Ford Transit Lift Kit: A Complete Guide

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A FORD TRANSIT LIFT KIT

Fellow van enthusiast! If you’re the proud owner of a Ford Transit, you already know it’s a reliable workhorse perfect for road trips and van life. But what if you want to tackle tougher terrains? That is where a Ford Transit lift kit comes in.

But before we dive into that, have you heard about the Ford Transit Trail? It’s a lifted version directly from Ford designed for off-road rugged terrains. Impressive, but what about those of us with a standard Ford Transit?

You can buy a Ford Transit lift kit and install it yourself, or, at Contravans, we’ve created the ‘Contra Trail‘, an upgrade to your existing Transit at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new Ford Transit Trail. And as a kicker, compared to the Transit Trail, it gives you improved handling, stability, as well as increased ground clearance.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best standard Ford Transit lift kit options, as well as our ‘Contra Trail’ lift kit options. Ready to lift your Ford Transit experience? Let’s dive in.

Firstly, Why Get A Ford Transit Lift Kit?

Apart from a lifted Ford Transit with big tires looking really cool, the benefits go way beyond aesthetics. Here’s why a Ford Transit lift kit is a worthy upgrade:

Improved Off-Road Ability: The added ground clearance and off-road tires means you can tackle rough and uneven terrain with ease. Whether it’s navigating through a rugged job site or exploring off-the-beaten-path camping sites, your undercarriage will be safe from rocks and debris.
Improved Ride Quality: Lifting your Ford Transit doesn’t just make it look cool, it enhances the overall ride performance. The right lift kit, like our Contra Trail kit, ensures that your van rides smoothly, even when loaded with gear driving on-road and off.
Better Visibility: Being higher up in a lifted van provides a better view of the road ahead, which is especially beneficial in heavy traffic or tricky driving conditions.
It Looks Better: Let’s face it, a lifted van has a commanding presence. It stands out from the crowd, showing off a rugged and adventurous spirit.
Resale Value: A professionally installed lift kit can actually boost the resale value of your Ford Transit. There’s a strong demand for lifted vans, especially those that have been well-maintained and properly upgraded.

Ford Transit Lift Kit Option

At Contravans, we offer three main specialized lift kit packages designed to meet various needs, from basic improvements to extreme off-road readiness. Let’s explore these options to find the best fit for your adventures:

1. Dialed Lift Kit Package (1.25″ Lift)
If you’re looking for minimal clearance with better weight management, and improved handling, the Dialed Lift Kit Package is right for you. This setup includes front springs, rear blocks, tuned Falcon 2.1 Monotube rear shocks, and high clearance rear shock brackets. It’s designed to improve handling and weight distribution and increase rear ground clearance.

2. Mild Lift Kit Package (2″ Lift)
Our Mild Lift Kit Package is tailored for van owners who want to accommodate larger wheels and tires without compromising on ride quality. This package features front springs, a rear 5-leaf mini-spring pack with bump stop spacers, tuned Falcon 2.1 Monotube rear shocks, and high clearance rear shock brackets. It enhances ground and tire size clearance while preserving factory CV, tie rod, and control arm angles. The package also includes four corner tuned shocks for improved sway and cornering stability.

3. Wild Lift Kit Package (2″+ Lift)
For those who are ready to take their van to the extreme limits of off-road capability, our Wild Lift Kit Package offers a fully adjustable and tunable suspension system. This upgrade includes front springs, a rear 5-leaf mini-spring pack with bump stop spacers, tuned Falcon 3.3 SP2 adjustable rear reservoir shocks, and high clearance rear shock brackets. This setup allows for adjustments with externally adjustable shocks, providing 2 inches of front lift and 2 to 2.5 inches of rear lift.

What Option is Best for You?

Choosing the right Ford Transit lift kit depends largely on your driving needs and lifestyle. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

1.25″ Lift: Ideal for those who need a slight boost in clearance and handling. This is perfect if you use your van daily, both in urban environments and on occasional light off-road excursions.

2″ Lift: Suitable for van owners looking to enhance their vehicle’s stance and tackle moderate off-road trails. This kit provides a noticeable lift, increases ground and tire size clearance, and improves overall handling on uneven terrains.

