I love Jeeps and I love adventure driving, so of course, my Jeep is lifted. I am frequently asked, Do I need an alignment after lifting my Jeep?
No matter what vehicle you drive you should always get an alignment after getting a lift kit installed.
What You Need to Know About Wheel Alignment And Lift Kits
Adding a lift kit puts stress on the automobile. The lift kit raises the clearance level and lets you use bigger tires, but it also changes the way the automobile steers and handles.
You Need Professional Help for Installation
Even if you know the basics about installing these kits you are going to need to bite the bullet and hire a professional for the installation.
A professional will be able to install the kit and adjust the alignment so the automobile meets the specifications it should. They can make the adjustments to return the tire angle to what the manufacturer designed the auto to have.
Get a Lift According to Your Driving Habits
The super-high lifts look impressive, and they are wonderful for adventure driving over extreme terrain. The really high lift may not be suitable for how you drive or where you drive.
- If you go off-road driving every now and again then get a lift that is a 1.5-inch.
- If you do adventure driving regularly then you may want a lift as high as 6” depending on the terrains you normally transverse.
Suspension Lift Kits
Be careful installing suspension lift kits because they may void your warranty. If these kits are not installed properly they can damage the frame of the vehicle.
Suspension kits are not as durable as some other lifts and will probably need to be replaced before the vehicle wears out. They also increase the speed of wear and tear on the vehicle itself.
Suspension lifts require a great deal of maintenance. If you are not an adventure driver a suspension lift is not highly recommended.
Lift Kits Affect Fuel Consumptions
Adding a lift kit will more than likely make your vehicle consume greater amounts of fuel per gallon.
The additional height of the vehicle changes the wind resistance. The increase in wind resistance means the auto needs more fuel to power its way down the highway. The wind resistance is a great factor if you drive at a speed greater than 30 mph.
The additional components of a lift kit increase the weight of the Jeep. The components to make the lift, and the larger tires, rims, and wheels make the vehicle heavier. The heavier vehicle requires more fuel to propel it.
What Does The Lift Change About The Alignment?
When you add a lift kit, no matter how much you lift the vehicle, the angle at which the tires meet the road is altered. When this angle is altered you start to experience noises, pulling, and lose some of the control you have.
Wheels that are out of line cause:
- Your steering wheel to be tilted to the left or right when you are driving in a straight line.
- Your tires to squeal.
- Unusual noises from the steering of the automobile.
- The vehicle will pull to either the left or the right.
- Uneven wear on your tires.
- Tires wear out much faster than they should.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Lift Affect Alignment?
The lift kit installation changes the wheel angles and the alignment corrects this.
Do I Need a Wheel Alignment After a 2-inch Lift?
Yes if you get a lift or modify the suspension in any way you need to get an alignment.
How Can I Tell If I Need a Wheel Alignment?
Pulling while you are driving and uneven tire wear is some of the first alignment needed indicators.
Other Jeep Related Articles
1. Loud Popping Sound When in 4-wheel Drive
2. Jeep Wrangler High Mileage Problems
3. Why Is My Jeep Wrangler Jerking While Accelerating?
Final Thoughts
Installing a lift kit on your vehicle gives you a more aggressive appearance. It allows you to put taller and more aggressive tires on the auto. You can ford deeper waters and cross over larger rocks and pieces of debris. The lifts also increase fuel consumption, and they change the way the vehicle handles and responds. If you are considering a lift talk to a professional near you to help you determine the right lift height and what the lift will change about your vehicle.
