Want to feel extreme power while heading down the road? Nothing helps you to accomplish that faster than looking down on the other vehicles on the road. You are proud of your truck and you want to show it –we get it.
Lift kits are designed to raise you up but you must examine the pros and cons of having a lift kit prior to buying one.
Body Lift Kits vs. Suspension Lift Kits
The first thing to realize is that there is a difference between a body lift kit and a suspension lift kit. Body lift kits use a nylon spacer placed between the body of your truck and your frame. It lifts the vehicle about two to three inches higher than before. A suspension lift kit allows you to lift your truck as high as you want, but they are considerably more expensive. Many truck enthusiasts enjoy sitting behind the wheel that’s high up in the sky. That’s why the aftermarket manufacturers have created many kits available for your purchase. Before you pick the one that’s best for your truck, let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons of having a lift kit.
Pros of Having a Lift Kit
Talk to any lifted truck driver, and you’ll hear them rave about all the benefits. Here are some for you to consider:
Visibility – You’ll see more of the road in front of you. This is great especially when you find yourself in congestion. Not only will you be able to see better, but other drivers will notice you. That helps you to avoid an accident.
Larger Tire Sizes – Driving a truck with the stock suspension forces you to use shorter, narrower tires. These tend to have grooves that aren’t aggressive and you might get stuck in snow or mud. With a lift kit, it’s easy to upgrade your tires to suit your needs.
Easier Towing – If you tow on a stock suspension, you might start “squatting.” A heavy load often makes the truck bottom out, but that doesn’t happen with the right lift kit.
Appearance – Have you seen a lifted truck done right? There’s nothing more to say about that. Here’s something important to consider between body lift kits versus suspension lift kits. A body lift kit doesn’t change the quality of how your truck rides and they aren’t typically costly. You also won’t need to purchase new shocks. With a suspension lift kit, you’ll be able to go as high as you want. This allows for bigger tires and a more articulate suspension.
Cons of Having a Lift Kit
Even if you think having a lift kit is the best thing since sliced bread, there are still some cons to consider.
Poor Gas Mileage – Having a bigger tire size means that you need more power to move. This leads to poorer gas mileage.
Center of Gravity – Your center of gravity raises the higher your truck goes. That makes it difficult to handle a sharp turn easily and might lead to a rollover.
Voids Warranty – Many manufacturers aren’t warrantying your vehicle once you modify the suspension. You’ll want to talk to your dealer before you do anything. Now let’s take a quick look at the cons that are specific to body lift kits versus suspension lift kits. With a body lift kit, you’ll invest some time installing it. That’s because you must lift the body and bolt it back in place. Your frame is also more visible than before. With a suspension lift kit, you have to consider how you are getting in and out of the beast. This type of equipment also requires some maintenance. You might need to replace some parts down the road, so prepare for those costs as well.
Is it Worth Having a Lift Kit?
Only you know what’s best for your truck needs. Once you’ve evaluated the pros and cons, you’ll be able to make the best decision. One thing is for sure; you can make the appearance of your truck better just by
spraying on some Durabak. Not only that, but your truck will have better protection.
Contact us today and let’s find the right choice for your needs.
