The suspension system on your 4x4 is what keeps your ride smooth and your wheels planted, no matter what the road or beaten path throws at you. A truck’s suspension system relies on springs and shock absorbers to manage bumps, dips, and loads. The springs support the weight, while the shocks control the bounce. Some trucks use leaf springs for strength, while others use coil springs, which make for a softer ride. When you want to lift your ride, though, truck suspension kits are the way to go as they allow you to add or replace components to level or lift your truck according to your needs.
Types of Suspension Lift Kits
Leaf Spring Set
A leaf spring set is one of the most reliable ways to lift a truck's ride height. Leaf springs are made from several layers of metal, stacked together and curved to support heavy loads. When you swap out your stock springs for a taller set of leaf springs, you get a noticeable increase in height. These types of pickup truck suspension kits are perfect for older vehicles and anyone who needs to haul or tow heavy gear. Leaf spring sets are tough enough to handle rough Canadian roads and trails without a hitch.
Coil Springs
Coil spring lift kits are all about comfort and control since these kits use tightly wound steel coils to hold up your truck and absorb impacts. By replacing your factory coils with taller or stiffer ones, you get a ride height that feels smooth both on and off the road. A coil spring truck suspension kit is commonly used on newer trucks and SUVs. It gives you a nice balance between improved ride height and everyday comfort levels.
Add-a-Leaf
If you’re after a simple and budget-friendly lift kit, add-a-leaf kits are worth considering. This type of truck suspension lift kit does exactly what the name says, it adds one more leaf to your truck's existing spring pack. The added leaf springs give your truck a bit more height and allow you to haul much heavier loads. Add-a-leaf kits are easy to install and don’t require a full suspension overhaul. They’re also ideal if you want a medium increase in ride height, a bit more ground clearance, or to level out a hanging rear end.
Longer Shackles
Longer shackles are a straightforward way to lift the rear end of your truck, as these metal links connect your leaf springs to the frame. By swapping in a new set of them, you raise the back of your truck by a couple of inches. Longer shackles suspension kits are simple, affordable and easy to install, which makes them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts.
Leveling
Levelling kits are designed to fix the nose-down look that most trucks have from the factory. These kits lift the front of your truck so that it's at the same height as the rear. This gives your ride a more aggressive and balanced stance. Levelling truck suspension lift kits are perfect if you want to fit slightly bigger tires or if you’ve added a heavy bumper or winch at the front.
Spacer
Spacer lift kits make use of simple blocks or spacers to add height to your suspension. The spacers go above the coil springs or struts, giving you a quick and easy fitment without the end result affecting your truck’s ride quality too much. Spacer suspension lift kits are the way to go if you also want more ground clearance and the ability to fit larger wheels, too.
Advantages of Suspension Lift Kits
Ground Clearance
The main reason most drivers go for truck suspension lift kits is because of the amount of ground clearance they get. A higher ride means you can roll over rocks, logs, snow and deep ruts without scraping your undercarriage. Whether you’re exploring the wild or just want to clear the next speed bump, extra clearance is always a good idea.
Access
With your truck sitting higher, it’s much easier to get underneath it to repair or service your truck. You won’t need ramps or jacks as often, making oil changes and taking a look at your undercarriage much easier on your back. This is a big advantage if you like working on your truck.
Tires
Suspension lift kits make it possible to fit bigger, more aggressive tires, and larger tires give you better traction, more clearance and an overall more aggressive appearance. With the right suspension lift kit, you can pick the perfect tire size for your off-road adventures or daily trips to the grocery store.
Comfort
A proper lift kit can actually make your ride smoother, especially if you pair it with quality shocks and springs. Modern truck suspension kits are made to absorb bumps and rough patches of land in the most seamless way possible, making your ride more comfortable whether you’re on the highway or on a gravel road.
Angles
A lifted truck has better approach, departure and breakover angles. This means you can climb steeper hills, drop down sharper slopes and clear obstacles that would usually make your truck get stuck.