BOC Off-Road and RAW 4x4
In this article, we delve into the remarkable suspension system offered by BOC Off-Road Industries—the formidable Raw 4x4. This suspension is not just a mechanism; it's a statement of reliability, performance, and a testament to conquering the untamed wilderness. Let's dive into the heart of the beast and explore why Raw 4x4 stands as the preferred choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance between power, control, and unmatched adventure. Hold tight, for the off-road journey of a lifetime is about to unfold.
When it comes to off-road adventures, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Among the critical components that transform a standard vehicle into an off-road beast, the suspension system stands out as a paramount element. RAW 4×4 have been designing and developing 4wd suspension lift kits in Australia since 2005 and their suspension solutions have proven themselves in harsh conditions all over the world. RAW 4x4, a renowned name in off-road suspension solutions, offers enthusiasts a chance to elevate their off-road experiences. In this article, we will delve into the technicalities and features that make RAW 4x4 suspensions a top choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Understanding RAW 4x4
RAW 4x4 is a brand synonymous with off-road excellence. Their suspension systems are meticulously engineered to enhance a vehicle's performance, durability, and handling in challenging off-road terrains. Whether it's conquering rocky paths, navigating through muddy trails, or tackling sandy dunes, RAW 4x4 suspensions are built to handle it all. Theri range includes various types struts, shock absorbers, coil springs, leaf springs, bush kits, u-bolts, pins, shackles, panhard rods, torsion bars and steering dampers designed specifically to provide a complete suspension solution for your 4wd.
The Core Components
The RAW Nitro MAX is specifically designed for heavy coil sprung and torsion bar vehicles, Nitro Max uses a proven truck shock absorber design with highly tuned valving for 4x4 applications carrying heavy loads and travel demanding terrain.
Recommended for vehicles used in mining, long distance touring and heavy duty applications.
Features:
Strong Construction built to last.
360° welds with one piece eye rings and machine welded end caps for increased strength and durability.
Deep penetrating structural welds for stronger construction
Body and shield made of strong steel construction with extra thick tube for added endurance and strength.
Engineered for Performance:
Large truck bore size with highly tuneable disc valving
Nitrogen gas charged to resits shock absorber fade and maintain dampening performance
Increased oil capacity vastly improving the shock absorbers ability to dissipate heat and operate cooler over long distances and constant high speeds
HNBR seal with wiper lip designed to keep dust and grime out
Nitro Max shock absorbers have been designed to withstand even the harshest of Australian conditions
Nitro Max achieve enhanced performance and longevity through:
Larger external body size
Low pressure nitrogen gas charged to resist fade
Improved dampening
High temperature oil
Seals resistant to elevated temperatures
Hydraulic stop at fully extended
Struts
The RAW Nitro Max strut range brings uncompromising toughness without the loss of comfort & control. RAW 4×4 heavy duty struts bring uncompromising toughness, without the loss of comfort and control of your vehicle. With a large body, the Nitro Max strut significantly increases oil capacity over the OE strut allowing you to go longer, further & harder.
Enhanced Performance
Class leading truck component architecture to soak up the punishing terrain
Multi lip HNBR seal to retain oil at high temperatures and keep the dust out
Heavy duty bonded rubber lower bushes to support the weight of the vehicle and provide additional articulation.
One piece stem and end cap with 360° welds on all fittings for secure vehicle fitment
Thick gauge steel
Nitro Max achieve enhanced performance and longevity through:
Larger external body size
Low pressure nitrogen gas charged to resist strut fade
Improved dampening
High temperature oil
Seals resistant to elevated temperatures
One piece end cap & stem (Only on certain part numbers)
Hydraulic stop fully extended
If you are traveling on corrugated dirt roads, your 4WD has large diameter tyres or you spend a considerable amount of time off road a steering damper is a must.
RAW Big Bore dampers provide a significant upgrade over your vehicles original damper, it has been designed to reduce the effects of bump steer and self-steering.
RAW Steering dampers put control back in the hands of the driver.
Features:
Large 35 mm bore size
Bulged body design for increased oil capacity
Nitrogen gas cell to centralise oil
Reinforced end mounts for secure fitment to vehicle
Steel dust shroud to protect chrome rod from stone damage
3. Coil Springs
When traveling off road over long distances load bearing accessories such as a bull bar, winch and a long range fuel tank are essential pieces of equipment for you to return home safely. All of these types of accessories add weight to the vehicle. The original coils were never designed to carry this type of weight and at some stage may sag due to the additional load.
A set of RAW 4×4 coil springs will significantly improve the ability of your 4×4 to carry this additional weight whilst enhancing the vehicles performance in terms of stability, load carrying and towing capabilities.
RAW 4×4 springs have been manufactured using the following high quality material & processes:
X5K high strength steel wire with superior resistance to sag
Formed on precision mandrels with state of the art heat treatment
Shot peened, fully scragged and load tested
Durable powder coated finish
Made in Australia
By matching your coil springs with a set of Raw 4×4 shock absorbers, you gain the advantage of having a fully integrated suspension system.
With most new 4×4’s fitted being equipped with an independent strut front end, it is essential that you do not over or under spec your springs resulting in the front end sitting too high or low.
Different spring designs will give different spring rate characteristics because of this.
LINEAR RATE COIL SPRINGS: In linear rate springs the coils are equally spaced and the wire is of a constant diameter throughout. These coils exert a constant rate of force per distance traveled. This means that the load applied to the spring will be proportional to the amount of distance it travels based on the spring rate of your linear spring.