2″+ Lift: Designed for the serious adventurer. This is the best fit if you frequently drive in challenging off-road conditions and need maximum performance. With adjustable features, it allows for extensive customization based on terrain and load.

What Company Provides The Best Ford Transit Lift Kits?

When it comes to upgrading Ford Transit Vans with high-quality lift kits, two names dominate the conversation: Agile Off Road and Van Compass. Both companies are renowned for their exceptional products, but they each bring a unique flair to the table.

Agile Off Road is well-known for its robust lift kits that significantly enhance the off-road capabilities of Transit Vans. Agile Off Road’s offerings are designed not just to lift your van but to transform it into a more resilient and adventure-ready vehicle.

Van Compass stands out due to the user-friendliness of its lift kit options. What makes Van Compass my preferred choice for many projects is the completeness of their kits. Everything you need for a straightforward and effective upgrade is included, which simplifies the installation process. The durability and performance of their parts are also impressive.

Choosing between Agile Off Road and Van Compass will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both companies offer top-notch quality and performance, ensuring that whatever choice you make, your Transit will be well-equipped for whatever lies ahead.

Our Option For Lifting Your Ford Transit: The Contra Trail Upgrade

For those without the budget to purchase a new Ford Transit Trail, or without the knowledge, tools, or time to install a Ford Transit lift kit, we are proud to offer our specialized suspension upgrade, The Contra Trail Package. The Contra Trail Upgrade not only enhances your Ford Transit’s capabilities but also gives you added benefits that a new Ford Transit Trail can’t offer.

Contra Trail Advantages Over The Ford Transit Trail

The Contra Trail Upgrade from Contravans offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive alternative to purchasing a new Ford Transit Trail or installing your own Ford Transit lift kit.

Firstly, it comes at a lower cost, making it an more economical choice for those looking to enhance their van without the hefty price tag of a new model. Additionally, this upgrade provides improved handling and stability compared to the Ford Transit Trail, ensuring a smoother and more secure ride on and off-road. It’s designed to be compatible with any existing Ford Transit model, which means no matter the year of your van, you can take advantage of this upgrade. We have options for AWD or 2WD models, so whichever van you have we can make it even cooler than it already is!

What’s Included in Our Contra Trail Lift Kit & Suspension Upgrade

Our upgrade includes a 2.0” suspension lift along with a variety of high-quality components and customizable options that cater to your specific needs and preferences. Here’s what you’ll find in the Contra Trail upgrade:

Rear 5-Leaf Spring Pack: These springs are designed to provide additional support and durability, enhancing load capacity and stability.
High Clearance Rear Shock Brackets: These brackets help accommodate the new shock configuration, ensuring they fit seamlessly and improve ground clearance.
Tuned Front Springs: Custom-tuned to enhance the front suspension, these springs improve the overall drive feel and handling of your Transit.
Tuned Falcon 2.1 Rear Shocks: Specifically chosen for their performance, these shocks enhance ride quality and control, making rough terrains smoother to navigate.
Goodyear 245/75R16 Tires: Known for their reliability and durability, these tires are included to match the lifted setup, providing better traction and a stronger road grip.
Your Choice of Wheels: You can select from a range of wheel designs that best suit your style ensuring your Transit looks as good as it performs.
Your Choice of Side Steps: To ease access into your lifted Transit, we offer a variety of side steps that you can choose from.

Contra Trail Lift Kit Pricing

When considering upgrading your van, the cost is a significant factor. Our Contra Trail lift kit provides a cost-effective solution starting at $8,800.

This is especially appealing when compared to the cost of purchasing a new Ford Transit Trail. Ford adds on an additional $14,250 for their Trail package upgrades which won’t perform as well as our upgrade that is tailored to your specific needs. A new 2024 Transit Trail van starts at $71,970.

This price difference makes the Contra Trail Upgrade a good investment in enhancing your current Ford Transit’s capabilities without the financial strain of buying a brand-new, higher-end model.

For a free consultation about our suspension upgrades, contact Contravans here.

