Lifting your 4WD enhances its stance, allows for larger tyres, and improves off-road capability. But should you choose a body lift kit or a suspension lift kit? Understanding their differences is key to making the right choice.
Body Lift Kits
A body lift raises the vehicle’s body off the chassis using spacers, keeping the suspension and drivetrain unchanged.
- Tyre Clearance: Allows for larger tyres without modifying suspension.
- Ground Clearance: No increase, as the chassis height remains the same.
- Ride Quality: Maintains factory suspension geometry and handling.
- Installation & Cost: More affordable and easier to install than a suspension lift.
- Best For: Drivers wanting a budget-friendly way to enhance aesthetics and fit larger tyres.
Suspension Lift Kits
A suspension lift replaces or modifies key suspension components, raising both the chassis and body.
- Tyre Clearance: Allows for larger tyres while also improving off-road performance.
- Ground Clearance: Increases chassis height, improving approach angles.
- Ride Quality: Alters suspension geometry, which may require additional adjustments.
- Installation & Cost: More expensive and complex to install due to extra components.
- Best For: Off-roaders needing maximum clearance, articulation, and handling improvements.
Choosing Between the Two
- Budget: Body lifts are more affordable; suspension lifts are a larger investment.
- Performance: For serious off-roading, a suspension lift is the better option.
- Combination: Some owners combine both for tyre clearance and increased ground clearance.
Whether you opt for a body lift or a suspension lift depends on how you use your vehicle. If your goal is to fit larger tyres without major modifications, a body lift is a practical solution. If you need more ground clearance and better off-road capability, a suspension lift is the way to go. For those wanting both benefits, a combination of the two may provide the best results.