Tips for Buying a Lifted Truck
If you’re buying a lifted truck (also called a 4 x 4 truck), the process could be tricky. It is, after all, a rare vehicle modified to perfection for off-road adventures and many other kinds of demanding work. The idea behind a lifted truck is to provide protection to its body by lifting it high in the air, which keeps it from crashing against the ground or any ground level objects..
Here are the most important things to keep in mind when buying a lifted truck:
Drive Shaft Length and Angle
In order to work properly, a lifted truck should have the length and angle of its drive shaft adjusted as necessary. A usual truck’s universal joint has a 1 to 3-degree pinion angle, and all lifted trucks should have a differential pinion angle no greater than 2.50 degrees. Slip travel differential should be within 3/4 of an inch to an inch to make up for the vehicle’s significant “give and take.”
Brakes and Tires
When a truck’s chassis is Iifted, there is automatically more space for large tires and wheels. This allows the truck to drive over uneven terrain without causing underbody damage. However, to raise and drive huge trucks safely, the brakes must be modified. This is simply because bigger ties and wheels have more mass, which means they need bigger and stronger brakes to get the vehicle to a full stop. Be sure that the lifted truck’s brakes have bigger than usual roots and calipers that can actually stop the truck within an acceptable distance. Also see if the vehicle’s tires are suitable for what you’re getting it for.
Inspecting a Truck Thoroughly
Just like buying a used passenger car or any other pre-owned automobile, you need to inspect a lifted truck carefully before deciding to get it. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the owner and how often the vehicle was used off-road. Find out the lift type, who built it, and if there were any issues with it. In most cases, lifted trucks are sold used, so have a flashlight, inspect vehicle truck and check nooks and crannies for hardened mud. This will give you an idea how much off-roading the truck has had. Don’t forget to check into the half-shafts and U-joints, along with the bearings and idler arm.
Being a shopper, you should pay attention to lift blocks found on the truck’s rear axle. They indicate that a cheap lift kit was installed. The best lift kits come with fairly new – if not brand new – arched springs of the right length that prevent funny shackle angles. Check the truck’s fluids for their dipstick level and color, and whether or not they contain water. Don’t forget to examine the anti-freeze for oil as well. Lastly, take the truck for a spin on rough terrain, and observe for noises, leaks and difficulties with steering response.
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