Truck Suspension Systems Explained: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Hauling Needs

• Air ride suspensions like Flex Air, Air Leaf, Low Air Leaf, Kenworth AG400, and Air Liner are designed for smoother rides and standard freight hauling.
• Heavy duty suspensions such as Air Trac, Hendrickson, and Neway are engineered for demanding heavy haul and vocational work.
• Spring suspensions excel in rough, off-road, or extreme environments where durability matters mos.t
• Choosing the right suspension depends on load type, terrain, and frequency of heavy hauling.

Why Suspension Choice Matters

When most people think of a truck’s performance, they focus on the engine and transmission, but the suspension system plays just as critical a role. Whether you are hauling standard freight across the interstate or pulling oversized loads through rough terrain, your truck’s suspension determines ride comfort, load stability, and long-term durability.

At Forge Truck Centers, we work with a wide range of customers from heavy haul operators to agricultural fleets, and suspension choice is one of the first specs we help them evaluate. The right setup ensures better control, less wear on components, and longer uptime on the job.

In this guide, we will break down the main suspension types found in commercial trucks: regular-duty air ride systems like Flex Air and Air Leaf, heavy-duty systems like Air Trac, Hendrickson, and Neway, and traditional spring suspensions built for extreme conditions.

Regular Duty Air Ride Suspensions

Regular duty air ride suspensions are the most common setups you will see on over the road and standard freight trucks. They are designed for smooth, consistent rides where comfort and cargo protection matter most.

Flex Air, Air Leaf, and Low Air Leaf

These suspensions are some of the most recognized air ride systems in the trucking industry.

Flex Air is known for its balanced ride quality and weight savings. The Flex Air system uses air bags and torque rods to provide excellent comfort and load distribution. It is a great choice for fleets that value driver comfort and cargo stability.

The Air Leaf and Low Air Leaf suspensions, commonly found on Peterbilt models, have earned a reputation for being durable yet smooth. The Low Air Leaf offers a lower ride height, making it ideal for applications that need better aerodynamics and easier trailer connections.

These systems are designed for standard over the road freight, dry vans, and light vocational work, not extreme heavy haul conditions. They perform best in smoother environments such as highways, farm-to-market routes, or regional delivery lanes.

Kenworth AG400

Kenworth’s AG400 suspension is another staple in the regular-duty category. It is known for simplicity, strength, and low maintenance requirements.

The AG400 provides a comfortable ride without adding unnecessary weight. It is perfect for line haul operations and commonly used on Kenworth T680 and T880 models built for OTR applications. The suspension is reliable and proven, designed for steady loads rather than extreme torque or impact.

If your operation involves consistent freight hauling, such as regional or national logistics, this suspension provides the comfort and longevity you need.

Freightliner Air Liner Suspension

The Freightliner Air Liner suspension is a dependable air ride system that has been trusted for decades.

It offers balanced ride quality, reducing vibration and improving handling, especially on long stretches of highway. Though lightweight, it holds up well for daily freight hauling. The Air Liner is ideal for fleets running dry vans, refrigerated trailers, or farm freight where ride smoothness and cargo protection are priorities.

Heavy Duty Air Ride Suspensions

When your operation involves specialized or heavy haul work, you need a suspension that can handle serious stress. That is where heavy duty air ride systems like Air Trac, Hendrickson, and Neway come into play.

Air Trac Suspension

The Air Trac suspension is designed for the toughest environments. You will commonly find it on heavy haul and vocational trucks such as tri-axle dumps, lowboys, and heavy winch tractors.

Air Trac suspensions feature reinforced steel components built to handle high torque and uneven terrain. They improve traction and keep tires planted during off-road or uneven hauling conditions.

Air Trac systems are ideal for fleets pulling oversized loads, equipment trailers, or operating in oilfield and construction environments. They are built to take a beating while maintaining stability. Drivers who frequently move between paved and rough job sites rely on Air Trac for its balance of strength and cushioning.

Hendrickson Heavy Duty Air Suspension

Hendrickson produces a wide range of air ride systems designed specifically for heavy-duty and vocational use. Their suspensions are known for combining durability with driver comfort while minimizing maintenance.

