Lift kits are a great way to raise the ground clearance of your vehicle. They allow for larger tires, which helps when you’re off-roading. But be aware that lifting your vehicle will also raise the center of gravity, which can affect handling.
So what are the different types of lift kits available? And what are some of the advantages of each one?
Lift kits are aftermarket parts and equipment used to raise a vehicle’s ride height. They can include everything from body lifts and leveling kits to suspension lifts, and most are designed for specific vehicles to help improve safety and stability. They can also increase ground clearance or fit larger tires. While people often rigged up lifts in the past, many of today’s kits are designed by reliable manufacturers and include factory-grade parts for improved durability and performance.
The most common lift types are a leveling kit and a body lift kit. These are a good option for drivers who want to change their vehicle’s appearance without drastically changing its handling and performance. Leveling kits and body lifts are typically less expensive than suspension lift kits and can be installed by the vehicle owner.
Suspension lift kits provide more separation between the axles and vehicle body, allowing drivers to shoehorn in larger tires and wheels. This type of lift provides better ground clearance for off-road driving and may be required if you plan to drive your truck or Jeep over rough terrain at any speed. Performance lift kits are usually the most expensive, but they offer a significant boost in off-road capability.
While a lifted vehicle can be more fun to drive, it is important to consider the impact on your fuel economy. The added weight of the bigger tires and the increased rolling resistance can rob you of several miles per gallon in fuel efficiency. The bigger tires and higher vehicle profile can also affect how responsive your truck or Jeep is when accelerating, turning, and braking.
Before you invest in a lift kit, be sure to check state laws regarding the maximum legal vehicle height. You should also check with your insurance agent to see if lifting your truck or SUV will affect your coverage.
Lifting your truck or SUV can make it look cool and give you a more commanding view of the road. It can also help you see better when off-roading or working on mucky job sites. For many drivers, though, the main reason to lift a vehicle is for aesthetics and the ability to run larger tires.
Suspension lift
A suspension lift kit consists of the parts needed to raise the suspension, steering, and drivetrain of your vehicle. It is the most expensive and complicated kit because it alters the suspension components the most, resulting in changes to the front shocks, rear shocks, driveshaft, and brake lines. It also raises the center of gravity, which can affect cornering and driving dynamics, especially in strong crosswinds. This type of lift is ideal for off-road use because it allows the addition of larger tires and wheels, which provide extra ground clearance.
A major drawback of this kit is its effect on fuel economy. Because the vehicle is raised higher, it has to work harder to move air through the engine and body. This results in lower fuel economy than a standard vehicle, which can be an issue for truck and SUV drivers who plan on using their vehicles for long trips or commutes.
Lift kits are available in a range of heights and costs. The most basic leveling kit consists of two strut spacers for the front Macpherson struts, while a more extensive suspension lift can cost up to twice as much. A full suspension lift can even require the replacement of the shocks, steering linkage, drive shafts, and axles, depending on the manufacturer and model of the vehicle.
Another consideration is that some lift kits may void warranties. This is particularly true for suspension kits, which can have a substantial impact on handling and performance. If you are concerned about this, be sure to check with the manufacturer or dealer before installing a kit.
Many people like lifted vehicles because they offer a more commanding view from the road and can make the vehicle look more aggressive. They can also be helpful in off-roading by providing more clearance for larger tires and allowing the driver to go over obstacles more easily. However, not everyone wants a lifted truck, and some are worried that a raised vehicle will have decreased fuel efficiency or be more difficult to maneuver in traffic. There are also legal issues to consider, as some states have limits on how high a truck or SUV can be raised without a permit.
Body lift
Lift kits increase the distance between the axles and the body of a truck or SUV. They are available in a number of different varieties and can be as simple as a leveling kit or as complex as a full suspension lift. Before choosing a lift kit, you should know what your goals are for the vehicle and consider all the options. The lift kit you choose will determine how high the vehicle rides and how much ground clearance it has.
The most basic lift kit is the leveling kit, which consists of a set of strut spacers for the front Macpherson struts. These spacers increase the height of the strut and allow for the installation of larger tires. The result is a taller ride height and more ground clearance. The leveling kit is cheaper than a full suspension lift but more expensive than a body lift.
Many body lifts can be installed in the home garage and are therefore less expensive than a full-suspension lift. However, some lift kits can be complex projects and require a professional mechanic to install them. This may cost you additional shop fees that you wouldn’t have to pay with a suspension lift.
Adding a body lift to your truck or SUV will require you to change the factory ride height and will affect how your vehicle drives. It is recommended that you talk to an expert before installing a lift kit to ensure you are selecting the right one for your vehicle. It is also important to check the warranty on your vehicle before installing a lift kit, as this may void it.
If you are interested in increasing the ground clearance of your vehicle, a body lift is the best option. This will provide more clearance for larger tires and will help protect your vehicle from rocks, stumps, and other debris. However, if you are looking for increased performance, you should select a suspension lift to prevent your tires from hitting the underside of the truck when driving off-road. Ultimately, the decision you make will depend on your goals and budget for modding your truck.
Accessories
There are a wide variety of accessories available to enhance your truck’s or SUV’s performance and appearance. From roll cages and bumpers to front bull bars, you can find dozens of modifications that will make your vehicle look more aggressive or add a sense of capability for off-road use. One of the most popular modifications is adding a lift kit to your vehicle.
Choosing the right lift kit for your vehicle depends on your goals and budget. Some kits are more comprehensive than others, requiring new suspension, steering, and drivetrain components. These can be more expensive than less extensive options.
If you’re looking to lift your vehicle for off-road use, consider a performance kit that includes upgraded shocks and springs. These will offer a greater performance boost than factory components and give your vehicle the extra height it needs to clear obstacles on the trail. This will also improve your vehicle’s ability to handle a heavier payload and allow for larger tires.
A replacement spring lift kit offers a “goldilocks” option that’s both affordable and effective. These kits swap out your factory springs with longer ones to raise the ride height by two to six inches. These kits usually come with all necessary hardware as well as optional upgraded monotube shock absorbers that offer a greater performance upgrade.
Some lift kits, such as the Performance Accessories body kit, are designed to raise the vehicle’s frame without affecting the OE suspension. These kits typically include nylon spacers that are placed between the factory frame and the body of your vehicle, as well as extended, high-grade bolts to replace the stock ones.
Many people choose to lift their trucks and SUVs for a more aggressive aesthetic. This can add to the resale value of your vehicle as well as make it more attractive to potential buyers. A lifted vehicle can also provide a better view from the driver’s seat and make it easier to see when driving in snow, rain, or other challenging conditions. The team at Auto Add-ons can help you pick out the best lift kit for your truck or SUV based on your specific goals and budget.