LEVELING KIT VS BODY LIFT

In part one, Your 4×4 Lift or No Lift, I reviewed reasons for adding a suspension lift to your truck, jeep, or SUV. If you’re reading this you’re still on the fence so check out these pros, cons, costs, and alternatives of installing a body lift or leveling kit on your 4×4.

LEVELING KIT

A leveling kit raises the front of your truck, jeep, or SUV to even out the overall stance of the vehicle. If you rarely load your truck or haul a heavy trailer, adding a leveling kit will let you fit larger wheels and tires under your 4×4 and level out the factory rake for a minimal investment. Most of us agree that a suspension lift looks awesome on about any truck, but if its primary purpose is for looks, consider the leveling kit option. This upgrade looks great and offers some of the same advantages.

PROS

A leveling kit will give you approximately 1-3 inches of additional front end ground clearance.

The ability to install larger tires without worrying whether they will scrub when making turns.

Will help offset the weight of a front winch.

Increases front end height 1-3 inches for an improved aesthetic, balanced appearance.

It can eliminate the visible gap between the chassis and the body.

Less expensive than a body lift.

Reduces the stress on the front suspension and brakes, making it easier to emergency brake.

A properly installed high quality leveling kit actually provides all these benefits. So what’s the catch? Here are some disadvantages to adding a leveling kit.

CONS

Installing a front-end leveling kit equalizes the suspension, which results in increased wind resistance. The increased resistance and drag decreases fuel economy. These days that’s a consideration for some. The difference in gas mileage will most likely be slight so not a major disadvantage.

The weight of the vehicle rests on the suspension. If a front-end leveling kit is installed incorrectly, it can cause increased wear and tear on the suspension system. Have a professional do your install to avoid this one.

Only affects the front of your vehicle.

In most cases, it doesn’t offer enough lift to make a pronounced visual difference overall.

Warranties are most often impacted by this type of modification.

It’s clear to see the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the leveling kit. However, you still have options to consider.

BODY LIFT

Body lifts are ideal for creating space between the body and the frame of your vehicle, not your vehicle suspension and the ground. Making room for larger tires is its primary purpose. If that’s your reason, you’re climbing the right hill but it has limitations compared to the suspension lift. Check out the pros and cons below.

PROS

A Body Lift is a relatively simple kit to install, takes about 1-3 hours.

DIY project using basic tools if you’re mechanically inclined and confident in your ability.

Still more affordable than a suspension lift, even when professionally installed.

The ability to install larger tires without worrying whether they will scrub when making turns.

This lift shouldn’t affect your ride quality or handling.

Won’t affect your suspension geometry.

CONS

Body lifts are only available in 2 and 5 inch kits.

The only ground clearance you’ll gain is from your tires so know your limits.

May expose your frame and/or create a gap between bumper and body (Not Ideal).

Will likely void your warranty if over 2 inches.

Stretches factory components such as wiring harnesses (especially new trucks).

May negatively affect the steering column and require additional work to correct.

Cost more on average than a leveling kit.

NO LIFT OPTION

Maybe this lift idea is simply stemming from a need for change or just a general upgrade? Consider a set of new aftermarket wheels over the more expensive lift option. The Jeep below has a 4″ suspension lift and new aftermarket wheels. The Chevy has only upgraded aftermarket wheels yet they both offer a vast improvement. The difference in cash output could change your mind… 🙂

BOTTOM LINE

So what costs are involved in going forward with a leveling lift? Buying and installing yourself, expect $200- $1000 for basic up to advanced kits. You can roughly estimate the installation cost from a pro to be the same as the kit so you may pay them $400-$2000 for kit and install, the more extensive the kits, the higher the cost. Body lift kits and installation are slightly higher, seriously consider why you’d want this option over a leveling kit. They’re going to run you more like $400 to $1500 for basic to advanced and a chunk for install. My advice is to call around for quotes, get expert practical advice from a professional installer that you or your friends trust before taking the next step.

Have more lift questions, I’m here to help!

Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I have answers.

Sources:

Super Lift Our Blog “Body Lift vs. Suspension Lift: Which Is Best for Your Ride?” superlift.com Retrieved April 2, 2022 from: https://superlift.com/our-blog/4/post/79/body-lift-vs-suspension-lift

Staff Writer Diesel Power “Lifting vs. Leveling – which is right for you?” motortrend.com May 1, 2013 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1305dp-lifitng-vs-leveling-which-is-right-for-you/

Hawley, Dustin “How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Truck?” jdpower.com January 21, 2021 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-lift-a-truck

Harper, Jeffrey “Body Lift Vs Suspension Lift: Here’s How To Decide Which Is Right For You” hotcars.com October 6, 2020 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.hotcars.com/body-lift-vs-suspension-life-which-is-right-for-you/

LIFT KITS, YES OR NO?

