Ultimate Guide to OBS Chevy Long Travel Kit Upgrades

Looking to transform your old body style Chevy into an off-road powerhouse? An OBS Chevy long travel kit can drastically improve your suspension, ride quality, and trail capabilities. This guide explores everything you need to know to make a confident, well-informed decision about upgrading your truck’s suspension system.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Before diving into modifications, it’s essential to understand what a long travel suspension kit is and why it matters, especially for an OBS (Old Body Style) Chevy. A long travel kit increases your suspension’s range of motion, enabling better performance on rugged terrains, jumps, and off-road driving.

Historically, OBS Chevys (1988–1998) were known for their solid platforms and ease of modification. Enthusiasts embraced them for durability and potential for customization. A long travel setup taps directly into that potential.

1.1 What Is a Long Travel Kit?

A long travel kit modifies your vehicle’s suspension geometry to allow for more wheel travel. This means your tires can move farther up and down, providing better control over bumps and jumps. These kits include extended control arms, longer shocks, coilover mounts, and modified steering components.

In off-road scenarios, more suspension travel means better contact with the terrain, improved stability, and reduced wear on your vehicle. It’s a favorite among desert racers and overlanders alike.

1.2 Why OBS Chevy Is Ideal for Long Travel

Unlike newer vehicles with complex electronics, the OBS Chevy features simpler architecture. This makes it easier to modify and maintain. The aftermarket support for long travel kits on these trucks is vast and growing.

It also helps that the OBS Chevy frame and body structure are extremely durable. This makes them perfect for absorbing the additional stress from extended suspension systems.

Practical Implementation Guide

Now that you understand the core concepts, let’s move on to applying them. Installing an OBS Chevy long travel kit can be a major project, but with the right guidance and tools, it’s entirely manageable. Here’s how to make the transition smooth and successful.

2.1 Actionable Steps

1. Choose the Right Kit: Research kits based on your driving style—pre-runner, rock crawler, or daily driver. Popular options include Camburg, JD Fab, and Dirt King.
2. Gather Tools and Equipment: You’ll need jacks, jack stands, impact wrenches, torque wrenches, and possibly a plasma cutter if you’re modifying stock mounts.
3. Install and Calibrate: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Expect to spend 20–40 hours total, including alignment and test driving.

2.2 Overcoming Challenges

Common issues include improper alignment, rubbing tires, or shock mounts not lining up. Here’s how to fix them:

• Issue: Misaligned steering after install – Fix: Realign or install adjustable steering arms.
• Issue: Tires rubbing – Fix: Trim fenders or use different offset wheels.
• Issue: Shock clearance – Fix: Relocate shock towers or use custom brackets.

Experts recommend doing a dry fit before welding or bolting components permanently. This ensures you catch any clearance issues early.

Advanced Applications

Once you’ve successfully implemented your OBS Chevy long travel kit, you can explore even more advanced applications. These include off-road racing, high-speed desert runs, or heavy-duty overlanding. Each of these scenarios demands further tuning and optimization of your suspension system.

3.1 Shock Tuning and Valving

Advanced drivers often re-valve their shocks to suit specific terrains. This process involves changing the internal shim stacks and oil weights to tune rebound and compression characteristics.

Case studies show a 30% improvement in stability when custom-tuned shocks are used on long travel systems. Dyno-testing is commonly used to perfect these settings.

3.2 Integrated Systems

Combining your long travel setup with hydraulic bump stops, limit straps, and sway bar disconnects further enhances performance. These integrations allow your vehicle to handle extreme conditions while maintaining comfort.

Compatibility is key. Ensure that added components don’t interfere with existing suspension geometry or wheel travel limits.

Future Outlook

The off-road suspension market is projected to grow by 6.5% annually, with a strong focus on custom long travel solutions. More OBS Chevy owners are embracing this trend thanks to affordable parts and increased access to technical knowledge.

Expect innovations in materials (e.g., chromoly control arms), modular kits, and bolt-on long travel systems that reduce the need for welding or cutting. Staying updated on these developments can help future-proof your build.

Conclusion

Here are the top three takeaways:

• OBS Chevys are ideal platforms for long travel suspension kits.
• Proper installation requires planning, precision, and the right tools.
• Advanced tuning and integration can take your build to the next level.

Ready to elevate your off-road game? Upgrading to an OBS Chevy long travel kit could be the most rewarding mod you make. Start planning your setup today and enjoy a smoother, stronger, and more capable ride on any terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is a long travel kit and why do I need it? A long travel kit extends your vehicle’s suspension travel for better off-road performance, smoother ride, and increased durability.
• Q: How do I get started with installing a long travel kit? Start by selecting a kit that fits your truck model and off-road goals. Follow the manufacturer’s install guide and consult a pro if needed.
• Q: How long does it take to install a long travel kit? Installation time varies but generally takes between 20–40 hours depending on experience and complexity.
• Q: What does it cost to install an OBS Chevy long travel kit? Costs range from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on parts, labor, and whether you’re doing the install yourself.
• Q: How does this compare to a mid-travel setup? Long travel offers more suspension range and better off-road performance but is more expensive and labor-intensive.
• Q: Is this upgrade hard to install? Moderate to high difficulty. Mechanical skill and fabrication tools are recommended, though bolt-on kits simplify the process.
• Q: Can this be used for farm or work trucks? Yes, but make sure the kit supports payload requirements. Overlanding and utility use are common with these builds.