Can Am Commander Lift Kit - From Garage To Trail: A Complete DIY

Ever been out on a killer trail, cruising in your Can-Am Commander, only to hear that gut-wrenching scrape of your skid plate on a rock you swore you could clear? It’s a sound that makes every off-roader’s stomach drop. You bought your Commander to conquer obstacles, not get hung up on them.

We get it. That feeling of wanting just a little more clearance, a bit more capability, and the ability to run slightly bigger, meaner tires is universal. The good news is that there’s a straightforward solution that you can tackle right in your own garage.

This is your ultimate can am commander lift kit guide. We’re going to walk you through everything, from the real-world benefits and choosing the right type of kit to a detailed, step-by-step installation process. We’ll also cover common problems to avoid and best practices to keep your rig running strong. Let’s get you lifted and back on the trail with confidence.

Why Even Bother with a Can-Am Commander Lift Kit? The Real-World Benefits

Before we start turning wrenches, let’s talk about the “why.” A lift kit is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a functional modification that directly impacts your machine’s performance on the trail. Understanding the core advantages helps you appreciate the work you’re about to put in.

Here are the primary benefits of a can am commander lift kit:

Increased Ground Clearance: This is the big one. Lifting your Commander raises the frame, differential, and other low-hanging components further from the ground. This means you can crawl over larger rocks, logs, and ruts without bottoming out or damaging critical parts.
Ability to Fit Larger Tires: A lift creates more room in your wheel wells, allowing you to upgrade to larger, more aggressive tires. Bigger tires provide a larger contact patch for better traction, and their increased sidewall height can help absorb impacts, smoothing out the ride.
Improved Approach and Departure Angles: Lifting your rig improves its ability to climb steep inclines and descend without scraping the front or rear bumpers. You can tackle more aggressive terrain without fear of digging in.
Enhanced Trail Visibility: Sitting a few inches higher gives you a better vantage point from the driver’s seat. You can see obstacles further down the trail, allowing you to pick a better line and anticipate challenges.

Choosing Your Weapon: Bracket vs. Spring Spacer Lifts

Not all lift kits are created equal. For the Can-Am Commander, you’ll primarily encounter two popular styles: bracket lifts and spring spacer lifts. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your budget, your riding style, and how much lift you’re aiming for.

Bracket Lifts (The All-Rounder)

Bracket lifts are the most common type for UTVs. They consist of a set of precision-cut steel brackets that relocate the mounting points of your shocks. By moving where the top of the shock mounts to the frame, you effectively push the suspension arms down, lifting the vehicle.

Lift Height: Typically provide 2 to 3 inches of lift.
Pros: Generally affordable, maintain a near-stock ride quality, and are extremely durable. They are a fantastic, well-rounded option for the majority of trail riders.
Cons: Installation can be more involved than a spacer lift, as you’re working with more components.

Spring Spacer Lifts (Simple & Effective)

A spring spacer lift involves placing a “puck” or spacer, usually made of high-density polyurethane or aluminum, on top of your coil spring. This preloads the spring, which in turn lifts the vehicle.

Lift Height: Usually in the 1 to 2.5-inch range.
Pros: Very simple design and often the easiest type of kit to install. It’s a quick way to get a modest lift.
Cons: Can make the ride slightly stiffer because you’re preloading the factory springs. This is a key consideration if ride comfort is your top priority.

Your Garage Game Plan: Tools and Prep Before You Start

A successful installation begins with preparation. Rushing in without the right tools is a recipe for frustration. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll want to have on hand before you even think about putting your Commander on jack stands.

Essential Tools & Supplies:

A Solid Floor Jack: Don’t skimp here. A sturdy, reliable floor jack is non-negotiable for safety.
Jack Stands (4): Never, ever work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. You need at least two, but four is ideal to get the entire machine off the ground.
Metric Socket & Wrench Set: You’ll need a good range of sizes, typically from 10mm up to 19mm or more. A breaker bar or impact wrench will be your best friend for stubborn bolts.
Torque Wrench: Suspension components are critical. Guessing tightness isn’t good enough. You need a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the UTV from rolling while you’re jacking it up.
Pry Bar & Rubber Mallet: Useful for persuading suspension components to line up.
Safety Glasses & Gloves: Protect yourself. Rust, dirt, and pinched fingers are no fun.

Pro Tip: Before you begin, give the underside of your Commander a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer. Working on a clean machine is safer, easier, and just plain more enjoyable.

How to Install Your Can Am Commander Lift Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, time to get our hands dirty. This is a general guide on how to can am commander lift kit; your specific kit’s instructions are king, so always read them first. We’ll cover the installation of a common bracket-style lift.

