What Is a Lift Kit?
A lift kit is an aftermarket vehicle modification that lifts either the suspension or the body to give the vehicle a higher profile. Once a lift kit is installed, the wheel wells ride higher, allowing taller tires to be installed. Some new 4x4 trucks and SUVs come with moderate lift kits already installed. There are two types of lift kits: body lifts and suspension lifts. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The body lift kit is a 1, 2, or 3 inch (2.54, 5.08, or 7.62 cm) lift kit that only lifts the body from the frame. This inexpensive kit consists of blocks or spacers. A body lift does not increase ground clearance; however, it might allow for slightly taller tires because it will increase the height of the wheel wells.
Depending on the model of vehicle and the height of the body lift kit, additional money might have to be invested in raising the bumpers, extending the gearshift through the floorboard of the vehicle and making other modifications to accommodate the body lift. Although a body lift causes a vehicle to sit higher, it does not alter or improve suspension, or increase travel. In general, it is therefore not considered the lift of choice by offroaders.
A suspension lift kit raises the suspension of the vehicle by replacing front and rear leaf springs and shocks. This not only creates greater travel, it can allow for significantly taller tires, improving clearance between axles and ground. Articulation should improve with a good suspension lift kit, but because the steering geometry is affected, some people choose to add steering stabilizers.
A suspension lift kit is more expensive than a body lift, but produces better results in terms of height, handling and ground clearance. Suspension lift kits are usually 4-inch (10.16 cm) or 6-inch (15.24 cm) lift kits. There are lift kits as high as 18 inches (45.72 cm), but extreme lifts can drastically compromise safe handling, look odd by most standards, and are not commonly installed except on showcase or hobbyists' cars.
If considering a lift kit over 4 inches (10.16 cm), remember that the higher you raise the vehicle's center of gravity, the less stable it will become when making sharp turns at high speeds. This can happen in a split second, such as to avoid an accident or dodge oncoming debris. The jerk of the wheel might not be a problem for stock suspension or even a 4-inch (10.16 cm) lift, but at 6 inches (15.24 cm) or higher, more caution must be used. The vehicle might also have a tendency to lean more in banked turns such as freeway interchanges and offramps, so it is important to refamiliarize yourself with the feel of the truck, SUV, or jeep after installing a lift kit.
If your main objective in installing a lift kit is to get taller tires that are at least two sizes larger than stock, it may be necessary to re-gear the car to account for the new tires' circumference. Re-gearing will also keep the mileage as close to stock as possible. Whether or not re-gearing is needed can depend on the vehicle and tire size, so it's a good idea to talk to a professional mechanic to find out if a vehicle needs to be re-geared when the lift kit is installed.
Several different manufacturers make lift kits. Prices vary, depending on the model and type of lift kit. A very nice 4-inch (10.16 cm) suspension lift kit, for example, can be as little as a few hundred US dollars. Add to this the cost of a set of four tall tires and any other modifications that may be required, and the entire modification can easily cost a great deal more. New tires are not necessary, but stock tires will look conspicuously small in higher wheel wells.
Lift kits can be self-installed with the proper tools and skill, but unless you are a mechanic, it's probably easier to pay a reputable shop to install it for you. Many shops that specialize in 4x4 gear also have auto bays and skilled mechanics ready to perform modifications for you. Although US law prohibits manufacturer's from voiding a warranty for installing an aftermarket part, they are often used a cause for denying a claim. Check with your dealership beforehand if your vehicle is still under warranty.
Written by R. Kayne
