Whether you’re living in Alberta, Saskatchewan or British Columbia, you probably own or are thinking of buying a truck. As a matter of fact, Canadians have started to ditch their sedans and migrate to trucks! 1.92 million cars were sold in Canada in 2019, and a whopping 74% of those vehicles were trucks. They’re becoming highly popular as they offer a wide range of options like higher ground clearance, higher seating position, optional four-wheel or all-wheel drive and towing capacity, giving drivers a whole world of opportunities.
While some drivers are content with their stock trucks, others install lift kits for a more cool and practical truck. As a truck owner, you’ve probably wondered if installing a lift kit is worth it or not, and if it is, should you visit a truck lift shop or install it yourself? Read on to find out!
Different Lift Kits Options
Before jumping into purchasing a lift kit for your truck, you should first familiarize yourself with the different types of lift kits and what type of lift kit is best for you. Are you looking to only increase your truck’s ride height? Or are you looking for more ground clearance and aggressive off-roading? Below are the three different types of lift kits you can install and how they enhance your truck.
1. Body Lift Kit
If you’re looking for a lift kit that will lift the body of your truck without additional ground clearance, then body lift kits are perfect for you. Body lift kits usually consist of spacers that separate your vehicle's frame from the truck’s suspension, lifting the body higher while maintaining the height of the chassis and suspension. Depending on the body kit, you may need to extend the steering column shaft and modify the bumpers to fit the new height.
2. Suspension Lift Kit
Suspension lift kits are great for drivers who are not only looking for a lifted look but also for additional ground clearance. Some suspension kits create additional clearance by spacing the factory suspension, while others replace the entire suspension to raise the chassis. Unlike body kits, which can only allow for tires up to 33 inches, suspension kits can allow for 37-inch tires or even larger!
3. Level Kit
Level kits are primarily used for aesthetic purposes by levelling the truck’s stance from front to rear. They can also significantly improve your truck’s hauling performance by allowing extra tire clearance to the front of your vehicle. After installing a level kit, you can generally fit a set of 33-35 inch tires.
Are Lift Kits Worth It?
The simple answer is yes. Lift kits help you quickly overcome obstacles on the road without worrying about damaging your truck. You will no longer have to worry about potholes or irregularities on the road when driving your lifted truck. The height gained from the truck lift gives your vehicle more clearance to handle curbs, bumps and railroad tracks easily. For all you off-roaders, truck lifts make it possible for you to drive just about anywhere. And, of course, the higher the clearance, the bigger the tires! Installing lift kits allows you to use larger tires, saving you from getting stuck in sand, mud or snow. You can also tow almost anything with your lifted truck, as they usually have higher towing abilities than regular trucks. Whether you’re looking for bigger tires, enhanced appearance or a better view of the road, installing a lift kit offers you the upgrade you want!
Where Can I Install A Lift Kit?
While many professionals DIY their own lift kits, getting your lift kit installed at the shop is strongly recommended. Like most accessories, lift kits require tools and experience to be installed. If you don’t have the tools or the background, you risk severely damaging your truck and spending even more money on new parts or repairs. Installing your own lift kits can also lead to dangerous situations where you might leave the wheels misaligned or forget to tighten the screws correctly, which can cause severe accidents on the road. To avoid putting your safety and the safety of other drivers at risk, always install your lift kits at a tire shop.
Canada Custom Autoworks: Your No.1 Supplier of Lift Kits in Canada
For many years Canada Custom Autoworks has installed thousands of lift kits for many truck drivers across Canada. We are proud to have an extensive inventory of all types of lift kits available suitable for all your needs. Our experienced staff and expert technicians will happily help you find the right lift kit while ensuring you get the best value for your dollar. Visit one of our many tire shops near you or contact us today for more information on lift kits in Canada.