Suspension lift kits are used to raise the vehicle's suspension. This is done by having the front and then rear leaf springs plus the shocks of the vehicle replaced. This type of vehicle add-on creates greater suspension articulation and travel. Moreover, it allows the vehicle to accommodate tires that are significantly taller.
Having taller tires means that there will be a significant increase in clearance between the ground and the vehicle's axles. Having a good kind of suspension lift kits also improves the articulation, although this affects the steering geometry, causing "bump steer." To reduce this negative effect, some opts to add on steering stabilizers.
If you would like to have additional or increased height in the existing suspension blocks of your vehicle's rear part, then putting a suspension lift kit on its rear is the best option. However, adding such suspension blocks on your vehicle's rear suspension may cause "axle tramp" or the axle vibration under the vehicle's acceleration. Your vehicle's driveline angles may become affected. Remember that it is not advisable to have suspension blocks added on your front suspension.
If you are thinking about costs, remember that as compared to a body lift kit, suspension lift kits can cost more as it is expensive. However, it really does produce desirable results in terms of adding ground clearance, vehicle handling and increasing the height.
The usual suspension lift kits for achieving better results are 4 inches or 10.16cm up to 6 inches or 15.24cm. While some lift kits can be as tall as 18 inches or 45.72cm, these are not anymore advisable because extreme lifts of this height could compromise the safe vehicle handling, drastically. Such kinds of lift kits are usually installed just for showcase cars or hobbyists automobiles.
Before purchasing a suspension lift kit, make sure that you have identified your main objective for having such ad on. If your main purpose to install is in order for your vehicle to accommodate larger tires, remember that it may affect your odometer and speedometer and render them inaccurate. Furthermore, you must fit new gears to the vehicle’s differentials - one that can accommodate the circumference of the new tires. You can compute the gear ratio that you will need by using a good calculator.
Quite a lot of manufacturers make suspension lift kits and their prices vary according to their models or types of lift kit. While a nice and durable suspension lift kits can be quite affordable, remember that you will also add expenses on buying a new set of tall tires, re-gearing and the vehicle modification.
Wondering if you can self-install your suspension lift kit? Well, yes but make sure that you gain the right tools for the job and also some skill in doing the installation. It may probably cost you a bit more, but having a skilled mechanic on your trusted auto shop do it for you may be more advisable. There are shops that specialize in 4x4 gears with auto bays and highly skilled mechanics that can perform such modifications on your vehicle.
Furthermore, an aftermarket suspension lift kit may cause void sections on your vehicle's manufacturer warranty. Make sure that you inquire on your dealership before you do some modification on it, especially if your car is under warranty.
Karl Cruz writes articles for 4WheelOnline, a trusted auto parts shop that offers truck accessories such as suspension lift kits, nerf bars, tonneau covers and fender flares.
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