Park on Level Ground & Set the Brake: Safety first. Ensure you’re on a flat, hard surface like a concrete garage floor. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels you aren’t lifting first.
Loosen the Lug Nuts: While the Commander is still on the ground, use your breaker bar or impact wrench to break the lug nuts loose on all four wheels. Don’t remove them completely, just get them started.
Lift the Vehicle and Secure with Jack Stands: Use your floor jack on a solid frame point to lift one end of the Commander. Place jack stands securely under the frame, then repeat for the other end. Once it’s supported on all four stands, give it a firm shake to ensure it’s stable.
Remove Wheels and Tires: Now you can finish removing the lug nuts and set the wheels aside. This gives you clear access to the suspension components.
Install the Front Lift Brackets:
- Start with one of the front corners. Locate the upper shock mount where the shock bolts to the frame.
- Support the lower A-arm with your floor jack to take the tension off the shock.
- Unbolt the top of the shock from the factory mount. Be ready; the suspension may droop slightly.
- Install the new lift bracket onto the factory shock mount using the hardware provided in your kit.
- Bolt the top of the shock to its new, relocated position on the lift bracket. Ensure you use the correct bolts and torque them to the specifications listed in your kit’s instructions.
- Repeat this entire process for the other front corner.
Install the Rear Lift Brackets:
- The process for the rear is very similar to the front. Support the rear suspension arm with a jack.
- Unbolt the top of the rear shock from its frame mount.
- Install the rear lift bracket onto the frame and then re-attach the shock to the new bracket.
- Torque all hardware to spec and repeat on the final corner.
Re-install Wheels and Lower the Vehicle: Put all four wheels back on and snug up the lug nuts. Carefully lower the Commander off the jack stands.
Torque the Lug Nuts: With the vehicle back on the ground, use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the factory-specified torque value. It is critical to do this in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly.

Take a step back and admire your work! Your Commander is now sitting taller and prouder. But you’re not quite done yet.

Avoiding Trail Headaches: Common Problems with Can Am Commander Lift Kit Installations

A lift kit changes your UTV’s suspension geometry. Being aware of potential issues is key to a reliable setup. Here are some common problems with can am commander lift kit installations and how to prevent them.

CV Axle Angles

The Problem: Lifting your Commander increases the operating angle of your CV (Constant Velocity) axles. An extreme angle puts more stress on the CV joints, leading to premature wear, torn boots, and potential failure on the trail.

The Solution: Stick to modest lift heights (2-3 inches). Most quality kits are engineered to keep axle angles within a safe operating range. If you go for a massive lift, you may need to invest in heavy-duty, extended-length axles.

Improper Wheel Alignment

The Problem: Changing the suspension height will throw your wheel alignment, specifically the camber (the vertical tilt of the wheel) and toe (the direction the tires point), out of whack. This leads to poor handling, unpredictable steering, and rapid tire wear.

The Solution: After installing a lift, an alignment is not optional. You can perform a basic string alignment in your garage to set the toe, or for best results, take it to a shop with UTV alignment experience.

Forgetting to Re-Torque

The Problem: Suspension bolts can settle after the first ride. A loose bolt can lead to clunking noises, sloppy handling, or catastrophic failure.

The Solution: This is one of the most important can am commander lift kit best practices. After your first 25-50 miles of riding, go back over every single nut and bolt you touched and re-torque it to spec.

Lift Kit Care and a Nod to Sustainability

Your new lift kit isn’t a “set it and forget it” part. A solid can am commander lift kit care guide is simple but crucial for longevity and performance.

Regularly inspect all the lift brackets for signs of stress or cracking (unlikely with a quality kit, but good practice). Check that all bolts remain tight. When you wash your Commander, pay extra attention to cleaning around the new brackets and shock mounts to prevent mud and debris from building up.

And what about a sustainable can am commander lift kit? While the kit itself isn’t made of bamboo, sustainability comes from your choices. Buying a high-quality kit from a reputable brand means it will last the life of your vehicle, reducing waste. A properly installed and maintained lift prevents premature wear on other components like tires and axles, meaning you replace those parts less often. That’s an eco-friendly can am commander lift kit approach in practice: reduce, reuse, and ride longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can Am Commander Lift Kit

Do I need new shocks with a lift kit?

For most 2-3 inch bracket or spacer lifts, your factory shocks are perfectly fine. These kits are designed to work with the stock shock length and travel. You only need longer shocks if you’re installing a true long-travel suspension system, which is a much more involved and expensive modification.

Will a lift kit void my Can-Am warranty?

This is a gray area. Legally (in the U.S., under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), a dealer cannot void your entire warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. They must prove that the lift kit directly caused the specific failure you’re trying to claim. However, if your CV axle fails and you have a lift kit, they will almost certainly deny the claim. Be aware that modifying your vehicle carries this risk.

How much does it cost to have a lift kit professionally installed?

Labor rates vary widely by region and shop, but you can generally expect to pay for 2-4 hours of labor. At a typical shop rate of $100-$150 per hour, you might be looking at a professional installation cost of $200 to $600, in addition to the price of the kit itself.

Installing a can am commander lift kit is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can do. It’s a tangible upgrade that dramatically improves your machine’s capability and your confidence on the trail. Take your time, double-check your work, and follow the torque specs.

Now, get out there and conquer those obstacles you used to drive around. Happy trails, and ride safe!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.