There are several variables to consider regarding lift kits, including length, links, shocks, and the size of tires you can accommodate. Before you get started, you'll need to figure out whether you need a long or short arm lift kit. What's the difference, and is there any advantage to one over the other? Look here for a comparison of long arm versus short arm suspension!

The Difference Between Short and Long Arm Lift Kits

The stock control arm mount is attached to a short arm lift. The angle formed by the arm and the downward force of gravity decrease as the length of the short arm lift increases. This is the limiting issue for short arm lifts: if the arm angle is too extreme, the force applied to and from the vehicle becomes too vertical.

A greater vertical than horizontal force in a suspension has a number of drawbacks. For example, vertical forces stress the suspension by repeatedly pushing up on it and slamming it upward with each bump. Additionally, the engine must work harder to propel the car forward or backward since it attempts to dig into the ground rather than push it along.

Short Arm Lift Kits

As long as the short arm lift kit is properly installed, it will not result in any noticeable changes to the driving or handling of the vehicle. It is worth noting that if you would like a higher lift with a short arm lift kit, you can always install drop brackets to lower the point where the arm attaches to the axle. Keep in mind that drop brackets will reduce your ground clearance, which will reduce your effectiveness on unstable, rocky ground.

Long Arm Lift Kits

Long arm lifts come in various styles, so it's vital to understand the distinctions before purchasing one. Long arm lifts have the disadvantage of "hanging up" when crawling over huge obstructions, in addition to the price tag. A long arm lift must attach farther back on the vehicle to make the arm angle smoother, using more room than a short arm lift. This can be a major issue for rock crawlers.

Another disadvantage of long arm lifts is that they are difficult to remove once installed. Installation requires cutting off the stock brackets and welding on new brackets further back along the vehicle's frame. After that, returning to a short arm lift is nearly impossible. However, long arms provide a smoother ride and are the way to go for any type of "go fast" off-roading.

While it can be difficult to choose between long arm and short arm suspension, we hope these pros and cons have been helpful to you! If you are looking to purchase any type of aftermarket upper control arms for lifted trucks, be sure to reach out to Supreme Suspensions® today!