| You see them all the time: Light trucks, Sport | | | | this sense, larger tires can sometimes be a |
| Utility Vehicles, Jeeps, and more, coasting down | | | | gamble without any direction from an experienced |
| the highway, sitting atop towering truck | | | | off-road veteran. |
| suspension lift kits and sporting a set of tires so | | | | - Weight: larger tires are heavier, which can put a |
| big that a person could live in them. If you're the | | | | lot of strain on your suspension, particularly if it's a |
| curious type looking to lift up your own rig, a | | | | stock suspension. Trusted, durable suspension |
| more important question than "How do I get my | | | | components and lighter aluminum wheels can |
| ride to do that" is "Why should my ride do that?" | | | | sometimes help to reduce the strain. |
| There are several reasons why people might | | | | - Handling: Adding truck suspension lift kits will |
| customize their vehicles with suspension lift kits, | | | | undoubtedly raise the vehicle's center of gravity, |
| as well as quite a bit to know before you get | | | | resulting in less stable turns. This is a common |
| started. If you're a seasoned veteran who has | | | | issue when installing truck lift kits, but is mostly |
| conquered the most vicious terrains and knows | | | | just a matter of becoming accustomed to a |
| your vehicle better than your own mother, there | | | | vehicle's change in performance. |
| probably isn't much for you to learn here. On the | | | | - Legality: Some suspension lift kits are such a |
| other hand, if you're just getting started and want | | | | serious change in your suspension system that it |
| to familiarize yourself with the basics, read on. | | | | may not be legal. Check the suspension |
| Why should I lift my ride? | | | | regulations within your country, state, or province |
| Glad you asked. Equipping vehicles with a | | | | to be sure. |
| suspension lift kits involves much more than | | | | - A Few Useful Accessories: Before installing a lift |
| buying the sexiest looking truck lift kit and then | | | | kit, it's a good idea to first examine if any |
| dropping your ride off at the local mechanic. | | | | components will be affected by your vehicle's |
| Actually, chances are good that if that's all you | | | | new height. Here are a few useful accessories |
| plan to do, lifting your ride might not be right for | | | | that may need to be upgraded: |
| you in the first place. Installing truck suspension lift | | | | - Brake Upgrades: Stock brakes can't always |
| kits requires some hard work, a bit of technical | | | | accommodate larger tires, or will wear easily due |
| savvy and consistent upkeep and attention to | | | | to the added strain. |
| your vehicle's components. | | | | - Drivetrain and Differential: Axles, gears, |
| The first determination you need to make when | | | | differential covers, lockers and more ensure that |
| considering suspension lift kits is what you want | | | | your drivetrain is up to par with your suspension. |
| to do with it. There are essentially two main | | | | - Replacement Parts: Longer Control Arms and |
| purposes for installing truck lift kits: style or | | | | Track Bars to compensate for the additional |
| function. Although the two are somewhat | | | | height of your rig. |
| interrelated, it's still important to consider which | | | | - Shock Absorbers: For those taller lifts, longer |
| purpose you most wish to pursue, as it will assist | | | | shocks will ensure the smoothest performance |
| you in making the correct modifications to your | | | | both on and off road. |
| vehicle. | | | | - Other Parts: Steering linkage, slip yoke, drive |
| Style: | | | | shaft length, u-joint angle, and brake lines are all |
| Let's face it: Transforming a vehicle into a style | | | | worthy of consideration before installing |
| statement has been a popular hobby ever since | | | | suspension lift kits. |
| the advent of tailfins and flame decals. As much | | | | Installing Suspension Lift Kits: |
| as we all might chuckle at a hybrid hatchback | | | | When it comes time to install a lift kit, there are |
| sitting on 18" wheels, or the family sedan with a | | | | two ways possible ways to go about it: install it |
| wing that resembles the Seattle Space Needle | | | | yourself, or have a professional do the job. |
| more than a spoiler, we also find our own vehicles | | | | Naturally, each has its advantages and |
| having fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror, or a | | | | disadvantages, and when it comes to your rig, |
| bobbling hula dancer statuette on the dash. As far | | | | attention to detail is crucial. A general rule to |
| as style is concerned, adding truck lift kits makes | | | | follow is that even if you know you want a large |
| more of an impression than anything else you can | | | | lift, it's best to start with a small lift and work |
| do to your ride. Heads turn instantly at the sight | | | | your way up. This allows you to work out any |
| of a lifted rig with massive tires that appear to be | | | | kinks and hindrances along the way to make sure |
| sprouting fangs and an exhaust system that | | | | your kit works right. |
| scares stray puppies into hiding. | | | | 1. Do-It-Yourself |
| When it comes to adding suspension lift kits to | | | | Even if you're not technically inclined, taking the |
| make a style statement, looking good is the easy | | | | time to learn the inner mechanics of your vehicle |
| part. Sometimes it's easy to overlook general, | | | | is a valuable experience that can save you time |
