Suspension Upgrades

Why pick Race City Kustomz?

With 10+ years of automotive experience, over hundreds of hours training from some of the best companies in the market, for example Carolina Customs just to name one. Your truck, Jeep, SUV, or car is in some of the best hands on the east coast and we are well equipped to outfit the build of your dreams. Our expert team will review all your options and discuss your vehicle goals with you to find the perfect solution for you. Then our highly skilled techs will install one of the top-of-the-line kits that we've selected from trusted industry partners.

LIFT KITS

Spacer (Body) Lifts

This type of lift uses blocks and lift spacers to lift the body higher onto the frame of the vehicle without altering the suspension at all. The ground clearance remains unchanged, but the increased height allows you to run bigger wheels and tires. The steering geometry isn't altered, so your vehicle will retain most of its original driving and handling characteristics. Body lifts tend to be more affordable, so if your primary goal is a more aggressive look with larger wheels and tires, it's a great option!

Suspension Lifts

A suspension lift is exactly what the name implies, typically involving replacing everything from the shocks/struts and leaf springs to the control arms, trailing arms and sometimes even the driveshafts and steering components. It's more labor-intensive and involved than a spacer lift but replacing and upgrading these components allows for more articulation in the suspension, more ground clearance, and the ability to run even larger tires...resulting in an all-around more capable off-road vehicle.

If you're looking for a general idea of how much lift you'll need to increase your tire/wheel size if you're going from stock 18" wheels and 32" tires on a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, you'll need to add 1-2.5" of lift (accomplished with a spacer lift) to go up to 33" tires, or if you'd like to go to 35" tires, you'd need to bump up to a 2.5-3.75" lift. There are several things to take into account, so if you're not sure what configuration you need for your vehicle, just give us a call!

LEVELING KITS

A leveling kit does exactly what it sounds like...levels the vehicle. By raising the front end up a few inches, you eliminate the factory rake and bring the front-end level with the rear. It's primarily for looks but can also add a small amount of ground clearance to the front, as well as allowing for larger tires. Most vehicles come from the factory with a certain amount of "rake" built into their suspension, meaning the rear end sits higher than the front, which accommodates for load weight added to the cargo area. If the front and rear were level and you put heavy cargo in the rear, it would bottom out the suspension and cause the bushings, shocks, etc. to wear out quickly. Additionally, driving with the suspension fully compressed like that would make for an uncomfortable ride and poor handling.

So, does that mean you have to choose between carrying cargo loads or a leveling kit? Not at all! Leveling kits utilize coil spacers, strut extensions or torsion keys (depending on the truck) to raise the front end of the truck, without affecting the rear, leaving your payload capacity unchanged. Keep in mind that trucks are not the only vehicle that may benefit from a leveling kit. For example, a common Jeeper upgrade is to add a heavier steel front bumper and winch. When you combine that extra weight with the natural rake a Wrangler comes with from the factory, adding a leveling kit will help offset both. Some coil spacer kits will even have 1-inch of lift in the front and 2-inches of lift in the back to achieve both lift and level, accommodating larger wheels and tires.

Lowering Kits

Lowering a car or truck can offer several benefits, both in terms of aesthetics and performance. Here's a breakdown of some of the key advantages. Improved Handling: Lowering a vehicle can lower its center of gravity, which reduces body roll during cornering and improves overall stability. This results in sharper handling and increased responsiveness, making the vehicle feel more planted and agile on the road, Enhanced Aerodynamics, Lowering a vehicle can reduce its aerodynamic drag by minimizing the gap between the vehicle and the road surface. This can lead to improved fuel efficiency, particularly at higher speeds, as the vehicle encounters less resistance from the air. Better Traction can also improve by reducing weight transfer during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This helps to keep more weight over the tires, increasing their grip on the road surface and improving traction in various driving conditions, such as during hard acceleration or aggressive cornering. Improved Visual Appeal, Lowering a vehicle often results in a more aggressive and sleek appearance. It gives the vehicle a more purposeful stance, making it look sportier and more visually appealing. This can be achieved through various methods, such as lowering springs, coil overs, or air suspension systems, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences. Reduced Body Roll, lowering a vehicle can reduce the amount of body roll or sway experienced during cornering or quick maneuvers. This can lead to a more comfortable and controlled driving experience, as the vehicle feels more stable and composed through turns.

Overall, lowering a car or truck can offer a range of benefits, from improved handling and traction to enhanced visual appeal and performance. However, it's essential to consider the potential trade-offs, such as reduced ground clearance and potential impacts on ride quality, before making any modifications to your vehicle's suspension system. If you have any questions, Give us a call today.