You’ve got a Can-Am Renegade, a machine that’s already a beast straight from the factory. But you’ve hit that one obstacle—that deep rut, that gnarly rock garden, that mud hole that swallows lesser ATVs—and thought, “If only I had a little more clearance.”
We hear you. That’s the exact moment when the idea of a lift kit starts sounding less like a want and more like a need. You’ve come to the right place. We promise this isn’t just another parts list; this is the complete owner’s manual you wish came in the box.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about installing a can am renegade 4 inch lift. We’ll cover the incredible benefits, the real-world drawbacks you need to be aware of, a step-by-step installation process, and the essential long-term care to keep your rig running strong. Let’s get those knuckles dirty.
Why Go Big? The Game-Changing Benefits of a Can Am Renegade 4 Inch Lift
Lifting your Renegade is about more than just looks; it’s a functional upgrade that transforms its capability. When you add a quality 4-inch lift, you’re unlocking a new level of performance and confidence on the trail.
Superior Ground Clearance
This is the number one reason riders make the jump. A 4-inch lift gives you the crucial clearance to sail over rocks, logs, and ruts that would have previously high-centered your machine. It turns “I can’t” into “watch this.”
Room for Bigger, Badder Tires
Stock tires are fine for the average trail, but a lift opens the door to larger, more aggressive mud or rock tires. Bigger tires mean a larger contact patch for better traction and even more ground clearance, letting you dig in and claw your way through the toughest terrain.
Enhanced Trail Visibility and Aggressive Stance
Sitting higher gives you a better vantage point to see upcoming obstacles on the trail, allowing you to pick a better line. Let’s be honest, it also gives your Renegade an intimidating, aggressive stance that just screams performance. It’s the look that matches the machine’s true potential.
The Reality Check: Common Problems with a Can Am Renegade 4 Inch Lift
At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in being straight shooters. A lift is a fantastic mod, but it’s not without its trade-offs. Understanding the potential common problems with a can am renegade 4 inch lift helps you prepare and prevent them.
Increased Wear on Drivetrain Components
Lifting your ATV changes the geometry of your suspension. The most significant impact is on your CV axles. The increased angle puts more stress on the CV joints, which can lead to premature wear and failure if you’re not careful. Quality kits are designed to minimize these angles, but the risk is always there.
Your ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings will also be under greater strain. Be prepared for a more frequent inspection and replacement schedule for these parts.
Changes in Handling and Center of Gravity
Lifting your machine raises its center of gravity. This means it will feel different, especially in high-speed corners or on off-camber sections of the trail. It will feel more “tippy” than stock. You’ll need to adjust your riding style to account for this, taking corners a bit slower and being more mindful of your body positioning on slopes.
Potential for Driveline Vibration
Changing suspension angles can sometimes introduce new vibrations, especially under acceleration. This is often related to CV axle angles. While not always a major issue, it’s something to be aware of. A professional alignment after installation can sometimes help mitigate this.
Gearing Up: Your Toolkit for a Successful Install
Before you turn a single bolt, having the right tools and parts laid out is half the battle. This isn’t a job for a basic socket set. Here’s a solid checklist to get you started on this essential can am renegade 4 inch lift guide.
The Essential Toolkit
- A quality socket and ratchet set (metric)
- A set of metric combination wrenches
- A torque wrench (absolutely critical for safety)
- Heavy-duty jack stands and a floor jack
- A breaker bar for stubborn bolts
- Pry bars of various sizes
- A rubber mallet or dead-blow hammer
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses and gloves
Choosing the Right Lift Kit
Not all lift kits are created equal. For a 4-inch lift, you’re primarily looking at bracket lifts. These kits use fabricated steel brackets to relocate your shock mounting points, effectively lifting the chassis. Look for kits made from thick, powder-coated steel with high-quality hardware. Brands like High Lifter, SuperATV, and S3 Power Sports are reputable players in this space.
How to Can Am Renegade 4 Inch Lift: The Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Alright, it’s go-time. This guide provides a general overview. Always, always, always follow the specific instructions included with your lift kit. Torque specs are not suggestions—they are critical for your safety.
Step 1: Safety and Preparation
Park your Renegade on a flat, level surface like a concrete garage floor. Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground. Read through your kit’s instructions completely before you start. This is one of the most important can am renegade 4 inch lift tips we can offer.
