What you need to know about suspension lifts and kits
Customizing one’s vehicles is a common scenario among automobile aficionados. Various car parts, such as suspension lifts for example gained a legion of patrons who aims to achieve better performance without neglecting one’s style.
Suspension lifts are popular car modifications that are installed to increase the height of their trucks, jeeps or SUVs. Technically speaking, they substitute the front and rear springs and shocks to achieve better off the road leverage.
Difference between a suspension lift and body lift
More often than not, suspension lifts are interchangeably understood as body lifts. However, this is a misconception. Body lifts enhance the truck’s frame while suspension lifts tend to be more specific. Since the latter is usually combined with bigger wheels, it provides trucks with better travel.
Aside from that, suspension lifts tend to raise the vehicle for as high as 12 inches. But since a greater height affects how trucks or jeeps maneuvers, majority of the consumers use steering stabilizers.
Another thing that differentiates these lifts kits is how it is incorporated into the vehicle. Suspension lifts are far more sophisticated and therefore requires the help or assistance of a professional mechanic. It likewise follows that they are more expensive.
Types of suspension lifts
Generally speaking, it is the size that differentiates most suspension lifts. Depending on one’s needs, each type delivers different advantages.
Small – Small lifts can achieve a maximum of 1.5 increase in height. These are ideal for those who have problems with budget constraints and installation issues. Relatively, one can expect fewer problems with this type since minimal modifications have been performed.
Medium – Those who prefer medium lifts can expect their vehicles to be 2 inches higher than the usual. Due to these changes, it may also alter the vehicle’s road performance.
Large – But of course, large lifts can modify both of the car’s appearance and function. First, one can expect a 4-inch increase. Similarly, one can expect better off road clearance.
Tips in choosing suspension lift kits
There are variety of suspension kit lifts offered in the market. Yet, one should carefully consider which of these materials are more durable, efficient and practical.
Leaf spring lift – Leaf spring lifts can accommodate tons of abuse. Also, they can be easily used on large wheels or tires and can go hand in hand with lifted springs.
Coil spring lift – This kit hardly have a problem with the so-called “suspension geometry,” or the vehicle’s ability to easily adjust with humps and bumps encountered in the road.
IFS lift – IFS lifts kits are perfect for vehicles that have big tires.
Factors to consider before buying a suspension lift kit
While the idea of automobile modification is pretty exciting, jumping into a bandwagon may not be a sound idea. Remember, once installed, suspension lifts can also change driving habits.
The price – Price should always complement the product’s quality. Cheaper suspension lifts that could easily wear out after a couple of abuse is not a practical investment.
The performance – Still, it should be the performance that should be the main concern when buying these kits.
The author wrote an article for different car parts like suspension lift kit, skyjacker suspension, truck roof racks , off road tires, atv plows and off road equipments. To read more of his work visit his auto car parts blog