How to Install an ATV or UTV Lift Kit

Why Install a Lift Kit?

Style. Performance. Confidence. A lift kit can transform your stock rig into the leader of the pack, with additional ground clearance, the ability to run larger tires, an aggressive look, and improved performance. From trail riding to rock crawling to mudding, the right lift can make all the difference in your performance.

Once you’ve found the perfect lift kit, learning how to install it on your ATV or UTV can seem like a challenge. Luckily, SuperATV is here to break it all down. We’ll walk you through all the steps of installation so you can be sure the job gets done right. This guide will use a 3” lift for a Pioneer 1000-6 for our example kit, but following this general process and the owner’s manual for your specific lift should be enough for a smooth installation.

Tools and Prep Work Before You Start

First things first, get your work area ready. Find a flat, clean space that is easy to work in and gather the tools and gear you’ll need: safety glasses, gloves, a socket set, jack and jack stands (or a shop lift, if you have one), and torque wrench. It’s also a good idea to watch the installation video and read this guide all the way through before you start, just to get an idea of what each step will require.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Lift Kit on Your ATV or UTV

Step 1: Remove Front Wheels and Tires

Getting access to the suspension system is the first big step for installation. Use your jack and jack stands to safely lift your rig and remove your front wheels. This will give you complete access to your front suspension.

Step 2: Remove Front Shocks

Use your socket set and wrench to carefully remove your front shocks by disconnecting the upper and lower mounting points. If your ATV or UTV has had a lift kit on it before, now is also the time to remove any additional brackets or spring spacers.

Step 3: (Optional) Install Steering Stops

Steering stops help reduce the likelihood of axle binding by limiting the amount of steering you have in both directions. If you don’t use steering stops and are running a stock axle, binding can occur in situations when you have completely compressed your suspension while also fully turning.

Steering stops go either between your inner ball and socket or the inner tie rod and rack. They are easy to install, just sliding into place. This step is optional, even if you still have stock axles, but highly recommended to avoid binding issues that can be a huge pain while you’re out on a ride.

Step 4: Install Front Lift Bracket

Now, let’s get your rig (half) lifted. Take the front lift bracket and insert it, notch side up, through the shock mount. Attach the bracket to both sides of your machine’s frame with the hardware included with your lift kit—be sure you don’t overtighten on one side before the other, as that can throw off installation.

Once the lift bracket is installed and secured, reattach the shocks using the factory hardware. If your lift kit has a spring spacer, install that before reinstalling your shocks.

Step 5: Move to Rear Suspension and Remove Rear Shocks

Now that you’re warmed up, it’s time to move on to the slightly more complicated rear process. Just like the front, remove your rear wheels and tires first. Then, remove the rear shocks. Depending on the make and model of your quad or side-by-side, the upper shock bolt may be recessed behind the frame so it may take a bit of time to remove it carefully.

Step 6: Remove and Replace Rear Brake Line

Now that the shocks are removed, you should have access to the factory brake line. This line will be too short once your machine is lifted, so you need to replace it with either the extended rear brake line that comes with your kit or you can pick one up from SuperATV. Remove the fittings, retaining clip, and all the fasteners off the A-arm and brake caliper. The new line should install along the exact same path as the original using the same fasteners, fittings, and clip.

Step 7: Install Rear Lift Bracket

Similar to the front, slide the rear bracket notched side up into the frame. To make sure the bracket is installed properly, first align the lower mounting hole and secure it. Now secure the bracket at the upper mounting hole—this should align where the shock was originally mounted. The make and model of your machine might mean that these bolts will be positioned behind other parts of the frame. If you can’t see them directly, you can use feel to get the alignment right.

Step 8: Reinstall Rear Shocks

After the rear lift bracket is secure, the shocks can be reinstalled. It’s okay to use the factory hardware on the lower connection points, but be sure to use the hardware provided with your lift kit to attach your shock to the lift bracket.

Step 9: Final Hardware Check and Test

Now that both brackets are installed, double-check their alignment and ensure they are fully secured according to the torque specifications that can be found in your owner’s manual. Once you’ve confirmed all the hardware is correctly tightened, you can reinstall your wheels—don’t forget to match torque specifications when you tighten the lug nuts— and lower your rig.

Now, it’s time to ride. Slowly. Go on a slow, comfortable test ride and then double-check all of your connections. If everything is functioning correctly and there are no loosened connections, your installation is complete! If you need to tighten them again, take another test ride and re-check.

When to Choose a Professional Install Instead

Sometimes, jobs are best left to the pros. If you have a complex kit that is beyond your skill level or you are concerned with your ability to properly install your lift, give your local pro a call. This will give you the confidence that your lift will function properly and you won’t be damaging your machine or voiding any warranties.

Selecting the Right Lift Kit for You

Picking the right lift comes down to both personal preference and the kind of riding you want to do. If you just want to stop worrying about rocks and debris on the trails, a few inches will do the trick. Looking to power through the deepest mud pits and stand out from the crowd? A big lift is what you need. SuperATV has a huge selection of lift kits and heights for you to choose from, so no matter what you’re looking for, you can be sure you’ll be getting a top-quality lift.

If you have questions about how to install a lift kit on your ATV or UTV, or you want to show off your finished results, get in touch with us or drop a comment down below!