Lately Ive been wanting to lift up my truck, but im wondering what are the pros and cons to doing this. I know obviously some of the pros are better looks, more off road capability, and it allows for bigger tires to be put on, but what else?

So for a 4 banger 2wd daily driver, what are the pros and cons to lifting it. Would you guys even recommend it?

 

If you go bigger tires, make sure to regear or you'll regret it.

I'm running a 2WD lifted with 35" tires and 4.56 gears with the 3.0 v6.

Pro's are offroad capability and looks -- that's it. If you don't need a lift for fitting larger tires for offroading then the only pro is the look.

Con's are reduced gas mileage due to heavier, somewhat less aerodynamic vehicle; higher center of gravity handling problems (you can compensate with spring rate and shock mods to some extent); towing can be trickier; you have to get used to climbing in and out of it; increased wear on remaining stock parts; reduced acceleration and braking.

Might have missed a con or two, lol -- but that's basically it.

 

Pros: Road Presence, Easier to get into if your tall, Go over curbs instead of around, Better ride

Cons: Lower MPG, Power loss, Higher Possibly Flipping-Over

I have the 2.3L I4 with a 3"lift and 31" BFGs and after the Bama Tuner, K&N intake, and Magnaflow exhaust it is just a tad peppier then when it was completely stock; given its still a four banger, but I do have the 4.10 gears so you might need to upgrade yours so you do not lose too much power.

 

well the only reason i lifted mine 2" in the front and put 32's on is our lovely weather here in mich, and ****ty *** roads. lowered vehicle's all year suck bad around here

i regeared and still get 19mpg on a tank that what i just pulled last tank...

 

stone you got 4.10s?

 

3.73 i used to have 3.23

 

Pros:
- higher sit
- larger tires

Cons:
- less mpg
- higher center of gravity
- cost of regearing

up to you....i would....i am glad i lifted mine....

 

I'm happy I lifted mine, but reliability goes down to 0. I am lucky I know how to do almos teverything besides for engine/tranny on my truck. Almost everything has broken or will break.

I carry a full tool set and everything I know I need. I always have a jack and extra ropes, etc.

It's nice sitting high in traffic, I feel it's safer. I don't drive fast or corner hard, I just like it for the offroad feel.

If I could do it over again I would never have touched my truck (32's, thats it) and I would have bought an ATV. I'm in the hole pretty deep w/ this truck now...and I could have avoided it.

 

Lift and love it or leave and dream about it.

The pro's out weigh the cons all day long.

PROS = Looks There's nothing like being able to drive at night and not have lights in your mirror.

Cons parts wear out faster. I don't count handling and MPG it is a truck not a sports car. Drive it like a truck and you will be good.

 

soo.. you had 32's.. when u started ur project?

 

Well after seeing some of this, i haven't made a full deceision, but i think in the near future i may just get some 235/75/15s AT tires. Those will fit stock and no rub right? with no lift? That should take care of me for awhile im hoping..

 

those are baby tires yes they will fit

 

Okay 2 questions.

1. If I do end up lifting, what parts are most likely to wear out and break faster? Or just what do I need to watch more often.

2. What is about the max size of tires I can put on stock, with no rubbing and not a whole lot of power loss.. is 235s about it? I have 3.73 gears and it looks to be about it.. What do you guys think?

 

33" bfg A/T's were my first non-stock tire.

 

I put 32x11.5s on mine and never re-geared...didnt really notice a power loss..how do I find out what gears I have?

 

Generally there is a sticker on the axle that will say it. I believe on the door panel sticker it also says it..

 

i'd lift it, im doubled lifted w/35's.. this past summer i kinda wanted to lower it back down, but now it will never go back down.. but higher.. deffently regear.. thats my next mod.. its just costly.. lol

 

Lower it lol, ever need to go off road, ride with a body, less work washing and detailin a street truck then a off road beast

 

Being able to do this whenever you want to is a pro.

 

That is definately a pro.. Very nice truck.

So what are some of the things that are likely to break because of the lift?

 

if u do suspension lift (spindle's) ur upper/lower balljoints will wear faster, tie rod ends and some other crap

 

Ah okay, can those things run alot of money to replace/repair?

 

con:(kinda pro)
once u start.. u cant stop lol

i was sucked in from the moment i modified my exhaust, its gone from there, BL, Locker, 33's etc. and more in the plans

just make sure u upgrade the weak stuff, or wait for it to go and build it stronger

^that and.. as soon as u jack it up, and start running stuff over, and going on rough gravel roads. like everyone said.. everything stock, staring with ball joints probably are gonna go out.. a **** load faster

 

The one thing I have broke in the year and a half with it.... the ball joint popped out after some hard wheeling. Set me back $100 to have it re-pressed. If you are keeping it on the street though, your normal upkeep routine should keep it driving.

 

cant you get some nice ball joints from camburg that will last a long time? Im pretty sure things will only wear faster if your actually out thrashing your truck around. Normal driving shouldnt wear out stuff just be cause of a lift.