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How to Know When It’s Time to Modify Your Truck’s Front End

Wondering whether or not you should modify your truck’s front end? Read on to find out more!

Most factory trucks are like blank canvases. They tend to come with bland features, making your truck virtually indistinguishable from all the other vehicles on the road. That’s why so many truck owners customize their vehicles with aftermarket accessories. There are thousands of ways to modify your truck. Many upgrades will make your vehicle safer, but some changes will change the way your vehicle handles on the road.

Factory components will also break down over time, especially on diesel trucks and those meant for heavy towing. Just ask any GMC or Chevrolet truck owner, and they will tell you that the front will likely fail. It’s just a matter of when. The front is arguably the most important part of your vehicle. It’s usually the first thing that people see. It also contains essential diesel parts, including your engine, radiator and cooling system. 

If the front breaks down, you will likely have trouble controlling the vehicle. Powerful engines, heavy loads, suspension and lift kits put extra pressure on the front of your vehicle, which can make it nearly impossible to steer. Common failures include loose steering, front wheels toe-in under load while in four-wheel drive and broken tie rods.

Reasons to Modify Your Truck’s Front End

Learn about all the reasons to modify the front of your truck so you can make the most of your ride. Just remember, you need to keep it street legal, and safe to drive!

Poor Illumination

You may not be able to see the road using your factory headlights, especially if you are driving or working in a remote area. If you are having trouble seeing your surroundings, consider customizing the front of your truck with brighter bulbs or an LED light bar to improve illumination. You will be able to see farther in every direction as you navigate all types of terrain. 

Heavy Towing

If you use your truck to do some serious towing, you will likely run into steering problems down the line. The tie rods will also start to bend as the inner ball joint grinds down to a nub. You’ll need to upgrade the front of your truck with a steering kit before these loads permanently damage your truck. It comes with reinforced tie rods and a center link for supporting the extra weight. The kit should retain your vehicle’s factory geometry without voiding your warranty.

Poor Steering

Heaving towing and other upgrades can lead to steering problems. Keep track of how the truck handles depending on how much weight is in the back. Check to make sure the front tires don’t toe in under heavy loads. You should never put yourself at risk when towing. Use a steering kit to reinforce the steering system that allows you to control the vehicle. 

Vehicle Protection

The world is full of potential hazards and obstacles that can damage the front of your truck. If you find yourself getting too close to rocks, trees and other debris, consider reinforcing your car with an aftermarket grille. Most factory trucks have limited protection on the front. If you get into a forward collision, you could easily destroy some of the most important parts of your vehicle. 

Lifted Suspension 

Adding a lift kit or suspension kit to your truck is usually a must if you plan on traversing the wilderness. You will have more ground clearance and larger tires with reinforced tread patterns for getting through the mud and snow, but they will also be farther away from the steering wheel. You need to bolster the front of the truck with a steering kit to match the weight and force of the lift. 

The suspension can also put added pressure on your diesel fuel system. The engine will need more fuel and air to move the vehicle than it did before. You may need to replace various components of your diesel fuel system, including the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler or turbocharger actuator. 

Branding and Aesthetics

The front of your truck is a smooth surface that’s just waiting for inspiration. Factory hoods tend to have forgettable features. They might also leave your engine vulnerable to the elements and frigid temperatures in the winter. Classic trucks tend to look even more bland than modern vehicles. If your truck is more than 10 years old, you can give your ride a new life by installing a new hood. 

You can customize the look of your truck in all sorts of ways. The only limit is your imagination. This is a great way to draw attention to your brand if you drive your vehicle for a living. Adding a custom logo or hood will also make your car stand out on the road. Everyone will know that it belongs to you when you pull into the parking lot. 

Now You Know When to Modify Your Truck’s Front End

You shouldn’t modify your truck unless you know how these changes will affect your vehicle over time. A more powerful engine or lifted suspension can change the way your diesel fuel system operates. This can overwhelm the injection control pressure (ICP) sensor, which monitors driving conditions to make sure there is enough fuel in the system based on the amount of air in the combustion chamber.

If the sensor fails, you may experience a sudden loss of power. The ICP sensor on certain makes and models has been known to fail. Find replace ICP sensors for the 6.0 Powerstroke online to resolve the issue.

Keep these tips in mind to modify the front of your truck for the right reasons.