How To Measure Vehicle Ride Height

Here's the proper way to measure your vehicle's ride height before attempting any leveling kit, body lift and suspension lift kit install. Photo copyright Performance Accessories.

Before lifting your vehicle with a suspension, body-lift or leveling kit, it’s important to begin by properly measuring its ride height. By doing so, you’ll be able to see and document the amount of actual lift you’ve attained. Then you can take that information and determine the correct size and diameter of wheel you can use with the vehicle’s new ride height. Here’s the proper way to measure:

1) Select a clean, dry and level surface to take the vehicle’s ride height measurements
2) Drive the vehicle forward at least 10-feet onto the level surface to settle the suspension. 
3) Park the vehicle and wedge or block to secure the tires so that the vehicle will not roll forward or back.
4) Take a measuring tape and measure the ride height from the center of the axle or hug, straight up (vertical) to the bottom of the fender lip. 
5) Repeat the process for all four sides and record the measurements. 

Once this is done, you’ve recorded the proper ride height measurement of your truck, SUV or Jeep. After you’re lift has been installed, take these measurements again and see the total amount of actual ride height you’ve gained.
By DS Media Relations

How To Use A Coil Spring Compressor Tool

Many of Performance Accessories Premium Lift Systems require removing the factory coil spring from the vehicle’s strut assembly. The only way to accomplish this correctly, is to use a coil spring compressor tool. These tools are readily available, but can be dangerous if not used properly. There are basically two types of coil spring compressor tools; internal and external. Internal tools grab the coil spring from inside the coil. External tools grab the coil spring from two or three positions on the outside of the coil spring. On most late-model trucks, you’ll need to use an external tool as the bottom of the coil will sit on a mount that’s welded to the strut.

Compressing the coil spring can store lots of energy, that if released quickly, can be dangerous and cause injury. So careful precautions should be made if you attempt to remove the coil spring from any vehicle. Here are some basic safety tips when using a coil spring compressor tool.

1) If you’ve never used a coil spring compressor before, it might be a good idea to take your vehicle’s strut assembly to someone with more experience. Many repair shops have this tool and will remove the coil spring for free, or at a very modest cost.
2) If you have access to a coil spring compressor tool, make sure it’s in good working condition. Check the spring hooks to see that they are not overly worn and check the threads on the tool to ensure that they are not bent, overly rusted or damaged.
3) Before installing the tool and removing the coil spring, draw a mark starting from the top bolt plate, then on to the coil spring and finally onto the strut assembly. This will ensure that when you reinstall the coil spring all of the parts can be easily lined up correctly.
4) When releasing the tension of the coil spring from the coil spring compressor tool, do it slowly and evenly on both sides of the tool.
5) Make sure to completely read the instructions provided in  your Performance Accessories Premium Lift System or Leveling Kit before disassembling anything on the vehicle.
By DS Media Relations

Many automotive shops will have a bench mounted coil spring compressor that makes the job much safer and easier if you don’t have access to a tool or have any experience working with one.