Lift Kits: How Adding Ground Clearance Makes Trucks More Capable Off-Road

How Does a Lift Kit Work?

When you install a lift kit on your vehicle, you are effectively raising the suspension to create more space between the bottom of the truck and the ground. Some kits, such as body lift kits, will only raise the body of the truck and won’t enhance the ground clearance. With the right parts, though, you can fundamentally change the height of the vehicle and the way it handles. This can make it more suited for rough terrain, obstacles, and mud. These kits will either completely replace or modify the existing suspension components to lift the frame up. If you are looking to take your pickup off-road, a lift kit is a great option.

How Lift Kits Improve Off-Road Performance

Before you decide whether or not a lift kit is right for your truck, it is a good idea to know how it can improve off-road performance. With a good understanding of the benefits, you can make the right choice for your truck and get the capability you are looking for.

Higher Ground Clearance

Perhaps the most important off-roading benefit of a lift kit is the increased ground clearance you get. For the most part, you can expect to get between two and six inches more clearance with a suspension lift kit. This can make it easier for you to traverse rough terrain and go over obstacles on the trail such as rocks or stumps. If you want to avoid damage and get better overall capability, a lift kit can be a big help.

Better Approach and Departure Angles

Approach and departure angles are essential considerations for your vehicle if you want the ability to go off-road. With a higher suspension, you will be able to climb steeper inclines and go down steeper declines while maintaining control and keeping yourself safe. It will also help prevent scraping on the bumper so you can get the traction you need to make it up steep hills, which is crucial in an off-roading situation.

More Tire Options

When off-roading, you want your tires to have the biggest possible contact patch with the road. Upgrading to larger tires is a good way to improve traction, steering response, and capability in mud and other rough driving conditions. By lifting your pickup truck, you expand its compatibility with larger tire sizes. You can put big tires on your truck without them rubbing up against the wheel wells or suspension components and get even more ground clearance as well as grip on tough terrain.

Improved Suspension Performance

Often, installing a lift kit will require you to replace the shocks and struts. In this process, you can also upgrade these components and get more robust shock absorption as well as better handling. When you upgrade suspension components, you can get better suspension articulation and better control over the vehicle so you can take on more challenging trails and types of terrain.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Even if you aren’t necessarily going to be taking your pickup out into the wilderness and hitting the trail, a lift kit can still have some amazing aesthetic benefits. By lifting your truck, you can get a sporty, aggressive stance that is highly sought after by pickup truck owners of all kinds. More ground clearance and bigger tires can enhance the curb appeal of your truck and help it stand out from the crowd. Plus, should you ever find yourself in an off-roading situation, your truck will be equipped to handle it in addition to looking its best.

If you are ready to upgrade your truck’s suspension and get the best lift kit for your needs, AmericanTrucks has options for you. Whether you want a simple body kit or a complete suspension kit, you can get the look and capability you want. Plus, with fast shipping, you don’t have to wait for top-notch performance.