Understanding How a Lift Kit Works

If you consider yourself an adventure seeker that conquers rugged terrain, consider the game-changing benefits of lifting your truck or SUV. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you discover the perfect lifting solutions for your vehicle. However, before deciding to lift your vehicle, it's essential to understand how this modification can enhance your off-road adventures. Let's dive into the exciting world of lifted vehicles and their impact on your driving experience.

Breaking Down a Lift Kit

Are you ready to take your truck or SUV to new heights? There are two main types of lift kits to consider:

• Suspension Lift Kits
• Body Lift Kits

Both are designed to elevate your vehicle and provide that commanding presence on and off the road.

Before you choose the lift kit that fits your needs, you should first ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you want to achieve with your lift?
• Do you crave more ground clearance for off-roading adventures?
• Are you aiming for enhanced wheel articulation?
• Perhaps you simply love the aesthetic of a lifted vehicle?

Keep reading to find the perfect lift kit that matches your goals and elevates your driving experience.

What is a Body Lift Kit

If you’re looking to give your vehicle a serious upgrade without breaking the bank, consider a body lift kit. Not only are body lift kits more affordable than suspension lift kits, but they're also a breeze to install. A body lift kit is a smart choice for maximizing both style and functionality, accommodating larger tires, enhancing your truck's appearance, and without compromising towing capabilities.

Body kits alone won't raise your vehicle's ground clearance, but you can achieve the desired lift by opting for larger tires. Body lift kits adjust the body's distance from the ground without impacting the vehicle's frame and chassis.

These kits are designed exclusively for vehicles with a body-on-frame architecture. This means that the body and chassis are assembled independently, and then the body is attached to a sturdy steel frame. The installation of body kits involves fitting spacers between the frame and the body, ensuring that the undercarriage, skid plates, and bumpers maintain their original position.

Are you a fan of customizing your vehicle? If so, you'll be excited to learn that truck-based Ford models like the iconic F-150 and F-250, versatile Ford Ranger, and spacious Ford Expedition feature body-on-frame designs, making them perfect candidates for a body lift kit. On the other hand, if you own a Ford crossover like the popular Ford Escape, adventurous Ford Explorer, or the rugged Ford Bronco Sport, keep in mind that their unibody designs make them ineligible for a body lift kit.

What is a Suspension Lift Kit

Suspension lift kits are a worthwhile investment for any off-road enthusiast. While they may come with a higher price tag than body lift kits, their benefits far outweigh the cost. The complex installation process and the potential need to replace steering components are small prices compared to the significant improvement in off-road performance that a suspension lift provides. If you're serious about taking your truck off the beaten path, a suspension lift is the way to go.

When choosing a suspension lift, the entire frame and body are lifted from the axle, often replacing control arms, leaf springs, shocks, and various other suspension components. The benefits of a suspension lift comprise:

• Higher Lift (Suspension kits can give you a lift of a foot or even more, while body kits have stricter limits)
• Increased Wheel Articulation
• Increased Ground Clearance
• Increased Approach, Departure, and Break Over Angles
• Better Handling

Installing a suspension kit has some drawbacks. Firstly, regardless of the type of kit you choose, raising your vehicle will elevate its center of gravity, leading to greater body roll and an increased risk of tipping. Suspension kits are also likely to reduce your vehicle's towing capacity and could potentially void certain parts of your warranty.

Learn More at Mathews Ford Marion

Deciding whether to invest in a suspension lift depends on your budget, driving habits, and vehicle aspirations. If you drive a Ford, rest assured that it offers top-notch suspension lift kits. Reach out to our service and parts department at Mathews Ford Marion for expert advice and top-of-the-line products.