How Lift Kits Boost Off-Road Performance in Volkswagen SUVs

Are you interested in modifying your family car into the ultimate overlanding vehicle? Thankfully, VW SUVs are perhaps the best rides for customizing into off-roading beasts. Read on to learn how lift kits boost off-road performance and why your standard Volkswagen SUV is the ideal candidate for this tune-up.

Why Are Volkswagen SUVs Great Overlanders?

Before we delve into the specifics of lift kits, let’s first look at why VW SUVs stand out as superior overlanding vehicles. Volkswagen SUVs are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for off-roading enthusiasts. This is primarily due to their high performance, dependability, and rugged designs—all key characteristics of an ideal overlanding vehicle. Whether you’re navigating through challenging terrains or tackling steep gradients, these SUVs offer impressive stability and performance.

Popular VW SUVs that are easy to modify for overlanding include the Atlas, Tiguan MK, Taos, and MK7. These models are not only robust and reliable but also highly customizable. Owners can easily modify and upgrade them to suit their specific overlanding needs. Moreover, these SUVs are incredibly affordable, making them an excellent choice for those who wish to venture into overlanding without breaking the bank. This affordability also leaves room for future upgrades and modifications, allowing owners to customize their vehicles according to their preferences and requirements over time.

What Are Lift Kits?

Each lift kit contains a set of components designed to raise the height of a vehicle. They function by elevating either the suspension or the body of the vehicle, thereby increasing ground clearance. This elevated stance not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle but also enhances its off-road performance. With a lift kit installed, your vehicle can navigate through rugged terrains more comfortably and tackle steep inclines with relative ease.

Different types of lift kits exist, each designed to serve a specific purpose. Suspension lift kits, for instance, raise the vehicle by replacing the front and rear leaf springs and shocks. This type of lift kit significantly increases ground clearance and allows larger tires to be fitted on the vehicle. On the other hand, body lift kits raise the body of the vehicle off the frame using blocks or spacers. While they do not increase ground clearance, they do allow for larger tires, indirectly increasing the vehicle’s ride height.

Suspension lift kits, in particular, improve the vehicle’s suspension articulation, which is crucial for maintaining wheel contact with the ground when traversing uneven terrain. This improved articulation results in greater stability and control, especially on rough trails. Installing a lift kit equips the vehicle with improved maneuverability, handling, and off-road prowess.

The installation process for a lift kit varies depending on the type of kit and the vehicle model. It generally involves the replacement or modification of several components, including the shocks, struts, and leaf springs. It is crucial to note that while some lift kits come with easy-to-follow instructions, others may require professional installation. Regardless, it is essential to understand that installing a lift kit alters the vehicle’s center of gravity. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the new driving dynamics before doing any major off-roading.

How Do You Install a Lift Kit?

Installing a lift kit on your VW SUV is an exciting DIY project, as long as you have the right tools and follow proper safety measures. This section aims to provide a general overview of the installation process for a VW Atlas lift kit.

Required Tools

Before beginning any work, ensure you have the necessary tools at hand; these include a ratchet, torque wrench, both deep and shallow sockets, floor jack, screwdrivers, and pry bars. Additional tools may be required depending on the specifics of your lift kit, so be sure to refer to your installation guide for a complete list.

Safety Considerations

Before you commence the lift kit installation process, park your vehicle in a safe, well-lit, and level area. After the vehicle is properly parked, turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch. If your vehicle has any remote start devices, make sure you disable them correctly. Keep the parking brake applied until you safely lift and support the vehicle.

When lifting the vehicle, use the factory-specified lift points, whether using an automotive lift or a hydraulic jack. Lifting the vehicle to an incorrect position can potentially damage the suspension or running gear. It is imperative to support the vehicle with jack stands at all times during the process. Lastly, do not overlook the importance of thoroughly reading and adhering to all safety information and warnings associated with the equipment you are using. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and successful lift kit installation process. Additionally, for your personal safety, remember to wear safety glasses throughout the installation.

The Installation Process

The standard installation process for a VW Atlas lift kit is a meticulous task that requires careful attention to detail. It begins with removing the stock strut assembly, a crucial component in your vehicle’s suspension system. The disassembly process involves detaching various parts that secure the assembly in place. It is essential to note each part and its placement during this process to ensure easy reassembly later on.

Following the removal of the stock strut assembly, the installation of the front lift kit can commence. This step involves attaching the new components provided in the lift kit. These components should be securely fastened and torqued according to the manufacturer’s specifications—this ensures the vehicle attains the desired stance and clearance.

The rear spring, similar to the front strut assembly, can then be removed. As with the front strut assembly, keeping track of all parts and their placement is important to facilitate easy reassembly.

The final stage of the process involves installing the rear lift kit, mirroring the process used for the front lift kit. Ensuring all components are securely fastened and torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications is critical. Once the installation is complete, testing the modifications is imperative. This includes checking the vehicle’s alignment, ensuring the lift kit components are secure, and verifying that the vehicle operates smoothly with the new modifications.

Understanding how lift kits boost off-road performance will help you ensure your Volkswagen SUV is adequately prepared for overlanding activities. At B2BFAB, we proudly carry the ideal lift kits for your VW vehicles—browse our selection today to find the kit that will let you enhance your off-road experiences instantly.