Are Lift Kits really worth it???

[kiwiginga]

After owning my Courier for over a year (no problems, really good to drive), I've been getting criticism after 4wding with a bunch of mates that my truck isn't high enough. (I've been probably getting through as much mud and terrain as any of the other 4wd's)

I contemplated getting one of those lift kits off trademe for under $300; but I thought, wouldn't it make my ride a bit worse.
In theory, the chassis level stays the same level along with the diffs.
Not only that, my center of gravity might be slightly higher.

Overall, whats the advantage to having a lift kit installed?

Cheers in advance
Campbell

[vvilly]

The more you modify for off road the worse it will handle on the road. It all depends on what you want

[kiwiginga]

[CLUMZ1]

In theory, the chassis level stays the same level along with the diffs.
Not only that, my center of gravity might be slightly higher.

You're referring to a body lift - as opposed to a spring lift.. which lifts your chassis.

Body Lift:


Suspension Lift:


(yes boys I realise Cherokees are monocoque)

[churchill]

I used a suspension lift on my truck and along with bigger diameter tyres made a big difference to the ground clearance and truck capability off road. On road performance defiantly didn't improve but I never push it on road anyway.

Generally a body lift is used to gain clearance for big tyres and to change to appearance of a truck and won't generally increase the ground clearance.

[coxsy]

good thing is you can change it back to standard if the lift sucks, long as you keep the stock bits

[shortylux]

If the only reason to change is the criticism, then don't change. If however you are getting hung up on stuff and your mates are having to drag you everywhere, that's not so cool.

As said above, body lifts are good if you are happy with your suspension but want bigger rubber and need space (an angle grinder is even better). Suspension lifts are good if you want more travel out of your suspension.

Another option that can compensate for lack of rubber or springs is a diff lock. If you get a selectable locker then your road manners stay 100% the same, but you gain traction off road.

[coxsy]

Have a look a superior. Engineering in Aussie they do a cool lift for your ute not cheap but good,
Not pushing just an idea

[Crash bandicoot]

lift kits are only as good as the axle's under them. A good locking or tight LSD in the rear and one in the front if the budget allows will propel you through bogs just as much if not more. And with a IFS setup your only going to stress the front axles more.

[kiwiginga]

Thanks heaps for the input guys. Ill probably get a suspension lift kit at some point. Probably when my shackle pins are getting worn. Ill get a snorkel first though, nothing worse than driving into a puddle and realizing that it's too deep haha.

[kiwiginga]

lift kits are only as good as the axle's under them. A good locking or tight LSD in the rear and one in the front if the budget allows will propel you through bogs just as much if not more. And with a IFS setup your only going to stress the front axles more.

I think the LSD's in the back diffs in couriers aren't too bad when it comes to 4wding and the Front diffs have them stock anyway. Good point though

[oldyella]

Generally a body lift is used to gain clearance for big tyres and to change to appearance of a truck and won't generally increase the ground clearance.

Bigger tyres = more ground clearance to chassis and diffs