Lift "kits" relocate the shock mounting locations and change the suspension geometry. This results in a harsh ride and over extension of the axles which can cause the CVs to bind. Look into a shock spring package tailored to your machine. A good spring package will provide more ground clearance and an improved ride. There are numerous reputable companies that can provide a good setup. Search for "springs"

 

Lift kits are for mud hole riders.

 

Is that prison slang?

 

There are a lot of people that like doing mud bogs. Lift kits seam to be popular with them. No need for compliant suspension when most of your rig is sunk in mud.

 

I put a bracket lift on my first sxs, because at the time where we rode there were huge mud holes and we liked to go through them. It worked awesome for that.

Unfortunately, I also liked to go fast...I quickly learned that lift kit+go fast=broken CVs. I went through at least 3 axles in the rear in a few months time. Sold that machine and bought something appropriate for the way I drive lol.

I think we need to know what function you want the lift for, then we can help better.

 

I think we need to know what function you want the lift for, then we can help better.

He asked about how a lift affects ride quality. Simple answer is it will make your $hit ride like a skateboard 🤣

 

Like others have said...they're really only good for slow mud riding. We make them if you want them, but the best way to get ground clearance is better springs (shock work), forward offset high clearance A-arms, and bigger tires. You won't kill your ride quality that way.

 

You forgot portals 😁

 

I'll have to remember that.... L

 

What my machine lacks in portals it makes up for in speed and skims across some mud holes portals won’t touch 😆

I’m also the last guy in our group that doesn’t have portals and no lift until recently.. We added a cheap suspension lift and some aftermarket tinder springs and gained a full 6 inches of ground clearance. That I’m okay with..

However was a pain to put it all on (not terrible but basically have to disconnect the rear bed and roll cage) then separating all the shocks. Anyways after all said and done gained ground clearance but definitely lost some ride quality.

2015 XP with Walker Evans and rode like a fluffy cloud pre lift and springs. After she’s very much stiff as a board and won’t argue with the earlier description of it riding like a “skateboard” after 🤣🤣🤣 this is actually too accurate..

Turned the shocks all down to soft and set tenders about the minimum possible and she’s better now but soft ride will be gone. Still rides better than any Ranger or Pioneer I ever been in 💯💯😆

We ride into town and stuff a lot and don’t want to lose all the extra speed and power. Portals are great for some but not everyone. All my crew has 4”-8” and from 35” inch tires to 42” inch tires. I still ride with them all, don’t miss any holes and usually pull more out than I get pulled out. Plus I don’t work on mine near as much at the others 🙃

Ride em like there is no tomorrow fellas!! Be safe out there 😎🌊☀🏝

-Friend from Florida-

 

What my machine lacks in portals it makes up for in speed and skims across some mud holes portals won’t touch 😆

Skimmin's for women!! I kid, I kid.
If you match up the right gear reduction to the right size tire, you don't really lose the top end. I see a ton of portals down in Florida these days. You guys have a different kind of mud and it definitely helps.