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Introduction
When looking to increase the height of your vehicle, there are two main methods that can be utilized. Body lifts and suspension lifts. A 6 inch lift is a big increase, and as such it carries with it some major considerations when it comes to pricing.
Body Lifts – Body lifts are an inexpensive option, often costing several hundred dollars from most suppliers or retailers. They consist of a kit of polyurethane blocks that sit between the body and frame of the vehicle and raise its height by a specific amount. The 6 inch body lift will usually include components to raise a truck’s body up six inches off the frame, and then spacer blocks between them adding extra clearance for suspension modifications or larger tires.
Suspension Lifts – Suspension lifts require significantly more expensive parts and more complex installations than body lifts. The basic design typically involves new brackets, upper control arms and extended shocks that provide increased wheel-travel while lifting both the body and frame at once by a certain amount (like 6 inches). Depending on your particular vehicle model, the necessary parts for installing a 6 inch suspension lift can range from $2,000 upwards of several thousand dollars if professionally installed.
Overview of Lift Heights
A 6 inch lift is the maximum amount of suspension height most vehicles can safely achieve without affecting the structural integrity of the frame. Such a lift requires several components, typically including:
– Steel Spacers: These are installed between the lift block and the vehicle’s leaf springs or struts and are designed to increase ride height, as well as provide additional stability when driving over rough terrain.
– Shock Absorbers: Aftermarket shocks are necessary to handle extreme off-roading and provide an optimal level of comfort for drivers.
– Lift Blocks: This component attaches directly to the vehicle’s existing componentry, effectively increasing stability through a combination of added steel spacers and blocks.
– U-bolts: These are used to secure all parts of the lift kit in place while providing extra safety measures during off roading situations.
Factors to Consider for a 6-inch Lift
A 6-inch lift is one of the more notable heights and creates a huge increase in ground clearance for larger vehicles. This height is typically chosen for off-road vehicles that can take on some more grueling terrain, including rocks, mud, sand, and snow. Taking into consideration how much and what kind of terrain you plan to drive over is important when choosing a lift height. A 6-inch lift will give you great performance along with improved suspension performance and ride quality.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a 6-inch lift is cost. Generally speaking, the bigger the lift, the higher the price tag. Also remember that accessories such as stabilizers, heavy duty struts, shocks, and springs may also be necessary to accommodate the increased height – adding to your overall cost of installation.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that a 6-inch lift isn’t going to work well with all vehicles; certain makes or models may not have enough suspension travel or the parts required to handle such alterations in frame height. You’ll need to determine if a 6-inch lift kit can be installed in your make/model before making any purchase decisions.
Cost of a 6-inch Lift
The cost of a 6-inch lift kit varies drastically depending on make & model, type of vehicle, and the individual components that are included. Generally speaking, lighter-duty lift kits designed for street vehicles may be as little as $100-$200. Mid-range 6” lift kits that are specifically designed to carry moderate loads of up to 1200lbs often come in at an average cost of $600-$800. Heavier duty lift kits can range anywhere from $1000-$2500+.
When selecting any kind of lift kit, it is important to make sure it is compatible with your specific vehicle. Additionally, it is important to factor in the additional costs associated with installation: the cost for a professional installation ranges from labored hour costs plus parts and typically comes out near $500 or more depending on labor hours required.
Discounts and/or deals may be available from various aftermarket suppliers dealing with your particular vehicle, so always shop around and compare pricing when making any decisions. Depending on where you shop or which distributor you buy from, discounts or packages may also be available that include several components needed when installing a 6” suspension system (offered at a discount rate compared to buying separately). Finally, there are a number of used options available on sites like eBay Motors where customers have opted to sell their lifts after purchasing them – this can definitely represent good value if looking for pre-loved products.
Pros and Cons of a 6-inch Lift
Pros of a 6-inch Lift:
• Increased ground clearance – This is beneficial when driving off road and helps to avoid costly damage to vehicle components such as the transmission or exhaust.
• Improved visibility – You can see farther ahead and have an overall better field of vision while driving.
• Improved handling – With increased ground clearance, there’s less risk of ground scraping and more stability in turns.
Cons of a 6-inch Lift:
• Reduced acceleration – The 6-inch lift raises the centre of gravity for your vehicle which can reduce acceleration performance, making it harder to reach your desired speed quickly.
• Reduced braking – Again, the increased centre of gravity makes it harder for brakes to respond meaning you may need extra brake distance in order to stop safely.
• Altered suspension settings – Depending on the type of system you choose, adding a 6-inch lift will typically involve alterations to suspension settings which could possibly affect driveability and/or handling negatively.
Safety Concerns:
Some safety concerns associated with a 6-inch lift include reduced braking ability, higher centre of gravity which can lead to rollovers under certain circumstances and potentially dangerous tire tread wear if misused or abused. Those safety concerns can be addressed by adhering to recommended installation directions when installing the lift, having it inspected frequently once completed, and avoiding activities that could subject your vehicle to excess stress such as sharp turns or abrupt stops. Additionally; adjusting mounts and shocks to accommodate any additional weight added once lifted should help ensure better performance, especially in terms of braking ability.
Alternatives to a 6-inch Lift
A 6-inch Lift is not always the best option for increasing lift height. Non-traditional methods may be available that will provide adequate lift with less expense and greater durability, such as front and rear suspension modifications. An aftermarket suspension kit such as a 4-link or spring-over axle system, a long travel shock package, coil conversion kit or extended control arms can provide up to 11 inches of lift without the need of body spacer blocks or additional hardware. Additionally, wheel and tire packages are another viable option including larger tires, aggressive offsets and wider wheels that can increase your ride height without modifying the stock suspension system.
Conclusion
A 6 inch lift is a considerable upgrade to any vehicle and one of the most common options, however the exact cost varies between vehicles and lift kits. As it involves making significant changes to a vehicle’s suspension system, there are several factors to consider such as the desired ride height, available parts and installation costs. Additionally, due to the complexity of undertaking a lift kit customization on some vehicles, professional automotive services may be required in order to ensure a successful result. Therefore it is important to thoroughly research into the specific type of modifications that need to be made and acquire quotes from different sources to get the best possible price. Taking the time necessary upfront can help ensure that you make an informed decision that best fits your needs and budget in terms of both performance and cost.
