Free Guide to FTS Suspension Lifts and Installation

Understanding FTS Suspension Lift Basics

FTS stands for "Full Traction Suspension," a system designed to raise a vehicle's ride height and improve ground clearance. This guide provides information about how FTS suspension lifts work and what installation involves. A suspension lift differs from a body lift because it modifies the actual suspension components rather than raising the vehicle's body away from the frame.

FTS suspension lifts typically raise vehicles between 2 and 6 inches, depending on the specific kit and vehicle type. The system works by replacing or modifying springs, shocks, control arms, and other suspension geometry. Many vehicle owners choose FTS lifts for several reasons: increased ground clearance for off-road driving, improved visibility from a higher seating position, and the ability to fit larger tires. A lifted vehicle can navigate rougher terrain, clear obstacles like rocks and logs, and cross water fords more safely.

Different FTS lift kits are engineered for different vehicle models. A kit designed for a Ford F-150 operates differently than one for a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner. The lift height, spring rates, and shock absorber specifications vary based on the vehicle's weight, wheelbase, and intended use. Understanding these differences matters because installing the wrong kit can damage your vehicle or create unsafe handling characteristics.

The main components of an FTS suspension lift system include coil springs or leaf springs, shock absorbers, control arms, track bars, and various brackets and hardware. Springs support the vehicle's weight and absorb bumps from the road. Shock absorbers dampen the spring's movement, controlling how quickly the suspension compresses and extends. Control arms connect the wheels to the frame and maintain wheel alignment. When you lift a vehicle, all these components work together in a new configuration.

Practical takeaway: Before purchasing any FTS suspension lift kit, verify that the product is designed for your specific vehicle year, make, and model. Installing a kit meant for a different vehicle can result in improper fitment, poor handling, and potential safety issues.

Types of FTS Suspension Lift Kits Available

The market offers several categories of FTS suspension lift kits, each with distinct characteristics and price ranges. Understanding the differences helps you choose a system that matches your needs and budget. The main types include coilover kits, spring and spacer kits, and control arm lift kits.

Coilover suspension kits combine a coil spring and shock absorber into a single assembly. These kits offer adjustability because you can often change the spring rate and shock settings to fine-tune your vehicle's ride quality and handling. Coilover systems typically range from $800 to $3,000 per vehicle, depending on the brand and quality. Higher-end coilovers use remote reservoirs and adjustable damping, which allow you to change how the suspension responds while driving. Many serious off-road enthusiasts and performance drivers prefer coilovers because of this tunability.

Spring and spacer kits use specially engineered coil springs or leaf springs combined with spacers that push the suspension upward. These kits cost between $400 and $1,500 and offer a middle ground between budget and performance options. Spacer kits are relatively straightforward to install because you're essentially swapping springs and adding spacers to existing components. They work well for vehicles that will see a mix of highway and light off-road use.

Control arm lift kits modify the angles of the control arms to raise the vehicle while maintaining better suspension geometry than spacer-only kits. These systems cost between $1,500 and $4,000 and typically provide superior handling compared to spacer kits. Control arm lifts are popular for vehicles that will see significant off-road use because they maintain better wheel alignment angles throughout the suspension's range of motion.

Brand reputation matters significantly. Established manufacturers like Bilstein, Fox, and Icon have decades of engineering experience. Mid-range brands like Rough Country and Superlift offer decent quality at lower price points. Budget brands exist but often have higher failure rates and less predictable performance. Reading owner reviews on off-road forums and checking warranty information helps you understand what to expect from a particular kit.

Practical takeaway: Match the lift kit type to your intended use. If you primarily drive on highways with occasional off-road trips, a spring and spacer kit may be sufficient and cost-effective. If you plan serious off-road adventures, investing in a quality coilover or control arm kit pays dividends in reliability and performance.

Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation

Before beginning any suspension lift installation, a thorough inspection of your vehicle's current suspension condition is essential. Many installation problems stem from pre-existing issues that weren't addressed before the work began. This preparation phase typically takes 2 to 4 hours and can prevent costly mistakes during installation.

Start by examining all existing suspension components for wear and damage. Check your current shocks and struts by pushing down firmly on each corner of the vehicle and counting how many times it bounces. A properly functioning shock should allow the vehicle to bounce once or twice before settling. If it bounces more than three times, the shocks are worn and should be replaced before installing the lift kit. Inspect control arms, ball joints, and tie rods for excessive play or damage. Look for torn rubber bushings, which appear as cracked or separated rubber around suspension mounting points. Any damaged component should be replaced before lifting the vehicle because the new lift kit will place new stresses on these parts.

Check your vehicle's alignment and steering geometry. Many shops offer alignment inspections for $75 to $150. This baseline measurement helps you understand how the lift installation will affect your angles. Write down the current camber, caster, and toe measurements. After installation, these numbers will change, and you'll need a post-lift alignment to return them to acceptable ranges.

Inspect your wheels and tires for condition. Worn tires may need replacement anyway, and worn suspension components like worn control arm bushings should be replaced before lifting. Look underneath for rust, corrosion, or damage to brake lines, fuel lines, or electrical harnesses. These components may need protection or rerouting when you install the lift kit.

Gather your tools and workspace. A proper installation requires a quality hydraulic floor jack rated for your vehicle's weight, jack stands, a socket set, wrenches, spring compressors if needed, alignment tools, and safety equipment. A clean, level workspace with adequate lighting is important. Many people choose to have a professional shop perform the installation because they have specialized equipment like frame lifts and alignment racks. Professional installation typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000 in labor, depending on location and complexity.

Practical takeaway: Create a checklist of current suspension condition issues before starting any lift installation. Document existing problems with photos and written notes. This documentation protects you if suspension issues arise after installation, helping clarify whether problems existed beforehand or resulted from the new work.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The actual installation process varies depending on your specific FTS kit and vehicle, but the general sequence follows a logical pattern. Most installations take between 8 and 16 hours for a do-it-yourself approach. Professional shops often complete the work in 6 to 10 hours because they have proper equipment and experience.

Begin by raising the vehicle safely and securely supporting it on jack stands at all four corners. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack, as jacks can fail. Place the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Remove all four wheels to access the suspension components underneath.

Next, you'll remove the existing shock absorbers and springs. This typically involves unbolting the top shock mount inside the vehicle's engine bay or wheel well, then unbolting the bottom connection near the control arm. Spring removal often requires a spring compressor if you're replacing coil springs. Spring compressors cost $30 to $100 to rent and are essential safety equipment because compressed springs release tremendous force if not properly contained. Never attempt to remove a compressed spring without proper tools.

Once old components are removed, install the new suspension components in reverse order. New springs go in first, then new shock absorbers or coilovers. Install new control arms, track bars, or other kit-specific components according to the manufacturer's instructions. All bolts must be tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque values. Using a torque wrench is important because suspension bolts are safety-critical; if they're too loose, they can vibrate free, and if they're too tight