Why is the car sagging? Front axle drop after installing a winch
You’ve installed a winch and are ready to hit the road, but now your car is sagging. The front axle has noticeably dropped, which is definitely not ideal for safe driving. What should you do in this situation? Don’t worry just yet—we have some solutions for you.
Why did the front of the car sag after installing the winch, and why is it a problem?
Installing a winch adds extra weight to your vehicle that wasn’t included in the car’s factory specifications. Any added weight can affect the suspension system. While the winch itself is heavy, it shouldn’t cause such a noticeable issue if the springs are in good condition. So, why is the car sagging after the winch installation?
There could be a few reasons the front axle sunk so much. One reason might be the condition of the suspension parts, they may be quite worn out and corroded. However, a more common reason is that the front of the car is overloaded.
Winch installation often involves replacing the factory bumper with an aftermarket steel version which is usually better suited for mounting a winch. Steel bumper combined with the necessary winch plate and the winch itself; the total weight can easily exceed 100 kg. Such a load is hard to ignore. Placement also plays a role—both the winch and bumper are mounted in front of the vehicle’s axle, creating a lever effect that increases the weight felt by the suspension and front axle sink.
If you haven’t modified your suspension and are still using factory springs, this could explain why the front axle has lowered. Standard coil springs aren’t designed to handle such heavy loads, causing them to compress, which affects the vehicle’s handling—sometimes even making it unsafe to drive. The springs are responsible for supporting and absorbing the weight of the car.
Important!
If you plan to install a winch soon, consider delaying any suspension upgrades or choosing a lift kit that accounts for the additional weight.
How to level the front of your vehicle after installing a winch
So, how can you upgrade the suspension system? There are a few solutions here. Your first thought might be to replace the coil springs with stiffer ones designed to handle more weight. This is a good idea. Stiffer springs will compress less under the added weight, making them more effective at supporting the winch and bumper. When you’re replacing the springs, you might also consider getting progressive springs. They won’t just support the car’s weight better; they’ll also improve suspension performance by adjusting the springs’ rebound characteristics at different levels of compression.
Another, less expensive solution doesn’t require changing your current coil springs. If you don’t want to replace them and need a quick fix, you can install a special spacer above the spring. This spacer helps support the extra weight and stabilizes the vehicle. It’s an easy way to leveling the front with the rear.
Check out the springs available at Offroad Express while you’re at it
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