How To Choose the Best Lift Kit for Your Off-Road Vehicle

If you’re looking to take your vehicle to the next level when it comes to its off-roading ability, you have a few different options. However, a lift kit is almost always going to be your best bet if you want to be able to traverse all kinds of terrain. Having the ground clearance you need will help you take on tough conditions and scale massive inclines without bottoming out. The more ground clearance you have, the more capable your vehicle will be out on the trail. If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to upgrade your suspension and get the lift you need, it’s important to understand what to look for. Knowing how to choose the best lift kit for your off-road vehicle will help you make the right choice and head out into the wilderness with confidence. ​

Understand Your Performance Goals

Before you decide on a lift kit, you should understand what you’re looking for in terms of your vehicle’s versatility. While it may seem like a good idea to get the largest lift you can, this might be impractical for on-road driving. High lifts can reduce fuel efficiency and may make it more difficult to get in and out of your vehicle, which isn’t very practical for everyday use. If you’re only going to be using your vehicle for your outdoor adventures, more lift is a great option but a nice middle ground with a one- to two-inch lift will usually be enough to ride the line between rugged capability and practical usability on a daily basis.

Know the Lift Kit Types

There are three different lift kit types that are commonly used and you need to choose the one that will suit your needs best. These include:

• Body Lift Kits - These kits only raise the body of the vehicle and not the entire suspension system. They can be a big aesthetic improvement if you like the aggressive stance of off-road vehicles but they don’t offer the kind of ground clearance you might need.
• Suspension Lift Kits - Suspension kits replace or modify the entire suspension system of the vehicle and raise the whole thing. They will usually be more complicated to install than a body kit but they can get you the clearance you need for serious off-road driving.
• Leveling Kits - Most stock vehicles have a slight rake to them with the front end being slightly lower than the rear. A leveling kit brings the front end up slightly, which evens out the rake and makes it easier to take hills in an off-road situation.

Think About Vehicle Impact

When you install a lift kit, it can have a significant impact on your vehicle and the way it performs. For example, it may change its handling and responsiveness and in some cases, you may even need new control arms or steering stabilizers to make your vehicle drivable again. You might also have to get new wheels and tires to accommodate the lift kit and ensure that you have enough of a contact patch on the road to drive safely. Knowing about the potential impact of the lift kit will help you be prepared.

Look for Quality Materials

Since your lift kit will be taking a lot of use and abuse over the years, you want to be sure that it’s made of high-quality materials. High-strength steel, ductile iron, and forged aluminum are all incredibly strong and they will stand up to all kinds of bumps and shocks out in the wild. For things like bushings and mounts, you want to look for polyurethane or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) plastics, which are known for being both flexible and durable as well as resistant to weather wear and moisture. If you’re planning to be on the trail in rough conditions, you want to be sure that your suspension can handle it.

Consider Installation

You should think about the ease of installation with your lift kit, especially if you’re going to be doing the work yourself. Body lift kits are almost always going to be easier to install than a full suspension kit and won’t require the kind of complex tools and equipment needed to replace the whole suspension system. Depending on your budget, your skills, and the equipment you have, one type of kit might be better for you than another.

No matter what kind of lift kit you decide on, ExtremeTerrain has everything you need. With kits of all types from the brands you trust, you can find the right option for your specific performance goals. Plus, with fast shipping, you don’t have to wait to hit the trail for your next adventure.