Should I Buy a Ford Transit Trail or Install a Lift Kit to My Standard Ford Transit?

Deciding whether to purchase a new Ford Transit Trail or to upgrade your existing standard Ford Transit with a lift kit is an important decision. Each option offers distinct advantages, depending on your personal needs, budget, and how you plan to use your van.

Buying a New Ford Transit Trail: Opting for a new Ford Transit Trail might be the best route if you prefer a vehicle that comes with higher ground clearance and enhanced off-road capabilities straight from the factory. This model, starting at $71,970, is tailored for rugged use and includes a warranty, making it a convenient and worry-free choice for those who can afford the premium price.

Installing a Lift Kit Yourself: If you’re considering cost-efficiency and enjoy DIY projects, installing a lift kit on your standard Ford Transit could be a viable alternative. However, this route requires a significant time commitment and a good level of mechanical knowledge. You’ll need to be comfortable with the technical aspects of the installation process, which can be complex and time-consuming.

You could also consider using Contravans to install a Ford Transit suspension upgrade. We offer many levels of suspension improvements for your Transit which are designed to fit your needs and your budget.

FAQs: Ford Transit Lift Kit

Do I need to lift my Ford Transit?

No, not necessarily. Deciding whether you need to lift your Transit or just improve the current suspension components will depend upon how you plan to use your van. Sometimes a simple Factory Refresh is all you need to restore the original ride comfort. As well, we have other options to Stop the Sway (body roll) as you’re driving or Eliminate the Sag in the rear end from the increased weight of your campervan. If you’re not sure what you need, check out some more information here or contact Contravans for a suspension consulation.

What is the best lift kit for a Ford Transit?

Choosing the best Ford Transit lift kit depends largely on the intended use and desired improvements. If you’re looking for modest enhancements like slightly better road clearance and improved daily drivability, a basic lift kit is often sufficient. This lift provides the clearance needed for larger tires and minor off-road activities without drastically altering the vehicle’s handling dynamics. Check out Van Compass or Agile Off Road for current options and prices.

Is there a Ford Transit Connect lift kit?

Yes, there are lift kits available for the Ford Transit Connect as well. These kits are specifically designed to fit the smaller dimensions and different suspension setup of the Transit Connect, providing similar benefits such as increased ground clearance and the ability to install larger tires. This makes the Transit Connect more versatile and capable in a variety of settings.

How much should I lift my Ford Transit?

The amount of lift you should add to your Ford Transit largely depends on your use case. Generally, a lift of 2 to 2.5 inches is sufficient for most needs. This gives you a good balance between improved clearance and maintaining a stable, safe driving experience. This amount of lift allows for larger tires and better handling on rough roads without significantly altering the vehicle’s center of gravity or putting the front CV joints at risk of premature wear.

Does a lift kit void the transmission warranty?

Installing a lift kit can potentially void the transmission warranty if the kit is not installed correctly or if it’s deemed to stress the transmission beyond its normal operating limits. It’s crucial to use a reputable kit and have it installed by professionals to avoid this issue. Additionally, checking with your dealer or consulting the warranty terms before modifying your van is always a good idea.

Do Ford Transit lift kits affect mpg?

Yes, installing a lift kit can affect your Ford Transit’s mpg. The increased air resistance from the higher profile and the possible addition of larger, heavier tires can decrease fuel efficiency. The impact is mostly unnoticeable, but it’s something to consider if fuel economy is a major concern for you.

Conclusion: Ford Transit Lift Kit

Installing a lift kit on your Ford Transit is a fantastic way to enhance its capabilities and appearance. A 2-inch lift can significantly improve on-road and off-road performance.

Keep in mind the potential impacts on warranty and mpg, and always opt for professional installation to ensure safety. A quality lift kit not only transforms the performance and look of your van but also broadens your travel possibilities. This gives you the option to make every journey more adventurous. Whether for work or leisure, a Ford Transit lift kit can equip you to take on diverse challenges. The right lift kit is a valuable investment in your enjoyment of van life.

For more information on our Contra Trail suspension upgrade click here.

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