Here are a few "rules of thumb" to keep in mind:
- Coil spring lift systems normally maintain a factory-like ride quality.
- Lifted leaf spring equipped vehicles generally ride factory-like or slightly firmer than stock. Your choice of spring design impacts ride quality. Superlift offers different types of leaf springs for certain applications... Heavy-Duty, Superide and Superide Select versions. Each is purpose designed, and has different performance and ride quality characteristics.
- On most vehicles equipped with Independent Front Suspension, ride quality does not noticeably change since the factory torsion bars or coil-overs are not replaced. The leverage exerted on the springs increases as track width increases; wider tires / wheels make longer levers. This added leverage brings ride height down slightly. If really wide tires / wheels are used, or the vehicle is exceptionally heavy, the vehicle may sit too low and / or ride quality may become excessively "spongy", especially if proper compression travel clearance is not maintained. In some cases heavier-rated torsion bars may be needed in order to reach maximum lift height. On coil spring equipped Fords with Twin Traction Beam front suspension, these leverage and weight related issues are addressed by using Superlift's heavier rated coils and / or shims that install under the coils. Properly valved shocks, or multiple shocks per wheel, will cure a "spongy" ride, but they will not provide lift.
- Shock absorber type, and the number of shocks per-wheel, greatly impacts ride quality and overall driveability.
- Different rear lift methods:
- Lift blocks generally afford the best ride quality, and are the least expensive lift method. With some vehicles though, spring / axle wrap-up can be an issue. Superlift offers two different anti-wrap traction bar products... the economical Super-Trac top-mounted bars, or the new premium Torque-Max ladder type bars.
- Add-a-leafs can be used with or without lift blocks, and are recommended to strengthen weak factory springs, and / or when the vehicle is used for hauling or towing.
- Superlift Superide replacement rear springs are the way to go if the factory springs are overly fatigued or damaged. Attaining lift with new springs, as opposed to blocks, reduces spring / axle wrap-up.Generally, ride quality and spring rate is comparable to a stock heavy-duty rear suspension.
- Net lift height varies depending on what factory suspension package the vehicle is equipped with and its condition.
- The presence of additional weight, such as a winch, heavy-duty bumpers, storage boxes, extra fuel capacity, etc., reduces lift height.
- Tire type and their operating air pressure - Most people keep their tires at maximum operating pressure, which is generally higher than what is needed for their vehicle's weight. Over-inflation stiffens ride quality. Research what pressure is right for you via your tire dealer or the tire manufacturer's website.
This article was presented by SuperLift to help answer any questions you might have about lift kits. If you need more information, please visit our website at http://TruckSuspension-Lift-Direct.com/superlift_trucksuspension-lift.aspx.
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