Can-Am Defender Long Travel Kit: Complete Guide to Enhanced Off-Road Performance

Understand can am defender long travel kits

The can is defender has established itself as a premier utility side by side vehicle, know for its workhorse capabilities and reliability in challenge terrain. For owners look to push their machine’s performance beyond factory specifications, long travel suspension kits represent one of the virtually transformative upgrades available.

Long travel kits basically expand your defender’s suspension travel, allow for greater articulation, improve shock absorption, and enhance stability at higher speeds over rough terrain. These aftermarket systems typically increase wheel travel by 30 50 % compare to stock configurations, dramatically change how your vehicle handle off-road obstacles.

Benefits of install a long travel kit

Enhanced ground clearance

One of the nigh immediate advantages of a long travel kit is increase ground clearance. This additional height help navigate over rocks, logs, and other obstacles that might differently cause undercarriage damage. Most quality kits add 2 4 inches of clearance, make antecedent impassable terrain accessible.

Improved shock absorption

Factory suspension systems are design as a compromise between comfort, utility, and performance. Long travel kits prioritize performance by allow the suspension to absorb larger impacts more efficaciously. This translates to less jarring over rough terrain and reduced driver fatigue during extendoff-roadd sessions.

Better high speed stability

The increase travel and typically higher quality shocks include in these kits allow your defender to maintain better control at higher speeds over washboard roads, whoops, and undulate terrain. The vehicle will feel more will plant and will respond more predictably in challenging conditions.

Increased articulation

Articulation refer to how advantageously your suspension can keep your tires in contact with uneven ground. Long travel kits importantly improve articulation, ensure more consistent traction across vary terrain. This become especially valuable when traverse off camber trails or rocky paths.

Popular can am defender long travel kit options

S3 power sports

S3 power sports offer comprehensive long travel kits for the defender lineup that provide roughly 30 % more travel than stock. Their systems include heavy duty a arm, tie rods, and oftentimes feature adjustable fox or eEllashocks. These kits are kknownfor their durability and comparatively straightforward installation process.

Separate

Separate’s long travel suspension systems for the defender typically add 3 5 inches of lift along with extend a arm for increase width and stability. Their kits oftentimes include their own brand of high performance shocks and are design with a focus on maintain factory steering geometry despite the increase travel.

High lifter

High lifter specialize in kits that combine long travel capabilities with additional ground clearance for extreme mud riding. Their systems oftentimes incorporate portal gear lifts along with extended suspension components, make them ideal for defender owners who oftentimes tackle deep mud and water crossings.

Shock therapy

Know for their desert racing heritage, shock therapy offer premium long travel kits that focus on high speed performance. Their systems typically include custom-made valve shocks specifically tune for the defender’s weight and intended use, along with reinforce components design to withstand aggressive driving.

Technical considerations before installation

Vehicle compatibility

Not all long travel kits work with every defender model. Manufacturers typically design kits specific to certain model years and variants (hd8, hd10, max, etc. ) Invariably verify compatibility before purchasing, as some kits may require additional modifications for proper fitment on certain models.

Source: highlifter.com

Increase track width

Nigh long travel kits increase your defender’s overall width by extend the arms outwards. This wider stance improve stability but can create challenges when navigate narrow trails or load the vehicle onto trailers. The typical width increase range from 4 to 8 inches total, depend on the kit design.

Shock options

Long travel kits oft come with several shock options at different price points. Entry level kits might include basic nitrogen charge shocks, while premium options feature reservoir shocks with adjustable compression and rebound damp. The shock choice importantly impacts both performance and price.

Warranty considerations

Will install aftermarket suspension components will probable will affect your defender’s factory warranty coverage for related systems. Some dealers are more modification friendly than others, but it’s important to understand that suspension failures or related damage may not be cover afterinstalll a long travel kit.

Installation process overview

Required tools and equipment

Install a long travel kit typically require a comprehensive set of tools include:

• Floor jack and jack stand
• Torque wrench
• Socket and wrench sets (metric and standard )
• Ball joint separator
• Spring compressor (for some kits )
• Wheel alignment tools

Additionally, you will need adequate workspace with a level, solid surface and sufficient lighting. Most installations take 8 12 hours for experienced mechanics, forforesightr first timers.

Installation steps

While specific steps vary by kit, the general installation process include:

1. Safely elevate and secure the vehicle
2. Remove wheels and factory suspension components
3. Install newa arms, trail arms, and brackets
4. Mount new shocks and springs
5. Install extended brake lines if include / require
6. Reconnect and adjust steer components
7. Perform preliminary alignment
8. Reinstall wheels and test suspension travel

Most manufacturers provide detailed instructions specific to their kit design. Follow these exactly help ensure proper installation and performance.

Professional vs. DIY installation

While many experience off-road enthusiasts successfully install long travel kits themselves, professional installation offer several advantages. Shops specialize in UTV modifications have the proper equipment, experience with specific kits, and can perform precise alignment subsequently. Professional installation typically cost $500 $1,000 depend on the complexity of the kit.

Post installation adjustments

Alignment requirements

After install a long travel kit, proper alignment is crucial. The increase suspension travel and wider stance alter the vehicle’s geometry, require precise adjustment of camber, caster, and toe settings. Many kits include adjustable components specifically for achieve proper alignment with the new configuration.

