You hear that gut-wrenching scrape. The one that echoes through the frame of your Can-Am Commander Max as it high-centers on a rock or digs its belly into a deep, muddy rut. It’s a sound every off-roader dreads, the sound of a trail obstacle winning the battle.
You bought your Commander Max for its power and versatility, but the factory stance can sometimes leave you wanting more. You see tougher lines on the trail and wonder, “What if I had just a few more inches of clearance?” That’s where the desire for a transformation begins—a desire for more capability, more confidence, and a more aggressive look.
The solution is a proper can am commander max lift. In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re breaking down everything you need to know. We’ll promise to show you the benefits, help you choose the right kit, and walk you through the essential installation steps. Get ready to turn your capable machine into an absolute trail conqueror.
Why Lift Your Can-Am Commander Max? Unpacking the Core Benefits
Before you grab your tools, it’s crucial to understand why you’re adding a lift. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about fundamentally enhancing your machine’s performance on the trail. Understanding the benefits of can am commander max lift helps you choose the right kit for your needs.
Superior Ground Clearance for Tougher Trails
This is the number one reason riders install a lift. Adding a 2, 3, or even 5-inch lift raises the lowest points of your UTV’s chassis—like the frame and differential—higher off the ground. This means you can crawl over rocks, logs, and other obstacles that would have stopped you in your tracks before.
The Ability to Run Larger, More Aggressive Tires
A lift kit creates the necessary fender clearance to upgrade from stock tires to larger, more capable rubber. Bigger tires provide a larger contact patch for better traction in mud, sand, and loose dirt. They also increase your final ground clearance even further, giving you a dual benefit.
Improved Approach and Departure Angles
Ever get your front bumper stuck trying to climb a steep embankment? A lift kit improves your approach angle (how steep an obstacle you can climb without the front hitting) and departure angle (the same for the rear). This allows you to tackle more aggressive inclines and declines without damage.
An Aggressive Stance That Turns Heads
Let’s be honest—a lifted Commander Max just looks incredible. It gives your machine an aggressive, purpose-built stance that signals it’s ready for serious business. It’s a modification that adds both function and form.
Choosing the Right Can-Am Commander Max Lift Kit: A Buyer’s Guide
Not all lift kits are created equal. The market is full of options, and picking the right one depends on your budget, your mechanical skill, and how you plan to ride. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.
Bracket Lifts (Spacer Lifts): The Budget-Friendly Boost
Bracket lifts are the most common and affordable option. They consist of machined metal brackets that relocate the top mounting point of your shocks. By moving the shock mount, they “lift” the frame of the vehicle. They are relatively easy to install and are a great entry point for those wanting 2-3 inches of lift without breaking the bank.
Spring Spacer Lifts: A Step Up in Performance
These kits use spacers that are installed directly on top of your coil springs. This preloads the spring, which provides the lift. They often provide a slightly firmer ride, which some riders prefer for high-speed trail riding, as it can reduce body roll. Installation is a bit more involved as it requires a spring compressor.
Full Suspension Lifts: The Ultimate Upgrade
For those seeking maximum performance and durability, a full suspension lift is the way to go. These comprehensive kits replace key factory components like A-arms and trailing arms with high-clearance, heavy-duty aftermarket parts. They are designed to correct suspension geometry and axle angles, providing a superior ride and long-term reliability, especially with lifts of 4 inches or more.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
- Material: Look for kits made from high-quality materials like billet aluminum or heavy-gauge steel. Cheaper, poorly made kits can fail under stress.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands like SuperATV, High Lifter, or S3 Power Sports. They have a proven track record for quality and customer support.
- Your Riding Style: If you’re a casual trail rider, a bracket lift is likely sufficient. If you’re into extreme mud bogging or rock crawling, investing in a full suspension lift is one of the can am commander max lift best practices.
How to Can Am Commander Max Lift: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? This section provides a general overview of the installation process for a common bracket lift. Important: Always refer to the specific instructions provided by your lift kit manufacturer, as steps can vary. This is your essential can am commander max lift guide to doing it right.
Pre-Installation Checklist: Tools and Safety First
Before you start, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Safety is non-negotiable.
- Essential Tools: A good socket and wrench set (metric), a floor jack, sturdy jack stands (never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack), a torque wrench, and wheel chocks.
- Safety Prep: Park your Commander Max on a flat, level surface like a concrete garage floor. Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground. It’s also a good idea to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal as a precaution.
Step 1: Secure the Vehicle and Remove the Wheels
Using your floor jack, lift one end of the UTV at the manufacturer-recommended jacking points. Place jack stands securely under the frame and slowly lower the machine onto them. Once it’s stable, remove the wheels from the side you’re working on.
