Lifted pickups are a frequent occasion, and they are an amazing sight. Although you enjoy a lifted pickup and its ridiculous height and size, do you actually know why is this done? There are numerous reasons for lifting a pickup. It makes hauling much easier, especially if it is too heavy. It helps with difficult terrain and overcoming obstacles. There are many reasons to do it, as well as numerous occasions when it is not preferred to lift a pickup. But there are many things you need to consider before opting to enhance your truck. There are different manufacturers as well as different types of lifters for a truck. Let’s look at some information you need to consider before taking this step.
It is not about the look of a pickup
Although many individuals do it for aesthetics alone, lifting a truck’s suspension isn’t simply for show. The major purpose of lifting a pickup is to increase ground clearance and raise the body, frame, and differentials in addition to making it appear stylish. This can be achieved with one simple trick, which is to install larger tires. And the sole method to do that is to raise the truck. A raised truck’s greater approach, break-over, and departure angles make off-roading simpler.
For best traction, the raised suspension maintains all of the wheels stuck to the floor while the bigger tires increase differential clearance. A raised vehicle also has superior visibility. When you can gaze over automobiles rather than through or around them, you get a much better view from the cabin and will be able to see further down the road. Last but not least, using a lifted truck for towing and hauling may be simpler because the suspension has more space to adjust prior to dropping considerably due to heavy load.
How can you lift the truck’s suspension?
Suspension lifts and body lifts are the two primary techniques for raising a truck. To achieve the ideal height, any method may be employed alone or in tandem. The wheels are lowered from the frame using a suspension lift, which can be as simple as coil-spring bushings or as complex as full-blown suspension kits. Remember that choosing a suspension raise necessitates the use of lengthier shock absorbers and other parts to account for aligning all the angles and lengthened brake lines. A suspension lift kit, which can be raised as high as technically possible, will definitely make you feel like you are behind the wheel of a monster truck. Which surely feels great.
But keep in mind that there will be additional charges because other components will need to be replaced, in addition to more frequent maintenance. Without realigning the angles and lengthening the suspension, clearances are expanded for bigger tires with a body raise. Body raise kits normally have a height of 1 to 3 inches and are made of plastic or polyurethane. These kits typically include the extra components required to adjust the transmission linkage, brake lines, and steering wheel angle. If you only need to lift your truck a few inches and don’t want a significant change in how it performs, because of this, body kit lifts are the primary choice. Although there will be more clearance, the ride quality will essentially stay the same.
Why it can be bad?
In addition to making your truck appear badass, lifting it has some extremely practical advantages, but before you make this adjustment, be aware that it will substantially alter the vehicle’s ability to function.
Since the truck’s center of gravity will be substantially higher, handling will suffer. Additionally, slower speeds will be necessary, especially when turning, as a vehicle’s ability to turn steadily decreases as it climbs in elevation. This is especially important to keep in mind if you need to move fast in an emergency circumstance because the rollover danger is higher. The larger tires’ higher rolling resistance, the vehicle’s increased overall weight, and the taller profile, which increases aerodynamic drag, will all reduce fuel economy. Be careful that the brand-new, enormous tires will wear out considerably more quickly on pavement and be much noisier than the originals.
Practically speaking, the pickup might become more challenging to enter and exit, which might be an issue if you’re transporting children or elderly individuals who might have trouble getting in and out. Additionally, bear in mind that elevating your truck could violate your guarantee because you are dramatically altering its structural integrity. For older trucks that have already passed their warranty’s expiration date, this risk is lower. Lifting a brand-new truck should only be done with caution as it can hasten wear and add stress to important parts including dampers, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rods.
Is this the right step for you?
The way you use your truck and what purpose it serves as well as what you want to gain from lifting it will ultimately determine whether you decide to lift the truck or not. The advantages of increased clearance will certainly outweigh the disadvantages if you are a serious off-roader. However, if your truck serves primarily as a family or commuter car, these disadvantages aren’t worth the risk. When you do decide to lift your vehicle, be extremely cautious when driving it to maintain safety.
You should also periodically examine everything beneath for excessive wear to avoid any potential accelerated damage. Lifting the pickup can have a minor or significant impact on the ride. Most of the time, you’ll just have to get accustomed to this. To simplify the adjustment itself, it is recommended that you begin with a smaller fit. A raised vehicle offers the off-road adventurer several advantages with proper care and upkeep.
RELATED POST: LIFTED CHEVY TRUCKS