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:

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 (2″ Lift)
If you’re looking for increased clearance at a reasonable cost, the Dialed Lift Kit Package is right for you. This setup includes front springs, rear lift blocks, tuned Falcon 2.1 Monotube rear shocks, and high clearance rear shock brackets. It’s designed to increase rear ground clearance and space for larger tires, with a slight improvement to handling.

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. It’s also great for heavier rigs that need to improve weight handling. 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)
King is the industry leader in off road racing shocks. 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 adjustable King front coil over struts, adjustable lower control arms, progressive rate leaf spring pack, adjustable King 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:

Dialed Lift: Ideal for those who need a boost in clearance and slight increase in handling. This is perfect if you use your van daily, have a lighter buildout, and go on occasional light off-road excursions.

Mild 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.

Wild 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: Van Compass and Weldtec. Both companies are renowned for their exceptional products, but they each bring a unique flair to the table.

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.

Weldtec Designs has been designing killer lift kits and suspension systems for Ford vans for years. Their new Transit Trail Hero lift kit hits the top of the market in both price and performance. For those that want the ultimate Transit suspension, this is where we go.

Choosing between Van Compass and Weldtec Designs 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:

• Tuned Front Lift Coil 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.
• High Clearance Rear Shock Brackets: These brackets help accommodate the new shock configuration, ensuring they fit seamlessly and improve ground clearance.
• 2″ Rear Lift Blocks: These blocks go under the factory leaf springs to provide additional lift and tire clearance.
• 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. Any other brand of tire is available as well.
• 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. A wider stance for AWD Transits only comes with the Black Rhino Sequoia wheels.
• Your Choice of Side Steps: To ease access into your lifted Transit, we offer a variety of side steps that you can choose from. The default option is from Flatline Van Co.
• (optional) Rear 5-Leaf Spring Pack: These springs are designed to provide additional support and durability, enhancing load capacity and stability. You’ll only need this if your van is already sagging or if you plan to add a fair amount of weight.

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 $8,900.

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 consultation.

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 WeldTec Designs 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 can add to your Ford Transit depends upon whether it is 2WD or AWD. 2WD models can be lifted up to 3 inches. AWD models can be lifted a maximum of 2 inches before risking damage or premature wear to the front CV joints. In either case, 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 probable addition of larger, heavier tires (why would you lift it without putting cool wheels and tires on it?) can decrease fuel efficiency. The impact on a high roof AWD Transit is mostly unnoticeable since they already don’t get great mileage. However, 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.

You might also be interested in:
11 Most Fuel Efficient Camper Vans
The Best Rooftop Air Conditioner For Van Life
The Best Heaters For Campervans