| everyday performance in the midst of decking | | | | and money. An intimate knowledge of your rig |
| out a ride. For this reason, choosing the right | | | | can also allow you to make your own |
| suspension lift kit with attention to comfort, | | | | modifications to your vehicle if the need arises. |
| reliability, durability, safety, and not to mention | | | | There are numerous resources available that can |
| price, should be given just as much consideration | | | | usually guide you through the majority of the |
| as those precious inches you want to add. | | | | process; however, one must keep in mind that it's |
| Performance: | | | | a lot to take in, and tweaking the intricate |
| So you've made the jump into tuning your rig for | | | | components of your vehicle is no small matter. |
| the off-road world, and you're ready to take the | | | | It's always a good idea to have a second set of |
| plunge to invest in one of many truck lift kits. But | | | | hands or an experienced individual assisting you. |
| before diving headfirst into a custom truck lift kit | | | | On the downside, even with the increasing |
| and gigantic tires, there are a number of issues to | | | | availability of bolt-on kits, installing suspension lift |
| address to ensure a correct setup. The first step | | | | kits is no easy task, particularly if you're a |
| is to ask yourself what you will be doing the | | | | beginner. Additionally, certain instructions or |
| most, whether it's slow-speed rock crawling, | | | | resources can sometimes be misleading or based |
| high-speed desert racing, general purpose 4 | | | | upon the personal preferences of individual |
| wheeling, mud racing, or long distance open | | | | gearheads. Often times, after installing a lift kit |
| country treks. From there, you can narrow down | | | | you'll find yourself spending hours tweaking the |
| what you need to do in order to customize your | | | | other components of your vehicle to get them |
| vehicle to suit your needs. | | | | back to spec. That's a whole lot to take on, |
| Whether you're just starting out, or you're the | | | | particularly if you're inexperienced. |
| experienced professional, tuning your rig for | | | | 2. Mechanic |
| optimum off-road performance is an expansive | | | | A licensed professional installing your lift kit is |
| hobby with numerous factors to be wary of. The | | | | typically the best way to ensure that suspension |
| possibilities are limitless, which can sometimes | | | | lift kits are installed correctly, so long as you're |
| make it hard to determine exactly which | | | | willing to pay the labor charges. A professional can |
| suspension lift kits are ideal for what you want. | | | | perfectly tune your vehicle to your liking and see |
| Where do I begin? | | | | to it that all components are working as they |
| As if determining which suspension lift kits to | | | | should, all within a fraction of the time it would |
| purchase weren't complicated enough, installing | | | | take even the most experienced gearheads to |
| truck lift kits can alter other components in your | | | | install it themselves. |
| vehicle, sometimes causing unforeseen issues that | | | | On the other hand, as is the case with regard to |
| could affect performance or be potentially | | | | any mechanic, it might be difficult to find one you |
| detrimental to the vehicle itself. For example, drive | | | | can trust to install the kit properly while not |
| shaft length, steering geometry, brake lines, | | | | overcharging you for any unnecessary parts. Also, |
| highway performance and handling, gear ratios, | | | | if you're not a gearhead, anytime there's a |
| and overall weight are just a few of the factors | | | | functional deficiency or your vehicle needs minor |
| that could potentially be impacted by adding truck | | | | tweaking, you have no choice but to return to |
| suspension lift kits. | | | | the mechanic for service. |
| Finding ample resources to determine what | | | | Suspension Lift Sizes: |
| products you need can be difficult. Speaking with | | | | Small: A small lift consists of 1.5 or fewer inches, |
| a mechanic can provide some insight. Reading | | | | and will grant you a little more clearance and |
| factory service manuals, off-road magazines, | | | | room to run slightly larger tires. The most |
| internet message boards, manufacturer's guides, | | | | common way to gain a small lift is by using coil |
| and a number of other resources can help as well. | | | | spacers in front and long shackles in the rear. |
| But by far the most useful way to determine | | | | - Advantages/Disadvantages: Small lifts are |
| what truck lift kits are right for you and your | | | | inexpensive and easy to install with very few |
| vehicle is to consult an experienced and | | | | complications. |
| knowledgeable person who has a vehicle similar to | | | | Medium: A medium lift is roughly 2" of lift, and is a |
| yours and uses it in the manner similar to what | | | | good choice for those looking for the best tire |
| you want to do. Not only can such a person | | | | clearance, but aren't planning on doing any |
| suggest the correct products, but also likely has | | | | off-roading. Common medium-sized lifts use |
| experience with installation tips and general | | | | spacer and add-a-leaf lifts, and sometimes come |
| drivability. | | | | with new shocks. |
| In the meantime, here are some of the basic | | | | - Advantages/Disadvantages: You'll notice changes |
| elements of suspension lift kits for you to keep in | | | | in handling and performance: some good, some |
