Lifting one’s vehicle is a great way to increase its ground clearance, suspension, and departure angles. When lifting your Jeep or truck, there are two main types of lift kits to choose from: a body lift kit and a suspension lift kit. Each type of lift kit involves a vastly different process and yields different results. To determine which type of lift kit is right for your needs and preferences, consult this guide on how to choose between body lift kits and suspension lift kits.
Body Lift Kit
A body lift kit is designed to raise the cab or body of a vehicle from its chassis. It does so by adding spacers over the original body mount bushings to increase the distance between the frame and the body. As its name suggests, a body lift kit only raises the body of the vehicle. As such, the wheels and suspension components remain in their original position. Because only the body is raised, the ground clearance does not increase when using a body lift kit. However, a body lift can help increase the amount of available space needed to outfit a vehicle with larger tires and wheels.
Body Lift Kits Are Ideal for People Who…
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- Are on a limited budget
- Are primarily interested in changing the appearance of their vehicle rather than its function
- Want to maintain vehicle handling and performance
- Plan to drive mostly on the road
Suspension Lift Kit
A suspension lift kit is designed to raise the height of a vehicle’s suspension system by increasing the distance between its axles and frame. To do so, the vehicle requires a complete overhaul of the stock suspension components. For example, longer coil springs raised leaf springs, and torsion bar keys are all necessary. Because you must lift the entire suspension system and not just the body of the vehicle, a suspension lift kit increases the ground clearance of a vehicle and allows for larger tires.
Suspension Lift Kits Are Ideal for People Who…
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- Are interested in increasing the ground clearance of their vehicle
- Want to use their vehicle for off-roading purposes
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