A lift kit raises a truck, SUV, or Jeep so you can fit larger tires, gain ground clearance, and change how the vehicle sits. Cruisin Gold offers suspension lift kits, leveling kits, and body lift kits in Melbourne, FL for Brevard County drivers, and we are an authorized Rough Country dealer. We also carry BDS, Fabtech, ReadyLift, and MetalCloak.
Suspension lift, leveling kit, or body lift: which is right?
- Suspension lift kits replace or add parts such as springs, shocks, and control arms to raise the body and frame farther above the axles. With larger tires, they give real ground clearance and room for the tire size you want. Kit height ranges from modest to tall.
- Leveling kits raise the front of a truck or SUV to close the gap with the rear, since many trucks sit lower in front from the factory. They give a modest gain and usually allow a slightly larger tire.
- Body lift kits use spacers between the body and the frame to raise the body. They make room for larger tires under the fenders but leave the suspension and frame height as they were.
The right choice depends on the tire size you want, how you drive, and your budget. Tell us what you want to fit and where you drive, and we will walk through the options.
Lift kit brands we carry
Our lineup includes BDS, Rough Country, Fabtech, ReadyLift, and MetalCloak. Kits are built for specific makes, models, and years, so what is available depends on your vehicle. Ask us which kits fit yours and what each one includes.
Why do Brevard County drivers lift trucks and Jeeps?
Lifted trucks and Jeeps are a common sight around Melbourne, FL. The reasons are practical as well as visual:
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- Room for larger tires, which many owners want for looks and traction.
- More clearance for sandy lots, soft shoulders, and beach or off-road access.
- A higher seating position and a better view of the road.
- A level stance, with the front end matched to the rear.
A lift has limits. It does not raise your tow rating or payload, and it does not make a vehicle safe to drive through deep water. Florida also has rules that apply to vehicle height and equipment, so check the current requirements as you pick a lift height.
What changes after you lift a vehicle?
A lift does more than raise the body. Plan for these changes:
- Tire and wheel size. Larger tires need the right wheel width and offset to clear the fenders and suspension. See our wheels and tires.
- Alignment. Raising the vehicle changes the suspension angles, so a wheel alignment is part of the job.
- Driveline angles. A taller stance changes the angles of the driveshafts and axles. Larger lifts often include parts to correct them, and a vibration after a lift deserves a check by our 4×4 repair team.
- Speedometer and odometer. Taller tires cover more ground per turn, so the speedometer reads lower than your true speed. Some vehicles can be recalibrated, so ask us.
- Brakes and stopping. Larger, heavier tires add load to the brakes and can lengthen stopping distance. Have your brakes inspected and leave extra room when braking.
- Headlights and sensors. A higher stance changes headlight aim. Newer vehicles with cameras or radar for driver-assist features may need those systems checked after a ride-height change.
- Handling and fuel use. A taller vehicle leans more in turns, and larger tires can lower fuel economy and make the vehicle feel slower off the line.
How a lift kit installation works
- Confirm your vehicle, your tire size goal, and how you use the truck, then match the kit and any extra parts.
- Support the vehicle securely and remove the factory parts the kit replaces.
- Install the kit and any extras, such as longer brake lines, sway bar links, or driveline parts for larger lifts, and tighten fasteners to the kit maker’s torque specifications.
- Mount the wheels and tires, then check clearance through the full range of steering and suspension travel.
- Align the vehicle and check headlight aim.
Our ASE-certified technicians work on steering, suspension, and alignment, and Cruisin Gold has been in business since 1993. Many kit makers call for rechecking fasteners after the first miles of driving, so ask us when to bring the vehicle back.
Keeping a lifted vehicle in good shape
- Rinse sand and salt from the underbody and suspension after beach or sand driving. Salt air speeds up corrosion on fasteners and joints.
- Have the steering and suspension looked at regularly, since a taller, heavier setup puts more stress on those parts. Our steering and suspension repair covers the wear items.
- Watch tire wear. Large tires on a changed suspension can wear differently from stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lift kit and a leveling kit?
A lift kit raises the body and usually the axles by a set amount, giving clearance for much larger tires. A leveling kit raises only the front of a truck or SUV to match the rear, for a modest gain and a level stance. Which suits you depends on your tire size goal and how you drive.
Do I need new tires and wheels with a lift kit?
Not always, but most people add them. A leveling kit may fit a slightly larger tire, while a taller suspension lift usually calls for larger tires and the right wheel width and offset. Plan the wheels, tires, and lift together so everything clears through the full range of suspension travel.
Do I need an alignment after installing a lift kit?
Yes. Raising a vehicle changes the suspension angles, so the original alignment settings no longer apply. Skipping it can cause fast, uneven tire wear and poor handling. Some lifted vehicles need extra adjustable parts to bring the angles into range, and a technician can tell you what your setup needs.
Will a lift kit void my vehicle warranty?
That depends on your vehicle maker and the parts involved. Modifying the suspension can affect coverage for related parts, so check your warranty booklet or ask your dealership before you install a kit. If you have questions about how our own warranty applies to your work, ask us for details.
Which lift kit brands do you offer?
We offer kits from BDS, Rough Country, Fabtech, ReadyLift, and MetalCloak, and Cruisin Gold is an authorized Rough Country dealer. Kits are built for specific makes, models, and years, so availability depends on your vehicle. Tell us what you drive, and we can go over the options.
Does a lift kit increase towing capacity?
No. A lift changes ride height and tire clearance, not the vehicle’s tow or payload ratings. Those come from the vehicle maker and depend on the frame, axles, brakes, and drivetrain. If you tow a boat or trailer, tell us, because ride height and tire size can change how a rig sits and handles.
Related Services
Visit Cruisin Gold
Cruisin Gold is at 195 Coastal Lane in West Melbourne, FL 32904, and we serve drivers in Melbourne and throughout Brevard County. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Get directions.
Call (321) 676-0023 or contact us online to schedule lift & leveling kits. Before you come in, check our current offers and financing options, or read how the Nationwide Warranty backs qualifying work.
