Body lift.. or suspension lift?????

[Robman7835]

I have a 93' explorer XLt and i'm about ready to lift it to the sky but i keep hearing diferen't stories about the body and suspension lifts. I'd like to go 3" maybe 4" but i need ur guy's help on which way to do it. Thanks alot for ur time!!

 

[JoshC]

Well, it depends on your needs really. Do you want this for looks so that you can squeeze in bigger tires? Or do you want if for looks, bigger tires, added flex, and more ground clearance etc.? There are advantages and disadvantages to both, just have to decide if you are really going to use the suspension lift enought to pay the money for it. Personally, i'd do the suspension, but hey everyone is different!

Happy trails!!

 

[CoryL]

Here is how I look at this question.

First and foremost, so you and everyone knows upfront, I HATE body lifts.

Here are some pros and cons of each.

Body Lift

Pros:

Inexpensive
Allows for running larger tires
Can be easy to install (1" body lifts)
Limited to 3" (I think even that is too much).

Cons:

Can be difficult to install (radiator relocation, shifter extension, etc).
Expose the frame and shows gaps in the engine and rear storage compartments through the wheel wells (looks like ass IMO).
Limited to 3" (I know some people would like more lift).
Still running the factory suspension.

Suspension Lift

Pros:

Allows clearance for larger tires.
Usually increases flex.
Doesn't look like ass.
4"-6" lifts are available from many companies.
Replaces factory suspension.

Cons:

More expensive.
More difficult to install.
Supplied coil springs sag (so get a lifetime alignment!!).




No matter what you do, make sure you consider re-gearing the differentials when you get the lift. Find out what size lift you want, what size tires you can clear, what gears you have now, and then you can determine what gears you will want.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Just another con for the Body lift. The Steering gets more play in it after a body lift.

 

[texplor93]

BODY LIFTS ARE PIECES OF ****, GO WITH A SUSPENSION LIFT, OH AND DONT GET A 4INCH GO WITH A 5.5 SUPERLIFT OR SKYJACKER, YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DONT. I HAD A BODY LIFT FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS AND I HATED EVERY SECOND OF IT. YOUR CAR WILL RIDE LIKE ****, YOUR STEERING WILL SUCK ASS, YOUR FRAME HANGS DOWN PAST YOUR ROCKER PANELS, IT JUST LOOKS PLAIN UGLY, BUT THEN AGAIN IT IS CHEAP AND IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY GO WITH SUSPENSION, HELL JUST GO WITH A SAS.

 

[jimbo74]

i dont really like bl but am not oppsosed to using one that is properly installed..... i would do a bigger suspension.... but all the decisions need to really made by your boss (significant other) or your wallet....... that said.... how much tire do you want under your truck? certain tire sizes will dictate how much lift you will need to fit them

 

[MyExpWork]

I ditto exactly what CoryL said. Body lifts are cheaper but ugly.

Suspension lifts are more expensive, but look a thousand times better and can be harder to install.

If your gonna lift your truck do it right and do the suspension.

Brian

 

[Jason_25]

In addition, body lifts don't raise the COG as much as suspension lifts do.