can you help a beginner out? please!!

[FitzMatt]

Hey guys!! Couple BASIC questions (dont laugh I'm new at this). I have a '92 XLT and would like to raise it.

1)What is the difference between a suspension lift and a body lift, also what is the cost difference?
2) I would like to raise it significantly (4-6 inches?) and put big tires on it, what size tires should I look at for that kind of lift?
3) Last but not least, does anyone know of some throaty exhaust that will make my 4.0 V6 sound like a V8??
4) Oh and how much $$$ will each of these run me appx?

Thanks for helpin out a beginner, I know these must seem dumb to you guys!

Matt

 

[BExplorer]

WELCOME!

First Welcome, and second we never laugh at anyone, even us can have some dumb question, and no question is dumb since you dont know. I will try to explain the best I can, the suspension lift is lifting the truck onto it's axle. The body lift is raising the cage of the truck(what you are sitting in) from the frame. For tires depend if you want to trime the wheel whells or not. Maybe you could perform a serch on the subject, or try reading the tire and suspension forum. As for price depend on what parts and how much work you do yourself.

 

[Skippman]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!

BODY LIFTS:

A body lift works by placing a polymer puck between the chasis and the body mounts of the vechicle thereby raising the body of the vehicle and all attacheced pieces (fendors, grill, etc.) However, the engine and transmission remain attached to the chasis and so the drive-train geometry remains the same.

PROS: Cheap, Easy to install, no change in drive train geometry.

CONS: Cheap, no increase in articulation (movement of the axels), leaves a funky looking gap between the body and the chasis.

AVG COST (EST) $200-$300


SUSPENSION LIFT:

A suspension lift works by replacing or adding to critical points in the suspension system. Leafs are usually added or replaced, springs replaced or extended. A-Arms replaced. Sway-bars removed to extended. This raises the vehicle from the axels up. It also increases the space between the axel and chasis. The drive-train geometry is altered to the new angle required by the lowering of differentals.

PROS: Increased articulation, change in ride, higher tolerance coils and springs.

CONS: Can be expensive, time consuming to install, change in drive-train geometry.

AVG COST (EST) $450-1500 depending on height.

NOTE!!! RAISING THE VEHICLE DOES NOT INCREASE GROUND CLEARANCE!!!
Ground clearance can only be achieved by larger tires which require more room. That is what the lift gives you.

As far as tires are concerned you can easily fit 32"s on a 4" lift. Look in the tire forum for information on that. Did I answer your questions?

 

[FitzMatt]

BExplorer and Skippman, you guys helped a lot! Thanks for the pros and cons too. I think I should take the rest of my questions to the tire/suspension forum as you were saying. I was unaware they had a forum for that, thanks a lot though! If/When I do anything, I'll get you the pics!

Matt

 

[Skippman]

Anytime friend. Thats why were hear. And once again, welcome to the club!