The Ultimate Guide to Lifted Can Am Defender
Lifted Can Am Defender: An Introduction
The Can Am Defender is an excellent all-rounder UTV that can take on any terrain and any task. The Defender is known for its excellent build quality, power, and versatility. But what if you want to take your Defender to the next level and make it even more capable? That’s where lifted Can Am Defenders come into play.
Lifting a Can Am Defender is a popular modification that many owners opt for. It involves installing a lift kit, which raises the body and suspension of the Defender, giving it more ground clearance and the ability to tackle even tougher trails. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into lifted Can Am Defenders and everything you need to know about them.
What is a Lift Kit?
A lift kit is a modification that raises the body and suspension of a vehicle. Lift kits are commonly used on trucks and SUVs to increase ground clearance and off-road capabilities. Lift kits come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same goal: to lift the vehicle higher off the ground.
When it comes to lifted Can Am Defenders, there are two ways to lift the vehicle: with a suspension lift kit or a body lift kit. A suspension lift kit increases the height of the vehicle’s suspension, while a body lift kit raises the body of the vehicle off the frame. Both types of lift kits have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use your lifted Can Am Defender.
Suspension Lift Kits
A suspension lift kit raises the height of the vehicle’s suspension, giving it more ground clearance. Suspension lift kits come in many different sizes, ranging from two inches to six inches or more. The larger the lift kit, the more ground clearance you’ll have, but the more expensive the kit will be.
One thing to keep in mind with suspension lift kits is that they can affect the vehicle’s handling and ride quality. A taller suspension can make the vehicle more top-heavy and increase body roll. It can also make the ride stiffer and less comfortable, especially on bumpy roads.
Body Lift Kits
A body lift kit raises the body of the vehicle off the frame, without altering the suspension. Body lift kits come in many different sizes, ranging from one inch to three inches or more. The larger the lift kit, the more ground clearance you’ll have, but the more noticeable the gap between the body and frame will be.
One benefit of a body lift kit is that it doesn’t affect the vehicle’s handling or ride quality. Since the suspension remains unchanged, the vehicle’s ride and handling characteristics remain the same. However, a body lift kit can make the vehicle look a bit awkward, with a noticeable gap between the body and frame.
The Benefits of a Lifted Can Am Defender
Now that you know what a lift kit is and the different types of lift kits available for Can Am Defenders, let’s take a look at the benefits of lifting your Can Am Defender.
Increased Ground Clearance
The most obvious benefit of a lifted Can Am Defender is increased ground clearance. With a lifted suspension or body, your Defender can clear larger obstacles, such as rocks, logs, and ruts, without scraping the bottom of the vehicle. This is especially useful if you plan to do some serious off-roading.
Bigger Tires
A lifted Can Am Defender can accommodate larger tires, which can improve traction and ground clearance even further. Larger tires also look great and can give your Defender a more aggressive stance.
Improved Off-Road Capability
A lifted Can Am Defender can tackle even tougher trails and obstacles than a stock Defender. With increased ground clearance, bigger tires, and improved approach and departure angles, your Defender can go places it couldn’t before.
Better Visibility
With a lifted body or suspension, your Can Am Defender sits higher off the ground, giving you a better view of the road or trail ahead. This can be especially useful when navigating tricky terrain or obstacles.
Improved Appearance
Let’s face it, a lifted Can Am Defender looks pretty cool. With a more aggressive stance and bigger tires, your Defender will stand out from the crowd and turn heads wherever you go.
Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Your Can Am Defender
Choosing the right lift kit for your Can Am Defender can be a daunting task. There are many different brands and types of lift kits available, each with their own pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a lift kit for your Can Am Defender:
Budget
Lift kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Before you start shopping for a lift kit, determine your budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that the cost of installation should also be factored in, as a suspension lift kit can be more expensive to install than a body lift kit.
Usage
Consider how you plan to use your lifted Can Am Defender. If you plan to do some serious off-roading, a suspension lift kit may be the best choice, as it provides more ground clearance and better off-road capability. If you simply want a more aggressive look and don’t plan to do much off-roading, a body lift kit may be a better choice, as it’s less expensive and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s handling or ride quality.
Tire Size
Consider the size of the tires you want to install on your lifted Can Am Defender. Larger tires require more ground clearance, so you’ll need a larger lift kit to accommodate them. Keep in mind that larger tires can also affect the vehicle’s handling and ride quality, so it’s important to choose the right size for your needs.
Quality
Choose a lift kit from a reputable brand that’s known for quality and durability. A cheap lift kit may save you money upfront, but it could cost you more in the long run if it fails or doesn’t perform as expected.
Installing a Lift Kit on Your Can Am Defender
Installing a lift kit on your Can Am Defender is a complex task that should only be performed by a professional mechanic. While some experienced DIYers may be able to install a lift kit themselves, it’s not recommended unless you have the proper tools, experience, and knowledge.
Here’s a general overview of what’s involved in installing a lift kit on a Can Am Defender:
Suspension Lift Kit Installation
A suspension lift kit installation typically involves the following steps:
Remove the wheels and tires.
Remove the shocks and struts.
Remove the upper and lower control arms.
Install the new lift kit components.
Reinstall the control arms, shocks, and struts.
Install the new wheels and tires.
Body Lift Kit Installation
A body lift kit installation typically involves the following steps:
Remove the wheels and tires.
Remove the body mounts from the frame.
Install the spacers between the body mounts and frame.
Reinstall the body mounts.
Install the new wheels and tires.
Lifted Can Am Defender FAQs
1. What size lift kit do I need for my Can Am Defender?
The size of the lift kit you need depends on several factors, including the size of the tires you want to install and how much ground clearance you need. A two-inch lift kit is a good starting point for most Can Am Defenders, but larger lift kits may be required for larger tires or more extreme off-roading.
2. How much does it cost to lift a Can Am Defender?
The cost of lifting a Can Am Defender depends on several factors, including the type of lift kit you choose, the size of the lift kit, and the cost of installation. A basic body lift kit can cost a few hundred dollars, while a suspension lift kit can cost several thousand dollars. Installation can also add several hundred dollars to the cost.
3. Will lifting my Can Am Defender void the warranty?
Lifting your Can Am Defender may void the warranty, depending on the manufacturer’s policies. It’s important to check with your dealer or manufacturer before installing a lift kit. In some cases, the warranty may only be voided for components directly affected by the lift kit, such as the suspension or drivetrain.
4. Will a lifted Can Am Defender ride rough?
A lifted Can Am Defender can ride rougher than a stock Defender, especially if you choose a suspension lift kit. However, the ride quality can be
