Four wheel drive doesn't mean that you can go offroading right away, that's why we refer to 4wd non-offroaders as SUVs; bigger tires, however, can give the car off-road capabilities--and a stylish look, too, and that's where suspension lift kits step in. Suspension lift kits lift the entire body, and allow the use of bigger tires; they also achieve a cosmetic effect on the body, and for some, it is the sole accessory that's chosen from the vast assortment of 4x4 accessories available today.

4x4 suspensions are all but like fingerprints. There are countless 4x4 suspension systems, and it is crucial to find the right kit, as there are countless suspension manufacturers and each one has subtle differences that need to be taken into account when opting for a kit. You have to make a choice between the three most popular types of lifting: body lifts; suspension lifts; and levelling kits.

Body lifts, for example, are merely pieces of metal between the groundwork of the car and its body. They are cheap and that's why people use them at all, as they leave an 'extraordinary' gap between the frame and the body. But for cars that have either enormously expensive suspension parts - or those parts aren't sold at all - they are the only choice.

Suspension lift kits, on the other hand, use the suspension of your vehicle to lift it up; that's why a higher lift can be achieved. Most common suspension lift kits involve using something that affects add-a-leafs, coil spacers or shackles. They are, however, more expensive, but look more aesthetic than the prior. Suspension lifts are like levelling kits in many ways, but levelling kits lift up only the front or the rear of the car; check out the manufacturer of your suspension system, because some manufacturers allow adjusting the suspension on the fly (e.g. Torsion Bars).

Other 4x4 accessories don't change the vehicle so drastically. For example, an additional fuel thank can be added at the expense of space in the trunk, but there is no way a levelled suspension can go unnoticed. That's why, be sure to check the best suspension lift kits from your manufacturer.