Suspension Lift Kit vs. Body Lift Kit: Making the Right Choice for Your Vehicle

 

So you want to “pimp out” and give a bit of bling to your vehicle with a lift job? But there are more options and brands than there are cereals in the breakfast aisle. It’s too much. Confused about the whole lifting of your off-roader methodology? On what’s what? Choosing between the top two options - a suspension lift vs. a body lift - can be tough. 

Here, we break down the benefits and drawbacks of each, giving you the gearhead 4-1-1 — allowing you to make the perfect choice for your driving needs and terrain. Whether you crave improved handling and ground clearance or prioritise affordability and aesthetics, this guide equips you with the necessary knowledge. So, buckle up and discover the lift that elevates your ride into the cosmos.

Vehicle customisation — the appeal of lift kits

Lift kits stand out as one of the most popular modifications on the market. A modification that blends aesthetics and functionality seamlessly. They elevate your ride, creating a head-turning presence on the road. Draw in the looks. Plus, the increased ground clearance provided, opens doors to off-road adventures, letting you navigate uneven terrain and obstacles with confidence – they allow for larger tyres, further enhancing your grip and performance on challenging trails.

What is a lift kit?

Lift kits are a set of modifications designed to raise a vehicle's suspension system, increasing ground clearance and altering its overall stance. This alteration serves two primary purposes:

• Aesthetics: Creates a more imposing and rugged look for a bolder presence on the road.
• Functionality: Allows drivers to tackle tougher terrain and accommodate larger tyres for improved traction and off-road performance.

Types of lift kits

Let’s look at the main two types of lift systems out there – Body Lift and Suspension Lift.

What is a body lift kit vs. suspension?

• Body lift kits raise the body of your vehicle off the frame, creating space for larger tyres without altering the suspension itself. They are easier to install but compromise handling and stability due to the higher centre of gravity.
• Suspension lift kits directly modify the suspension system, increasing ground clearance and often improving off-road capability.

What is the role of lift kits in enhancing off-road performance and vehicle appearance?

Off-road performance

• Increased ground clearance: Allows more space beneath your vehicle, avoiding the chances of scraping or getting stuck on obstacles.
• Larger tyres: Provide better grip and traction on loose surfaces.
• Enhanced suspension travel: Allows your wheels to articulate better over uneven terrain.

Vehicle appearance

• Imposing stance: Lifted trucks show a powerful and adventurous aura.
• Larger tyres: Bigger tyres create an aggressive look.
• Customisation options: Offer further customisation with off-road accessories.

Mechanics of suspension lift kits

Suspension lift kits elevate your vehicle by modifying the suspension system itself, directly impacting performance and ground clearance. Let's delve into them:

How are they composed?

• Springs: Include coil springs or leaf springs, which are physically lifting the chassis.
• Shocks: Offer better ride quality and handling on and off-road.
• Control Arms: Maintain proper suspension geometry after the lift, ensuring alignment and handling stability.
• Additional components: Sway bar links, bump stops, and other parts might be included for proper fitment and functionality.

How do they work?

Suspension lift kits change the position of the vehicle's suspension components to raise the overall height of the chassis. By increasing the distance between the frame and the axles, the lift kit allows for larger tyres to be installed and provides greater ground clearance for off-road driving.

What impact do they have on performance?

• Increased ground clearance: Allows the vehicle to navigate rough terrain, without getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage.
• Larger tyres: Accommodate bigger tyres for better off-road grip and traction.
• Enhanced suspension travel: Enhances wheel articulation for better control on uneven terrain.

Benefits & drawbacks of choosing a suspension lift kit

Benefits

• Off-road prowess: Increased ground clearance allows you to navigate off-road obstacles with confidence.
• Larger tyres: The lift allows the installation of larger tyres and offers a stronger grasp.
• Enhanced suspension travel: Keeps your tyres in contact with the ground for improved control and steadiness.
• Improved approach and departure angles: Allows tackling steeper inclines and declines without scraping the front or rear bumper.

