Increase Ground Clearance

[jobofly79]

I see a lot of people install leveling kits however those do not increase the actually ground clearance. I haven’t found any actual lifts for this truck. Has anyone increased the ground clearance and if so what did you use?

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[Heliian]

Tons of lift/level/tire threads.

True clearance is only gained by increasing the tire diameter.

 

[jobofly79]

Tons of lift/level/tire threads.

True clearance is only gained by increasing the tire diameter.

I know about tires and levels. I’m asking about lifts. Not a lot about that.

 

[Andrewbens]

Eibach springs and shocks 3” for about $1,200s is the best kit currently and largest lift we have seen so far. There’s also a rough country 3” for $600.

 

[WaterboyNorCal]

I know about tires and levels. I’m asking about lifts. Not a lot about that.

are you though? Your original post asked about ground clearance. Since the lowest suspension components and electric motors are going to still be ~9” off the ground even if you lift it 6”, Helian’s earlier response is absolutely correct. The only way to increase ground clearance is to have larger tires (larger diameter).

 

[Andrewbens]

are you though? Your original post asked about ground clearance. Since the lowest suspension components and electric motors are going to still be ~9” off the ground even if you lift it 6”, Helian’s earlier response is absolutely correct. The only way to increase ground clearance is to have larger tires (larger diameter).

Yep he needs a 3” lift and some 35” tires

 

[MountainAlive]

Maybe this is about what Rivian does with its automatic suspension settings? It goes from about 8in of ground clearance to over 14in of ground clearance in all terrain mode.

 

[Firn]

Maybe this is about what Rivian does with its automatic suspension settings? It goes from about 8in of ground clearance to over 14in of ground clearance in all terrain mode.

Rivian jacks up the suspension height giving some more clearance. This works the same way a leveling kit does. It is possible to crank up the angle of the front and rear arms which would give some additional ground clearance, but not a ton and it would increase the angle on the CVs, especially the rear.

Sadly I don't think a "lift kit" for the lightning will ever be made. To do so would require dropping the motors lower in the frame which would be a lot of work for no real functional improvement.

As is said, the only real way to gain ground clearance is by larger tires. A leveling kit will give an inch or three in the front (for the most part) and I think i have seen folks add .5-.75" in the back.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Maybe this is about what Rivian does with its automatic suspension settings? It goes from about 8in of ground clearance to over 14in of ground clearance in all terrain mode.

So does my son's 2020 Audi Etron. It has an air suspension though.

 

[Jodokk]

I want to hear more about Bluecruise performance after lifting. Has anyone had experience with the automated driving features after lifts?

 

[hb.sagen]

are you though? Your original post asked about ground clearance. Since the lowest suspension components and electric motors are going to still be ~9” off the ground even if you lift it 6”, Helian’s earlier response is absolutely correct. The only way to increase ground clearance is to have larger tires (larger diameter).

I am confused about this. Isn't the motor bolted to the frame, and if you lift the frame 2" in the front, will not the motor lift 2" as well? As for the suspension components I agree, they are stuck to the wheel assembly and only bigger wheels will lift them.

 

[WaterboyNorCal]

I am confused about this. Isn't the motor bolted to the frame, and if you lift the frame 2" in the front, will not the motor lift 2" as well? As for the suspension components I agree, they are stuck to the wheel assembly and only bigger wheels will lift them.

Yes - you are correct. I misspoke when I mentioned the motors. They should be lifted by a "lift kit", but since the suspension components are fixed, then you have really only gained some clearance in the middle of the truck. Which is not insignificant, for mild off-roading. But as you pointed out, to change the OVERALL ground clearance (as would be needed for serious off-roading, rather than just wanting the "look" of a lifted truck), you would need bigger tires.

 

[AZT9]

I want to hear more about Bluecruise performance after lifting. Has anyone had experience with the automated driving features after lifts?

Truck has been leveled on on 34” tires since 2022. 84k miles and a lot of that with Bluecruise and ZERO issues

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