What is a Car Lift Kit?

Drivers who want to fit larger tires on their vehicles usually install lift kits to make room in the wheel well. They come in two types: body lift kits that work by installing spacer blocks, and suspension lift kits that replace the shock absorbers and the springs. Both types of kits are widely available, and amateur mechanics often fit them themselves.

Lift kits are primarily aesthetic modifications. To install the very large tires that some users find attractive it is necessary to increase clearance between the wheel wells and the axles, and a lift kit will do that. It also changes the appearance of the vehicle itself in a way many find attractive. While lift kits can be installed in ways that do not compromise safety or handling and may actually improve the latter, there are some things to think about before you lift your ride.

What a Lift Kit Does Not Do

There is one ubiquitous misconception about lift kits: some users fit them hoping for greater clearance under the vehicle. This does not happen. The lift kit, whether blocks or suspension, fits between the body and the axles. The axles stay the same distance from the ground as they were before. Larger tires may be fitted at the same time as a lift kit and they do raise the axle by half the difference between the diameters, but they are not technically part of a lift kit.

What is Involved in Lifting Besides the Lift Kit

There is more to lifting a vehicle than just installing the kit. What else is involved depends on the vehicle. Since the distance between the body and the axles changes, it makes sense that anything that goes from one to the other will have to be modified. The obvious thing in this category is brake line, which will need to be repositioned if not replaced entirely. Some vehicles with manual transmissions will need a new gear shift lever, and almost all, manual or automatic, will need care to make sure everything still lines up and functions as it should. If, as often happens, larger tires are installed at the same time as the lift kit, know that going more than a couple of sizes larger will may mean regearing the vehicle, too.

Lift Kits and the Law

Local and state traffic law enforcers have a justifiable interest in making sure the cars on their roads are operable. Lifts so extreme as to change a vehicle’s center of gravity are frowned on. Some jurisdictions have rules about a passenger vehicle’s total height. Most want functional headlights on anything driven at night. Before you modify your ride, make sure you will still be allowed to drive it when you are done.

Lift kits are worthwhile modifications. Small changes can improve handling and tire wear and more extreme mods may be necessary for show vehicles and such. Lifting a vehicle can be complicated, though. For drivers who are not expert mechanics, it might be best to buy the kit and let a shop install it. However you accomplish it, though, a properly installed lift kit can give your vehicle more panache than almost any other modification.