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Our Beginner's Guide to Lift Kit Modifications

8th May 2020

Today, it’s quite rare to see a diesel truck in its stock form six months or so out of the dealership. With all the modification options available on the market, it’s no secret that many owners are now making their truck truly their own.

Regardless of whether it’s about a forged wheel replacement, snorkeler kit, or turbocharger upgrade, there will always be opportunities to customize and upgrade a truck. Out of all the different upgrade options available for all sorts of owners to enjoy, however, there’s one particular add-on that’s become much more popular: lift kits.

The popularity of the vertical upgrade

Coming a long way from its dirt track and monster truck origins, these upgrades can be seen in hundreds of thousands of different set-ups all over America.

The ideal truck in most people’s eyes is one that’s quite a bit above the ground, making it perfect for crossing through rivers, scaling rocks, and driving around in the dirt. With the help of a lift kit, you can bring your trucking dreams to life and give your rig the freedom it needs to stay true to its rugged and rough-and-tumble nature.

What the kit is comprised of

Generally, the intricacies of any truck’s suspension and chassis have led to the rise of model-and-manufacturer-specific kits that have the necessary components to best suit its needs.

In most cases, a standard lift kit includes strut spacers, lift blocks, and coil springs that are manufactured to best meet the needs of a particular make and model with the highest quality possible. For an added price, you can also get an extra set of trailing and control arms to make sure that your kit is properly set in place and is durable enough to last for many years.

It is worth noting that the components themselves entail having a few alterations to the steering geometry, drive shaft length, and brake lines of a truck to make sure that everything’s functional.

Is it a good idea to install your own lift kit?


Given the complexities of a truck’s system and all the technical know-how that come with installing a lift kit, there’s a small margin for error and many ways that you can mess up your vehicle. When you make the unwise decision to fit the kit in by yourself, here are a few risks that are bound to pop up sooner or later:

  • Unsafe and unbalanced handling on the road
  • Premature wear-and-tear on your suspension system and driveline— leading to even more costly replacement costs
  • Poor driving performance

Unlike standard cosmetic changes, lift kits are functional and aesthetic in nature, meaning that only an expert with a proper amount of engineering knowledge is capable of safely installing it.

Should you get a body or suspension lift?

When it comes to making a choice between both options, it’s important to note that the answer to the dilemma entirely depends on what you need.

For instance, body lift kits are purely for cosmetic purposes, such as adding bigger tires and getting a taller vertical look because it uses spacers to increase the height of the cabin. When put through rough conditions, such as rock crawling and cross-terrain runs, however, it’s safe to say that they may end up failing on you.

Suspension lifts, on the other hand, are geared towards hardcore truckers who need a dependable system that can hold up rugged off-road performance while providing a good amount of clearance. Performance suspension lifts, for instance, allow any driver to add wider tires and functional coil overs to provide a better experience and maintain balance at all times.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add a significant cosmetic upgrade to your truck and improve its performance in handling various terrain and road conditions, then a lift kit will be best for your needs.

We’re a diesel truck parts specialist that supplies parts for Dodge, Ford, and Chevy truck models in Montana and all of America. If you’re looking for various ways to improve the performance of your truck, check out our wide range of parts selections today!