atv lift kit pros and cons

skip nay · September 6th, 2008, 11:36 AM

I'm actually noticing alot of people going with lift kits now adays with there Atv's. So what do I care right? Do what they want and I do what I want. I have seen some with like 6'' or more I think. But why would you do a lift? Especially a 1'' or 2'' lift? I know mud but what other pro's is there? What are the cons? It doesn't handle as good on the trails and around the corners it wants to tip over? Please let me have it!!!

Thanks guys Love it here. P.S. Waiting for my shirt!!!

shawn3806 · September 6th, 2008, 03:07 PM

Pros: Just like with trucks the more verticle you go, the more ground clearance you gain and the ability to run bigger tires.* I cant count how many times I have become high centered because of a lack of ground clearance.

Cons: Lift kits change the angle of the CVs resulting in premature wear and potential breakage. Along with what you stated in the op they do get tippy during high speed manuvers and in off camber situations.

Im sure there are more pros and cons and someone will chime in.* Im going back to my beer and college football have a good one and go GATORS.

BassMaster · September 6th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Also the 2" and stock axles, the axles will be very stressed, and can break pretty easy if you can't control your thumb.

The 4" is supposed to actually improve the handling on the brutes, not sure about the Prairies though.

Oh and yes, go GATORS.

Camo · September 7th, 2008, 01:51 AM

You won't break a stock axle on a Prairie unless you're rammy... 2" or stock.

For every inch you go up, you're supposed to go out. 4" without a wider stance will make a Brute tip on it's side sitting in the garage.

DANNYRAY · September 10th, 2010, 03:14 PM

The 2 In lift on mine made a world of difference on ground clearance and handling. It is a-little more "tipsy" now on cornering.

I was able to fit 27" tires on it with just the 2" lift.

It took 2 years of work and play on the weekends to break an axle and that was my fault for jamming my thumb into it.

PROS:
ground clearance (which = more go-anywhere ability)
availability to run larger tires (which = more ground clearance)
taller stance = lower water line when it comes to that

CONS:
Axle and ball joint wear
higher center of gravity
wider turning radius due to the angle of your axles

I don't regret my lift kit one bit. But I would really like for someone to make a 4" kit for a Bayou 300... I'm working on it myself.

Comes down to what you need for your style of riding. the farther from stock you go, the more you're apt to have issues, so just keep in mind your style of riding.

csw1510 · September 10th, 2010, 05:25 PM

I've got a 1-1/2" lift in mine, and makes a world of difference. I believe with the BF a lift is almost a must as they have the smallest ground clearance out of all the big bores. I ride with a bunch of grizzlies and I was gettin' tired of them going through crap that I couldn't because of the ground clearance difference. I really didn't notice my quad being much more tippy after puttting the lift in, but I don't generaly do any high speed manuvering...I'm more of a mud man.

FYI - you should be able to run up to 28" tires on a stock Brute without any issues. I was running 27 xtr's and 27" mud bitches without the lift (they both measure big).

It all depends on how you ride and what you prefer to ride in.

Chris

Slumlord · September 10th, 2010, 07:46 PM

Ditto, I was running 27" swamps before I put one of Mudlifts 2" stainless lifts on mine. I Love it. The only negative I have found is it does feel like the turning radius got a little bit larger. Have not noticed any extra tippyness. But I also don't do a lot of high speed type riding, I believe I could fit 30's on it now but not sure.... I haven't experienced any axle or CV problems either. I will walk it some and throw some mud and dirt, peelin out etc... Have jamed my thumb clean through it and no issues...Love mine and better have a gun wid ya to take mine!

2010BruteRider · September 11th, 2010, 02:54 AM

I put a 2" lift on my Brute and I am running 30" Silverbacks with no issues. (borrowed tires) I haven't regreted a single thing about my lift. I'm thinking about going up to 5", maybe some 32" Executioners!!