These setups are commonly found on heavy haul tractors, dump trucks, and vocational applications where reliability and performance under extreme load are essential. Hendrickson suspensions use robust trailing arms and heavy-duty air springs that deliver improved stability and reduced wear on frame components.

Operators who run demanding routes appreciate Hendrickson for its proven performance and ability to handle high gross vehicle weights while maintaining good ride quality.

Neway Air Suspension

Neway is another highly respected name in heavy-duty air ride suspension systems. Neway suspensions are engineered for extreme applications where high torque and rough terrain are part of everyday operations.

They feature durable cast components and torque rods that maintain alignment and control under heavy loads. Many heavy haul and off-road operators prefer Neway systems for their stability, lateral control, and ability to absorb impact while protecting the chassis and frame.

Neway suspensions are ideal for construction, oilfield, and logging operations where uptime and toughness matter more than a soft ride.

Spring Suspensions: Strength Over Comfort

While air ride systems dominate the modern trucking market, spring suspensions still have their place, especially in extreme or rugged environments.

Spring suspensions use multi-leaf steel packs instead of air bags, making them simple, tough, and extremely durable.

They are built for harsh roads, making them ideal for off-road, logging, or rural applications where conditions can be unpredictable. Because there are no air lines, valves, or compressors, there is less maintenance and downtime. These suspensions are designed to absorb shock and protect the chassis even on rough or rocky terrain.

Although they are less comfortable for drivers, spring suspensions outlast and outperform air systems in abusive conditions. Many heavy haul operators choose them for trucks that see frequent off-road use or operate in high-impact environments. They eliminate the risk of air bag or line damage when working in extreme cold, mud, or rocky areas.

If your jobs take you into areas where reliability outweighs ride comfort, such as mining, construction, or rural deliveries, spring suspensions are often the smartest choice.

How to Choose the Right Truck Suspension

Choosing between air ride and spring suspensions is not just a matter of comfort. It is about matching the system to your job demands, routes, and long-term goals.

If your work involves standard over the road freight or regional hauling, air ride systems like Flex Air, Air Leaf, Kenworth AG400, or Freightliner Air Liner will provide the best combination of comfort and control.

If your business focuses on specialized or heavy haul loads, suspensions such as Air Trac, Hendrickson, or Neway are built to take the punishment of heavy loads, uneven terrain, and demanding worksites.

And suppose your operation takes you deep into rough environments or job sites where road conditions are extreme. In that case, spring suspensions deliver the durability and simplicity needed to keep moving without worrying about air bag damage or failure.

The Forge Truck Centers Approach

At Forge Truck Centers, we understand that every operator’s needs are different. Whether you are spec’ing a truck for long haul routes, short regional runs, or heavy vocational work, your suspension setup plays a major role in performance, safety, and longevity.

Our team helps customers match suspension types to their load requirements, identify which systems work best for their industries, and balance comfort and durability for real-world use.

With more than 300 trucks in stock, our inventory includes Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, and Western Star models equipped with everything from Low Air Leaf to Air Trac suspensions. Whether you are upgrading your fleet or buying your first heavy hauler, our team will guide you through which suspension setup makes the most sense for your goals.

Built to Handle Every Mile

Your suspension system may not get as much attention as your engine or drivetrain, but it determines how your truck handles, rides, and lasts.

For standard freight haulers, air ride systems like Flex Air, Air Leaf, and Kenworth AG400 deliver smooth comfort and great reliability. For heavy haul and vocational work, the Air Trac, Hendrickson, and Neway systems offer unbeatable strength and durability. And for extreme or off-road environments, spring suspensions provide rugged performance where air systems simply cannot go.

At Forge Truck Centers, we are here to help you find a truck built for the road or job site you work on.

Looking for a truck equipped with the right suspension for your business? Browse our full inventory at ForgeTruckCenters.com or call 877-382-0070. Our team will help you find the perfect truck, whether you need smooth air ride comfort or heavy haul durability that can take a beating.