| mind as you plan your modifications. | | | | bad. You'll also need strong rear springs, and if |
| What does a Suspension Lift Kit do? | | | | you plan to use an add-a-leaf kit, later modification |
| 1. Clearance | | | | for more lift may be difficult, since add-a-leafs are |
| For starters, one of the foremost reasons for | | | | designed to lift stock springs. |
| installing truck suspension lift kits is to raise the | | | | Large: The largest lifts consist of 3 to 4" or more |
| height of your ride off the ground to enable | | | | for an aggressive look and the best off-road |
| steeper ascent or descent off-road, and higher | | | | performance. A common large lift setup consists |
| ground clearance. In general, it makes sense that | | | | of new front coils and add-a-leafs in the rear, plus |
| when driving over boulders, slogging through mud, | | | | some combination of new front coils and new |
| coasting across the desert, or even just making | | | | rear springs. These kits often include a matching |
| your way through the occasional forest trail, | | | | set of shocks. |
| higher clearance facilitates negotiating certain | | | | - Advantages/Disadvantages: Large lifts are |
| obstacles. This can often be a tricky bit of | | | | obviously the most expensive, and more |
| artistry to manage, as higher clearance also raises | | | | complications are expected than with smaller lifts. |
| your vehicle's center of gravity, which can reduce | | | | On-road performance will also be affected, |
| handling. | | | | sometimes dramatically. But a large lift will |
| 2. Larger Tire Fitment | | | | transform your rig into an intimidating off-road |
| The general consensus suggests that larger tires | | | | machine that will stand out among a crowd. |
| equate to more traction, right? Well, not entirely. | | | | Types of Suspension Lift Kits: |
| While larger tires may provide some improvement | | | | Spring Over Axle (SPOA): |
| to traction in off-road conditions, there are other | | | | SPOA suspension lift kits are most popular among |
| ways to improve a vehicle's traction that are far | | | | serious rock crawlers looking for the utmost |
| more efficient than simply bulking up the rubber. | | | | articulation (up and down wheel travel). These |
| Aside from the obvious stylistic discretion, the | | | | truck lift kits keep the tires on the ground for |
| main reasons for adding larger tires are for higher | | | | maximum traction, while correctly lifted springs |
| vehicle clearance for improved performance in | | | | lifts everything out of harm's way, including the |
| mud, deep snow, rocks, and deeply rutted trails. | | | | springs. |
| Certain tires designed specifically for off-road | | | | Shackle Reverse (S/R) Suspension Lift Kits: |
| conditions can improve traction depending on the | | | | S/R truck lift kits are designed to provide a |
| circumstances, but the added clearance is the | | | | smooth ride upon mild terrain such as forest |
| most immediate and direct benefit of larger tires. | | | | roads, desert driving, and scenic trails; however, |
| Factors to Consider with Truck Suspension Lift | | | | high-speed driving on highways is not |
| Kits: | | | | recommended. |
| - Installation: Many manufacturers offer manuals | | | | Coil Suspension Lift Kits: |
| for installing truck lift kits onto certain vehicles; | | | | The choice of many of the world's best-riding 4 |
| however, some installations are quite intricate, | | | | wheel drive vehicles, Coil Suspension Lift Kits offer |
| requiring some welding or cutting in order to add | | | | unrivaled ride quality and cheaper springs, but |
| some necessary components. In this case, having | | | | installation sometimes requires some welding. The |
| a trusted mechanic or a few knowledgeable | | | | end result, however, is a suspension lift kit that |
| friends is the best resolution. | | | | provides excellent articulation on the trail, and a |
| - Additional Modifications: Upgrading to truck lift | | | | comfortable ride you have to feel to believe. |
| kits with taller tires also means that a number of | | | | Lifted Spring Suspension Lift Kits: |
| components may require part upgrades or some | | | | The most commonly used type of truck lift kits |
| tuning to compensate. For instance, a truck's | | | | in the world, Lifted Spring systems are easier to |
| engine is tuned at specific gear ratios to propel | | | | install, and an excellent choice for first-time lifters |
| the vehicle. When adding taller tires, the gear | | | | in the off-road world. These truck lift kits allow |
| ratios must be tweaked accordingly, since the | | | | you to run larger tires for additional clearance, |
| engine has to spin much larger, heavier tires. | | | | while producing control on the highway. |
| Again, consult with more experienced individuals | | | | Shackle Suspension Lift Kits: |
| for further insight. | | | | As probably the most affordable way to add |
| - Highway Performance: Larger, wider tires can | | | | inches to your rig, Shackle Suspension Lift Kits are |
| sometimes result in instability on roads or a noisy, | | | | primarily for the truck enthusiast looking to add |
| uncomfortable ride, particularly at high speeds. | | | | larger tires, yet are not intending to do much |
| Also, more aggressive off-road tires tend to wear | | | | hardcore off-roading. Moderation is recommended |
| faster on the highway, and traction might not be | | | | with these truck lift kits, as Shackle systems are |
| as great as you would expect on wet roads. In | | | | known to affect steering and sway control. |