Lift Kit can be a great way to get your truck off the ground and ready for larger tires, or just to stand out in the crowd. However, they can also be expensive and require professional installation.
Leveling kits and body kits are the least expensive options, but they don’t add much height. Suspension lift kits can cost more and boost the vehicle height by several inches.
Leveling Kits
Most truck and SUV owners will opt for a leveling kit when they want to improve their vehicle’s look or ground clearance. These kits can increase the height of the suspension by one to two inches, and they can also allow for larger tires. Because of this, they can be more affordable than a full suspension lift. However, they still offer a significant upgrade over stock components and can enhance your vehicle’s capabilities.
Leveling kits can include coil spring spacers, strut extensions, torsion keys, and more. They usually install over the front coil springs or struts, and they are relatively inexpensive and simple to use. These are the best options for drivers who don’t want to go through a costly and complex suspension lift but would like a little extra height on their truck or SUV.
The price of a leveling kit can vary significantly, depending on the size and functionality of the kit. Small kits that raise the vehicle only a few inches can cost between $400 and $12,000, while larger kits may be upwards of $15,000. The most important factor to consider when shopping for a kit is how much it will change your ride’s performance and handling.
When shopping for a kit, it is always best to visit a reputable and reliable professional auto shop. The technicians at these shops will be able to provide you with more information about the kit, including its specific parts and installation. They can also help you choose the best option based on your budget and needs.
Another thing to keep in mind when considering a leveling or body kit is that the installation process can take up to seven hours. This is a substantial amount of time to spend on a DIY project, and even professional mechanics recommend having the work done by a trained professional to ensure that it’s installed correctly.
Finally, a body or leveling kit will cause your vehicle to have lower fuel mileage than it would have without the modification. This is due to the increased weight of the larger tires, which increases the rolling resistance and requires more power to propel your vehicle down the road. This can also affect your handling and acceleration.
Body Kits
A body kit is a set of parts that raises the frame and body of a vehicle. They are often used to fit larger tires and wheels on a truck or SUV. They are usually less expensive than a suspension lift, but they don’t offer as much height.
Whether or not a body kit is right for you depends on how you use your truck. If you want to drive over big rocks and other obstacles, a suspension lift might be better. However, if you mostly drive on paved roads, a body kit might be all you need.
When choosing a lift kit, it’s important to consider the quality and materials. You should also look for a kit that is easy to install. If you’re not a skilled “car guy,” it may be best to have the kit professionally installed. Even if you’re an experienced mechanic, a mistake during the installation process could damage your vehicle. That could end up costing more than the kit itself.
The best way to get a good price on a lift kit is to shop around. Many manufacturers and distributors offer financing plans, so you can spread out the cost over time. This will make the purchase more affordable and will allow you to choose the kit that best suits your needs.
Depending on the type of kit you buy, you can expect to pay between $200 and $4000 for a full kit with installation. Some kits include everything you need, including lift blocks and coil spring/strut spacers. Others only include the critical pieces, so you’ll need to add other components like shocks and struts.
Another factor to keep in mind is that installing a lift kit can void your warranty. This is especially true of suspension lift kits, which change the mechanical system of your truck or SUV. This can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs if something goes wrong. It’s a risk that’s worth taking only if you have the money to spare and are comfortable with working on your own vehicle. A professional can take care of all the details for you.
Suspension Kits
A suspension lift kit provides a greater amount of ground clearance. The added height gives you a more secure driving position, and allows you to take on rough road conditions with confidence. Lift kits are available in a variety of heights and shock absorber performance tiers, so you can choose the level of ride comfort and off-road handling that suits your needs.
A basic leveling kit may include a set of shocks that are similar to your factory shocks but longer, or a strut spacer and coil springs. These options will not drastically change your ride quality but will provide enough additional height to allow for bigger tires and more ground clearance. More complete lift kits include a full array of parts like control arms, bump stop relocators, sway bar spacers or links, and brake line mounts. These are a great option for people who want to improve their vehicle’s performance on and off the road, and will provide a more comfortable ride while allowing you to add larger tires.
For people who are serious about off-road driving and rock crawling, there are kits that can raise the vehicle up to 9 inches or more. These are usually much more expensive and will make a dramatic change in how your vehicle rides and handles on the road and off, but can be well worth it for those that love to go off the beaten path.
Keep in mind that installing a lift kit will most likely void your vehicle’s warranty. Be sure to consult a mechanic about what type of kit is right for you, and whether or not you should get it installed by a professional.
The best brands of lift kits are ones that were designed by a team of experienced engineers. They look at every aspect of your truck or SUV and design products that will enhance its performance and help you reach new levels of adventure.
One such brand is ICON Vehicle Dynamics Suspension, which was founded in 2008. ICON’s approach to suspension engineering is unique in that they focus on the end results that customers are looking for, and work backward from there. This helps them ensure that their products are not only durable and high-quality, but also offer the maximum versatility and performance possible for your vehicle.
Tires
Each Spring 4×4 truck, Jeep and SUV owners start hankering for upgrades to their ride, especially lift kits. Lift kits help make vehicles more capable off road, and they can also add some cool aesthetics to the vehicle. However, there are a few things to consider before you slap a lift kit on your truck.
First, you need to think about the type of truck and Jeep or SUV that you own. If you do a lot of off-road driving, then a suspension lift will be necessary. These lift kits will allow you to run larger tires, which gives your vehicle some extra ground clearance. This is important if you want to be able to traverse tough terrain without damaging your vehicle or getting stuck.
A good quality lift kit will have high-quality components. These parts will last longer and have a better chance of not breaking or failing. This means that you will have lower maintenance costs in the long run. In addition, if you choose a quality lift kit, then it will probably not need to be replaced as often as cheaper alternatives.
You should also factor in the cost of the tires you will be using. You can find a wide selection of tires at local tire dealers. These tires can be found in many different sizes and styles, including mud-terrain tires. These tires are made with special materials to resist punctures and are designed for off-road use.
Another thing to consider is the impact of a lift kit on your fuel economy. The higher your vehicle sits, the more it will be affected by wind resistance. This will cause your engine to work harder and burn more gas, which can reduce its MPG.
Finally, you should always have a professional service install your lift kit. This will ensure that it is done correctly and that all the parts work together properly. It will also guarantee that your warranty stays valid. In addition, a professional service can help you get the best deal on new tires for your lifted truck or SUV.