Step 2: Installing the Front Lift Components
The front lift typically involves installing brackets at the upper shock mounts. You’ll start by supporting the A-arm with your jack. Then, unbolt the top of the shock from its factory mount. Install the new lift bracket onto the factory mount using the supplied hardware, and then attach the shock to the new, lower mounting point on the bracket. Do not fully tighten the bolts yet.
Step 3: Installing the Rear Lift Components
The process for the rear is very similar. Support the rear suspension, unbolt the top of the shock, install the lift bracket, and re-attach the shock to the new bracket. Again, leave the hardware snug but not fully torqued.
Step 4: Reassembly and Final Torque Checks
With all brackets installed, put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the vehicle off the jack stands, remove them, and lower it back to the ground. Now, with the full weight of the vehicle on the suspension, go back and tighten every single nut and bolt to the manufacturer’s specified torque values using your torque wrench. This step is critically important for safety.
Finally, torque your lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheels are seated correctly.
Common Problems with Can-Am Commander Max Lift Kits (And How to Solve Them)
Lifting your UTV changes its geometry, which can lead to new challenges. Being aware of these common problems with can am commander max lift setups will help you address them proactively.
CV Axle Angle and Premature Wear
A lift increases the angle of your CV axles. A mild 2-3 inch lift is usually fine, but more aggressive lifts can put excessive strain on the CV joints, causing them to wear out or break prematurely. If you’re going with a big lift (4 inches or more), plan on upgrading to heavy-duty axles from brands like Rhino or Turner.
Changes in Ride Quality and Handling
Lifting your Commander Max raises its center of gravity, which can make it feel less stable in high-speed corners. A simple bracket lift can also make the ride a bit stiffer. Be mindful of this change and adjust your driving style accordingly. For a better ride, consider upgrading your shocks along with the lift.
The Importance of a Post-Lift Wheel Alignment
Installing a lift kit will almost always throw your wheel alignment out of spec. This can cause poor handling and rapid tire wear. After your lift is installed, you should perform a basic “string alignment” at home or take it to a shop to have the toe set correctly.
Post-Lift Care: Best Practices for a Sustainable Can-Am Commander Max Lift
Your job isn’t done after the installation. A proper can am commander max lift care guide ensures your investment remains safe and reliable for years to come. This is how you achieve a sustainable can am commander max lift that won’t let you down.
Regular Inspection Schedule: What to Check After Every Ride
After your first ride, and then periodically after, give your suspension a thorough once-over. Look for any signs of loose bolts, cracked welds on the brackets, or leaking shocks. Catching a small issue early prevents a major failure on the trail.
Torque, Torque, Torque: Re-checking Your Bolts
Suspension components are subject to immense vibration and stress. After your first 50 miles, re-check the torque on every bolt you touched during the installation. It’s one of the most important can am commander max lift tips we can give you.
An Eco-Friendly Approach: Preventing Leaks and Part Failure
A well-maintained machine is an eco-friendly can am commander max lift. By regularly checking for torn CV boots or other potential issues, you prevent grease and other fluids from leaking onto the trail, preserving the natural environments we all love to ride in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Commander Max Lifts
How much lift is too much for a Commander Max?
For most trail riders, a 2-3 inch lift is the sweet spot. It provides a significant increase in clearance without drastically affecting axle angles or handling. Lifts of 4 inches or more are for more serious applications and typically require supporting modifications like heavy-duty axles and A-arms.
Will a lift kit void my Can-Am warranty?
This is a gray area. Technically, a dealer has to prove that the aftermarket part (the lift kit) directly caused the failure of a warrantied component. However, installing a lift will almost certainly make it more difficult to get suspension or drivetrain-related issues covered. Check with your dealer for their specific policy.
Do I need to upgrade my axles when I install a lift?
With a 2-3 inch lift and stock tires, your factory axles are usually sufficient for trail riding. However, if you add a larger lift, run bigger/heavier tires, or ride aggressively, upgrading to stronger aftermarket axles is highly recommended to prevent trail-side failures.
Can I install a lift kit myself?
If you have a decent set of tools and are comfortable with basic mechanical work, installing a bracket-style lift kit is a very achievable DIY project for a weekend warrior. Just take your time, follow the instructions, and prioritize safety above all else.
Lifting your Can-Am Commander Max is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. It opens up a new world of trails, boosts your confidence, and gives your machine the aggressive look it deserves. By choosing the right kit, following a careful installation process, and committing to regular maintenance, you’ll have a rig that’s ready to tackle anything you throw at it.
Now get out there, conquer those obstacles, and enjoy the view from the top. Stay safe and happy riding!
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