How Lift Kits Impact Driving Performance?

Want your SUV to be more eye-catching, versatile, and off-ground for better driving experience? A real car-lover would know the best item to install in their vehicles for such purposes- Lift Kits. Lift kits are a collection of components which increase the height of vehicles. Others sit high when they’re on uneven driving or off-roading.

Let us be first clear, there is no need for you to use lift kits if you don’t work in mucky sites or do off-roading. The only thing for you then is to be more extravagant and attract people’s eyes. Though we admit, that is as cool as having a drone butterfly.

If you’re one of those crazy vehicle lovers, this blog is for you. We will explore through the types of Lift kits and their effects on driving & balance. Set the gears and tighten your seat belt.

What is a Lift Kit?

A lift kit is a combination of different components. These are installed on the vehicle which is generally either an SUV or a truck. They create more distance between the car body & the ground. This changes the centre of gravity of the vehicle, giving it more of a monster truck touch, and making it good for off-roading. Check more at Air Suspension Lift Kit.

– Lift Kits offer more clearance on the ground for better off-road driving.

– They increase the height between vehicle body & axle which affects the overall driving & balance of the vehicle.

– Installing lift kits to beautify your vehicles.

– The lift kit is a nice hack for improving vision while driving.

Types of Lift Kit:

You will come around three different types of lift kits. However, two of them are majorly important. All three of them have different purposes and offer different height lengths from the ground.

Levelling Lift Kit
Body Lift Kit
Suspension Lift Kit

Levelling Lift Kits:

– This lift kit levels the vehicle height and manages the difference between the front & rear parts of an SUV or truck.

– Note that often manufacturers build trucks or SUVs such that the rear wheel will always be 1-2 higher than the front one.

– It helps prevent the rear end from getting sagged when towing a heavy load.

– These are relatively small in size and easy to install.

– The truck gets more ground clearance with an increment in the front end.

Body Lift Kit:

– The body lift kit increases the ride height by 1-3 inches.

– Body lift kits raise the body height of the vehicle. This Is because the trucks & SUV body & frame are made separately. On the other hand, the car’s body & frame are made as one piece.

– Installing a body levelling kit will have no solid impact on your suspension system.

– It may make driving around corners slightly difficult.

– Driving may feel slight discomfort due to the change of centre of gravity.

– There will be more space for larger wheels & tires.

– These lift kits are in-budget.

Suspension Lift Kits:

The suspension lift kit uses different components to raise the frame height with a greater range of 1-12 inches.

– This is the most expensive & complicated lift kit to raise a vehicle.

– Installing a suspension lift kit will also require different underbody components such as brake lines.

– Suspension lift kits heavily affect your car handling.

– These lift kits offer a wide range of height possibilities.

Pros of Installing Lift Kits:

Improves your vehicle’s look instantly, transforming it into a beast on roads.
Offers better visibility due to the raised height on the ride.
Get more space on off-roading clearance while driving.
Get less damaged while driving over a pothole or other objects.

Cons of Installing Lift Kits:

Installing lift kits will raise your vehicle height which will cause trouble in handling.
You must drive comparatively slower than your usual speed.
Lifting your truck may be costlier than you expected.
You may have to take a permit for modified lifting to your vehicle.

Factors to Check Before Buying a Lift Kit?

1. Warranty:

Modifying your vehicle’s structure risks your warranty period. However, different manufacturer’s warranties differ in ways. If the warranty period is essential to you, check whether they allow lift kit modification.

2. State Laws:

Before you decide to go on lift kits, double-check your state’s laws. They vary from each other. This may cause you trouble in future.

3. Insurance:

Your insurance premium should not increase with lift kits. This happens when you cross the legal limits. Wise would be consulting your insurance agent for a detailed understanding of the terms.

4. Garage:

You would need a higher garage for parking your vehicle. If you don’t own such a garage, it may cause overnight problems for you.

Effects of Lift Kits on Vehicle Performance:

Lift kits are additional to trucks & SUVs. They will leave a permanent effect on the vehicle performance in several factors. Some of them are heavy drawbacks but it’s fine when you’re a beast lover.

The most impacted factor is the speed of your vehicle. External components and larger tires will increase the load on the vehicle engine making it slow.
The driving would feel less stable as the centre of gravity has been changed for the vehicle.
The towing height of your vehicle will be changed if you’ve installed suspension lift kits. They increase the towing height so you will need an additional hitch to return it to standard height.
It will lower the load capacity comparatively.
Installing a body lift kit will have a negligible impact on mileage but the suspension lift kit installs big tires which will cause you to lose a few miles per litre.
Using a lift kit will allow a better front view of roads, giving you better chances
Your vehicle’s suspension damping will decrease if you’re lifting your vehicle by more than 2-3 inches.
Driving the vehicle would feel unsettling around turns.

Conclusion:

Adding lift kits is surely a thrill to adventure lovers. After all, who doesn’t want a little attention in the city? However, using lift kits doesn’t always come with top benefits only. Despite being super cool among your buddies, be careful when you install them on your SUV or truck. Unless you do off-driving or operate in an extremely clustered work field, lift kits are completely no use for you. Find more exclusive products for all your needs on Air Suspension system at X2Industries.

It’s your choice but you must cross-check the effects as well. This article highlights the pros & cons of using lift kits and their impact on driving performance. Hope everything to crystal clear to you. See you in the next article.