Truck Shop Services

What Are Car Lift Kits?

A lift kit is a vehicle modification that increases ground clearance, which allows it to better traverse rough roads and off-road terrains. It also provides more space for larger tires, which enhance traction and stability in various road conditions.

Lift Kits

However, it is important to note that lifting a car may void its manufacturer’s warranty, and it can affect the handling of the vehicle.

A two-post lift is the most common type of car lift. They are the workhorses of the automotive service industry, offering excellent wheels-free and undercarriage access for a variety of repairs and maintenance jobs. They are also very easy to use, even for a beginner mechanic.

There are several different types of 2-post lifts, including overhead and floor-plate models. Overhead models have an overhead bar running between the posts, while floor-plate models have a plate running across the floor connecting the two posts. Both are available with a variety of different lift capacities, from 10,000 lb. to 12,000 lb. Most automotive technicians prefer a 2 post car lift with a higher lift capacity, but it is important to consider the amount of space you will have in your garage when deciding on which model to purchase.

When shopping for a 2-post lift, look for a manufacturer that offers warranty and customer support. Most manufacturers offer a base level of coverage that will cover the lift for a certain period of time, but it is also important to find a company that will stand behind their product and help you if something goes wrong with it during normal usage.

It is also important to choose a manufacturer that has extensive certifications regarding the safety and efficiency of their car lifts. These accreditations are usually a good indication of how well the lift will perform and how durable it will be over time.

Lastly, be sure to shop around for the best price. Prices vary significantly between manufacturers, and a little bit of comparison shopping can go a long way in saving you money on your new car lift.

For the average auto enthusiast looking for a high-quality 2-post car lift for their home garage, the Dannmar D2-15C is a great option. This car lift has the capacity to accommodate most cars, trucks, and vans, and its clever symmetrical/asymmetrical arm design provides plenty of clearance for undercarriage work. It also features automatic arm restraints, a maintenance-free UHMW load bearing system, and safety locks in each column that are spaced every 3. In addition, the Dannmar D2-15C is an excellent value among competitive car lifts with similar lifting capabilities.

Body Lifts

Most trucks, SUVs and cars use a “body over frame” construction method where the vehicle’s body is built on top of a metal frame. A body lift kit raises the height of the vehicle by placing blocks or spacers between the frame and the body, essentially proping up the body a few inches. This type of car lift kit doesn’t change the suspension or any other mechanical systems and is generally cheaper than a full suspension lift.

A few inches of extra ride height can allow you to run larger tires and may improve the look of your vehicle. A lift kit can also increase ground clearance, making it easier to drive over damaged roads or rough terrain. It’s important to consider your state laws and the limitations of your garage or driveway before installing a lift kit.

The main disadvantage of a body lift kit is that it can negatively affect fuel economy. The added weight and the vehicle’s new height will both contribute to increased wind resistance, reducing your gas mileage. You can minimize this effect by mounting bigger wheels and tires, which will add more surface area than the stock rubber.

In some cases, a body lift kit may cause your vehicle to become unbalanced and difficult to handle. It can also make braking, cornering and acceleration more challenging, especially at high speeds. Having a professional perform the installation can help to avoid these problems.

A suspension lift kit is a more expensive modification that can significantly change the handling and driving dynamics of your vehicle. It can also be more difficult to install than a body lift kit.

A full suspension lift can elevate your vehicle up to 9 inches and may require significant modifications to the steering and suspension. This is a great option for off-road enthusiasts who want to take their vehicle to extreme heights, but it’s not recommended for street driving. At these extreme heights, your vehicle’s center of gravity is greatly increased, and it can be unsafe to drive. A full suspension lift is also more likely to wear down your parts faster than a simple leveling kit, so you’ll need to plan on regular maintenance.

Lift Kits for Trucks

Most people associate lift kits with trucks, but they can also be installed on cars to enhance the vehicle’s appearance. These aftermarket components elevate the vehicle’s body a few inches higher, allowing the owner to install larger tires. This is a popular modification among people who enjoy off-road driving, since the added clearance allows them to traverse rugged terrain with greater ease.

There are several different types of lift kits, each with its own unique specifications and price range. Choosing the right one depends on your needs and driving habits.

A leveling kit is the most economical option. It provides an inch or two of lift and maintains the factory ride quality. If you plan to take your truck off-road, however, a full suspension kit is a better choice. It raises the body of your vehicle and includes new shocks, track bars, sway bar links, coil springs and adjustable control arms to provide a more aggressive stance.

These kits can cost anywhere from $400 to $800, depending on the size of your vehicle. They are most commonly used on Toyota Tacomas and Jeep Wranglers because these models feature a unibody design, where the body and frame are formed as one piece. In contrast, most other pickup trucks and the Honda Ridgeline are body-on-frame, meaning the body is bolted to the frame. To install a body lift kit, you will need to unbolt the body from the frame and then insert spacers or blocks between the frame and the body before using longer bolts to reattach them.

While a lift kit can be an affordable and practical way to improve your truck or car’s appearance, it’s important to know the risks associated with this type of modification. A vehicle lifted too high can damage the drivetrain and other components, as well as impact its performance. It’s also recommended that you upgrade your brakes when installing a lift kit to handle the additional stress on your braking system.

Lift Kits for SUVs

If you have spent any time around truck and SUV enthusiasts, you’ve likely heard them mention lift kits. You may have even been curious about what these kits are, how they work, and what exactly they do (and why anyone would want one).

There are several benefits to getting a lift kit for your vehicle, including increased ground clearance and a more aggressive appearance. These kits also allow you to run larger tires, which provide better handling in rough terrain and traction on hazardous roads. Finally, lifted vehicles can be more effective when used for towing.

The most common type of lift kit is a body lift. These kits raise the distance between the vehicle’s body and frame, which allows for larger tires to be mounted and gives the car a taller, “bigger” look. Body lift kits are the simplest and least expensive option, making them ideal for those who simply want to increase their vehicle’s ground clearance and give it a more aggressive appearance.

Suspension lift kits are a more complex modification than body lifts, and they typically require professional installation. These kits include strut spacers and coil spring/strut extensions that raise the suspension height of the vehicle. While they offer a number of advantages, such as better off-road performance and the ability to run larger tires, they can be costly and are not suitable for everyone.

Another downside of suspension lift kits is that they often void the factory warranty, and may result in decreased fuel economy due to additional weight and increased wind resistance. It’s a good idea to consult with your dealership before you decide on a lift kit for your vehicle.

If you’re serious about off-roading, a mid-travel or long-travel lift kit is the way to go. These kits offer up to a foot of vehicle lift, and are designed to increase the suspension travel. This allows the vehicle to traverse much larger obstacles without damage, which makes off-road driving much easier and more fun. Long-travel and mid-travel lift kits aren’t cheap, though, so they’re not for everyone.