What is the difference b/w the two?

i was browsing car domain and saw it in this guy's profile.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/689073

Well, if i am not mistaken, a body lift just raises the body up off the frame in order to give more clearance for tires usually. All the original suspension parts maintain intact, just further below the body than before. However a susupension lift will add new springs and shocks which push your wheels and tires down compared to stock actually giving you more travel than before and usually making for a better offroad rig.

the difference is just that... a body lift is not touching the suspension and raising the actual body of the truck with poly blocks all around. Body lift only makes YOU feel that you're higher, you will still have the same suspension heights from the ground.

Suspension lift is removing all the needed stock peices and replacing them with aftermarket ones. Knuckles, shocks, a-arms.... this will actualy lift the ENTIRE truck, not just the body and your suspension height from the ground is increased.

Body lifts don't go much higher than 5" or something..suspension lifts can be over 12" easily.

Body lifts are very cheap to have done, Suspension lifts are expensive.

You can tell the difference a mile away and in my opinion the suspension lift is the way to go for all kinds of reasons vs the body lift.

This was my old setup...

6" IFS suspension lift and 3" Body Lift... 38.5" TSL/SX's

NOTICE THE GAP (you can see through) BETWEEN THE BED AND FRAME IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL!!!!

Body lift does little more than provide clearnace for tires where people don't want to cut fenders... 3" is the maximum available and is the maximum reccomended for safety..

IFS lifts don't do much for performance, they simply drop stock suspension components to allow fitment of larger tires.. You still have no Suspension travel...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/BigWillieStyle_21/IM000383.jpg


Here is my new Setup..

10" Straight Axle Conversion w/Ford HP D60 and 3" Body Lift.. 39.5" Boggers..

This suspension mod allows for real Wheel and Suspensipon travel.. IFS doesn't do more than stock performance..

BTW: I am removing my BODY LIFT, they cuase FRAME FLEX and take rigity from the frame... I am Comp. Cutting and trimming the fenders..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/BigWillieStyle_21/HPIM0798.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/BigWillieStyle_21/HPIM0793.jpg


Susoension lift is better for certain reasons but Expensive... Body Lift is cheap.. IF YOU TOW with gooseneck or 5th wheel I WOULD NOT LOOK AT A BODY LIFT... It would cuase issues in my opinion..

ANy Questions drop a line...
BIG:)

Alright, alright, so a suspension lift is more so preferred.

However a body lift would be for those who don't want to cut the fender with bigger tires.

Lets say i get a 4 suspension lift, I should be fine with bigger tires right? (no need to cut the fender?)

What about ride quality?

body lift vs suspension lift?

4" Suspension on a HD can clear a 315 it would be somewhat tight but should clear... Suspension lift will ride close to stock, however tires will usually give a different ride.. Might have to trim the front air dam..

Body Lifts will give a jarred ride some times(Pot Holes, Speed Bumps etc..) on the highway they will ride fine, but they usually cuase squeeks and rattles to be more present...

BIG

If you have a newer truck, dont waste your time with a 4" lift. I dont care how short you are, how short your wife is etc. If you are going to put on an actual suspension lift, go at least 6". I have heard they have other stuff, like levelling kits for small ups. I would assume that you have a diesel, being that you posted on this page. I looked for a body lift for my truck, becuase it has a 6" lift and I want more. I found tons for an 04 Silverado,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, as long as it isnt a diesel. I cant find any for a diesel truck, I havent looked in a while becuase with the hieght I want a body lift wont help.

Personal I chop the fenders all up as Fingers did his look good. Then go with something like a Cognito lift with dual shocks to level it up and help travel. That way the truck is still practical unless you get off-road all the time. Then solid axel swap and 49s should do it. And the biggest DOT body lift I have seen is only 3" and you see so much frame they look like sh*t on the HD. IMO

Big Will Nice truck if I ever get a real off-roader one like your would be ideal.

Worst thing about body lift is the extra stress placed upon the mount bolt upon impact with whatever. Body is easier to seperate from frame. We call them the "redneck lift kit". Another thing... if you are having engine cooling issues stay far away from body lift, there will be 3-4" gap in sides of fan shroud

Yes Big Will 21 is right 3" is the biggest body lift. Body lifts have been know to mess up the linkage in the tranny. i dont know anything about it, but i experienced it on my last truck. It was a stick shift and the gears felt really sloppy. I would not recomend a body lift. Suspension is by far the prefered method.

Don't forget it raises the trucks center of gravity as well. Your handling will suffer with the body lift. It is the cheapest way to get higher but not the best. When it comes down to it though many people can't afford the suspension lift and opt for the body. The prices differences are not even comparable.