What is a lift kit and why do you need one?
A lift kit is an aftermarket vehicle modification that raises the body of the vehicle to give it a higher profile. Once the kit is installed, the wheel holes rise, allowing for the installation of taller tires. Some newer trucks and SUVs come in the market with light Kits already installed.
Lift kits can be self-installed with the right tools and skills, but if the car owner isn’t a mechanic. it’s probably easier to pay a reputable shop to install one. Many shops specialising in 4×4 equipment also have qualified auto and mechanic compartments ready to make modifications. Although US law prohibits manufacturers from voiding the warranty for the installation of a replacement part, lift kits are often used as grounds for denying a claim, so elevator installers will want to check with their dealer if the vehicle can still use manufacturer guarantee, before installing kits.
What are the different types of lift kits?
A lift kit has different types which are available in the market like a Body lift kit, leveling lift kit, and suspension lift kit.
Lift kits are designed to even out differences in your truck’s suspension, but because you can use these kits to increase an inch into two inches to the height of your truck, they are often used as lift kits by the owners of vehicles who just need of a little push.
Larger lift kits are divided into two different categories: The small version lifts your truck by two to five inches, and the large version lifts your truck by six inches or more. You can make different significant changes in your trucks by using the lift kits. If you are enthusiastic to do a lot of off-roading, it is a better choice for you. You should keep in mind when compared to leveling kits, you could be spending a lot more on suspension lift kits. However, if the appearance offered by a lift kit is important to you, it may be worth the extra cost.
Leveling kit
When you first buy a truck, the back is usually a few inches longer than the front. A leveling kit essentially flattens the front of the vehicle to match the height of the rear stock, with a maximum lift of about two inches upfront. While a suspension lift kit lifts the truck much higher in the air, it takes a lot more time and energy to add what is essentially a new suspension system.
One of the biggest benefits of upgrading a truck is that it allows you to add bigger and heavy tires to all four wheels. Most trucks have plenty of room in the back, the front wheels can hit the inside of the fender or bumper, making it difficult to make a full turn. A lift kit will help solve this problem.
Also, if you add a heavyweight, such as a plow or a winch, to the front of the truck, it can cause the suspension to drop. A leveling kit can help bring the front end up to its proper height, giving you a smoother, more comfortable ride. They also have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to install than a lift kit.
Body lift kit
The installation method of the body lift kit is very easy for you than other lift kits.
The Body Lift Kit is a 1, 2, or 3 inches (2.54, 5.08, or 7.62 cm) set that simply lifts the body off the frame. This inexpensive option consists of beams or spacers. Lifting the body does not increase ground clearance; However, this allows the tire to be slightly bigger and have a full-turn as it will increase the height of the wheel bore.
Suspension lift kit
A suspension kit upgrades the vehicle’s suspension by replacing the front and rear springs and shock absorbers. This not only creates more travel but can allow for much taller tires, improving clearance between the axles and the ground. The seal should be improved with a good kit, but since the steering geometry is affected, some people choose to add steering stabilizers.
Thus, the suspension kits change your vehicle’s suspension, giving you more ground clearance. Body or strut lift kits, on the other hand, raise your vehicle’s body from the frame a few inches without changing the suspension.
Installation of the suspension lift kit is a little bit more difficult than others. As you can imagine, installing a body lift kit is much easier than installing a suspension lift kit.
A suspension lift costs more than a body lift, but it produces better results according to height, maneuverability, and ground clearance. Kits are usually 4 inches (10.16 cm) or 6 inches (15.24 cm), although there are up to 18 inches (45.72 cm). Extreme lifts can significantly compromise safe handling, look odd by most standards, and are not commonly installed except for showcases or enthusiasts.
How much does a lift kit cost?
If you are looking to increase the level of appearance of your truck or you have to boost its off-road capability, you must use a lift kit.
Kits Prices
The price of the lift kit depends on the type of kit in which you are interested. Leveling kits and body kits are the cheapest types for your budget. You can easily able to afford them. They can cost as little as $100 to $500. People who are keen on performance prefer to use the suspension lift kit type and If you are interested in a suspension lift kit, you can use this version for the best performance. Therefore, the more durable and better the quality, the higher the price. These extensive upgrades can cost as much as $1,000 and $5,000. The price fluctuates a little depending on what you want.
Installation Fees
The amount of time it takes to install your interested kit is the main factor in determining the cost of installation. The installation time can take 7 to 8 hours (for basic setups) and 15 to 16 hours (for extensive modifications).
You can save your extra money if you are able to install the kit yourself. If you don’t have the basic necessary tools and experience for installation, it may be more beneficial and cost-effective to leave the installation to the professionals.
If you work on vehicles regularly and have the basic tools according to your necessity, install it yourself. Otherwise, you will face spending money on your tools anyway, so it is better for you to spend some extra money and have a mechanic to install it for you.
Make sure that you must buy the right size of lift kit, otherwise you can end up damaging your truck or installing the lift kit incorrectly, which can be unsafe. On the other hand, hiring a mechanic to do it might cost as much as the lift kit itself.