VARIABLE RATE COIL SPRINGS: Are 2 different linear rates in the one coil. The coils in a variable rate spring are wound so that they are not equally spaced this is how the variable rate is achieved. This allows for 2 different linear spring rates in the one coil, these different rates depend on how much the spring is compressed. As the spring rate is compressed the heavier linear spring rate is engaged. The benefit of this type of spring is that when a heavier load is being carried the ride height of the vehicle will not drop as much as it would with linear rate springs.
PROGRESSIVE RATE COIL SPRINGS: The progressive spring rate is achieved by a combination of differences in wire diameter and coil spacing. The benefit of this type of spring is that the spring rate changes exponentially as the spring is compressed, this allows for a smoother transition in spring rates giving a more comfortable ride even when carrying heavier loads.
4. Leaf Springs
Designed to achieve the best possible ride for your 4x4.
Leaf springs not only support the weight of your vehicle but position the vehicles axle and act as a torque rod to stop “axle wrap” upon acceleration.
It is important that you choose a leaf spring that is suitable for what you do with your vehicle 80% of the time.
Raw 4×4 leaf springs have been designed to achieve the best possible ride for your 4×4 whilst increasing your ride height, load carrying ability and improving overall suspension travel.
The team at RAW 4×4 don’t believe in a one size fits all approach to suspension design, recognising that every 4WDer has unique purpose for their vehicle. Whatever your vehicle or load RAW 4×4, have the right springs for your application. Made from high quality steel. Military Wrapped Eyes for extra safety in the instance of a main leaf breaking.
Diamond Cut
Drawn tapered & diamond cut leafs to aid in load distribution over a larger surface area
Anti Friction Liners
Scrag testing ensures the spring takes a permanent set, reducing the chances of the leafs sagging
Inter leaf anti friction liners between the springs leafs to reduce friction and improve ride comfort (Excludes some part numbers)
Clips
High strength alignment clips with nylon insulators to reduce wear and noise.
Nyloc nuts are used to secure the clips to prevent losening which can lead to tyre damage.
Two Stage Leaf Pack
Two stage leaf pack for additional support when the vehicle is heavily laden.
Please note: The above features are represented as an example, some springs in our range may not have all the above features
5. Torsion Bars.
Torsion bars dramatically improve the on and off road performance of your 4x4.
RAW 4×4 torsion bars are larger in diameter in most instances than the original bar, providing an increase in spring rate of approximately 25%. This will dramatically improve the on and off road performance of your 4×4 giving a more comfortable ride as the larger bar will not allow the vehicle to hit the bump stops. When matched with RAW 4×4 coils or leaf springs and shock absorbers the components will work together to improve the off road capabilities of your vehicle.
6. Polyurethane Bushes
Polyurethane bushes offer a longer service life than their rubber equivalents combining a blend of unique polymers to offer a higher level of wear resistance to extreme temperatures, salt water and petrochemicals.
RAW 4×4 polyurethane bushes have a high level of memory, meaning when twisted or compressed out of shape they will return to their original design parameters. Nor will they change their hardness (durometer) under the most adverse conditions which makes them perfect for off road use.
Blend of Unique Polymers
Offering a higher level of wear resistance to extreme temperatures, salt water and petrochemicals.
High Level of Memory
When twisted or compressed out of shape they will return to their original design parameters.
Castor Bush Kits
The offset centre hole is used to increase or decrease the castor setting, this is to aid in steering and alignment
7. Shackles, Pin Kits & U-Bolts
If you are going to upgrade your suspension why reuse old componentry which can lead to premature wear or failure of your new suspension components.
To complete your suspension kit, it is highly recommended that you replace the original U–Bolts and upgrade to greasable shackles.
U-Bolts
Over time due to the high stress of holding the suspension and axle together, U-bolts can stretch in the threaded section, rust in harsh environments or if raising the vehicle a longer a U –bolt is sometimes required.
For a small investment a set of new U-bolts will give you peace of mind that your leaf springs are securely fitted to your vehicle.
Shackles & Pins
Greasable shackles are essential when using polyurethane bushes, to keep them lubricated with grease and stop annoying squeaks.
When fitted poly bushes are coated with a generous amount of grease to reduce friction. The grease inside the bushes can be diluted through river crossing, harsh dusty or sandy environments which more often than not results in a noisy suspension.
Greasable shackles allow you to relubricate the bushes from an easy accessible grease nipple on the side of the shackle getting new grease to the pivot point.
Benefits of RAW 4x4 Off-Road Suspensions
Increased Ground Clearance: RAW 4x4 suspensions provide a higher ride height, granting ample ground clearance to tackle obstacles without causing damage to the vehicle's undercarriage.
Enhanced Durability: Engineered with robust materials and advanced technology, RAW 4x4 suspensions are built to withstand the rigor of off-road adventures.
Improved Off-Road Capability: The optimised design and components ensure that the vehicle maintains traction and stability, allowing drivers to navigate challenging terrain with confidence.
Customisation Options: RAW 4x4 offers a range of products and configurations, allowing off-road enthusiasts to tailor their suspension setup to match their specific preferences and requirements. Whether you are:
Fitting load bearing aftermarket accessories (bull bar, winch, tent, awning, tool box, second battery, draw system, and the list goes on…)
Travelling prolonged periods on corrugated tracks
Tackling off-road tracks
Improving the performance of your 4WD
Contact BOC Off-Road Industries today to get a quote on the perfect suspension solution for your vehicle needs.
Contact us on: 071 541 1838
Or email: gj@bocoffroad.com
Conclusion
In the realm of off-road exploration, having a reliable and high-performance suspension system is non-negotiable. RAW 4x4 off-road suspensions stand out as a testament to engineering excellence and a commitment to adventure. With their innovative designs, top-quality components, and a legacy of off-road triumphs, RAW 4x4 continues to be a top choice for those seeking to push the boundaries of off-road driving. Embrace the raw power of RAW 4x4 and elevate your off-road escapades to new heights.
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