Lift or not to lift ?

[Explore Maine]

I use my 2008 SX4 as my daily driver, I drive 90% of the time on pavement and if I'm lucky the other 10% on dirt roads. I get a lot of grief from some of the other forums that I'm in for not having a lift. I use my SX4 for hauling my kayak, bikes and camping overnights. I am what you would call a weekend warrior. I have however added front and rear skid plates and all terrain tires.

 

[Wolvee]

The limited amount you could lift the SX4 I doubt it would affect the driveability or MPG much but the A, BO & D angles will definitely help such a small rig. With bigger Trucks, like my F150 (and bigger) Lifting my truck makes things harder to get to and sometimes even dangerous. I can't think of any reason not to lift your car/crossover but I would make sure your Half shaft & Ball joint angles aren't too severe. If they get out of wack too much it could cause premature wear. (*I'm not familiar with the SX4 chassis so I'm generalizing.)

 

[4xFar Adventures]

Have you had any clearance issues yet? If you haven't had a problem getting to your destinations, I wouldn't worry too much about getting a lift. If you're looking for places that are harder to get to, then it would be worth considering it. How much can you actually gain, and is it worth the cost of parts? As @Wolvee said, changes to your driveline angles can be bad if those parts aren't designed for the stress.

In general, I'd say your vehicle will let you know when it's time to upgrade.

 

[Explore Maine]

Rocky Road Outfitter is the only company that I know of that makes a lift kit for this car. The problem with this kit is it has a tendency to snap the front struts unless you modify the kit by doing some welding which I am not a welder. The kit offers 2.5" of clearance

 

[4xFar Adventures]

Wow, that's a lot of lift! Sounds like you're best bet is keeping it stock. Most dirt roads wouldn't require a 2.5" lift :)

Did you go any bigger (over stock) with your tires?

 

[Explore Maine]

Wow, that's a lot of lift! Sounds like you're best bet is keeping it stock. Most dirt roads wouldn't require a 2.5" lift :)

Did you go any bigger (over stock) with your tires?

stock tires were 205 60 16 and the General Grabbers on it now are 215 65 16

 

[PetfishEric]

If Maine is your stomping grounds I wouldn't worry about the lift. I drove my stock high vehicles all over when I lived up there. You are lucky to have such a great play ground to be in.

 

[expeditionnorth]

Im disabled & leveled mine, I felt there was no need for a lift that I couldnt safely enter into afterwards

if you have all the ground clearance for the type of terrain you tackle that dont do it