Ever been out on the trail, feeling unstoppable in your Can-Am, only to hear that gut-wrenching scrape of your skid plate on a rock you thought you’d clear? We’ve all been there. You want to run bigger, meaner tires, but they rub in the wheel wells on every bump. It’s frustrating and can stop a great day of riding in its tracks.
We promise this comprehensive guide will solve that. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we’ve installed more lift kits than we can count. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about a can am lift kit, from the ground up.
You’ll learn the real benefits, how to choose the right type of kit for your machine, a step-by-step installation process, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up even seasoned DIYers. Let’s get your rig sitting higher and riding better.
Why Even Install a Can-Am Lift Kit? The Real-World Benefits
Before you start turning wrenches, it’s crucial to understand what you’re gaining. A lift kit is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a functional modification that directly impacts your machine’s capability. Understanding the benefits of can am lift kit installations helps you justify the time and money.
Here’s the breakdown of what you can expect:
- Increased Ground Clearance: This is the number one reason. Lifting your Can-Am gives you more space between the frame and the ground, allowing you to crawl over larger rocks, logs, and ruts without getting hung up or damaging your undercarriage.
- Room for Larger Tires: A lift provides the necessary clearance to fit bigger, more aggressive tires. Larger tires offer a bigger contact patch for better traction and can further increase your overall ground clearance.
- Improved Approach and Departure Angles: With a higher stance, you can tackle steeper inclines and declines without your front bumper digging in or your rear end dragging on the way down.
- Enhanced Visibility: Sitting a few inches higher gives you a better vantage point on the trail, helping you spot obstacles sooner and choose a better line.
- Aggressive Stance: Let’s be honest, a lifted Can-Am just looks incredible. It gives your machine a more commanding and aggressive presence that stands out from the stock crowd.
Choosing Your Altitude: Types of Can-Am Lift Kits Explained
Not all lift kits are created equal. The right choice depends on your budget, your riding style, and how much lift you’re aiming for. This part of our can am lift kit guide will break down the most common options.
Bracket Lifts (The Most Common)
These kits use fabricated steel brackets to relocate your shock mounting points. By changing the mounting geometry, they effectively push the suspension down, lifting the machine. They are typically available in 2″ to 3″ lift heights.
- Pros: Affordable, relatively easy to install, and maintains a ride quality close to stock for smaller lifts.
- Cons: Can increase stress on CV axles and ball joints due to steeper angles. Not ideal for massive lifts.
Spring Spacer Lifts
These are simple puck-like spacers, usually made of aluminum or a high-density polymer, that sit on top of your coil spring. They pre-load the spring, which provides the lift. It’s a straightforward concept.
- Pros: Very inexpensive and the easiest type to install.
- Cons: Can create a stiffer, harsher ride because you’re pre-loading the factory spring. Not recommended for more than 1-2 inches of lift.
Full Suspension Lifts (The Big Lifts)
For those wanting 4 inches of lift or more, a full suspension lift is the way to go. These are comprehensive kits that often include new, longer A-arms, heavy-duty tie rods, and sometimes even longer axles. They are engineered to correct suspension geometry at a higher lift height.
- Pros: Provides significant lift while maintaining proper suspension angles, often improving suspension travel and ride quality over stock. The most durable option for aggressive riding.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive and much more complex to install. This is not a beginner’s Saturday project.
The Ultimate How-To Can-Am Lift Kit Installation Guide
Alright, you’ve picked your kit and you’re ready to get your hands dirty. This is where the fun begins. We’ll focus on installing a common bracket-style lift, as it’s the most popular DIY option. Follow these can am lift kit best practices for a smooth and safe installation.
Safety First! Always work on a level surface. Use high-quality jack stands to support the vehicle—never rely on a jack alone. Wear safety glasses.
H3: Step 1: Preparation and Tools
Gathering your tools beforehand saves a ton of time and frustration. You don’t want to be running to the auto parts store with your Can-Am on jack stands.
- A solid floor jack and at least two jack stands
- Metric socket set and wrench set (especially 15mm, 18mm, 19mm)
- Torque wrench (non-negotiable for suspension work)
- Breaker bar for stubborn bolts
- Pliers (needle-nose and standard)
- Rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer
- Blue Loctite (threadlocker)
- Your lift kit instructions (read them twice!)
Before you lift the machine, use the breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels while the tires are still on the ground. Don’t remove them, just break them free.
H3: Step 2: Lifting and Removing Wheels
Jack up the front of the Can-Am from a solid frame point and place your jack stands securely under the frame. Repeat for the rear. Ensure the machine is stable before proceeding. Now, remove the lug nuts and wheels and set them aside.
H3: Step 3: Installing the Front Brackets
Most bracket lifts work by relocating the top of the shock. You’ll typically start here.
- Locate the upper shock mount bolt. Use your wrenches to remove the nut and bolt holding the shock in place. The shock will want to drop down, which is fine.
- Take the front lift bracket from your kit and bolt it into the original factory shock mount location. Use the hardware provided and tighten it to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Now, lift the shock up to the new mounting point on the lift bracket. You may need to use your jack under the A-arm to compress the suspension slightly to get the holes to line up.
