If you're looking to improve your Suzuki ATVs performance, installing a suspension lift kit may be just what you need. Suspension lift kits are designed to raise the height of your vehicle's frame and increase ground clearance, allowing for larger tires and better maneuverability over rocky or uneven terrain. However, installing a lift kit can be a complex process that requires some mechanical expertise and specialized tools.
In this article, we guide you through the steps necessary to install a Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit. We cover everything from choosing the right kit for your needs to adjusting the new components and fine-tuning your ride. By following these instructions carefully, you can give your ATV the boost it needs to tackle any challenge on the trails.
What Are Suspension Lift Kits?
A suspension lift kit is a modification that raises the height of your vehicle's frame, allowing you to install larger tires and increase ground clearance. This results in improved performance on rough terrain by providing more space between the wheels and obstacles on the trail.
Before purchasing a Suzuki suspension lift kit, it's important to understand how it works. The shock absorbers play a crucial role in absorbing the impact from bumps, rocks, and other obstacles on the trail. A larger lift kit will require longer shocks with higher travel capacity to accommodate the extra height.
It's also essential to choose a kit that aligns with your riding style and environment. Once you've selected a Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit that meets your needs, the most important thing you need to consider is how many inches of lift you need for your particular ride style.
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How To Choose the Right Suspension Lift Kit for Your Suzuki ATV
Before you purchase a lift kit for your Suzuki ATV, you first need to consider which is the right lift kit for you. Below are key factors to consider before choosing a suspension lift kit for your Suzuki ATV:
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Consult your ATV manual: Refer to the owner's manual of your Suzuki ATV to gather information about the recommended suspension modifications and lift kit options. The manual may provide specific guidelines or limitations related to lifting your ATV. Ensure that the suspension lift kit you choose is compatible with your specific Suzuki ATV model.
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Determine your requirements: Assess your needs and preferences for lifting your ATV. Consider factors such as the terrain you'll be riding on, the size of tires you want to accommodate, and the type of riding you'll be doing (e.g., recreational, racing, utility). This will help you determine the appropriate lift height and suspension setup.
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Research reputable brands: Look for reputable manufacturers that specialize in ATV suspension lift kits. Research customer reviews and seek recommendations from other ATV enthusiasts to gauge the quality and reliability of different brands.
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Consider the components included: Suspension lift kits may include various components such as shocks, A-arms, springs, and brackets. Evaluate the quality and durability of these components to ensure they can withstand the demands of off-road riding. Look for features like adjustable components or upgraded parts for enhanced performance.
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Installation complexity: Assess your mechanical skills and determine if you can install the suspension lift kit yourself or if professional installation is required. Some kits may involve complex installation procedures, such as disassembling the suspension system or adjusting ride height. If you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to seek professional help.
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Budget considerations: Set a budget for your suspension lift kit purchase. Prices can vary depending on the brand, lift height, and quality of the kit. Balance your budget with the need for quality components that can withstand the demands of off-road riding.
- Seek expert advice: If you're uncertain about which suspension lift kit to choose, consult with ATV enthusiasts, mechanics, or experts at reputable ATV dealerships. They can provide valuable insights based on their experience and knowledge of Suzuki ATVs and suspension modifications.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
You'll need a variety of tools and materials to successfully modify your ATV's suspension system for a Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit. The necessary tools include socket wrenches, pliers, torque wrenches, screwdrivers, pry bars, and drills. You may also need an impact wrench if you have stubborn bolts that won't come off easily.
In addition, you will need some basic materials such as jack stands or ramps to elevate the vehicle for easy access. The Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit installation process is relatively easy if you have the right tools and follow the instructions provided in the kit. The rear suspension lift kit usually comes with everything you need to raise your vehicle's height by up to 2-3 inches including shock mounts, coil spring compressor, and other necessary hardware.
Safety Precautions to Take Before Installation
Before beginning the installation of your Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit, it's crucial to take proper safety precautions. The modification process can be dangerous and could lead to accidents or injuries if not done carefully. You should wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and closed-toe shoes throughout the installation process.
You should also take time to read the instruction manual thoroughly before beginning any work. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand and that they're in good condition. If you have any doubts about your ability to complete the job safely or correctly, seek professional assistance.
Make sure that you have assistance when lifting large components and that all equipment is properly secured before beginning work. Keep children and pets away from the work area during installation. Remember that different lift heights may require different levels of expertise when it comes to installation.
Prepping the ATV for Installation
Now it's time to prepare your ride for the next step in upgrading its performance. Firstly, check if you have all the necessary tools and equipment for installing a suspension lift kit on your Suzuki ATV. You'll need a jack stand or hydraulic lift, socket wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, and a torque wrench. Ensure all of these items are within arm's reach before starting.
Next, remove the wheels from your ATV and install wheel spacers if required. Wheel spacers provide additional clearance between the tire and suspension components, which can be particularly helpful when lifting an ATV's suspension system. This will help avoid rubbing or interference issues when turning the wheels at high speeds.
After installing wheel spacers, inspect your ATV's shocks, springs, axles, and tires to ensure they are in good condition. Replace any damaged or worn-out parts before proceeding with the installation of a new suspension lift kit as this could compromise safety. It's also essential to verify that all bolts on the ATV frame are tight as loose bolts may cause alignment problems down the road.
You also need to measure your ground clearance before installation of the new suspension system so that you can compare it after installation is complete. This will give you an idea of how much higher your vehicle has been raised by the new shock absorbers and springs installed during prepping for the installation of the Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit.
Installing the New Lift Kit Components
Once you've prepped your ride, it's time to start putting in the new components of the lift system. Make sure you have all the necessary parts for your specific Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit before starting the installation process. Begin by installing the rear lift brackets. This involves removing the factory shocks and springs, which will be replaced with longer ones included in the kit.
Once removed, attach the new rear lift brackets to each side of your ATV frame using the bolts and nuts provided in your kit. Next, install the shock body and shock eyelet into their respective positions on both sides of your ATV's rear axle. Tighten all bolts securely but avoid over-tightening as this could cause damage to your suspension system. If you plan on upgrading to larger mud tires or aftermarket wheels, consider adding leaf spring upgrades to further enhance your ATV's performance.
Adjusting the Suspension System
Fine-tuning your ride's suspension is essential to ensure a smooth and safe off-road experience, so don't overlook the importance of adjusting it properly. After installing a Suzuki ATV suspension lift kit, you'll need to adjust the suspension system to optimize your ride quality and ground clearance.
Once everything is inspected, locate the shock absorbers at each wheel assembly and adjust their preload settings by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise until they suit your desired ride height. Next, it's time to fine-tune your shocks' rebound settings. This adjustment controls how quickly the suspension rebounds after absorbing bumps on rough terrain.
Start by setting all four shocks to their factory rebound settings before making adjustments based on how stiff or soft you want your ride quality to be. If you're using factory wheels, adjustments might not be necessary since they're designed for moderate off-road conditions.
Shop For An ATV Lift Kit
ATV riders take pride in altering their ATVs in order to ensure they provide the exact riding experience they're looking for, and at Perfex Industries we are here to help you create your perfect ATV. We are manufacturers of accessories and equipment for ATVs and UTVs and take pride in offering the highest quality equipment. Whether you're looking for wheel spacers, suspensions or skid plates, we've got it all!
