Improved Suspension (Vaq3r) for American Truck Simulator
Truck physics tuned with real data: JOST-spec fifth wheel, Michelin X-Line tire grip, DOT-compliant braking and a heavier gearbox. Free on Steam; ATS 1.60.
Download Improved Suspension (Vaq3r)
More screenshots on Steam Workshop ↗
What this mod does
Improved Suspension, by Vaq3r, is a physics mod that goes beyond the suspension: it adjusts the cab, brakes, fifth wheel, tires and gearbox using manufacturer data and real standards for North American Class 8 trucks.
What changed version by version
- 1.1: cab suspension, brake and clutch feel, fifth wheel angles and a realistic turning radius.
- 1.2: fifth wheel to JOST standards, trailer with kingpin data, grip based on the Michelin X-Line 295/75R22.5 tire and more aerodynamic drag.
- 1.3: brake torque for DOT-compliant stopping distances and gearbox and clutch viscosity using public Eaton and Detroit data.
- 1.4: brake balance, damping and more flywheel inertia so the truck feels heavy.
Recommended settings
Truck stability 12%, trailer stability 7%, suspension stiffness 38%, cab stiffness 53%, braking 75% and driveshaft torque 43%. The author also gives force feedback values for wheels, such as 120% overall gain.
Version
The description marks it as compatible with 1.60. The author hasn’t tested it with cars. One user comments that trucks are slower and burn more fuel.
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Will it work with your mods?
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It's in Documents › American Truck Simulator › game.log.txt. It's read in your browser: the file is never uploaded.
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User rating
Highlights and things to keep in mind
- Tweaks based on real data (JOST, Michelin, DOT, Eaton)
- Recommended values for physics and wheel
- Tiny file
- May make the truck slower and thirstier
- Not tested with cars
- Somewhat contradictory version info between description and comments
Requirements
- American Truck Simulator 1.60 (according to the description)
- Steam account
- No DLC required
How to install it
- Open the “Improved Suspension” page on Steam Workshop and click “Subscribe”.
- Launch American Truck Simulator and wait for Steam to finish downloading the mod.
- In your profile's Mod Manager, enable “Improved Suspension”.
- In Options, apply the physics values recommended by the author.
- If you use a wheel, also set the force feedback values from the description.
Version history
-
1.43 May 2026Current
Brake balance, damping, flywheel inertia and force feedback (date of the latest file)
-
1.3
DOT-compliant braking; gearbox and clutch viscosity
-
1.2
JOST fifth wheel, trailer, Michelin X-Line tires, more aerodynamic drag
-
1.1
Cab, brakes, fifth wheel, turning radius and clutch
Common problems
Does it only change the suspension?
No: also brakes, cab, fifth wheel, tires, gearbox and clutch.
Does it work with the game's cars?
The author hasn't tested it with cars and has no settings for them.
Why is my truck slower?
One user notices it; 1.2 increased aerodynamic drag and 1.4 increased engine inertia.
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