If you have been considering lifting your vehicle to fit larger off-road tyres, there are two ways in which you can achieve it. One way would be to have a body lift installed and the second way is to have a suspension lift installed. While they both provide a taller ride and allow more room for larger tires and more ground clearance, there are differences you should think through to figure out which one is best suited for your vehicle and needs.
Go through the similarities and differences between body lifts and suspension lifts before you order your lift kit because each type has a different effect on your ride experience.
Let’s understand what each of these lifts does to the vehicle. A suspension lift raises the entire vehicle by extending the suspension while a body lift raises the body of the vehicle away from the frame. Before you choose one method over another, think through the reasons and what you want to achieve by having a lift. While some are looking for greater ground clearance with a lift, others are looking for a taller ride while some others may just want bigger tyres installed.
Alternatively, some may want all three. Either way, while the lift kit you choose may be able to deliver on one or all three objectives there will be trade-offs to consider. Therefore, being clear about what you want to achieve with a lift will be the best place to start.
The cost you have to incur on lifting your vehicle will depend on your objective a body lift is the most inexpensive way of getting a taller ride height while a suspension lift and bigger tyres are the only way to achieve greater ground clearance. Between the two, body lifts are less expensive and easier to install. Because they don’t require suspension and steering adjustments you can even install it yourself in your garage with a body kit. A suspension lift installation needs an experienced mechanic because of the adjustments and modifications it requires done to the vehicle, which is why it is more expensive to install.
If ground clearance is your objective with a lift, a suspension lift is the best option for you. This is because a body lift only raises the body of the vehicle away from the frame of your vehicle; this means that the clearance between the vehicle’s frame and ground remains the same. However, a suspension lift raises the frame of the vehicle adding to the clearance between the frame and the ground.
When choosing a method think about how well your vehicle will handle after installation. Lifting the vehicle alters the centre of gravity which impacts the stability of the vehicle, especially when taking a hard turn.
You can also go for a suspension lift and body lifts combination. Think of it as a way to add height without compromising your vehicle’s handling ability. Speak to your mechanic about the possibilities.
