As manufacturers continue to churn out a steady supply of new and redesigned 4x4 vehicles, the aftermarket suspension companies are burning the candle at both ends to design new suspension kits that will enhance the off-highway capabilities of these models. Clearly, suspension lifts are one of the most basic modifications that we make to our trucks, primarily because they offer increased body-to-ground clearance (which also increases approach and departure angles), as well as the ability to fit larger tires for enhanced traction and even more ground clearance.
You don't drive a new truck? Well, as you'll see in the following pages, some manufacturers are integrating new technology into kits for older vehicles to create significantly improved suspension performance. So sit back and peruse the latest and greatest in aftermarket suspension kits.
Avalanche Engineering
What it fits: '97-'02 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Amount of lift: Owner's specification
The details: It's all about function in Avalanche's world, and the Mega-Flex kit does exactly what its name implies. There are a variety of kits available in quarter-elliptic springs or coilover shocks (shown) in three- or four-link configurations, and all brackets and mounting hardware are available. Avalanche's suspension systems are designed in accordance with the customer's wishes and for the vehicle's intended purpose.
What it fits: '76-'86 Jeep CJ
Amount of lift: Owner's specification
The details: As with the TJ kit, a slew of options are available, including coil-over shocks (shown) and quarter-elliptic springs. You can also choose from 3- or 4-link configurations. Overall, a multitude of offerings are available for the hardcore 'wheeler.
Contact 'em at: Avalanche Engineering, Dept. FW, 40039 Highway 160, Bayfield, Colorado 81122, 970/884-7716, www.avalancheengineering.com
BDS Suspension
What it fits: '99-'01 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty
Amount of lift: 6 or 8 inches, depending on kit
The details: The Glide Ride kit is available in either 6- or 8-inch lifts. The kit includes progressive rear springs and 10-leaf front springs (both include anti-friction pads, tapered leaves, bolt-style alignment clamps, and OEM-style rubber bushings), heavy-duty track bar, new pitman arm, bumpstop lowering brackets, rear brake line relocation bracket, and new front and rear U-bolts. Options include a dual-shock kit and dual steering-stabilizer kit.
What it fits: '95-'01 Chevrolet ZR2 Blazer and S-10
Amount of lift: 5-inch front/4 1/2-inch rear
The details: Beef up the aggressive looks of your ZR2 and create an even more capable rig with this kit, which includes one-piece lower crossmembers (BDS says that these increase frame rigidity while reducing installation time), No Flex drop drag link, front differential drop kit (helps retain factory driveline angles), brake-line relocation brackets, and front antiroll-bar relocation brackets. The rear suspension is lifted via a spring-over axle conversion. Shock absorbers are ordered separately.
Contact 'em at: BDS Suspension, Dept. FW, 402 Jay Street, Coldwater, Michigan 49036, 517/279-2135, www.bds-suspension.com
Calmini Products
What it fits: '89-'98 Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker
Amount of lift: 3 inches
The details: These vehicles have a lot of potential, and this complete bolt-in kit features a pair of tubular front control arms, front coils, struts, axle-drop brackets, rear shocks, rear coil springs, rear lower trailing arms, upper rear V-link with adjustable Heim joint, and rear drive-line spacer. The complete kit is powdercoated in signature Calmini Blue.
What it fits: 2000-'02 Nissan Xterra
Amount of lift: 3 inches
The details: Add even more aggressive looks to your already aggressive Xterra with this new kit that features laser-crafted heavy-duty longer upper control arms, new high-angle upper ball joints, polyurethane bushings with sleeves, 27mm extreme-duty torsion bars, rear dual-leaf insert springs, rear antiroll bar extension links, rear shackles, bumpstop extensions, four gas-charged shocks with boots, U-bolts, and all necessary hardware.
Contact 'em at: Calmini Products, Dept. FW, 6951 McDivitt Drive, Bakersfield, California 93313, 800/345-3305, www.calmini.com
Daystar Products
What it fits: '96-'01 Toyota Tacoma six-lug
Amount of lift: 2 1/2 inches
The details: Simplicity is the name of the game with this ComfortRide kit, which requires no welding or cutting. This all-new kit includes polyurethane coil-spring spacers, isolators, dust boots, antiroll-bar bushings, end-link bushings, bumpstops, greasable Super Shackles, and grade 8 hardware.
What it fits: '94-'02 Dodge Ram 1500-3500 four-wheel drive
Amount of lift: 2 inches
The details: This ComfortRide kit allows you to easily and quickly lift the front of your Dodge to create a level vehicle by simply installing front coil-spring spacers. This offsets the installation of a heavy front bumper, winch, or push bar. It also allows for the use of oversized tires without sacrificing stock ride quality.
Contact 'em at: Daystar Products International Inc., Dept. FW, 841 S. 71st Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85043, 800/595-7659, www.daystarweb.com
Downey Off-Road
What it fits: '64-'83 FJ-40 Toyota Land Cruiser
Amount of lift: 4 inches
The details: Downey says that this kit features both the best-priced and softest-riding springs available for this application. The springs feature Downey's full package of eight special features. The kit includes graphite-impregnated polyurethane bushings, and offers several options including longer stainless-steel brake hoses, five-inch-extended front upper shock mounts, and cantilever spring shackles (the combination of 4-inch springs and cantilever shackles requires front shocks that extend to 31 inches long to handle the increased wheel travel).
What it fits: '95-'96 Toyota Tacoma/'96-'02 4Runner, 2000-'02 Tundra/'01-'02 Sequoia
Amount of lift: 2-3 1/2 inches
The details: The Tacoma/4Runner kit includes Bilstein rebuildable/revalvable gas shocks, 30-percent stiffer coil springs, heavy-duty precision-fit threaded sleeves with built-in locking feature, billet aluminum upper and lower spring seats with built-in centering feature, and polyurethane upper coil seats. The Tundra/Sequoia kit is similar, but features larger/stiffer coil springs and larger upper spring seats with a different bolt pattern.
Contact 'em at: Downey Off-Road Manufacturing, Dept. FW, 10001 South Pioneer Blvd., P.O. Box 3725, Santa Fe, California 90670-3221, 562/949-9494, www.downeyoff-road.com