Top 5 Best Suspension Lift Kits: 2019 Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking to raise the ground clearance of your vehicle or you’re just interested in making your car look better, a suspension lift kit is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to do so!
The kit comes with all the necessary elements to change the front and rear suspensions and shocks, thus allowing you to alter the height between the frame and the ground. As a nice secondary effect, with the lift kits, you’ll also feel the articulation improve.
However, not all kits come fully equipped to do the job in one task and there may be additional hidden costs if you don’t know what you’re looking for. It’s also a matter of safety (yours and the vehicle’s), which is why you should only purchase a kit after talking with a specialist (who should also make the installation).
Still, it helps to have a few options in mind, which is why we did a bit of digging and learned about the top choices to consider for trucks, cars, Jeeps, and SUVs.
1. Skyjacker Lift Pallet Kit TJ401BPH
Skyjacker is well-known in the market for the fact that they make some of the top kits for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. Even more, they make it their business to ensure all the elements are in the package, so you don’t have to worry about anything else besides installation.
The TJ401BPH kit is designed for Jeeps and provides buyers with high-quality components at an affordable price. Even more, it comes with optimal shock absorbers which improve the balance by equally distributing the weight on the front and back tires.
The kit looks quite easy to install, as all the pieces are clearly marked and have precisely placed mounting holes. Still, you may need a vehicle lift and at least basic and above mechanical knowledge. Otherwise, it’s best to hire specialized help, to make sure you get everything right.
Once installed, you’ll have the possibility to use bigger tires to increase the overall stability of the vehicle. Also, it will help enhance the way the vehicle handles rough and muddy terrains.
2. Rough Country 69430 Lift Kit
This is an all-inclusive kit that comes with all the necessary components to smooth out your Jeep’s behavior in off-road situations. In fact, the one feature that makes it special is the 3.5” ground clearance – this makes it one of the most popular lift kits for the Jeep Wrangler TJ model.
From the moment you take it out for a rough ride, you’ll notice that the vehicle’s balance and handling are improved. This happens due to the control arm drop brackets that promote optimum geometry, and the coil correction plates that correct the rear coil spring angle by 10 degrees.
The kit also includes Premium N3 shock absorbers, which help transform off-road driving into a smooth ride. Also, due to the increased ground clearance, you’ll be able to use bigger tires (up to 35”) for improved balance.
Finally, the Rough Country 69430 kit is absolutely gorgeous and can transform any plain-looking Jeep or truck into a beautiful beast that’s ready to take you through the mountains! Of course, it’s just as useful on paved roads, where it allows you to tower over other vehicles for a better view of the road.
The installation can be done at home (it’s a bolt-on system) and it would take about 4 to 5 hours. Again, if you don’t feel you can handle this, it’s best to call for specialized help.
3. Full Lift Kit for 2007-2019 Silverado Sierra
This is a 3″ front and 1.5″ rear suspension lift kit designed for 2007 – 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2WD 4WD) and 2007 – 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 (2WD 4WD).
Just like the products mentioned above, the main benefits come as an increased ground clearance and better handling on rough terrain. Also, you will be able to fit larger tires or custom rims to make your ride look good.
The kit is developed and supported by Supreme Suspension and all the components are rigorously tested before they reach the market. Even more, both the front strut spacers and rear blocks are precision machined to make sure everything is according to the latest standards.
To increase durability and handling, each piece is designed with a unique material blend. This way, the kit will be able to withstand even the roughest conditions and you can go off-roading without worrying about your safety.
Finally, the kit is delivered with all the necessary installation hardware and well-detailed guidelines. Even more, they have certified technicians on call, ready to help customers with advice and tips. Since the kit uses a bolt-on installation system, it should only take about 2 to 4 hours to have it on the vehicle. Still, it’s best to perform an alignment once the kit is installed.
4. Air Lift 25870 WirelessONE Compressor System
If you’re looking for a lift suspension that can be adjusted on the go, the Air Lift 25870 may be your best choice. The system features an innovative air suspension that works on almost any kind of car, SUV, truck, or Jeep and works on air.
