Joethefordguy

body lift vs suspension lift? - why would you choose one over the other?
i know body lifts tend to be cheaper than suspension lifts, but suspension lifts can give more speed over the rough due to the increased vertical range of travel of the wheels... what else?

thanks for your time
jg

my2003Fx4

suspension lifts ride better than body lifts, you get more flex with a suspension lift, they look better imo. not saying there's anything wrong with body lifts, i have one, suspension lifts are just better

Joethefordguy

more flex makes perfect sense, but can you tell me more about riding better? what does just bringing the sheet metal up a few inches do to the springs and shocks (I assume) that would degrade the ride?

thanks jg

my2003Fx4

Well its not just the lift its the wheels and tires, the stock suspension isnt designed for bigger, heavier tires and wheels but suspension lifts are. And I dont know if its the air that gets between the body and the frame or what but the ride quality is worse after the body lift (not near bad enough to make me want to get rid of my BL but its noticable).

Big. D

With a body lift if you go to put a brush or bull guard on they don't look as good since the mounting point is 3 inches lower. I've considered body lift but figured with manual t-case and tranny it'd be too much of a pain and I don't want to mess with my throw cuz right now i love it.

Joethefordguy

thanks - i hadn't thought of that. the body lift would give room for bigger tires and wheels, but, as you point out, now the original shocks and springs are trying to deal with the larger and heavier wheels and tires... seems like a body lift can help, but whether i lift the suspension or not, i should seriously think about getting springs and shocks that can handle the weight increase.

good to know about the ride - i bet it is the air, that makes sense to me.

thanks

my2003Fx4

yea ive got a black bull bar sittin in the barn, im gonna make some kinda lift bracket one day

Joethefordguy

good point!

my2003Fx4

you could always do both lol, im going to get a rough country lift one day, whenever i get stationed somewhere

Joethefordguy

I'm starting to think that doing both might be the smart way to go - get the suspension lift to handle the weight of the new tires/wheels, then a body lift or level kit to provide a little extra room.

i will be adding a bumper replacement, so thanks for that tip! now i am forewarned!. i already have a set of WAAG side rails, but i haven't installed them yet. now, i think i should hold off until i'm done with the lift so i can see how to mod the brackets to make them fit right.