For off-road enthusiasts and serious adventurers, the suspension system is the heart of a vehicle's performance. Regarding tackling demanding trails, rock crawling, or high-speed desert runs, 14-inch travel shocks stand out as a premium choice, offering a significant upgrade in capability, control, and comfort.

What Defines 14-inch Travel?

The "travel" of a shock absorber refers to the maximum distance the shock can compress and extend. A 14-inch travel shock means it can articulate a full 14 inches, allowing for immense wheel movement. This extended range is crucial for:

14-inch-travel-shocks
(Picture: polarisbritain.com)

  • Maintaining Tire Contact: Over large obstacles or uneven terrain, longer travel shocks help keep your tires firmly planted on the ground, maximizing traction and control.
  • Smoothing Out Bumps: The increased travel allows the suspension to absorb larger impacts more effectively, leading to a significantly smoother ride, reducing fatigue for occupants and stress on the vehicle's components.
  • Enhanced Articulation: For rock crawling and extreme off-roading, superior articulation allows individual wheels to move independently, conforming to the terrain and preventing "teeter-tottering" or getting hung up.
  • Improved Stability at Speed: In high-speed off-road applications, longer travel shocks provide greater stability and control over whoops and G-outs, preventing the suspension from bottoming out harshly.

Who Needs 14-inch Travel Shocks?

While not necessary for everyday commuting, 14-inch travel shocks are a game-changer for:

  • Dedicated Off-Road Vehicles: Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs built for serious trail use, rock crawling, and overlanding benefit immensely from the increased capability.
  • Prerunners and Desert Racers: Vehicles designed for high-speed desert running rely on long-travel suspension to absorb massive impacts and maintain control over rough terrain.
  • Custom Builds: Builders creating highly capable off-road machines often design their suspension systems around long-travel shocks to achieve maximum performance.
  • Heavy Duty Applications: Vehicles carrying significant loads or towing in off-road conditions can also benefit from the added control and stability.

Key Features and Considerations:

When investing in 14-inch travel shocks, consider these important factors:

  • Shock Type: 

    1. Emulsion Shocks: Simpler design, often more affordable.
    2. Remote Reservoir Shocks: Separate reservoir for increased oil and nitrogen volume, leading to better heat dissipation and consistent performance during prolonged use. This is highly recommended for long-travel applications.
    3. Bypass Shocks: Offer external adjustability for compression and rebound damping zones, providing ultimate tuning capability for specific terrain and driving styles.

  • Mounting Type: Ensure the shocks are compatible with your vehicle's existing suspension mounts or that you have the necessary fabrication skills for custom mounting solutions.
  • Shaft Diameter: Larger shaft diameters generally indicate greater strength and durability, crucial for enduring harsh off-road conditions.
  • Valving: The internal valving of the shock determines its damping characteristics. Many high-performance 14-inch travel shocks come with digressive, progressive, or custom valving options to suit different needs.
  • Adjustability: Some shocks offer external adjustments for compression, rebound, or both, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your preferences and specific terrain.
  • Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands known for their quality and performance in the off-road community. (e.g., FOX, King, Bilstein, ICON Vehicle Dynamics).
  • Coilover vs. Smooth Body: 14-inch travel shocks are often found in coilover designs, where the coil spring is mounted directly on the shock body, allowing for ride height adjustability. Smooth body shocks are also available and are typically used in conjunction with separate coil springs or leaf springs.

Installation and Tuning:

Installing 14-inch travel shocks often requires significant modifications to your vehicle's suspension, including longer control arms, extended brake lines, and potential fender trimming to accommodate the increased wheel travel. Professional installation and expert tuning are highly recommended to maximize performance and ensure safety.

The Bottom Line:

14-inch travel shocks are a significant investment, but for those who demand the utmost in off-road performance, they deliver unparalleled control, comfort, and capability. By allowing your vehicle's wheels to move freely and absorb massive impacts, these shocks transform your off-road experience, enabling you to conquer challenging terrain with confidence and precision. If you're serious about pushing the limits of your vehicle's off-road prowess, 14-inch travel shocks are an upgrade worth considering.