The Problem Of Handling In Big Lift Kits

Handling seems to be among the biggest problems whenever you choose to install big lift kits in your cars. You get skeptical about the whole driving experience thing just because you know or someone probably told you that once you install a big lift kit for Ford Ranger or any other big car for that matter, the handling is going to take a hit. This might not be completely untrue but who says things have to go out of control?

What Seems To Be The Problem With Big Lift Kits?

Once the truck is lifted or outfitted with aggressive lift kits you will begin to notice deterioration in on-street handling. You will see that your vehicle is experiencing bumpsteer, or feels like it is “wandering” away or swaying. Other than that, it will begin to react much slowly to your inputs. This can mean either of the two things - steering system is getting overburdened by your new wheels or lack of proper steering geometry.

What Is The Solution?

You can try the following solutions to keep your truck or SUV lifted like a monster on wheels and still retain control on its motion:

• Invest in custom steering, and equal length setups to rectify your truck's steering ills
• It is important to keep the tie rod parallel to the axle 
• Keep the track bar parallel to the panhard bar always 
• Use an extended heavy-duty pitman arm for better steering geometry
• If you have really big tires, you will find that the stock steering system is very inadequate, and so a steering assist or hydraulic ram may come in handy