Lifted & Lowered Suspension Buyers Guide - The Suspension Zone

Ekstensive Metalworks
What: Two-Link Rear Suspension for most late-model trucksWhy it's cool: These are designed for the do-it-yourselfer who wants their truck to be the lowest of the low. Most Ekstensive kits are capable of layin' frame on 24s with as much as 10 inches of lift. All of the kits come complete with a pre-fabricated step notch that's designed for easy installation by simply sliding over your truck's framerails.(281) 442-1050www.ekstensive.com

GTC Fabrication
What: Canyon, Colorado, or Isuzu five-link kitWhy it's cool: This kit will allow you to lay out on 22-inch (275/35R22) tires and 24s with minor modifications. All components are assembled in custom jigs and TIG-welded for the highest consistency of quality. The unique hot rod-inspired design features lower shock mounts, a gas tank crossmember, and various other details.(208) 853-1332www.gtcfabrication.com

Fabtech Motorsports
What: '01-'05 GM coilover conversion systemWhy it's cool: This system eliminates the factory torsion bar assembly, replacing the bars with a coilover shock configuration for increased ground clearance at the frame and outstanding ride characteristics both on and off road. The new upper and lower arms are 1-inch longer than stock and will provide 12 inches of wheel travel without bind. The arms are available for use with ball joints, for mainly highway use with light off-road driving or with 1-inch spherical bearings for severe off-road use.(909) 597-7800www.fabtechmotorsports.com

Air Lift
What: The EasyStreet Auto Pilot digital control systemWhy it's cool: Auto Pilot is a complete, dash-mounted digital air-management system, designed to be the ultimate controller for today's air suspensions. The system is tuned to automatically learn a vehicle's suspension, and it also features one-touch ride height adjustment, automatic ride-height on start, individual wheel control, all-inflate/deflate buttons, accurate manifold-mounted transducers, a digital voltmeter, and auto leak detection.(800) 248-0892www.airliftcompany.com

AVS
What: Universal airbag suspensionWhy it's cool: AVS offers many kits for both mini- and fullsize trucks, imports, and domestics. Every kit will include a full wiring and connector pack, a brass fitting pack tailored to each kit, a water trap, an AVS controller, valve mounting brackets, shock brackets, and gauges. These kits will work on most mini- and fullsize trucks, with many options, including size of 'bags, style of 'bag brackets, and style of link kit. Most parts have a one-year to lifetime warranty.(559) 486-5444www.airbagparts.com

Lorenz Industries
What: '03-and-later Dodge Ram 3-inch lift kit Why it's cool: Even though it's a small lift increase, you will get 10 inches of usable travel and be able to run a 35-inch-tall tire without a hitch. A set of 37-inch tires can be squeezed in with fiberglass fenders for a ready-for-the-whoops truck.(619) 300-3351www.lorenzindustries.com

Godfather Customs
What: Ekstensive Metalworks two-link kitWhy it's cool: It's a prefabricated cantilever link system that's designed to slide over the frame for easy welding. It includes all Energy Suspension bushings, a two-link, upper 'bag mounts, and a Panhard bar. Made for numerous applications of fullsize and mini-trucks, once installed you will be able to lay out on at least 20s.(800) 231-1101www.godfathercustoms.com

Energy Suspension
What: '04-'05 Ford F-150 bushingsWhy it's cool: Energy Suspension has worked to develop a complete Master Set of heavy-duty performance polyurethane components for the latest Ford pickups. Energy's engineers have developed durable Hyper-Flex polyurethane front leaf spring bushings, front sway bar bushings, rear leaf spring bushings, and front track bar bushings to tighten up your suspension for better overall performance and longevity.(949) 361-3935www.energysuspension.com

Early Classic Enterprises
What: '60-'72 Chevy truck crossmember/trailing arm kitWhy it's cool: The new center crossmember offers 2-1/2 inches more of ground clearance, a raised driveline hoop, and also passage for an exhaust with as much as 3-inch diameter. The replacement arms feature a one-piece, heavy-wall construction and are supplied with new U-bolts, coil spring retainers, polygraphite bushings, an integrated emergency brake cable bracket, and all of the necessary hardware.(559) 291-1611www.earlyclassic.com

Brothers Truck Parts
What: '47-'59 Chevrolet 3-inch drop axleWhy it's cool: These axles will give you a nice drop without modification to your steering or leaf springs, thus keeping your stock suspension travel. The center section of the axle is constructed of 2-inch DOM tubing, whereas the ends are CNC-milled from solid steel. Each includes tie plates that have been laser-cut and CNC-bent for an exact fit(800) 977-2767www.brotherstrucks.com

Thorbecke Brothers
What: S-10 control armsWhy it's cool: These upper arms are CNC-bent for perfect consistency and are made from 1-1/4-inch-diameter DOM tubing with a 1/4-inch wall thickness. The ball joint plate is CNC laser-cut from high-quality 3/8-inch thick P&O plate, which houses the Power Performance ball joints. Included with the arm set is a pair of heavy-duty CNC-machined oversized shafts that feature a shaft locking system. You will be able to lay frame on 22s with some fenderwell trimming.(812) 782-358www.suicidedoors.com

Stylin' Concepts
What: Suspension Maxx torsion bar keysWhy it's cool: These keys give you the lift you want at a price that's easy on your wallet. The adjustable torsion keys are made from a strong, durable 4140 steel alloy and allow suspension tweaks of plus or minus 2-1/2 inches. This allows you to bump up the front height of your truck or SUV for the use of a larger, off-road wheel and tire combo(800) 434-4381www.stylinconcepts.com

Air Ride Technologies
What: '73-'87 Chevy and GMC AirBar kitWhy it's cool: The AirBar is a direct-fit bolt-in four-link rear air suspension that completely replaces the leaf springs to improve handling performance, ride quality, and stance. The system lowers the truck a total of 10 inches and includes a bolt-in C-notch/crossmember assembly that mounts the air springs, strengthens the framerails, and ensures proper suspension travel at the new lowered ride height.(812) 482-2932www.ridetech.com

Eibach
What: '04-and-later Ford F-150 Pro Truck SystemsWhy it's cool: Pro-Truck lowering kits use Eibach's advance, progressive-rate technology to lower your truck or SUV, dramatically, improving its looks while enhancing its steering response and handling performance. Covered by a Million-Mile Warranty, Eibach Pro-Truck Springs are available for most popular light trucks and SUVs.(800) 222-8811www.eibach.com