Most people these days use their off-roading vehicle for more than just off-roading. Many truck, Jeep and SUV owners also use their vehicles as daily drivers and work trucks. For this reason, it can be challenging to decide on which 4 wheel parts are best for your needs. Most often when people use their vehicle for multiple purposes, there has to be a compromise with many of the auto parts you do end up purchasing. This can range from the type of wheels you get, bumpers as well as lift kits and suspension. Today, we’ll take a beginners look at the variety of lift kits you can get for your vehicle along with how to make the process of choosing the right one for you a whole lot easier.
If you’re in the market for a lift kit or any other 4 wheel parts in Utah, contact Red Desert Off-Road today. As off-road enthusiasts ourselves, we know how to take your vehicle to the next level for any trail you may come up against.
Types of Lift Kits
Leveling Lift Kits
Leveling kits are most often used for truck owners who want to increase ground clearance, create space for larger tires and “level” out the appearance of their truck. Trucks are built with the rear sitting higher than the front of the truck. This is an intentional design. Many trucks are used to tow heavy loads and the higher end is designed to keep the end from dragging. While this intention design is useful, some people may find this visually unappealing, that’s where the leveling kit comes in. A leveling lift kit in St. George raises the front of your vehicle so that the front and back end line up. This creates a more aesthetically appealing ride and increased ground clearance.
For leveling lift kits there are three basic varieties:
- Strut Extensions Lifts – These kits use a spacer that is placed over the factory strut. Used on vehicles with coilover struts.
- Torsion Keys – Can be simply a turn of the stock torsion bars your vehicle is already equipped with or an upgrade to higher strength steel torsion bars or keys such as forged steel.
- Coil Spacers – Can be added to existing spring buckets and add an additional two to three inches without replacing anything.
Leveling kits are an excellent option if you plan on occasionally taking your truck, Jeep or SUV on some off-road trails, but mostly want your vehicle lifted for looks rather than performance.
Suspension Lift Kits
Suspension lift kits in St. George Utah are your best bet if you plan on taking your vehicle out on the trails often or through some extreme terrain. Designed to allow for much bigger tires, by replacing your vehicle’s springs and shocks, suspension lift kids absorb the impact of going over bumps and rocks. Suspension lift kits also minimize shaking and help with overall off-roading performance.
High-quality suspension lift kits are for serious off-roaders and are also more expensive than other lift options. Additionally, some suspension lift kits can compromise steering so an additional steering stabilizer may need to be purchased. However, the shock absorption, tire and ground clearance, as well as increased off-roading capabilities, make suspension lift kits in St. George well worth the money.
Body Lift Kit
As its name would state, by using a series of blocks to raise the body of the vehicle above the frame, a body lift kit lowers the impact on a vehicle when driven on trails or uneven roads. It should be noted that while a body lift kit in St. George will raise the body, making your off-road vehicle appear taller, it doesn’t actually improve the suspension of your truck, Jeep or SUV. Body lift kits are most often purchased by people wishing to save some money while still improving the look of their ride and creating more ground clearance.
How to Choose The Right Lift Kit
Now that we’ve taken a look at the three basic types of lift kits you can get for your truck, Jeep or SUV there are some things you will want to consider before purchasing your own. Some of the main factors to consider include:
- What is your budget? A lift kit can cost upwards of $300 and may require professional installation. Contact Red Desert Off-Road for a free estimate on our lift kit and installation packages.
- Your vehicle’s factory suspension specifications. Be wary of one size fits all lift kits. Most often these are of lower quality or are not made to fit your specific vehicle, which can actually decrease your vehicle’s performance.
- What are you planning on using your vehicle for? As previously mentioned, most people use their truck, Jeep or SUV for various on and off-road activities. For example, though you may want a sick suspension lift kit for your truck, if you only take your truck off-road occasionally another option may be better suited. Our staff can help you choose the specific lift kit in St. George to match your needs.
- How big do you want your tires? Choose the lift kit with plenty of space for your off-road, all-terrain or street tires.
If you want to beef up your truck or Jeep by adding a lift kit or any other 4 wheel parts in Utah, stop by our St. George showroom or let us know what products you’re interested in, by filling out this form.