High Lifter How-To: Lift Kit Install Guide
By SidebySideSports | March 14, 2023 | UTV Maintenance & Mods
Lift Your Ride. Upgrade Your Adventure.
Looking to give your UTV or ATV a more aggressive stance and better off-road capability? Installing a High Lifter lift kit is one of the most effective ways to enhance ground clearance, ride quality, and trail dominance. Whether you're navigating deep ruts, rocky trails, or mud pits, a lifted ride helps you tackle rougher terrain without sacrificing stability.
While many riders opt to have their kits professionally installed, DIY installation is absolutely possible with some mechanical know-how and a basic tool set. If you're up for the task, we’ve got a step-by-step breakdown to help you get it done safely and efficiently.
What Does a Lift Kit Actually Do?
A lift kit raises the suspension mounting points, increasing clearance between the vehicle’s frame and the ground. This helps protect critical components from damage and allows room for larger tires, which further enhances traction and off-road capability. The result? A beefier look and better control in rugged environments.
Tools and Gear You’ll Need
- Floor jack or ATV/UTV lift stand
- Basic socket set with ratchet and torque wrench
- Allen wrenches or hex keys
- High Lifter lift kit (make/model specific)
- Safety gloves and eye protection
Each High Lifter kit includes detailed instructions and all required hardware. Be sure to check torque specs and bracket alignment instructions for your specific model before starting.
Front End Installation: Step-by-Step
- Raise the front of your machine until both front wheels are off the ground. Secure with jack stands.
- Remove front wheels and unbolt the top of the shocks on both sides.
- Install the long lift bracket between the top shock mounts.
- Add the front spacer to the shock mount frame, followed by the smaller front bracket.
- Align brackets using supplied hex bolts and lock nuts. Ensure tight, centered fit.
- Reattach top of the shocks to the brackets, using washers on both sides of the eyelets for a flush, rattle-free finish.
- Reinstall the wheels and torque lug nuts to factory spec.
Tip: Double-check alignment before lowering the vehicle. Misaligned brackets can stress your shocks.
Rear End Installation: What to Watch For
- Securely jack up the rear end, placing the jack beneath the rear skid plate.
- Unclamp the brake line to give yourself slack before removing shocks.
- Detach rear shocks and raise the machine an extra 2" to access the rear axle mount area.
- Install the lift brackets and connect them to the existing shock mount points.
- Attach the shocks with bolts facing inward to avoid snags or external wear.
- Reattach wheels and torque everything to specification.
Recheck all bolts after the first ride to ensure everything remains secure after suspension travel.
Post-Install: What's Next?
Now that your ATV or UTV is sitting tall and trail-ready, you’re free to conquer the toughest terrain with confidence. A lifted setup can also make room for upgrades like:
- Oversized tires
- Heavy-duty bumpers and winches
- Snorkel kits and mud guards
- LED lighting upgrades
Browse SidebySideSports to find the best accessories to match your new setup.