The goal of acquiring the best lift kits is either aesthetics improvement or better ground clearance. But this decision will also depend on two types of lift kits;
- Suspension lift kits.
- Body lift kits.
Simple enough, right?
Well it’s deeper than that.
Today’s article is going to explore a number of things that concern the increase of vehicle ground clearance. We are going to look into terms that are commonly used in this field and you’ll leave here having been enlightened.
Suspension lift kits vs Body lift kits
Firstly, lets compare the suspension lift kits and the body lift kits. This is in terms of how they work in relation to ground clearance and the costs that each of them involves.
a] Suspension lift kits.
The vehicle’s suspension system is an intriguing vehicle component because of the important role it plays. Different vehicle suspension system parts work together to improve vehicle comfort, handling and weight support.
How do suspension lift kits work?
Basically, they replace or extend the suspension system that’s in place within the vehicle. This raises the vehicle’s body up to the level you desire.
The cost of undertaking this suspension system modification is relative to whether you DIY or seek professional help. It is highly advisable to seek a professional’s input in this case.
Further, suspension lift kits alter the center of gravity. That is, for every inch that you raise the car’s height, there will be an equal change in the center of gravity.
b] Body Lift kits.
When you install a body lift, you will notice that it will increase the distance between the body and chassis. The most common method of achieving this is by using spacers.
A great advantage that the body lift kits have is that you can DIY their installation. The fact that a professional doesn’t have to be involved will give you a cost reduction advantage.
Since body lift kits have a smaller effect on the center of gravity, they do not have a great effect on handling. Simply because the change in center of gravity is half the amount of height increase.
Comparison between the body lift kits and suspension lift kits.
The suspension lift kits usually add to the vehicle’s ground clearance while the body lift kits do not add any ground clearance.
Secondly, installing a body lift kit doesn’t require a professional but a suspension lift kit will need one.
Suspension lift kits are more costly in terms of labor and parts but the body lift kits aren’t as costly.
Lastly, it is possible to use a suspension lift kit with different tire sizes. But the body lift kit relies on you to change tire sizes in order for your car ground clearance to improve.
Leveling Kits.
Leveling kits are a feature that optimizes the front suspension system components. There are two different stages when undertaking a front suspension system upgrade.
- Entry level.
- Intermediate level.
Leveling Kits are under which class of lift kits?
They are usually considered as suspension kits. They are strut spacers that will increase ground clearance for the front suspension.
In fact, when undertaking a ground clearance upgrade, you can combine leveling kits with either body or suspension lift kits. The result will be an aesthetic effect alongside better towing capabilities.
Combining a leveling kit with a body kit will achieve an increase in ride height and ground clearance. Another advantage of this will be better control and handling.
a] Leveling kits entry level option.
A combination of this leveling kit with a body lift kit or larger tires is one way of increasing vehicle ground clearance. However, using this leveling kit by itself will only provide your car with a body height change.
The use of the entry level kits option will involve adjusting the CV axle angles and extending the ball joints. If they are not properly installed, they could lead to damage, increased wear and tear of the front suspension system components.
b] Leveling kits intermediate level option.
It’s design favors the type of front suspension set-up which is independent. When compared to the entry level option, this one offers a higher height allowance.
But that does not include the vehicle’s ground clearance height. However, this kit has the capacity to improve vehicle handling because it allows for an increase in suspension travel.
This attribute is a result of replacement control arms that are part of the intermediate level kit. Additionally, this kit comes with differential relocation brackets which ensure the CV axles are not overstretched.
We ain’t done yet.
The kit also comes with additional shock absorbers for the independent front suspension. Their main function being to improve damper control. Hence increasing the vehicle comfort.