- Insert the new bolt (or reuse the factory one per the instructions), apply a dab of blue Loctite, and torque it to spec.
- Repeat the entire process on the other front side. Consistency is key.
H3: Step 4: Installing the Rear Brackets
The rear is very similar to the front. You’re again relocating the shock mounts. Some kits relocate the top, others the bottom on the A-arm.
- Identify the shock mount you need to unbolt according to your kit’s instructions.
- Remove the factory bolt. Be prepared to support the suspension components so they don’t drop suddenly.
- Install the rear lift bracket into the factory location. Torque the hardware correctly.
- Maneuver the shock into its new home on the lift bracket and install the bolt with Loctite. Torque to spec.
- Repeat on the other rear side, ensuring everything is symmetrical.
H3: Step 5: Final Checks and Reassembly
This is one of the most important can am lift kit tips: double-check your work. Go over every single bolt you touched and confirm it’s torqued to the correct specification. Check for any binding in the suspension or axles by slowly jacking the A-arms up and down.
Once you’re confident, reinstall your wheels. Lower the machine off the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly. Finally, use your torque wrench to torque the lug nuts to the factory spec.
Take it for a slow test ride around your yard. Listen for any strange noises and feel for any odd handling characteristics. A professional alignment is highly recommended after any lift kit installation.
Common Problems with Can-Am Lift Kit Installations (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with a perfect install, lifting your machine changes its geometry. Being aware of common problems with can am lift kit projects can help you troubleshoot or prevent them entirely.
- CV Axle Angle: The most common issue. A lift increases the operating angle of your CV joints. A small (2-3″) lift is usually fine, but it will accelerate wear. Pro Tip: After installing, check the “fins” on your CV boots. If they are touching or rubbing hard against each other, your angle is too extreme and you risk premature failure. Heavy-duty aftermarket axles are the solution for aggressive lifts.
- Alignment Issues: Lifting your Can-Am will absolutely affect your alignment, specifically the camber (how much the tires tilt in or out at the top) and toe (how much they point in or out). This causes poor handling and rapid tire wear. Solution: Get a professional alignment. It’s worth the money.
- Stiffer Ride: Bracket lifts can slightly stiffen the ride by changing the leverage ratio on the shock. Spring spacers will definitely stiffen it. If ride quality is your top priority, consider a high-end full suspension lift or upgrading your shocks.
Can-Am Lift Kit Care Guide: Protecting Your Investment
Your work isn’t done after the installation. A lifted UTV requires a little more attention. This simple can am lift kit care guide will keep your machine reliable and safe.
After your first real ride, re-torque every bolt you installed. Things can settle, and it’s crucial to ensure everything is still tight.
Every few rides, perform a visual inspection. Look at the lift brackets for any signs of stress or cracking. Check your CV boots for tears, as a steeper angle makes them more vulnerable. A torn boot lets grease out and dirt in, which will destroy a CV joint in a hurry.
Pay close attention to your ball joints and wheel bearings. The added leverage from a lift and bigger tires puts more stress on these components, so check for any play or looseness more frequently than you would on a stock machine.
Sustainable Off-Roading: The Eco-Friendly Can-Am Lift Kit Angle
Thinking about a sustainable can am lift kit might sound strange, but it ties into responsible off-roading. An eco-friendly can am lift kit isn’t about the material it’s made from, but about how it’s used.
First, buying a high-quality, well-engineered kit from a reputable brand means it’s less likely to fail on the trail, reducing waste and the need for replacement parts. A cheap kit that breaks is the opposite of sustainable.
Second, the added clearance a lift provides helps you tread lightly. By clearing obstacles instead of dragging your skid plate over them, you minimize your impact on the trail, prevent erosion, and avoid leaking fluids from a punctured component. A properly lifted rig is a more capable—and more responsible—rig.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Lift Kits
How much lift do I really need for my Can-Am?
For most trail riders looking to clear common obstacles and fit slightly larger tires (e.g., 30″-32″), a 2-3 inch lift kit is the sweet spot. It provides a significant capability boost without drastically altering the vehicle’s geometry or center of gravity.
Will a lift kit void my Can-Am warranty?
It can. Any failure directly caused by the lift kit (like a broken axle due to an extreme angle) will likely not be covered. However, a warranty claim on an engine issue unrelated to the lift should still be honored. Always check with your dealer for their specific policy.
Can I install a lift kit myself?
Absolutely, especially a 2-3 inch bracket-style lift. If you have a decent set of tools and are comfortable with basic mechanical work, it’s a very achievable weekend project. For large, full-suspension lifts, professional installation is often recommended unless you are a very experienced mechanic.
Do I need to upgrade my axles when I install a lift?
For lifts 3 inches and under, factory axles are usually sufficient for normal trail riding. If you are an aggressive driver, frequently ride in deep mud, or are installing a lift larger than 3 inches, upgrading to heavy-duty aftermarket axles is a smart, preventative measure.
Lifting your Can-Am is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. It transforms both the look and the capability of your machine, opening up new trails and new adventures. By choosing the right kit, taking your time with the installation, and performing regular checks, you’ll have a reliable rig that’s ready for anything you throw at it.
Now go get those wrenches, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the trails!
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