Add a section on Installation
Installation of a 4 inch and 6 inch lift differ in terms of the tools required, skill set needed, and overall complexity.
For a 4 inch lift, basic hand tools such as wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and Hex keys are needed to access components located throughout the suspension. A floor jack or lift is also necessary for most installations. Experienced DIYers with mechanical knowledge can complete the installation process in about 2-4 hours.
On the other hand, installing a 6 inch lift requires more advanced tools such as cutting devices and pneumatic hammers which are not used in typical 4 inch lifts installations. In addition to additional tools, these lifts require a moderate level of experience due to more parts being involved – including drive shafts, axle assemblies, etc. Depending on the vehicle type, it typically takes 6-10 hours to install a 6 inch lift with basic knowledge on suspension systems. Thus, it is recommended to seek professional help when installing one of these lifts due to their complexity.
Add a section on Maintenance
Maintaining a 4-inch Lift vs Designing a 6-inch Lift:
Both four inch and six inch lifts require regular, correct and proper maintenance in order for them to continue to function as designed. Here are some best practices for their upkeep:
4-Inch Lifts:
• Regular inspections of the jeep, including underneath, should be done at least every two months. This should include checking the tire pressures, shock health, and lift components for damage or wear.
• Regular wheel alignment checks should be conducted – particularly after any significant off-road activity.
• All components of the suspension system should be lubricated and kept in good condition to reduce wear. Parts such as springs and arms may also need tightening or minor adjustments to ensure optimal performance and safety.
6-Inch Lifts:
• As with the four-inch lift, regular inspections should be done every two months or so. Specific areas of attention include checking all mounting points to ensure they remain secure as well as inspecting shocks, brake linings and other suspension components for wear or damage.
• Due to the higher ride height, extra steps must be taken when conducting wheel alignments to offset uneven weight distributions resulting from increased ground clearance – best practice is twice per year even if there is no off-road activity.
• Particular attention must also be paid to lubrication requirements – u‐joints, ball joints, pivot points on control arms/linkages must all be regularly maintained using supplied grease fittings or lucra guns guns/aerosol cans where required.
Add information on Legal Requirements
When deciding between a 4 inch lift and 6 inch lift it is important to research any legal requirements or regulations in your area before making the choice. Generally, the higher the lift height, the lower the ground clearance and increased axle length become an issue. Most states will have legal regulations regarding ground clearance requirements as standard railings are designed for vehicles with no more than 5 inches of ground clearance. It is also important to consider axle length limits as some states may have restrictions on vehicles that exceed predetermined lengths from the front bumper to center of rear axle. Ultimately, make sure to check local laws and regulation prior to purchasing a kit and increasing any lift height on your vehicle.
Include a Question and Answer Section
Q: What is a 4 inch lift?
A: A 4 inch lift is a kit specifically designed to raise the height of vehicles. This kit usually includes four springs, shock absorbers, new coilover shocks and other components that work together to increase a vehicle’s ride height by four inches above its original design.
Q: What is a 6 inch lift?
A: A 6 inch lift is a vehicle suspension system designed to raise the height of vehicles six inches above its original design. These kits also typically consist of longer coils, shock absorbers, relocated mounting brackets and other components meant to enhance the terrain handling performance of vehicles.
Q: How much bigger are tires allowed with a 6 inch lift?
A: Larger tires can usually be accommodated with either size lift; however, since the 6 inch lift will create an additional two inches of clearance, it does provide an advantage in terms of tire fitment. The exact size of tire you can use will depend on other factors such as wheel backspacing and vehicle width. It’s best to consult with your local off-road specialist for advice on selecting the appropriate tires for your type of application.
Q: What advantages does a 6 inch lift have compared to a 4 inch?
A: The main advantage that a 6 inch lift provides has to do with overall terrain handling capabilities; due to its additional two inches over 4 inches, it can provide better ground clearance and lower center-of gravity which translates into improved off-road performance during steep climbs or descents. Additionally, larger tires may be able to be accommodated which again provides an advantage in certain off road applications.
Include Real-World Examples
The difference between a 4 inch lift and a 6 inch lift can be huge, especially when it comes to the way your vehicle looks and performs. A 4 inch lift raises your vehicle only four inches while a 6 inch lift raises it six inches. This can make an enormous difference when it comes to design and practicality.
For example, Outlaw Off-Road installed a custom 4 inch Rough Country Suspension Lift Kit on an F-150 truck. The end result was an increased ground clearance of 8.5-inches giving it improved suspension articulation over stock performance. The truck also had plenty of space in the wheel wells to accommodate larger 35×12.50R20LT tires. It looked great with very little additional effort needed in terms of wheel spacers or trimming to fit the new tires size.
By contrast, Hi-Lift Offroad Services installed a substantial 6 inch Maxtrac Suspension Lift kit on an ’83 Toyota Pickup Truck which significantly changed its appearance and performance. Passengers enjoyed increased ride comfort due to improved suspension spring rates, enhanced wheel travel for greater off-road capabilities, and larger 33×1250 tire size that helped improve traction immensely both on road and off road terrain. Plus, the aesthetics improved greatly with increased ground clearance as well as fitting 35x1250s without any need for trimming or modifications to the bodywork or wheel wells!