Drawbacks

• Increased cost: Costlier due to the complexity and number of components involved.
• Changes to ride quality: Ride quality might become stiffer due to the taller springs and shocks.
• Higher centre of gravity: Compromises handling, increasing the risk of rollovers.
• Increased wear and tear: Places additional stress on components, requiring more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Mechanics of body lift kits

Body lift kits offer a more affordable and simpler way to elevate your vehicle's looks. Let's break them down:

How are they composed?

• Body spacers: Made of high-strength nylon or polyurethane placed between the body and the frame, creating the lift.
• Hardware: Bolts, nuts, and washers are included to secure the spacers and relocate brackets and components attached to the body.
• Extension kits: Brake line extenders, steering column extensions, and fan shroud spacers might be necessary for proper fitment.

How do they work?

Body lift kits work by creating additional space between the vehicle's frame and body. The body blocks are installed between the existing body mounts and the frame mounts using the provided hardware. Once installed, the body is lifted higher off the frame, resulting in an increased ride height.

What Impact do they have on the aеsthеtics of the vehicle?

• Increased ride height: The vehicle appears taller, creating a visually bolder stance.
• Larger tyre fitment: Bigger tyres improve handling by filling the wheel wells.
• Customisation potential: Allows further aesthetic modifications.

Benefits & drawbacks of choosing a body lift kit

Prior to choosing a body lift kit, consider the following: 

Benefits

• Lowеr cost: Arе chеapеr duе to thеir simplеr dеsign and fеwеr componеnts involvеd. 
• Minimal impact on handling: Lеavеs thе suspеnsion untouchеd, translating to minimal changes in driving dynamics.

Drawback

• Limitеd ground clеarancе incrеasе: Offеrs minimal gains in actual ground clеarancе for challеnging off-road tеrrain. 
• No off-road pеrformancе improvеmеnt: Body lifts do not modify thе suspеnsion systеm, thus offеring no improvеmеnt in off-road capability. 

Suspension lift kits vs. body lift kits

Here are the main key differences between suspension lift kit vs. body lift kit:

Purpose and functionality

• Suspension lift kit: Increases ground clearance and improves off-road capability by raising the vehicle's chassis.
• Body lift kit: Lifts the body for aesthetics, allowing slightly larger tyres.

Components included

• Suspension lift kit: Includes springs, shocks, control arms, and spacers.
• Body lift kit: Includes body spacers and optional hardware extension kits.

Impact on performance

• Suspension lift kit: Significantly improves ground clearance, approach/departure angles, and off-road performance.
• Body lift kit: Offers minimal impact on ground clearance.

Vehicle handling and ride quality

• Suspension lift kit: Affects the vehicle's centre of gravity, suspension travel, and overall handling.
• Body lift kit: Minimal impact on handling and ride quality as the suspension remains unaltered.

Cost and installation complexity

• Suspension lift kit: Costlier and more complex to install, requiring professional expertise.
• Body lift kit: Less expensive and easy DIY installation.

Safety considerations

• Suspension lift kit: Altering the suspension can have significant safety implications if not properly installed.
• Body lift kit: Has fewer direct safety considerations as it doesn't affect the suspension, though proper installation and alignment are still crucial.

Aesthetics impact

• Suspension lift kit: Provides a more aggressive look.
• Body lift kit: Focuses on aesthetics, creating a lifted look and a more rugged appearance.

Which to pick? — Difference between body lift kit and suspension lift kit

Torn between suspension lift kits vs. body lift kits for your vehicle? Here's a quick summary to help you choose:

• Off-road champion: Go for a suspension lift if you crave adventure with increased ground clearance, larger tyres, and improved off-road capability. Be prepared for the higher cost, potential handling changes, and increased wear and tear.
• Style seeker: Opt for a body lift if affordability and aesthetics are your priorities. Enjoy the lower cost, minimal handling impact, and bolder stance with slightly larger tyres. However, remember the limited ground clearance increase, lack of off-road performance benefits, and potential warranty voiding.

 

Remember to choose based on your needs and preferences. Prioritise off-road prowess? Embrace the complexity of a suspension lift. Value budget and looks? A body lift might suffice. Always ensure safe and responsible modifications for a pleasurable and confident ride.