Make sure your Jeep, Truck or SUV has The right Installation
Let’s clear something up right from the start because this is one of the most common misconceptions we hear almost daily.
When people think about lifting or leveling their truck, Jeep, or SUV, they usually think the “lift” is coming from shocks or struts.
That’s not actually what creates the height.
The lift or leveling height typically comes from a physical component like a spacer, coil spring, torsion key, or lift block depending on the vehicle. That’s the piece that physically adds inches between your frame and suspension.
Now here’s where it gets real…
Just adding that spacer or block without upgrading the supporting components is where people start running into problems. Some might experience a rough ride, others poor handling, some might look underneath and notice premature wear and tear but even in some cases a bad suspension system can cause unsafe driving conditions.
At CTM Customs, we don’t believe in just “lifting” a vehicle, we believe in putting together a suspension system that works best for your specific ride and lifestyle.
So if you’re planning a leveling kit or full lift, here are the top 5 suspension components we recommend upgrading to make sure your vehicle not only looks right… but drives right.
Shocks (The Most Noticeable Upgrade You’ll Feel Immediately)
If there’s one component that completely changes how your vehicle rides, it’s your shocks.
Your factory shocks were never designed for a lifted setup. Once you add height, your suspension geometry changes, and those stock shocks can’t keep up.
Upgraded shocks give you:
• Better ride quality on and off-road
• Improved control over bumps and dips
• Reduced bounce and body roll
Whether you’re going with something like Fox, Bilstein, or King, the difference is immediate. This is usually the first thing customers notice when they leave the shop.
You don’t just sit higher… you drive better.
Upper Control Arms (Correcting Geometry the Right Way)
This is one a lot of people overlook, but it’s critical.
When you lift your vehicle, you’re changing the angles of your suspension. Your factory upper control arms weren’t designed for that new geometry.
Upgrading your upper control arms:
• Improves alignment capability
• Restores proper suspension angles
• Reduces stress on ball joints
• Improves overall handling
On trucks and SUVs, especially IFS (independent front suspension) setups, this becomes even more important.
At CTM, this is something we strongly recommend when going beyond a basic leveling kit. It’s not just an upgrade, it’s a correction.
Springs & Struts (The Foundation of Your Ride Quality)
Let’s talk about what’s actually holding your vehicle up.
Your springs (whether coil springs or leaf springs) are a major part of your suspension system. And when you lift your vehicle, you’re either:
• Replacing them with taller springs
• Preloading them with spacers
• Or combining both
Upgrading to higher quality springs or struts gives you:
• Better load handling
• Improved ride comfort
• More consistent performance
For truck owners, this is where rear leaf springs come into play. If you’re towing, hauling, or adding weight like bed racks or gear, upgrading your rear leaf pack makes a huge difference.
This is one of those upgrades that separates a “cheap lift” from a properly built setup.
Sway Bars & Additional Control Arms (Stability Matters)
When you raise your center of gravity, your vehicle naturally becomes more prone to body roll.
That’s where sway bars and additional control components come in.
Upgrading or adjusting these components helps:
• Keep your vehicle stable in turns
• Reduce body roll at higher speeds
• Improve overall control and confidence
For Jeeps especially, sway bar disconnects can be a huge benefit off-road, allowing more articulation when you need it.
And depending on your setup, adding or upgrading lower control arms can further dial in your suspension geometry and performance.
This is where the build starts to feel tight, controlled, and intentional… not loose or sloppy.
Heavy Duty Steering Components & Stabilizers (Especially for Jeeps)
This one is big and I mean really big, especially for Jeep owners.
Once you lift a Jeep and add larger tires, you’re putting more stress on your steering system. If those components aren’t upgraded, you’re asking for trouble.
We’re talking about:
• Heavy-duty tie rods
• Drag links
• Reinforced steering components
• Steering stabilizers
And yes… this is where the conversation about death wobble comes in.
Death wobble isn’t caused by just one thing, it’s usually a combination of worn or inadequate components, poor alignment, and improper setup.
A quality steering stabilizer helps absorb shock and vibration, but it’s not a “band-aid.” It needs to be paired with a properly built steering system.
We’ve actually covered this in more detail in other CTM Customs articles, and it’s something we take very seriously when building out Jeep suspensions.
Bottom line… don’t overlook your steering. It’s one of the most important parts of the entire build.
What Sets CTM Customs Apart
Anyone can sell you parts. Anyone can bolt on a lift kit. But not everyone pays attention to the details that actually matter.
At CTM Customs:
• We only work with proven, high-quality brands
• We build suspension systems that work together, not just random parts
• And most importantly… we install everything the right way
Every vehicle that leaves our shop goes through a proper alignment using state-of-the-art technology. That’s not optional, that’s essential.
And we don’t stop there.
We always tell our customers to come back in for a retorque, completely complimentary. Why? Because when new suspension components settle, bolts can shift slightly. That retorque ensures everything stays tight, secure, and exactly where it needs to be.
That’s the kind of attention to detail that protects your investment and keeps your vehicle driving the way it should.
All in all
A lift or leveling kit isn’t just about adding height… it’s about building a system.
Yes, the spacer, spring, or block is what physically gives you that lift but everything around it is what determines how your vehicle performs, handles, and lasts over time.
If you do it right, your vehicle will:
• Ride smoother
• Handle better
• Last longer
• And give you confidence every time you get behind the wheel
If you cut corners… you’ll feel it and at CTM Customs, we’re here to make sure you don’t.
So if you’re thinking about leveling or lifting your truck, Jeep, or SUV…
Click THIS LINK to request a FREE quote, and we look forward to serving you.
When stock is not an option, CTM Customs is your option.
