The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lifting Your Pickup Truck's Suspension
Pickup trucks are known for their versatility and ruggedness, and many owners choose to lift their truck's suspension to improve its off-road performance, increase its carrying capacity, or simply enhance its appearance. While suspension lifting can be a rewarding and exciting project, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can compromise the safety, performance, and longevity of your pickup truck.
One of the most common mistakes when lifting a pickup truck's suspension is failing to consider the weight of the vehicle and its intended use. Pickup trucks are designed to carry heavy loads, and lifting the suspension can significantly increase the weight that the wheels and tires must support. This can lead to premature wear, reduced stability, and increased stress on the suspension components. To avoid this mistake, it is important to choose a suspension lift kit that is appropriate for the weight of your pickup truck, and to consider its intended use, such as off-road driving, towing, or hauling.
Another common mistake when lifting a pickup truck's suspension is failing to properly balance the lift. When the suspension is lifted, the center of gravity of the vehicle is raised, which can affect its stability and handling. To avoid this mistake, it is important to carefully balance the lift, by adjusting the height of the front and rear suspension, and by choosing the right size and type of wheels and tires. This will help to maintain the stability and handling of the vehicle, and to avoid issues such as tire rub, steering problems, and rollover accidents.
A third common mistake when lifting a pickup truck's suspension is failing to consider the effects on other systems and components. Lifting the suspension can affect the alignment, brakes, steering, and drivetrain of the vehicle, and it can also change the angle of the driveshafts, the clearance of the differential, and the height of the exhaust and intake systems. To avoid this mistake, it is important to choose a suspension lift kit that includes all the necessary components, such as brackets, spacers, and hardware, to maintain the proper alignment and clearance of these systems. It is also important to have the vehicle professionally aligned and checked after the lift is installed.
Suspension lifting is a popular and rewarding project for many pickup truck owners, but its important to avoid common mistakes that can compromise the safety, performance, and longevity of the vehicle. By considering the weight and intended use of the vehicle, properly balancing the lift, and considering the effects on other systems and components, you can avoid these mistakes and enjoy the benefits of a lifted pickup truck.
