3 Things You Need to Know About 4WD Lift Kits
Lift kits can be either suspension lift kits or body lift kits. This article discusses some key pieces of information that you need to know if you want to install any lift kit on your vehicle. Use this information to make an informed decision on which type of lift kit is suitable for your needs.
Know How the Kit Will Affect Ground Clearance
Body lift kits (kits that rely on spacers and other devices to lift the body from the suspension system of the vehicle) usually have no effect on the ground clearance of vehicles unless bigger tyres are installed on that car. The bigger tyres increase the ground clearance minimally, so you have to be careful when driving over rocks and other obstacles. Suspension lift kits (kits that increase the distance between the suspension system and the ground) increase the ground clearance of vehicles. They are usually available in different specifications in order to meet the ground clearance needs of different car owners. You should therefore select the type of lift kit that will deliver the ground clearance that you wish to have on your vehicle.
Prepare to Take Your Vehicle for Alignment
The process of installing a lift kit and the bigger tyres may affect the alignment of your vehicle and put it out of balance. The tyres may start wearing unevenly, or the vehicle may keep moving towards the left or the right side of the road if you don't keep turning the steering wheel to keep it moving straight. These outcomes can be avoided by having your vehicle realigned so that it performs the way it was performing before you had the lift kit installed.
Be Prepared to Make Some Compromises
The installation of a lift kit on a vehicle alters the vehicle from the specifications of the carmaker, such as the specifications of the size of tyres that the vehicle should have. Such a change will usually affect the vehicle in some way. For instance, the bigger tyres may rub against the body of the vehicle when you make sharp turns. Find out what compromises each lift kit calls for and choose a lift kit whose compromises will not hinder your intended use of that raised vehicle. For example, suspension lift kits may make the vehicle less stable on the road due to its raised center of gravity. Such a compromise may not be a big issue if you will not be driving the vehicle at high speeds on the highway.
As the discussion above shows, there may be no good or bad lift kit. You just have to assess your needs so that you pick the lift kit that will address those specific needs. Consult professionals for help in case you are unable to pick the best 4WD lift kit for your vehicle.