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.(1st Image Below)
- 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.( 2nd Image Below)
- 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.(3rd Image Below)
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
Remember that lifting a vehicle can
raise its center of gravity, and may make it more susceptible to
rollover.
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