Category: Customized Vehicle News

Leveling Kits vs. Lift Kits: Which One Is Right for You?

November 18, 2022

Did you know that diesel fuel produces up to 15 percent more energy than gasoline?

There are countless diesel vehicles that have been raised using lift kits, and the majority of these vehicles are still being hauled on a daily basis. Therefore, the question is: Which leveling kit or lift kit is best for you to customize your vehicle with?

To find out what’s best for your customized rides, trust Outlaw and continue reading this post!

Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit What’s The Difference?

Lifts and leveling kits raise the truck body off of the vehicle’s axles. This is so that wider tires can be installed and more ground clearance is available.

Hardware is included in a leveling kit to raise the front of the car just enough to match the stock height of the back. A leveling kit is typically made to lift the front of the vehicle up to a maximum of roughly 2 inches.

Leveling kits are also fairly straightforward, typically simply requiring torsion keys or spring spacers to complete the task.

Through upgraded suspension components, lift kits raise the truck substantially higher into the air. Lift kits can be bought in 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or even 10-inch packages or much taller if the buyer wants to go custom. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Customizing Your Vehicle With Lift Kits

Compared to leveling kits, lift kits are significantly more complete. Often, these kits will include springs, control arms, shocks, and any other components required to maintain the specified height. The higher lift kits are typically fairly complicated, frequently requiring the fabrication of new driveshafts and the bending of brake lines in addition to the suspension components.

Additionally, using larger-than-stock tires can necessitate the use of aftermarket wheels with higher offset.

Benefits of Lifting and Leveling Customized Rides

Using larger-than-stock tires on all four corners is one of the main benefits of lifting and leveling vehicles.

While most pickup trucks have ample space in the back and front, larger tires can occasionally contact the fender or bumper when turning. For this kind of problem, a modest height adjustment is all that is necessary.

Additionally, if a large object is put on the front of the truck, such as a winch or plow, the suspension may droop, resulting in a ride height that is even lower than stock. In this situation, a leveling kit can be applied to restore the front end to the appropriate height.

Leveling kits are affordable and simple to assemble.

Trust Outlaw When It Comes to Leveling Kits vs. Lift Kits

You probably level a lot if you frequently use your truck to tow. A lift kit is more your style if you want to have a high-flying display truck, aren’t frightened of mud or deep water, go hunting in the outback, or prefer off-roading.

Now that you’re aware of how to customize your vehicle with either a leveling kit or a lift kit, you can trust Outlaw to help you create the best customized rides! Click here to get in contact with us so that we can help you build your dream ride.

The 10 Cars Catalytic Converter Thieves Target Most

September 21, 2022

Catalytic converter theft is drastically on the rise. In fact, the number of stolen catalytic converter reports quadrupled in 2021, spiking from 14,433 to an estimated 65,398 thefts nationwide last year.

If you own a car built after 1975, there’s a good chance that it has a catalytic converter. These devices help to reduce emissions from vehicles, making them an important part of helping to keep the environment clean. Unfortunately, catalytic converters are also valuable commodities for thieves, who can sell them for scrap metal.

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So, which cars are being targeted most by thieves, and do you need to protect your catalytic converter? Here are the top ten vehicles that thieves target most.

1985-2021 Ford F-Series Pickup Trucks

It might come as no surprise that the best-selling vehicle in North America is commonly targeted by thieves. Ford F-series pickup trucks are a common target because they sit higher off the road than a typical vehicle, making it quicker and easier for a thief to slide under and remove the catalytic converter.

1989-2020 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling mid-size sedans and has been complimented for its agility and fuel efficiency. Sadly thieves are more appreciative that it is very easy to steal a catalytic converter from one of these vehicles.

2007-17 Jeep Patriot

While you would not call the Jeep Patriot a “joy ride,” its classic Jeep shape and low price appeal to many consumers. Unfortunately, thieves are also attracted to its catalytic converters, and the Patriot is the third most popular vehicle for this type of theft.

1990-2022 Ford Econoline Vans

The Ford E-series van has been around for many years and is still going strong. It’s available in a few different configurations and is a popular choice for many businesses. Owners would be wise to protect against car thieves.

1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Trucks

These pickup trucks are great for towing, hauling, and traversing rugged terrain. However, the go-anywhere capability and extra ground clearance afforded by the Silverado make it easier for thieves to steal the catalytic converter.

2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox is packed with a great list of standard features at an affordable price. Over the years, it has continued to evolve and improve, impressing those looking for a compact SUV that is roomy and reasonably priced.

1997-2020 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V was one of the first compact crossover SUVs when it arrived on the market in 1997, and despite its long history, it remains one of the best-selling SUVs to this day. Unfortunately, the CR-V is also a favorite target of thieves, who often steal the catalytic converter for its valuable metals.

1987-2019 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a reliable mid-size sedan that has been offered in a variety of formats over the years, including sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible. Sadly, this popularity makes catalytic converter protection almost essential.

2011-17 Chrysler 200

The Chrysler 200 was a significant improvement over the previous model in terms of style, comfort, and performance. However, there were some flaws, including poor cabin quality and inconsistent steering. The 200 sedan was discontinued after the 2017 model year, but it remains popular among catalytic converter thieves.

2001-21 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is especially attractive when it comes to catalytic converter theft. This is partly because the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain’s internal combustion engine doesn’t run as hot as it would if the powertrain didn’t have associated electric motors.

Do You Need To Protect Your Catalytic Converter?

These vehicles are the most common models for catalytic converter theft, but that doesn’t mean you’re not likely to be a target for a stolen catalytic converter. Contact us today to learn more about how to protect your catalytic converter and ensure you don’t have any nasty surprises before your next drive.