How much money can your customer save on this alternative? Let's take a look at Performance Accessories as an example, which has been offering this type of product for more than 30 years. Depending on the vehicle make and model, the company's Premium Lift Systems range from $220 to $899 for the complete kit.
The kits consist of reinforced nylon body blocks, front coil spring spacers, a CNC billet machined steering extension, high-grade hardware and black-plated mounting brackets. The kits include just about everything needed to raise the vehicle, including a bottle of thread locker and a set of the company's urethane Gap Guards to conceal the space between the body and frame. In addition to raising the suspension, Performance Accessories' body-lift systems combine a leveling system.Although Performance Accessories doesn't require an independent shop to maintain a minimum inventory (if ordered through a WD), another advantage of the company's lift systems is that they take up less stocking space than a conventional suspension lift and are readily available. Another advantage is that Premium Lift Systems don't alter the factory suspension, minimizing warranty issues and maintaining the factory ride.
The Premium Lift Systems start at $220 (4-inch lift 2007-09 Jeep Wranger JK, No. PLS990) and run as high as $899, (5.5-inch system on the 2007-09 Toyota Tundra No. PLS563). Additional lift systems also are available for current model Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, GM and other make and model domestic and import pickups.
A typical installation requires unbolting the vehicle's body mounts while lifting up on the underside of the truck to insert the new body lift blocks. Longer bolts are supplied and the procedure is done at each body mount around the frame of the truck. In addition, a steering column extension has to be installed where the column connects to the steering box.
As for the leveling portion of the system, it uses either a polyurethane or a combination of CNC-machined spring spacers, depending on the make and model vehicle, which fit between the factory front coil springs and at the top of the spring perch. Most installation facilities use a spring-compressor tool that makes the job easier, safer and quicker.
While the added lift raises the body off the frame, the factory bumpers need to be adjusted using bumper relocation brackets. Depending on the vehicle, some cutting and drilling of the factory bumper frame mounts will be required as well. Fan shroud extensions, along with additional support brackets, also are provided in the kits as necessary.
Once the entire truck has been lifted, many consumers can't tell that anything has been done to the truck, except for the beefy set of 35-inch tires that now reside in the wheel wells. That's sufficient for a large segment of truck owners, who want an off-road appearance without the time and expense of full-on suspension lift. These customers will no doubt appreciate that fact that you can now offer them a less expensive alternative that gives them the look and ride quality they desire, and at a price they can afford.
Steve Temple is a freelance technical writer and photographer with more than 25 years' experience. He has served as director of sales and marketing for Shelby American and as online editor for major magazines such as Hot Rod, Car Craft and Rod & Custom.
