Adding an aftermarket lift kit to a 4X4 SUV or pickup truck is one of the most common modifications owners make after purchasing their new vehicle. The raised body creates room for larger wheels and tires and improves road clearance.

While many owners ad lifts to their vehicles to improve off-road capabilities, some make the change simply because a lifted truck or SUV just looks “cool.”

The two most popular lifting methods are the body lift and the suspension lift. Each method offers its own unique features, and the decision to employ one or the other depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s structural design, ladder frame, or unibody configuration.

A 4×4 vehicle with a ladder frame is built with a separate chassis and body that bolt together. Ford, Chevy, and GMC pickups are all built with ladder frames. Either a body lift or suspension lift kit can be installed on the ladder-frame vehicle. The unibody 4X4, on the other hand, features a one-piece chassis and body, which limits the lift to the body-lift method only.

Other essential elements to consider when choosing between a body lift and a suspension lift include the particular 4X4 model, planned usage, and, of course, the budget.

Here are the issues to consider when deciding which lift method is best suited for your vehicle.

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How a Body Lift Kit Works

installing a body lift kit is a simple process
Via: CARiD.com

A body lift kit is the easiest method to add height to a vehicle. It is composed of blocks or spacers installed underneath the cab and works independently of suspension components.

The spacers are available in various heights and widths specific to each vehicle type and are made from steel, aluminum, polyurethane, or high-grade, glass-reinforced nylon, capable of supporting as much as 60,000 lbs.

A complete body kit often includes gap guards to cover the frame and extensions for the fuel filler neck and the steering shaft. Brackets to realign the bumpers on the lifted body are often provided.

While installing a body lift kit is a simple process, most 4X4 owners will engage an expert to install. Some DIY owners opt to lift the body without a kit, but the results are unpredictable, and the difference from a kit install is usually obvious.

Body lift kits are less expensive than a suspension kit. However, they often leave (for some viewers) an unsightly gap between the truck frame and body. A few 4X4 owners install a suspension lift in conjunction with a body lift kit.

Autowise specifies several body lift advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of a Body Lift

  • Increases the ride-height.
  • Makes room for larger tires.
  • No change to the stock suspension, so no wheel alignment is required.
  • Insignificant impact on handling or ride quality.
  • Easy for a novice to install.
  • Less expensive than a suspension lift.

Disadvantages of a Body Lift

  • Larger tires might hinder the tire clearance.
  • The only gain in ground clearance comes from the larger tires.
  • Adds some strain on the vehicle’s components.
  • No improvement in vehicle performance or suspension.
  • Insignificant off-road improvements.
  • Unsightly visible gap between the chassis and body.
  • The price for a professionally installed kit can be significantly higher than DIY installation.

How a Suspension Lift Kit Works

White pickup truck with a suspension lift
Via: ftkits.com

Suspension lifts are more common than body lifts because they offer more height and vehicle performance enhancements. Standard lifts are between four and eight inches, but even higher levels can be achieved with custom parts.

The installation frequently impacts the steering geometry, driveshaft length, and the brake line routes. The process often requires a change of suspension, steering components, and the drivetrain.

A suspension lift provides longer travel and higher ground clearance, allowing larger and more aggressive tires to be mounted on bigger and wider wheels.

Off-road capabilities are enhanced but can be further improved with the use of performance coilovers. Adjustable spring rates allow the 4X4 to handle extra weight from steel bumpers and winches.

Owners who install more extreme suspension kits need to consult local laws that limit ride height and specify the placement of lights and bumpers.

According to Autowise, the following are the benefits and drawbacks of implementing a suspension kit.

Advantages of a Suspension Lift

  • Improves off-road suspension performance.
  • Enables higher ground clearance (than a body lift), often between two to twelve inches.
  • It can eliminate the visible gap between the chassis and the body.
  • Superior tire clearance.
  • Increase in fender clearance.
  • Variety of options and pricing available.

Disadvantages of a Suspension Lift

  • Dramatically affects handling and ride quality.
  • A change of suspension geometry requires a wheel alignment.
  • The risk of rollover increases with a higher center of gravity.
  • Sometimes requires re-gearing.
  • Reduces on-road ride comfort.
  • Reduces gas mileage.
  • May require augmenting other vehicle systems such as the brakes.
  • Time-consuming and difficult to install.
  • More expensive than body lifts.

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Choosing the Right Lift Method

Lifted Big Foot Monster Truck
Via: Wall Street Journal

Choosing between a body lift kit and a suspension lift kit hinges on the owner’s desired result.

For the 4X4 owner looking to give the vehicle a more aggressive look with moderately larger tires and a higher ride, the body lift kit may be the best fit.

A body lift only increases the height minimally, and the modification has no effect on the vehicle’s performance and handling. A kit includes all the required equipment, and it is easy to install.

For the 4X4 owner looking to add some massive tires, create a unique style, or add enough ground clearance and suspension travel to conquer a mountain path impassible with a standard vehicle, the suspension lift kit is the logical choice. For most, professional help may be required to install the lift correctly.

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Cost May Be the Determining Factor

Lifted GMC pickup on a dirt road
Via: 4 Wheel Parts

After evaluating the lift options, deciding which lift method is right for the 4X4 and the owner’s priorities may boil down to cost.

Lifting a vehicle can be an expensive investment. While both the body lift and suspension lift offer several variations, there is a significant cost difference between the two methods.

A body kit includes lifting blocks, bolts, and a few other components. The simple kit keeps the cost down, and even the highest quality body lift kits are affordable.

Suspension lift kits, on the other hand, cost significantly more. They come with many more parts, some of which require advanced engineering to manufacture. However, for the additional cost, the lift result has superior off-road handling performance and better aesthetic appeal.

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Sources: suspension.com, superlift.com, autoanything.com, autowise.com