Everything You Want to Know About Custom Suspension Lift Kits

February 27, 2023

Towing and hauling are much easier and safer when you have the right gear for the job. Focus your attention on the road in front of you; instead of worrying about whether your truck is bottoming out behind you. Besides elevating the appearance, custom suspension lifts serve two purposes. The first is to lift every component, including the body, frame, and differentials, and the second is to expand the suspension. They are well worth the investment when hauling or towing heavy loads. Here's everything you want to know about custom suspension lift kits.

Wide shot of a heavy-duty truck driving on the highway.

Benefits of Custom Suspension Lift Kits

For trucks that have jobs to do, custom suspension lifts offer a myriad of benefits. 


Increased Clearance

You will gain more distance between the ground and the underside of your truck. This means you can clear higher obstacles and have more room for loads to settle without bottoming out. Drive through rough terrain without fear of damaging your vehicle's undercarriage.


Improved Stability

Experience a smoother, more stable ride. Gaining ground clearance, extended suspension, and the ability to install larger tires improves the stability of your load. Your truck has increased capabilities because of the more robust suspension system. Furthermore, larger tires offer a higher ground-to-tire contact ratio, so your truck is in better control of the load it is towing or hauling. 


Increased Load Capacity

With a custom suspension lift kit, your truck can haul more, thanks to the higher ground clearance and extended suspension. It can squat further without bottoming out. 


Improved Visibility

Being higher off the ground makes it easier to see obstacles and potential dangers in your path. This advantage gives you as much time as possible to react, which is incredibly important when hauling or towing a heavy load.

Types of Custom Suspension Lift Kits

The right type of custom suspension lift kit will depend on your needs and preferences. There are 4 main kinds to choose from:


Coil Suspension Lift Kits

Coil suspension lifts are popular for providing improved traction and handling, as well as additional height for a smooth ride. They are popular among drivers who haul frequently and like to off-road. This type of suspension lift consists of a shock surrounded by a coil and offers plenty of customization options. 


Air Ride Suspension Lift Kits

Durable airbags are used instead of traditional spring suspension systems to absorb shock. In this innovative design, compressors are responsible for pumping air into each airbag, which then absorbs the energy from bumps before they reach your truck or trailer's body. The result is a smoother ride, improved cargo protection, and reduced wear and tear on your truck and trailer.


Shackle Reverse Suspension Lift Kits

As its name suggests, shackle reverse suspension lift kits consist of a reversed shackle and spring, which allows the system to absorb more shock from bumps. The shackle is positioned at the back of the spring, and the solid mount is at the front. It is ideal for driving over rough terrain such as deserts. 


Spring Over Axle Suspension Lift Kits

Spring over axle suspension lift kits are popular among offroaders because they offer increased ground clearance while offering as much traction as possible. This type of suspension lift system is perfect for those who traverse rough terrain, including rock crawling.

Advantages of a Lift Axle Suspension System

Lift axle suspension systems offer several advantages, including:


  • Better fuel economy when traveling without a load or only a light load. A lift axle suspension allows you to eliminate the resistance of an axle's tires.
  • When hauling a heavy load, it more evenly distributes the payload.
  • When enabled, reduce wear and tear on the other axles.
  • Change the center of mass for more stability and improved efficiency. 

Auxiliary Lift Axle Suspensions: Use in Heavy Duty Trucks

Auxiliary lift axle suspensions allow drivers to easily control the suspension system from electronic controls that are typically installed inside the cab. They are added to increase the weight-carrying capacity and ensure you are in compliance with state and federal regulations. All states have laws regarding the maximum weight allowed over each axle. It's vital to comply with state axle weight laws to avoid fines and penalties. 


Most designs use airbags to carry and distribute the weight, but there are some that use spring systems. No matter which design you choose, either airbags or springs are used to lower the axle as needed. This allows for maximum control and efficiency because the auxiliary lift can be engaged when needed and disengaged when it's not required.


You can choose from non-steerable and steerable. The most notable difference is tire wear. Non-steerable lift axles can lead to excessive tire wear if they aren't raised before turning sharp corners. Additionally, controls must be installed inside the cab in order to provide maximum protection for your vehicle's tires. On the other hand, steerable lift axles are more expensive, but you do not have to worry about excessive tire wear as you do with non-steerable lift axles. 

Elevate Your Truck or Trailer with A Custom Suspension Lift Kits By Cush Corp

Custom suspension lift kits are essential for providing an overall smoother and safer riding, towing, and hauling experience. Gain ground clearance and carrying capacity, as well as improved handling, maximum traction, and all-around better control of the vehicle and load you are hauling. You need a truck capable of handling any job you throw at it. A custom suspension lift kit can give you all of that and more.


Interested in a custom suspension lift kit for your tuck? Call Cush Suspensions today!

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