So you’re planning to take your Hilux on a ride off the beaten trail? Good for you! You can rest assured that it will perform well, and there isn’t much to worry about, since it’s one of the toughest, most reliable four wheel drives ever made. Except for maybe not being high enough from the ground, in which case you might have to strongly consider getting a lift kit for it. But that’s not that big of a hassle, as finding a lift kit for Hilux is extremely easy, given that it’s one of the most popular 4WDs in Australia.
However, not all lift kits are the same, so it’s best you do some homework before you order your Hilux lift kit. In this article, you’ll learn about all the different types of lifting kits (suspension, leveling and body lift Hilux kit) and how to decide which one is right for you.
Body Lift Hilux Kits
These kits provide a 1-3 inch lift of the Hilux’ body from the chassis. Most off-road drivers will opt for a body lift Hilux kit so that they can install larger tyres, as it raises the wheel well. These kits provide more ground clearance, but the main goal is to create a bigger wheel well. Body lift kits include a strap bracket, body spacers and they might include rear and front bumper brackets.
Suspension Lift Hilux Kits
These kits lift the suspension of the Hilux in order to provide more clearance. They do that by taking the rear and front leaf springs and replacing them to increase the lift of the Hilux by 4-6 inches. These kits can also improve the handling, and they typically include a sway-bar drop brackets, brake line brackets, lower skid plate, crossmembers, CV spacers, lifted knuckles, and upper strut spacers. This makes suspension lift kits the most complex ones available.
Leveling Lift Hilux Kits
Leveling lift kits compensate for the fact that the design of some Hilux types is a few inches higher at the back when compared to the front. They’re not designed to perform a visible lift, but rather to level the Hilux to be even across the board. Leveling lift kits are inexpensive and the lift can be performed with lower strut mount extensions.
Lift kits can be really beneficial to your vehicle when you take it on the off-road. However, if your Hilux has a warranty, you can potentially void it. So before you install one, check your vehicle’s warranty and decide whether it’s worth risking to void it for the benefits of the lift kit. A lift kit can make your Hilux look way different, give it more clearance and improve its performance.