung weight, which can lead to more noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) on rough terrain. Independent suspension, with less unsprung weight, delivers a smoother ride – ideal for the front end, where loads are relatively consistent.
How does a suspension upgrade benefit the Jimny?
The Suzuki Jimny’s suspension layout is rare in today’s world of soft-roaders. It features solid axles front and rear, with coil springs at each corner. These are located and controlled via radius arms at the front and trailing arms at the rear, striking a fine balance between strength, comfort, and articulation.
Solid axles are generally superior to independent setups off-road because they keep the tyres in contact with the ground over uneven surfaces. The simple reason is geometry: the distance between the tyre’s contact patch and the suspension’s pivot point is greater on a solid axle, allowing for more articulation. Likewise, the radius and trailing arms on solid-axle systems are usually longer than the control arms on independent setups, further enhancing travel.
Suspension travel is limited at both extremes. Upward movement is controlled by bump stops, which should never be modified, as excessive upward travel could cause the tyres to hit the bodywork. Downward travel (or droop) is typically limited by the extended length of the shock absorbers.
In independent systems, increasing droop requires major modification due to the physical limits of ball joints and CV joints. In contrast, solid-axle suspensions like the Jimny’s can often gain safe additional droop simply by fitting shocks with a slightly longer extended length – provided their compressed length remains suitable. It’s essential to check that brake lines, wiring, and other components aren’t overstretched when the axle is at full droop.
This extended articulation allows the Jimny’s wheels to stay planted for longer when traversing uneven terrain, maintaining traction and improving off-road performance. It’s one of the key reasons why the Jimny punches well above its weight on the trail.
A final word on safety
Any suspension modification should only be done by a qualified professional. Suspension is a “life and limb” component – if it fails, the consequences can be severe. Always opt for a properly engineered and matched upgrade kit from a reputable 4WD or suspension specialist. These systems have been designed and tested to ensure your vehicle remains safe, predictable, and capable – on and off the road.
