Thinking about upgrading or lifting your truck and don’t know where to start? Find out everything you need to know – from choosing the correct sized parts to avoiding costly mistakes.
How are You Going to Use Your Truck?
This is the first question that needs to be answered before starting any custom build. Whether it’s a midsize, full-size, or a heavy duty truck, buyers should have an idea of how and where they plan to drive. Certain builds and aftermarket parts are designed for a specific purpose and will be better suited for your needs.
Consider factors such as towing ability and trailer height, clearance in parking garages, navigating narrow streets, and where you’ll be driving the most. Does your truck have a fifth wheel or need a drop hitch? By sorting out these details before starting any installation, you’ll save valuable money and time. In addition, doing the proper research ensures a more comfortable ride and a higher quality finished product.
Set a Realistic Budget
The most important thing to consider when planning your custom build is establishing a budget. Be honest about what you’re willing to spend before deciding on your upgrades. Budgets for a custom build should cover all potential additions, with extra space for replacement parts, alignment, and any unexpected expenses that may arise during the installation process. If you’re paying another party to complete the build, factor labor costs into your budget as well. If you’re planning to self-install, consider choosing higher-quality parts that won’t need frequent replacement. Remember that installing aftermarket upgrades isn’t as simple as an oil change or tire swap: Match the complexity of the build to your skill and experience level.
Pick Wheel and Tire Size First
While the lift kit may be the centerpiece of your build, it’s very important to decide your wheel and tire sizes before making changes to the suspension. There are countless examples and combinations to choose from – decide what your ideal setup is ahead of time instead of making impulse purchases.
Narrow your search by determining your desired diameters and widths, offset, and tire sidewall height. These dimensions all influence the setup’s “poke”, or how far the wheels extend outward from the truck.
With larger tires and smaller wheels, trucks take on a more traditional off-road appearance. there’s more sidewall and cushioning, and your truck will be better suited for rougher terrains. Smaller wheels paired with larger tires make for a street-oriented appearance. The smaller tires have less sidewall, making the wheels more vulnerable to damages and resulting in a rougher ride.
Don’t Skip the Supporting Mods
These additions are the unsung heroes that support your lift and ensure that the suspension works effectively. Parts like control arms, steering stabilizers, and towing airbags are just a few examples of supporting modifications that can improve your driving experience.
When a vehicle’s suspension, wheels, and tires are altered, the entire layout and geometry changes, and additional stress points are created. Driving without the adequate supporting components may result in poor handling, reduced stability, alignment issues, and a poor overall driving experience. These issues can arise with more severity on specific vehicle models, such as Jeeps or heavy-duty trucks.
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Choosing The Right Lift (Or Level)
Once you’ve decided on your wheels and tires, determine the appropriate lift size for your vehicle. Constructing a balanced setup isn’t as simple as installing whatever fits. The ideal fitment clears the tire while leaving enough space for the suspension to function properly. Although certain parts may fit, they aren’t always the best fit.
There are multiple factors that influence suspension fitment. Wheel and tire clearance, intended use and brand quality are obvious factors. However, the many components behind the wheel and vehicle-specific geometry are less apparent elements that still effect fitment.
For off-road vehicles, lift height often determines your entire suspension system. The best lift isn’t always the strongest for off-roading. The most important factor is finding an effective lift that is compatible with your existing setup.
