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Introduction
Lifting a 2WD truck can provide countless benefits, whether it’s for added performance or visual appeal. Elevating your suspension can improve handling and off-roading capabilities, while also giving you the clearance needed to fit larger tires. There are several different modifications available to help lift the body of your pick-up truck. Body lifts use spacers to raise the cab and bed away from the frame without affecting ride quality. A leveling kit adjusts the front-end to create a more even stance and bring added clearance at the nose of your vehicle. If you’re looking for added height on all four wheels, suspension lifting is often considered the best option as it will both level out and provide huge ground clearance for larger tires and wheels. Fabricated lift systems are also great if you want maximum ground clearance for rock crawling or when you hit extreme terrains like mud bogs. All these options can help get you what you want from your truck without compromising safety or ride comfort.
Mechanical Considerations
When lifting a 2wd truck, there are certain mechanical considerations that must be kept in mind. In order to ensure that all components function properly, it is important to make sure that the lift kit is compatible with the truck’s suspension system, frame and axles, as well as any other systems that could be affected. Depending on the size of the lifted vehicle, suspension components may need to be modified in order to handle the bigger tires. This might include stiffer springs or shocks, and bump stops to keep the truck from bottom out when topping off speed bumps. A quick inspection of the brakes will also be needed since large tires can require improved stopping power and different brake lines. Additionally, some extending steering knuckles may be required for an increased angle for turning radius for tighter turns since taller tires increase this angle and prevent normal ground clearance. Finally, differing driveshaft lengths and pinion angles (particularly in vehicles with leaf spring axles) should also be examined because these parts can become off balance due to lifting affects.
Types of Lift Kits
Body Lift Kits – A body lift kit is designed to lift the body of a 2wd truck without changing its suspension. This type of lift kit is relatively simple, consisting of blocks that fit in between the frame and body of the vehicle. The blocks, usually made out of plastic, are about an inch thick, allowing for more clearance for larger off-road tires. This type of kit does not require any modifications or welding but may need additional parts like extended brake lines.
Leveling Kits – Unlike a body lift kit, leveling kits raise the front and rear portion of your 2wd truck evenly so that there is no forward rake caused by a heavy load in the backseat/bed area. Leveling kits typically involve adjusting metal spacers and brackets which support components like shock absorbers and leaf springs in both front and rear suspensions to achieve an even level between the axles.
Suspension Lift Kits – Suspension lift kits provide more visible clearance and can have significant impact on performance and ride quality compared to body lifts or leveling kits because it involves replacing major components like control arms, shock absorbers, spring coils and axle articulation parts and raising them with new longer length versions to allow more room for proper tire alignment on off-road terrain. While these types of lift kits will affect your vehicle’s ground clearance most visibly; they also cause changes in steering geometry that must be compensated by performing certain modifications such as adding a steering stabilizer or aftermarket alignment equipment.
Safety
When lifting a 2wd truck, it is important to be aware of the potential safety risks involved. Overloading the axles can put extra strain on the slow-moving parts, leading to premature wear and tear as well as decreased life span of the axles. Another risk is getting stuck in ruts or soft terrains as the lift can make it more difficult for traction to be maintained. To lessen these safety risks, it is best to keep loads light and evenly distributed so that no single axle is bearing more load than necessary. Road conditions should also be monitored closely, avoiding driving over soft terrains or muddy puddles if possible. Additionally, having an additional set of eyes when navigating difficult terrain or any unclear roadblock can help mitigate the risk associated with lifting a 2wd truck.
Selection and Installation
When selecting a lift kit, you should consider the type of truck it is being used with, the design and features of the lift kit, and your budget. It’s best to choose a reputable brand that has been around for an extended period of time or one that has been tested over time. You should also research any compatibility issues with other aftermarket parts on your specific truck before purchasing a particular lift kit.
As for installation, it is highly recommended to have it done by a professional shop who specializes in installing lifting kits. This is because there will be multiple essential components such as differentials, drive shafts, and suspension parts that need to be properly configured in order to ensure everything works together in harmony and performs safely and reliably. A professional technician is trained to do this accurately and efficiently so that the job can be done right the first time with minimal problems down the line. The benefits include a guarantee from the shop so you know that your truck will be optimized for performance without sacrificing its safety.
Common Problems
Body Roll – Body roll, or swaying your truck from side to side as you take curves and turns, is one of the biggest problems when it comes to lifting 2wd trucks. In order to address this issue, you’ll need to install a stiffer sway bar that can improve body control and reduce overall roll characteristics. You may also want to consider adding airbags or air shocks in the rear suspension, as they help support the additional weight of your higher ride.
Tire Wear – Unfavorable tire wear is another common problem that comes with lifting a 2wd truck. This can be especially true at the front end due to the increased distance between tires and suspensions components. To solve this problem it’s recommended investing in high-quality wheels with detailed specifications for tires so that you properly match up with your new vehicle ride height for optimum performance. Furthermore, make sure that tire pressure is checked on a regular basis in order to keep them from wearing unevenly during extended use.
Suspension Tweaks – Suspension tweaks are something else worth considering when lifting a 2wd truckier. This could include making changes like swapping out leaf springs or installing additional brackets, but there are other ways as well such as adding stiffer shocks and increasing calibration levels of existing ones in order to better conform with any increased weight loads brought on by the raised height of your vehicle’s body and frame.
Aftercare
It is important to inspect the suspension parts that were used for lifting the 2wd truck. All nuts, bolts, and washers should be tightened to their required torque settings. Another important step is checking any new bushings and ball joints used in the lift kit. It is also important to check tire pressures as they may have been adjusted during the lift installation which can affect handling and traction of the vehicle. Make sure to contact a qualified mechanic or technician if there are any questions about safety or operation of the newly lifted truck. Finally, it is necessary to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles due to additional pressure exerted on them when you lift your truck. Doing so will make sure that you get maximum usage out of each tire before replacing them.
Wrap-Up
Lifting a 2wd truck is a great way to customize it for off-road purposes and give the vehicle a more aggressive look. Before attempting to lift your own truck, however, it’s important to do extensive research on the process and make sure you have access to all of the necessary parts and tools needed for installation. Make sure you understand how lifting will affect the overall performance of your truck as well. Additionally, be sure that any kits used in the lift are compatible with your vehicle model before making the purchase. For these reasons, readers should spend time educating themselves on the proper procedure before attempting to lift their 2wd truck.
