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Lift System Basics... choosing your lift
Decisions, decisions...
The decisions you make regarding suspension alterations are important ones. Closely evaluate what you have to work with, and think about what you are trying to accomplish. Most of us own trucks or SUVs that serve multiple roles; our vehicle is primarily a daily-driver, with its other duties being a weekend project "work mule" - with possibly a little towing thrown in - and occasionally some off-roading. In this multi-use situation, the goal is to find the proper balance between on-road driveability (see definition below) and off-road suspension flexibility and control. If you have the luxury of owning a dedicated off-road vehicle, some of its higher speed handling traits can be sacrificed to maximize suspension articulation. Also realize that suspension is only one leg of the performance triad, you must also address your vehicle's tires and drivetrain... the key is to get these three vehicle systems working together to provide the best possible traction at all times. Hey... if it were easy and cheap, everyone would be doing it correctly!
What suspension system will work best for you? It boils down to these four basic factors:
- vehicle type and stock suspension specifications
- what the vehicle will be used for
- desired tire size
- your budget
Because of all of the variables, odds are that a "one type fits all" lift kit is not going to get the job done satisfactorily. Superlift allows you to build a suspension system for your specific budget and performance needs. The various "builds" are listed in the each vehicle's Application Guide section. No one offers more lift methods and options than Superlift. If you still have questions contact your local Superlift dealer, or Superlift direct, to discuss your situation in detail.
Vehicle driveability is defined as: "The sum of a vehicle's driving traits and mannerisms". Over the years, the vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GM, etc.) have paid more and more attention to drivability, especially in the area of ride quality. A properly modified, moderately lifted vehicle generally rides and steers as well as a stock vehicle. In fact, it is not unusual to actually noticeably improve overall drivability, depending on your choice of suspension, shocks and tires. Again, it is a matter of what vehicle you start with and your aftermarket equipment choices. Here are a few "rules of thumb" to keep in mind:
Ride quality...
- Our coil spring lift systems normally maintain a factory-like ride quality.
- Lifted leaf spring equipped vehicles generally ride factory-like or slightly firmer than stock. As spring arch increases so does firmness.
- On most vehicles equipped with Independent Front Suspension, ride quality does not noticeably change since the factory torsion bars or coilover shocks are not replaced.
- Properly valved shocks, or multiple shocks per wheel, help cure a "spongy" ride, but they will not provide lift.
- Tire type and their operating air pressure - Most people keep their tires at operating pressures higher than what is needed for their vehicle's weight. For example, a full-size SUV requires more pressure than a Jeep CJ, yet they can run the same basic tire. Over-inflation degrades ride quality, and induces uneven tire wear. Research what pressure is right for your vehicle's weight via your tire dealer or the tire manufacturer's website.
Different Rear Lift Methods
- Lift blocks are generally the most popular rear lift method since they afford the best ride quality and are the least expensive. However, spring / axle wrap-up can be an issue with some vehicles. Superlift offers two different anti-wrap traction bar products: the economical Super-Trac top-mounted bars, or our premium Torque Max ladder type bars.
- Add-a-leafs can be used with or without lift blocks, and are recommended to strengthen weak factory springs, and / or when the vehicle is used for hauling or towing. Top-mounted factory overload springs can be retained when using add-a-leafs.
- Superlift Superide replacement rear springs are the way to go if the factory springs are overly fatigued or damaged. Attaining lift with new springs, as opposed to blocks, reduces spring / axle wrap-up. Generally, our replacement rear springs' ride quality and spring rate is comparable to a factory heavy-duty spring. Top-mounted factory overloads are not compatible with rear lift springs.
Net lift height...
- Net lift height varies slightly depending on which factory suspension package the vehicle is equipped with and its condition.
- The presence of additional weight, such as a winch, heavy-duty bumpers, storage boxes, extra fuel capacity, etc., reduces lift height.
- On vehicles equipped with Independent Front Suspension, the use of exceptionally wide tires / wheels exerts extra leverage on the vehicle's springs and reduces tire-to-fender clearance when turning. This leverage results in a slight amount of ride height loss. With torsion bar-equipped vehicles, the available torsion bar adjustment may not be adequate to offset this leverage, and new heavier rated bars may be required. For other suspension types (TTB, coilover), Superlift offers products that will restore this lost height.
Safety Issues and Superlift's Limited Lifetime Warranty...
Remember that lifting a vehicle can raise its center of gravity, and may make it more susceptible to rollover. Click here for more information.
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