Deciding on vehicle suspension alterations, whether to lift, level or lower your truck or SUV should be considered seriously. Take in to account the vehicle, and think about how you will use it with the suspension alteration. Most of us own trucks or SUVs that we use for a multitude of different purposes; daily-driving, work truck, or a weekend project work vehicle with the possibly of some off-roading.
In this multi-use situation, the target is to find the proper balance between on-road driveability and off-road suspension flexibility and control. If you have the luxury of owning a dedicated off-road vehicle, some of its higher speed handling traits can be sacrificed to maximize suspension articulation.
Also realize that suspension is only one leg of the performance triad, you must also address your vehicle’s tires and drivetrain. The key is to get these three vehicle systems working together to provide the best possible traction at all times.
What suspension system will work best for you? It boils down to these four basic factors:
1. vehicle type and stock suspension specifications
2. what the vehicle will be used for
3. desired tire size
4. your budget
Because of all of the variables, odds are that a “one type fits all” lift kit is not going to get the job done satisfactorily.
Most lift kit manufactures allow you to build a suspension system for your specific budget and performance needs. The various “builds” are listed in each lift kit manufactures guide.
Vehicle driveability is defined as: “The sum of a vehicle’s driving traits and mannerisms”. Over the years, the vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GM, etc.) have paid more and more attention to drivability, especially in the area of ride quality. A properly modified, moderately lifted vehicle generally rides and steers as well as a stock vehicle. In fact, it is not unusual to actually noticeably improve overall drivability, depending on your choice of suspension, shocks and tires.
Again, it is a matter of what vehicle you start with and your aftermarket equipment choices. Here are a few “rules of thumb” to keep in mind:
Ride quality…
* Does the coil spring lift system normally maintain a factory-like ride quality.
* Lifted leaf spring equipped vehicles generally ride factory-like or slightly firmer than stock. As spring arch increases so does firmness.
* On most vehicles equipped with Independent Front Suspension, ride quality does not noticeably change since the factory torsion bars or coilover shocks are not replaced.
* Properly valved shocks, or multiple shocks per wheel, help cure a “spongy” ride, but they will not provide lift.
* Tire type and their operating air pressure – Most people keep their tires at operating pressures higher than what is needed for their vehicle’s weight.
For example, a full-size SUV requires more pressure than a Jeep CJ, yet they can run the same basic tire. Over-inflation degrades ride quality, and induces uneven tire wear. Research what pressure is right for your vehicle’s weight via your tire dealer or the tire manufacturer’s website.
Different Rear Lift Methods
* Lift blocks are generally the most popular rear lift method since they afford the best ride quality and are the least expensive. However, spring / axle wrap-up can be an issue with some vehicles. Superlift offers two different anti-wrap traction bar products: the economical Super-Trac top-mounted bars, or their premium Torque Max ladder type bars.
4wheelparts.com. They are great. They will have the lift for the front kinda pricey or the leveling kit for the back, usually less than 100 bucks.this is the great answer in my site.
It does work, but it’s not the best way to lift a vehicle. The problem with “cranking up” the torsion bars is that you basically lose suspension travel by whatever distance you raise the front end. If you raise it 2″, you’ll lose 2″ of travel. There will also be a noticeable difference in ride quality because the front suspension is basically pre-loaded.
agreed….don’t crank up the torsion bars! You’ll regret it later. Also causes odd tire wear patterns that affect the life of your tires on the front.
Thanks for this article. I am looking at lifting my Ram, and this helps show my options. Thanks also for the advice on the torsion bars.
i have a 03 chevy full sise van .IWHANT TO LIFT IT UP 3 TO 7 INCH .WHAT OUT FOR MY VAN HELP P.S
I have a 2004 f-150 ext cab and want to put 20inch x 9 monster wheels what lift height should i need.