Downside Of Suspension Lifts?

[MiamiDave]

What are the downsides of a suspension lift as far as ride quality and off road use go? Does it actually reduce suspension travel? Do many of you off road with suspension lifts?

My goal is more ground clearance, proper fitment of 32.5-33.2 inch tires (275-285) w/o rubbing even at extension and full lock, with minimal impact to ride on the street.

I'd like to go 2 inch front & 1 inch rear (I don't mind the slight rake downward), but have been told I might need a 2.5 front to achieve my tire goals (?)

I'd rather not raise the front any further than necessary. Thank you-

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Down Sides

Ride Quality, resale, insurance, loan issues, parts wear, warranty issues.

I've lifted 4 jeeps so far... only regret the one... I built it so 'good' for off road it was only 'okay' ON road...

 

[emann_01]

Ride Quality, resale, insurance, loan issues, parts wear, warranty issues.

I've lifted 4 jeeps so far... only regret the one... I built it so 'good' for off road it was only 'okay' ON road...

what? i cannot even comment after something like that

 

[bmxdannyo]

ive got a leveling kit like you are saying, you can fit 275's with no rubbing to my knowlege, i am running 285's with some minor (plastic) cutting to the factory side step.

My ride is exactly the same, no more stiffness than from the day i bought it. Just a little more ground clearance

 

[MiamiDave]

Thank you. Not sure about the insurance part?

BMX, what size lifts are you running front/rear?

 

[bmxdannyo]

Currently I just have a 1.5 inch in the front. I just received my 2.5 f 1.25 r that ill put on in the next month.

 

[Zed 71]

IMO for the mild lift you are planning, the only downside is increased fuel usage. Ride was a little stiffer (may be perceived), but I think the Z71 should have come like this.

I do take mine off-road and flex the suspension quite a bit. For level kits, the suspension travel upwards is reduced, but I am not expecting to go rockcrawling.

 

[White07Tahoe]

Get the CCM 2.5F 1R leveling kit, you will not be disappointed! That is what the majority of us have and it is great. I'm running a 305/55/20 with minor trimming and I LOVE it!

 

[emann_01]

so from the looks of it...the CCM kit is only a spacer that goes on top shock mount? my Truxxx kit had spacer on top and the bottom so I dont really see how any suspension travel would be reduced...

 

[MiamiDave]

I'm really not sure how the suspension lifts reduce travel, or if the Truxx kit splitting the difference is the best choice? At full flex are the half shafts at risk, at some point?

 

[Zed 71]

I guess "reduced" travel should be re-worded. All top mounted strut (not shock) spacer kits limit up-travel because the shock assembly bottoms out. Conversely, the top mounted spacer can over extend down-travel which is ******* CV joints that is why it is recommended not to go with spacers over 2.5". Keep in mind this is for the front IFS. For the rear it does not matter where the spacer goes (as long as it is seated correctly and will not fall out of the perch during full extension).

If this is a concern for you, then a full lift kit or at least proper coil over is required to address this. BTW I have not seen a thread yet where a strut spacer or cranked torsion bar (keys for NBS) in Tahoes/Yukons, has directly affected CV joints. Not saying it will never happen; but I am sure most of these SUVs are not off-road as frequent or hard as small rigs . IMO if I was seriously off-roading a lot and fully flexing the suspension while under load, I would do a proper lift.

 

[White07Tahoe]

Yes, CCM is a 2.5 spacer on the top of the strut. Like Zed said, travel is not really reduced, it just bottoms out sooner bc the control arms are lower bc of the lift.

 

[MiamiDave]

so from the looks of it...the CCM kit is only a spacer that goes on top shock mount? my Truxxx kit had spacer on top and the bottom so I dont really see how any suspension travel would be reduced...

So is the truxx kit better b/c it splits the difference?

 

[emann_01]

So is the truxx kit better b/c it splits the difference?

im not saying that..i was just checking on the differences

 

[MiamiDave]

im not saying that..i was just checking on the differences

Oh- 10-4 I'm curious too-

 

[Zed 71]

So is the truxx kit better b/c it splits the difference?

IMO not really because it is a give and take. The range of motion is moved and is all relative to the spindel.