So you've been off roading for a while, and hit the limitations of your standard suspension setup. Or you just want to make your truck look bigger. Whatever your reasons, you're looking at a suspension lift. There are a several things to consider while doing this. Firstly, it is not simply a case of fitting longer springs. Depending on the extra height you want, you may well need to change other parts. In this article I will consider lifting a coil sprung vehicle with live or beam axles.

Obviously the first thing you must look at is how much extra height you want. The greater the lift the better your ground clearance will become, but bear in mind that lifting your daily driver and weekend toy by too much will make it a handful on tarmac as it will shift the centre of gravity. The size of tyres you intend to fit should be considered at this point, as larger tyres will make contact with bodywork while your suspension is compressed unless you ensure that the lift is great enough. Each vehicle is different, so I would strongly advise checking on an owners forum such as Mud Club to find out what sizes will suit and indeed what people have found to work best. That done, it is time to start buying parts.

You will need new springs and shock absorbers as a minimum. Consider buying better quality shocks than standard, and now may be a good time to look at those heavy duty suspension parts. If you seek greater axle articulation then you may be able to fit spring dislocation cones, which allow your axles to drop further and ensure the springs return to their seats. On top of these parts, you will need extended brake lines and extended bump stops. Larger lifts may require you to modify or replace the propshafts, again depending on the vehicle. Do not be tempted to skimp on any of these parts, if you cannot afford all of them in one go then collect them together over time before fitting them. You are modifying a critical part of the truck and should ensure that all parts fitted are high quality.

Moving on to a part of the job second only to extended brake lines, you may well need to modify your steering. Lifting the front of your truck (assuming that you have a Land Rover-type design of front suspension) with longer springs causes the axle to rotate forward, as it is held by the radius arms. Your steering will be reluctant to self-centre now, and can make your truck unpredictable. There are several solutions to this problem should it arise, from swapping the radius

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