TL;DR – The Quick Breakdown
- Lift kits raise your vehicle, adding clearance for off-roading or larger tires.
- Lowering kits drop your stance, improving handling and giving a sleek, performance look.
- Both have trade-offs. It’s about how you drive and where.
- Professional installation matters. Proper setup ensures ride comfort, alignment, and safety.
- Santa Fe Auto Sound installs trusted brands like JKS Manufacturing, Rough Country, and Eibach.
What’s the Difference Between a Lift Kit and a Lowering Kit?
When you hear “lift” or “lower,” you’re changing the vehicle’s height and stance — but for totally different reasons.
- Lift kits raise the suspension and body, giving you more ground clearance. Perfect for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs that see dirt, snow, or trails.
- Lowering kits drop your vehicle closer to the road, improving handling, aerodynamics, and that aggressive street look.
At Santa Fe Auto Sound, our experienced technicians install both — whether you’re taking your Tacoma off-road or giving your Challenger a sleek, performance drop.
Advantages of Lift Kits
Benefits:
- More ground clearance for trails, snow, or rural roads
- Ability to fit larger tires and wheels
- Better visibility and a commanding view on the road
- Custom, rugged look — perfect for Kansas City truck and Jeep owners
Considerations:
- Slightly lower fuel efficiency due to added weight and wind resistance
- Possible changes in ride comfort
- Requires professional installation for proper steering and suspension geometry
Brands we trust for lift kits include Rough Country, JKS Manufacturing, and Clayton Off Road — all known for quality, reliability, and precision engineering.
Advantages of Lowering Kits
Benefits:
- Improved handling and cornering stability
- Lower center of gravity for sportier feel
- Better aerodynamics (less drag = improved MPG in some cases)
- Sleeker appearance — great for cars like Camaros, Mustangs, or Challengers
Considerations:
- Less ground clearance — can scrape on driveways or speed bumps
- Slightly stiffer ride depending on suspension setup
- May require wheel alignment after installation
Eibach, H&R Springs, and Belltech offer some of the best lowering kits on the market — built for comfort and control.
Common Questions About Lift & Lowering Kits
Can I install a lift or lowering kit myself?
It’s possible, but not recommended unless you’re an experienced mechanic with proper equipment. Kits affect your steering geometry, suspension travel, and alignment. Professional installation ensures safety, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability.
How high or low should I go?
That depends on your goals. A 2-inch lift adds clearance for mild off-roading, while 4–6 inches is ideal for aggressive terrain or oversized tires. For lowering kits, a 1–2-inch drop is usually enough for better looks and handling without sacrificing comfort.
Will it void my warranty?
When professionally installed using approved components, most upgrades don’t void your vehicle’s warranty. Santa Fe Auto Sound works with reputable brands designed to integrate with factory suspension systems.
What’s the average cost? Is it Affordable?
Costs vary by brand and vehicle type, but generally:
- Lift kits: $1,200–$4,000 installed
- Lowering kits: $800–$2,500 installed
Our experts can help you choose a setup that fits your budget, vehicle, and performance goals.
Lift or Lower? Think About Kansas City Roads for any Accessory Decision
Kansas City’s weather swings — snow in January, storms in May, and scorching pavement in August — can influence your decision.
- Lift kits: Great for rural areas, uneven roads, and winter driving.
- Lowering kits: Perfect for smooth city streets, warm months, and show cars.
The team at Santa Fe Auto Sound will walk you through what fits your lifestyle, whether you’re driving daily through Overland Park or heading off-road near Clinton Lake.
Why Choose Santa Fe Auto Sound for an SUV, Jeep, Truck, Car or Bronco Accessory Installation?
Santa Fe Auto Sound isn’t just Kansas City’s top name for car audio — we’re also your go-to experts for vehicle performance and appearance upgrades.
When you bring your vehicle to us, you get:
- Certified technicians with precision installation experience
- Trusted performance brands
- Alignment, calibration, and safety checks
- Honest recommendations (not upsells)
- Decades of experience serving Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, and the KC metro
Learn more about our Performance & Appearance Services and see why local drivers trust us to customize their vehicles safely and stylishly.
Whether you’re lifting your truck to tackle trails or lowering your coupe for that street-ready look, the right setup makes all the difference in performance, safety, and style.
Santa Fe Auto Sound installs top brands like JKS Manufacturing, Rough Country, Eibach, and more — all backed by expert installation and local support.
Get a Quote Today for Wheels, Tires, Appearance Upgrades, Electronic Installation and Repair, Window Tint and More!
Want to know what tint is right for your car and your budget? Explore our website or stop by our shop to get an estimate today. Whether you’re in Kansas City, Gladstone, MO, or anywhere nearby, we’re your trusted partner for high-performance window tinting done right.
Beyond tint, we also offer a full suite of performance & appearance enhancements including:
- Interior dress-up: leather seat upgrades, custom seatbelt re-webbing, premium floor mats
- Exterior styling: fender flares, custom bumpers, bed rails, nerf bars, running boards
- Lighting upgrades: headlights, taillights, underglow, rock lights, light bars, accent lighting
- Truck and off-road accessories: winches, grill guards, trailer hitches, toolboxes, suspension lifts/leveling kits, etc.
If you’re looking to repair or upgrade your vehicle’s electronics (backup camera, tracker, navigation, keyless entry, remote start, car alarm) or audio system, come see us in Overland Park or Gladstone — we do it all under one roof.
