Following the trend of moving from smallest to largest, it’s time we step into a bit of a grey area: cheap lift kits. Spacer kits are usually cheap and this is ok as the design is super simple and there’s not a whole lot that can go wrong. Picking up a lift kit that gives 4 inches or greater that requires modification to the chassis and steering is something to really be leery of.
If you’re tossing it on a low buck beater, they can be great and provide tons of fun. if they won’t see too much abuse they can also be great. Just remember that if it’s too good to be true it usually is. Use your head because this is your suspension you’re messing around with.
The vehicle needs it to function safely, and if it suddenly fails while in operation you can be dealing with a lot worse issues than just saving up a few extra bucks to buy a name brand lift kit. This isn’t to say cheap lift kits can’t be good. Just be smart.
Big lift kits can cost a fortune, and there are so many different things they can come with that it would take a novel to explain those variances. The idea is, again, to pick what best suits your application. If you’re building a street truck that may see a trail every now and again, you’re probably not going to need to biggest and baddest lift kit on the market. Then again, maybe you do based on the fact that the quality, durability, and comfort can be all wrapped up into one package.
If you’re building a truck to thrash on regularly in the dirt, mud or sand, and maybe even the air now and again, you’re not really in the realm to settle for an eBay lift kit. Have fun and tons of it because that is truly what these style of lift kits are all about.
Moving to a large lift kit should be considered when:
- Moderate to Maximum ride height gains are desired
- Marginally oversized tires are being installed
- Large off-road obstacles will regularly be tackled