The air goes into specially designed springs that can be bolstered or lowered by simply adjusting the air pressure. As such, when you need better suspension reliability (to go over a rough patch of terrain), you simply add air to the springs. When you’re done, you can return to the standard settings by releasing the air manually or with a compressor kit.
Now besides enhancing the balance and reliability of the vehicle, the Air Lift 25870 also increases the loading capacity of your car between 1000 and 5000 pounds (depending on the type of car and kit your use). This means that the rear of your car won’t get saggy when you carry heavier loads.
This kit also comes with a single path controller that inflates/deflates both air springs at the same time. Even more, you even have the possibility to save three favorite settings, to avoid fine-tuning the adjustments every time.
Finally, the kit is easy to install and comes with a pressure sensor that activates the compressor automatically if the pressure in the springs is low.
5. TeraFlex Jeep Wrangler Suspension Lift
Designed to fit 4-door Jeep Wranglers JK 2007 to 2014, the TeraFlex suspension lift kit comes with 2.5” spacers and high-end shock absorbers designed for rough terrains. Also, once installed, the kit allows drivers the possibility to install bigger tires (up to 35” in diameter) which help with balance and make your Jeep stand out from the crowd.
The higher ground clearance and the oversized steering stabilizers (included in the kit) enhance the off-road driving experience and provide drivers with more confidence when it comes to situations where steering may be a bit more complicated.
So, if you’re looking for a kit that will make your Jeep better on uneven terrain and muddy lands, this is a wonderful choice (even though it’s a bit more expensive than most)!
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Buying Guide for the Best Suspension Lift Kit
Since the market is saturated with all sorts of lift kits that promise all sorts of wonderful features but rarely deliver, we will discuss the features that a kit needs to have in order to be the best.
Consider your Vehicle
Lift kits are not universal and, as you can see from the reviews above, they are usually designed for specific vehicles and even models. Also, the size is important – if the kit size doesn’t fit your car’s specifications, you run the risk of damaging the balance and destabilizing the car. This way, the effect will be reversed to what a lift kit should provide.
So, to select the right product, look for models designed for your type of vehicle and model.
Know What You Want
What is the purpose of this purchase? Are you looking to make your car taller to have better road visibility or you’re just interested in pimping your ride? Do you want better control during off-road sessions or you’re more into improving the comfort inside the car?
The answer to these questions will let you know more about the type of lift kits you want to consider. For instance, some are designed to make the suspensions less flexible, so they’ll make the ride rougher (which is the opposite of improved comfort).
Be Aware of All the Costs
Most basic lift kits come with all the necessary components and you can even perform the installation in your garage, in a DIY fashion. However, kits that also come with adapters or shock absorbers may require additional pieces (which need to be purchased separately) and specialized assistance. This usually doubles the cost of the kit.
Now, if the change is significant, you may also need to perform an alignment and other operations to make sure the vehicle is safe to drive. So, before you jump at a kit that comes with a bunch of extra elements, make sure to calculate all the costs.
Build Quality
It goes without saying that all the elements that make the kit should be durable and well-designed. However, when the price is low, you must be wary about the materials and build quality, because producers are known to cut corners to keep the product competitive.
Moreover, the best lift kits are designed with the user in mind and are easy to put together. This means they are labeled, and the mounting process follows a logical path that’s well-described in the instructions.
You should also consider the brand’s reputation on the market and other users’ reviews. This way, you will know what to expect for the price.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, the best suspension lift kits are the ones that respond to your needs. As such, follow the features that matter for your vehicle and driving style, and you should be able to select several high-quality products for a comparison.
For instance, drivers who want a smoother ride on paved roads should go for a kit with soft shock absorbers and about 2” in height. On the other hand, if you’re constantly driving on muddy terrains and like going off-road, you should choose a suspension lift kit with more efficient shock absorbers and a bit more ground clearance.