Lift kits serve two very important – some would say essential – purposes for a truck or SUV. Firstly they raise it up and give it a more aggressive ‘Don’t mess with me’ appearance, and secondly they create the extra room under the fenders to add big, chunky wheels.
So far, so good… it’s obvious you need a lift kit, but there are two very different styles: Lift Kits and Suspension Lift Kits, so which kind do you buy?
The Lift Kit, aka Body Lift Kit
A body lift kit sits between the
chassis and body of a vehicle
to raise it up
The standard lift kit, sometimes referred to as the body lift kit, is the simplest solution for lifting a truck or SUV. It comprises a set of spacers that sit between the chassis and cab body using the original mounting points. By lifting the body the lift kit creates additional room under the fenders for larger tires, however many people don’t like the raised body/non-raised chassis’ overall look.
Pro. Inexpensive to buy – as little as $120 for the whole kit.
Pro. Adds fender clearance to allow fitting bigger tires.
Pro. Does not change suspension geometry, handling or ride quality.
Pro. Doesn’t require expensive realignment of wheel’s geometry.
Con. Can be expensive to have installed.
Con. Only raises body about 2” or 3”, not enough for 37” or 40” tires.
Con. Only raises the body itself, not the chassis.
Con. No added ground clearance.
Con. No on or off-road performance gains.
The Suspension Lift Kit
More advanced suspension
lift kits include new springs,
shocks and flex arms
The suspension lift kit has become the most popular lifting solution. Basic kits feature easy-to-fit spacers that sit on top of the existing suspension coils. Advanced kits come complete with new springs, shocks and flex arms. Suspension lift kits raise the whole vehicle to create additional fender clearance and ground clearance. However, suspension lifts usually require additional work on suspension geometries and gearing to maintain a balanced ride.
Pro. Raises body and chassis together for much nicer overall appearance.
Pro. Adds up to 6” of fender clearance, good enough for 37” and 40” tires.
Pro. Adds ground clearance for improved off-road performance.
Pro. Spring spacer kits are as cost-effective as body lift kits and cheaper to fit.
Pro. Greater number of options, choices and price-points.
Con. Alters suspension/wheel geometry requiring costly realignment.
Con. Usually requires re-gearing of vehicle.
Con. Advanced kits much more expensive – upwards of $1500.
Con. Raised center of gravity and compromises safety.
Con. Compromises highway and in-town ride comfort and gas mileage.
What the People Say
An example of a good suspension lift vs. a bad body lift… you decide
Suspension lift kits are more popular than body lift kits these days. The #1 reason given by owners of lifted trucks and SUVs is that they prefer the overall appearance the suspension lift kit creates compared to the body lift kits.The additional ground clearance is also a deciding factor in suspension lift kit’s favor for many purchasers. Lastly, the larger selection of buying options is cited as another reason people choose suspension lift kits over body lift kits.
By John Bone
Posted on September 19th, 2013