Body Lift vs Suspension Lift

A lift kit is an aftermarket vehicle modification that lifts either the suspension or the body to give the vehicle a higher profile. Once a lift kit is installed, the wheel wells ride higher, allowing taller tires to be installed. Some new 4x4 trucks and SUVs come with moderate lift kits already installed. There are two types of lift kits: body lifts and suspension lifts. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The body lift kit is a one, two or three inch lift kit that only lifts the body from the frame. This inexpensive kit consists of blocks or spacers. A body lift does not increase ground clearance. However, it does allow for taller tires to be installed because it increases the height of the wheel wells.

Depending on the model of vehicle and the height of the body lift kit, additional money might have to be invested in raising the bumpers, extending the gearshift through the floorboard of the vehicle and making other modifications to accommodate the body lift. Although a body lift causes a vehicle to sit higher, it does not alter or improve suspension, or increase travel. In general, it is therefore not considered the lift of choice by offroaders.

A suspension lift kit raises the suspension of the vehicle by replacing front and rear leaf springs and shocks. It improves clearance between the axles and ground and creates greater travel. Articulation should improve with a good suspension lift kit, but because the steering geometry is affected, some people choose to add steering stabilizers.

A suspension lift kit is more expensive than a body lift, but produces better results in terms of height, handling and ground clearance. Suspension lift kits are usually 4-inch (10.16 cm) or 6-inch (15.24 cm)lift kits. There are lift kits as high as 18 inches (45.72 cm), but extreme lifts drastically compromise safe handling, look odd to most people, and are not commonly installed except for showcase or hobbyist cars.

If considering a lift kit over 4 inches, remember that the higher you raise the vehicle's center of gravity, the less stable it will become when making sharp turns at high speeds. This can happen in a split second, such as to avoid an accident or oncoming debris, or for any number of reasons. The jerk of the wheel might not be a problem for stock suspension or even a 4-inch lift, but at 6 inches or higher, more caution must be taken. The vehicle might also have a tendency to lean more in banked turns such as freeway interchanges and offramps, so it is important to refamiliarize yourself with the feel of the truck, SUV or jeep after installing a lift kit.

If your main objective in installing a lift kit is to get taller tires that are at least two sizes larger than stock, your speedometer and odometer will both be off unless the rear end is re-geared to account for the new tires' circumference. There are many gear ratio charts available online where you can get an idea for what type of gearing you'll need. Just enter your stock tire size and stock gear ratio. This information is often included on the metal plate located in a door jam or by the engine. Sometimes it is encoded in the vehicle identification number (VIN). Re-gearing will also keep the mileage as close to stock as possible. If you are only going up one tire size, you may be able to get away without re-gearing.

Several different manufacturers make lift kits. Prices vary, depending on the model and type of lift kit. A very nice 4-inch suspension lift kit, for example, can be as little as a few hundred US dollars. However, add to this the cost of a set of four tall tires and re-gearing, and the entire modification can easily cost US$2,000 or more. New tires are not necessary, but stock tires will look considerably smaller the higher the wheel wells sit.

Lift kits can be self-installed with the proper tools and skill, but unless you are a mechanic, it's probably easier to pay a reputable shop to install it for you. Many shops that specialize in 4x4 gear also have auto bays and skilled mechanics to perform modifications for you. Note that installing an aftermarket lift kit will likely void the manufacturer's warranty of your vehicle. Check with your dealership beforehand if your vehicle is still under warranty.