Off-roading is an exciting sport that many enthusiasts enjoy. Taking your vehicle off-road and navigating through challenging obstacles can be a fun experience. However, to make your off-roading experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, you need to equip your vehicle with the right lift kit.
Off-road lift kits do come in different types. There are three main types of lift kits on the market today. These are body lift kits, suspension lift kits, leveling kits. Each has its own way to lift the body or frame of a truck. Each with its own unique features, pros, and cons. In this article, we will discuss the different types of off-road lift kits available on the market today, their pros and cons, and the three key points to consider when selecting a lift kit for your vehicle.
Body Lift Kits:
The Body lift kits are designed to increase the height of your vehicle by lifting the body away from the frame. They are the most affordable lift kits and are popular among off-road enthusiasts who are on a budget. Body lift kits come in different heights, ranging from 1 to 3 inches. They are made of either polyurethane or nylon blocks, which are inserted between the body and frame of your vehicle.
Pros:
- Body lift kits are affordable and easy to install.
- They do not affect the suspension system of your vehicle.
- They allow for larger tire clearance without affecting the handling of your vehicle.
Cons:
- Body lift kits do not increase the ground clearance of your vehicle.
- They do not enhance the performance of your vehicle off-road.
- They may cause the gap between the body and frame to look unnatural.
Key points to consider:
- The cost of the kit and installation.
- The compatibility of the kit with your vehicle model.
- The desired height of the lift kit.
Suspension Lift Kits:
The Suspension lift kits are the most populer. They are designed to increase the height of your vehicle by replacing the suspension components. They are available in different sizes, ranging from 2 to 18 inches. If you want to go really big, you can get into the monster truck lift kits, and the sky’s the limit on those. We will not be discussing those in this article. Suspension lift kits can either be a full suspension lift kit or a body and suspension lift kit. Full suspension lift kits include new shocks, springs, and other suspension components. Body and suspension lift kits include new suspension components as well as body blocks.
Pros:
- Suspension lift kits increase the ground clearance of your vehicle, allowing for better off-road performance.
- They enhance the appearance of your vehicle and provide a more aggressive stance.
- They allow for larger tire clearance, providing better off-road traction.
Cons:
- Suspension lift kit can be expensive, depending on the size and type of kit.
- They can affect the handling and stability of your vehicle.
- Installation of suspension lift kit requires professional expertise.
Key points to consider:
- The type of off-road terrain you will be navigating.
- The desired height of the lift kit.
- The cost of the kit and installation.
Leveling Kits:
These kits are designed to level out the height of your vehicle by raising the front end. They are primarily used to level out the height of the vehicle when carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer. Leveling kits are available in different sizes, ranging from 1 to 3 inches. They are made of either coil spring spacers or torsion keys.
Pros:
- Leveling kits are affordable and easy to install.
- They improve the appearance of your vehicle by providing a more level stance.
- They provide extra clearance for larger tires.
Cons:
- Leveling kits only raise the front end of the vehicle, leaving the rear end at its original height.
- They can cause the suspension to bottom out when driving off-road.
- Installation of leveling kits can affect the warranty of your vehicle.
Key points to consider:
- The purpose of the kit (leveling or off-roading).
- The compatibility of the kit with your vehicle model.
- The desired height of the lift kit.
In conclusion, selecting the right off-road lift kit for your vehicle is crucial to enhancing your off-roading experience. Each lift kit has its own unique features, pros, and cons that you need to consider when selecting the right kit for your vehicle.
When considering the type of off-road lift kit to install on your vehicle, there are three key points to keep in mind. These include the type of off-road terrain you will be navigating, the desired height of the lift kit, and the cost of the kit and installation.
If you are on a budget, a body lift kit may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking to improve the off-road performance of your vehicle, a suspension lift kit may be a better option. Leveling kits are best for leveling out the height of your vehicle and providing extra clearance for larger tires.
Regardless of the type of lift kit you choose, it is essential to have it installed by a professional to ensure that it is properly installed and will not affect the performance or warranty of your vehicle.
Happy Trails.