Spring is closer than you think, fun is too! Each year 4×4 truck, jeep, and SUV owners start itching for upgrades in preparation for Summer, especially lift kits. Even those who don’t go off road start jacking up their ride. Why? Dude, big trucks are cool! There are lots of other good reasons to add some distance between your truck and the road too. In “Lift or No Lift”, we’ll look at the pros, cons, costs, and alternatives of installing a suspension lift, body lift or leveling kit on your vehicle, beginning with the real deal.

SUSPENSION LIFT

Sure, a suspension lift looks awesome on most any truck, but what other benefits does it provide? A suspension lift raises the ride height (distance between chassis and ground) and improves the off-road performance of SUVs or trucks and other off-road vehicles. It’s the best choice for increasing off-road performance significantly and adding much larger tires to tackle the otherwise impassible, less traveled path. The sky’s the limit, she’ll go practically anywhere, and it’s cosmetic appeal is pretty obvious, it’s fierce. Here are some suspension lift benefits.

PROS

Improves off-road suspension performance.

Enables higher ground clearance (than a body lift), often between two to twelve inches.

It can eliminate the visible gap between the chassis and the body.

Superior tire clearance.

Increase in fender clearance.

Variety of options and pricing available.

A properly installed high quality suspension lift actually does provide all these benefits, what’s the catch? Well, the drawbacks are worth considering before breaking out your debit card. Here are some disadvantages to moving up in the world.

CONS

Dramatically affects handling and ride quality.

A change of suspension geometry requires a wheel alignment.

The risk of rollover increases with a higher center of gravity.

Sometimes requires re-gearing.

Reduces on-road ride comfort.

Reduces gas mileage.

May require augmenting other vehicle systems such as the brakes.

Time-consuming and difficult to install.

More expensive than body lifts.

Virtually pointless without adding larger (more expensive) tires.

This is where some people become disillusioned and stick safely to what they have. However, it’s important to continue researching, there are lots of options. First consider your reasons for lifting and how you can satisfy them practically without breaking the bank.

REASONS TO LIFT

Suspension lifts are ideal for going off-road. That’s its primary purpose. If that’s your reason, you’re right to consider a suspension lift. Whether it’s through rocks, mud, or in deep snow, having larger tires, more suspension travel, and better ground clearance are very large pros for adding a suspension lift.
Many newer trucks are built with low-to-the-ground features that make them more car-like. Low bumpers, exhaust, and running boards can all be damaged by rocks and debris-and even just smashed up on rough roads. A lift kit keeps all these mechanical and body parts from being mangled when the road gets rough. Caution, make sure you understand the possible downsides to lifting a new truck, warranties are most often impacted by this type of modification. Check with your dealer first.

If your lifting for cosmetic reasons this option may be a bit over the top in regards to cost and risk. That can be achieved in many cases with a body lift or leveling kit. In some cases a new set of tires on new or larger rims may be just the thing to get the job done for way less money!

New Rims & Tires VS. Installing a Lift Kit

BOTTOM LINE

So what costs are involved in following up with a suspension lift? Kits range from $1000.00 – $10’000.00 and even more for the most aggressive kits. You can roughly estimate the installation cost by matching the price of the kit itself, sometimes a bit more. For example, installing a $500.00 – $2000 suspension lift kit will cost you around the same in labor, the more extensive the kits, the higher the implied cost. The lift kit and installation costs are significant, seriously consider what and why you need a suspension lift. My advice is to call around for quotes, get expert practical advice from a professional installer that you or your friends trust before lifting. Have questions, Call (757) 560-4552 and ask for Mike Love.

Next week… Leveling Kits, Body Lifts, and More!

Having a hard time making your decision? I’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through your decision making process.

Call or text (757) 560-4252 and ask for Mike Love, I have answers.

Sources:

Hawley, Dustin “How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Truck?” jdpower.com January 21, 2021 Web. Retrieved from: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-lift-a-truck

Suspension lift

LIFT YOUR 4X4? OPTIONS PART 2

LEVELING KIT VS BODY LIFT

LEVELING KIT

PROS

A properly installed high quality leveling kit actually provides all these benefits. So what’s the catch? Here are some disadvantages to adding a leveling kit.

CONS

It’s clear to see the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the leveling kit. However, you still have options to consider.

BODY LIFT

PROS

CONS

NO LIFT OPTION

BOTTOM LINE

YOUR 4X4… Lift or No Lift?

LIFT KITS, YES OR NO?

SUSPENSION LIFT

PROS

A properly installed high quality suspension lift actually does provide all these benefits, what’s the catch? Well, the drawbacks are worth considering before breaking out your debit card. Here are some disadvantages to moving up in the world.

CONS

This is where some people become disillusioned and stick safely to what they have. However, it’s important to continue researching, there are lots of options. First consider your reasons for lifting and how you can satisfy them practically without breaking the bank.

REASONS TO LIFT

BOTTOM LINE