Lift kits can offer a wide range of benefits to truck owners. However, it is important to consider the safety ramifications and state regulations before installing one.
Lifting your vehicle can alter the center of gravity, resulting in increased chances of rollovers during driving. It can also decrease fuel efficiency and put additional stress on drivetrain components.
Lift kits are popular among truck and SUV enthusiasts because they offer undeniable benefits such as increased ground clearance, improved off-road capabilities and the ability to fit larger tires. However, weighing the pros and cons of these aftermarket modifications is important before deciding to install one on your vehicle. In addition to the potential drawbacks of an altered center of gravity and ride quality changes, lifting your vehicle can cause stress on drivetrain components if not properly installed. These factors can make it essential to consult with experienced professionals when choosing and installing a lift kit on your vehicle.
Generally speaking, lift kits can increase the height of your vehicle by 1-7 inches. This additional clearance provides better traction and stability in mud, deep snow, sand and rocks. It also gives you the freedom to upgrade your wheels and tires for a more rugged look.
Both body and suspension lift kits are available for your vehicle. A body lift kit works separately from your factory struts and springs to raise the car or truck body using spacers. A suspension lift kit, on the other hand, is more complex and can be more expensive to install, but it offers superior results.
The main advantage of a suspension lift is that it allows you to fit larger tires and boosts your ground clearance by 2-3 inches. Larger tires offer greater traction and stability when driving off-road, as well as more flexibility when steering your vehicle. This makes them especially useful if you plan to use your vehicle on tough terrains such as mountains, rivers and deserts.
However, it is essential to consider the legal ramifications of your lifted vehicle before getting a suspension lift kit. Some states have specific laws indicating how high you can raise your vehicle without getting into trouble with the law. You should also consult with your insurance provider to ensure that your lowered vehicle is within the acceptable height limit, as it may affect your premium. For example, if your vehicle is raised too high, you could end up paying for damages to other vehicles or property if the accident is not your fault.
Better Ride
Lift kits are a common modification that can provide improved ride height on your truck or SUV. However, it’s important to consider the specific reasons you want to lift your vehicle before jumping in feet first. The best way to determine which type of lift kit is right for your needs is to speak with a few experts in the industry. They can help you understand the difference between a body lift and suspension lift so that you make an informed decision for your vehicle.
If you’re interested in off-roading, then a suspension lift is the best option. This is because it will increase the distance between your undercarriage and the road surface, making it easier to keep rocks and other debris from damaging your vehicle when driving on damaged roads or off-roading. This added ground clearance can also improve traction and stability on uneven surfaces.
A body lift, on the other hand, will only raise your vehicle’s body, not its suspensions or axles. These are generally the cheapest lift kits to install, but they will not provide as much ground clearance as a suspension lift. They also tend to change your vehicle’s center of gravity and may cause it to handle differently than before, so be sure to test drive it after installation to ensure that the new ride is satisfactory.
Suspension lift kits often include upgraded suspension components that offer better articulation. This allows each wheel to move independently of the others, giving your vehicle more control and stability on uneven surfaces. It can also help to reduce body roll during sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers.
Lifted vehicles can look cool, and they can also give you a good view of the road ahead of you. This can be especially helpful in inclement weather, when you need to see over other cars to spot any obstacles or road debris that might be in your path.
In addition, lifted vehicles can be easier to maintain and inspect because they’re higher off the ground. This can be a great advantage if you’re an avid off-roader and need to regularly inspect your vehicle for any damage or problems.
Aesthetics
When you add a lift kit to your truck or SUV, it does more than just raise the vehicle up a bit. It can also give it a more rugged and aggressive look that many drivers find appealing. This is especially true when you opt for a suspension lift kit. These kits often feature larger tires that are designed to improve the handling of your truck or SUV while off-roading.
When it comes to lifting a vehicle, there are three main types of kits to choose from. These include body lifts, suspension lifts, and leveling kits. A body lift kit simply raises the body of the vehicle up a few inches above the frame and uses blocks or spacers to do so. However, the wheels and suspension remain at their factory height. It’s important to note that this type of kit can void certain warranties on your vehicle and can be more expensive than other options.
A suspension lift kit, on the other hand, raises the entire vehicle, including the wheels and suspension. This can be done by adding new shock absorbers or using spacers on the existing ones. Suspension lift kits can also provide more ground clearance than other types of lifts. This is because they increase the amount of space between the axle and frame. It’s also important to note that while this type of lift can increase the overall performance of your truck, it can sometimes cause a harsher ride than other lift kits.
Lastly, there’s the leveling kit, which does exactly what its name suggests. This type of lift kit levels the front of your vehicle with the rear. Most manufacturers design their trucks, including Jeeps, with a front-to-rear rake. This is because they want the driver to have a better view of the road and to prevent the back of the vehicle from sagging when loaded.
The team at SD Tire & Wheel Outlet is ready to help you select the best lift kit for your vehicle. We carry competitively-priced products from top brands like Rough Country, Fabtech, and Pro Comp. Our experts can review the pros and cons of each option to help you make a decision that’s right for your truck or SUV.
Performance
Whether you’re a truck enthusiast who enjoys taking your rig off-road or simply want to improve its appearance, a lift kit can be an excellent upgrade. These kits come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your specific needs and are available at varying prices depending on the amount of height you’d like to raise your vehicle.
The most basic lift kit is a body lift that only raises the body of your truck without touching the suspension components. These are the cheapest and easiest to install, but they don’t offer any performance benefits. For a better ride quality and the ability to fit larger tires, you’ll need to opt for a suspension lift. These are more expensive but also provide the best performance for off-road driving.
Suspension lifts are designed to increase the ride height of your vehicle using shock absorbers and other suspension components. The internal design and tune of these parts are what determine how well a suspension lift performs. This is why choosing a high-quality brand is important. The best lift kits use premium shocks that are engineered to deliver superior performance and keep your ride quality smooth.
A lifted truck can help you navigate tough terrain and go over obstacles more easily. It can even allow you to drive over larger rocks if you’re a dedicated off-roader. However, you should consider the downsides to lifting your vehicle. These include the increased wear and tear on the suspension components, the potential for lower fuel efficiency, and a higher center of gravity. Taking sharp turns with a lifted vehicle requires more caution.
Another downside is that it can be difficult to get in and out of your vehicle if you’ve lifted it more than six inches. Additionally, a lift kit can void the manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle. Finally, the extra height may impact your maximum towing capacity.