Shock tuning

If your kit includes adjustable shocks, proper tuning make a significant difference in performance. Initial settings should be base on:

• Vehicle weight (include common cargo and passengers )
• Primary terrain type (desert, forest, rocks, etc. )
• Drive style (casual trail riding vs. Aggressive high speed use )

Most premium shocks allow adjustment of compression damp (control how speedily the suspension compresses )and rebound damp ( (ntrol how speedily it extextendsckrest ))

Break in period

New suspension components typically require a break in period of 100 200 miles. During this time, drive reasonably and avoid extreme terrain. After break in, recheck all fasteners for proper torque, as components may settle somewhat during initial use.

Additional modifications to consider

Larger tires

The increase clearance provides by long travel kits ofttimes allow for larger tires without rub. Most defenders with long travel suspension can accommodate 3032-inchh tires, provide further ground clearance and obstacle clearance. Remember that larger tires affect gear and may require a clutch kit to maintain proper performance.

Stronger axles

The increase suspension travel put additional stress on stock axles, specially when combine with larger tires. Upgrade axles with larger CV joints and stronger materials help prevent failures during aggressive off-road use. These typically range from $300 $800 per axle depend on quality and design.

Reinforce chassis components

Long travel suspension create new stress points on the chassis. Reinforcement plates and gussets for key mount points help prevent frame fatigue and damage. Some manufacturers include these reinforcements with their kits, while others offer them as optional add-ons.

Upgrade braking systems

Larger tires and increase performance capabilities may exceed the capacity of factory brakes. Upgrade rotors, calipers, and brake lines improve stop power and resistance to fade during extend off-road sessions.

Source: highlifter.com

Performance expectations and limitations

Realistic performance gains

A quality long travel kit transforms how your defender handle rough terrain, but it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. Regular the best suspensioncan’tt will defy physics you’ll static will need to will moderate speed for highly rough sections. The primary improvements include:

• Ability to maintain higher average speeds over rough terrain
• Reduced impact forces transfer to the chassis and occupants
• Improved traction through better wheel contact with the ground
• Greater confidence when tackle challenge obstacles

Impact on utility functions

The defender is design as a utility vehicle, and suspension modifications can affect its work capabilities. Some considerations include:

• Increase bed height may make loading / unload more difficult
• Towing capacity typically remains unchanged, but handle while towing may be different
• Payload capacity much decreasesslendery due to the weight of upgrade components

Many owners find the performance benefits outweigh these minor utility compromises.

Maintenance requirements

Regular inspection points

Long travel suspension systems require more frequent inspection than stock components. Establish a regular maintenance schedule that include:

• Check all mount hardware for proper torque
• Inspect an arms and radius rods for bend or damage
• Examine shock shafts for scoring or leakage
• Lubricate all grease fittings
• Verify proper alignment hasn’t shifted

Shock maintenance

High performance shocks require specific maintenance for optimal longevity. This typically include:

• Regular cleaning to remove debris from shafts and seals
• Check nitrogen pressure in reservoir shocks (if applicable )
• Rebuild shocks every 1,000 2,000 miles of aggressive use

Many shock manufacturers offer rebuild services or kits for DIY maintenance.

Cost considerations

Kit price range

Long travel suspension kits for the can am defender vary wide in price base on components include and quality level:

• Entry level kits: $1,500 $2,500 ((asic a anrms and standard shocks )
• Mid-range kits: $2,500 $4,000 ((omplete systems with quality shocks ))
• Premium kits: $4,000 $7,000 + ((ace quality components with reservoir shocks ))

These prices typically include the major components but may not include all necessary hardware or additional modifications require for optimal performance.

Value assessment

When evaluate the value of a long travel kit investment, consider:

• How often you ride in terrain that would benefit from increase travel
• The cost compare to the performance improvement for your specific needs
• Whether the kit includes all necessary components or require additional purchases
• The manufacturer’s warranty and customer support reputation

For owners who regularly push their defender’s capabilities, the investment oftentimes prove worthwhile through improve performance and reduce wear on other vehicle components.

Real world performance report

Owners who have install long travel kits on their defenders systematically report several key improvements:

• Dramatically improve comfort over washboard roads and small obstacles
• Ability to carry higher speeds through rough sections with confidence
• Less vehicle damage from hard impacts and rough terrain
• Reduced driver fatigue during long off-road journeys

Most report the about noticeable improvements when drive at moderate to high speeds over undulate terrain, where the additional suspension travel prevent bottom out and maintain better stability.

Conclusion

A long travel kit represent one of the nigh significant performance upgrades available for the can am defender, transform its off-road capabilities while maintain most of its utility functions. While the investment is substantial in terms of both cost and installation effort, the performance improvements make it worthwhile for owners who regularly tackle challenge terrain.

When select a kit, prioritize quality components from reputable manufacturers, ensure compatibility with your specific model, and consider whether professional installation might be worthwhile. With proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance, a quality long travel system will provide years of improved performance and will open up new terrain possibilities for your defender.

Remember that suspension modifications represent exactly one aspect of build a capable off-road vehicle. For optimal performance, consider how these upgrades integrate with your overall vehicle setup, include tires, power delivery, and protection components.