Step 2: Lift and Secure the Machine
Using your floor jack, lift either the front or rear of the ATV (do one end at a time). Securely place jack stands under strong frame points. Never work on a machine supported only by a jack. Remove the wheels from the end you’re working on.
Step 3: Disassembly and Bracket Installation (Front)
Following your kit’s instructions, you’ll typically start by disconnecting the sway bar links and unbolting the top of the shocks. You may also need to loosen or remove the upper A-arms to get enough room to work. Install the new lift brackets onto the factory shock mounts using the provided hardware. Do not fully tighten anything yet.
Step 4: Reassembly (Front)
Re-mount your shocks to the new, lower position on the lift brackets. Reconnect your A-arms and any other components you removed. Now, go back and torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified values using your torque wrench. This is a crucial safety step.
Step 5: Repeat for the Rear
The process for the rear is very similar. You’ll lift and secure the rear, remove the wheels, and install the rear lift brackets according to your instructions. Once everything is in place, torque all hardware to spec.
Step 6: Final Checks and Wheels
Reinstall all four wheels and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the ATV to the ground and torque the lug nuts to their final spec. Once on the ground, cycle the suspension by pushing down on the front and rear racks a few times. Double-check the torque on all the lift kit bolts you installed.
Living the Lifted Life: Best Practices and Care Guide
Your work isn’t done once the tools are put away. A lifted machine requires a little more attention. Following these can am renegade 4 inch lift best practices will ensure your rig stays reliable for years to come.
The Post-Install Shakedown
Your first ride should be a gentle one. Take it easy and listen for any unusual noises or pops. Pay attention to how it handles. After about 10-15 miles of easy riding, bring it back to the garage and re-check the torque on every single bolt you touched. It’s common for things to settle slightly.
Your New Maintenance Checklist
This is your new can am renegade 4 inch lift care guide. After every major ride, give these areas a quick inspection:
- CV Boots: Check for any rips, tears, or grease splatter. The increased angle makes them more vulnerable.
- Ball Joints & Tie Rods: Jack up a corner and check for any play in the wheel.
- Bushings: Look for signs of cracking or excessive wear in your A-arm bushings.
- Lift Hardware: Periodically re-check the torque on all lift kit bolts.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Off-Roading
Having a more capable machine comes with a greater responsibility to our trails. A sustainable can am renegade 4 inch lift isn’t just about the parts; it’s about how you use them. A lifted Renegade can go more places, which means we have to be extra careful to stay on marked trails and avoid creating new, damaging paths.
Practice Tread Lightly! principles. Choose durable, high-quality parts that won’t need frequent replacement, reducing waste. When performing maintenance, always use a drain pan and dispose of used fluids like oil and coolant at a proper recycling facility. This is the core of eco-friendly can am renegade 4 inch lift ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Renegade 4 Inch Lift
Do I need to upgrade my axles with a 4-inch lift?
For most trail riding, stock axles will hold up for a while, but they will be the weak point. If you plan on adding large mud tires and pushing your machine hard in thick mud or rock crawling, upgrading to heavy-duty axles from brands like Rhino or Turner is a very wise investment to prevent trail-ending breaks.
Will a 4-inch lift void my Can-Am warranty?
In most cases, yes. Modifying the suspension this significantly will likely void the warranty on any related suspension and drivetrain components. If a failure occurs, the dealer will likely attribute it to the aftermarket lift kit. It’s a risk you take when modifying any vehicle.
How big of a tire can I fit with a 4-inch lift?
A 4-inch lift on a Renegade typically allows you to comfortably run 30-inch to 32-inch tires without rubbing. The exact size can depend on the specific tire, wheel offset, and lift kit manufacturer. Some aggressive setups may require minor trimming of the fender plastic for full clearance at full turn and compression.
Is a bracket lift better than a portal gear lift?
They serve different purposes. A bracket lift is a cost-effective way to gain clearance for larger tires. A portal gear lift (like GDP Portals) lifts the machine at the hub, providing a gear reduction and correcting axle angles. Portals are far more expensive and complex but are the superior solution for running massive tires (34″+) and serious mud bogging as they reduce strain on your entire driveline.
Installing a can am renegade 4 inch lift is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. It takes a capable machine and turns it into an absolute trail monster. Take your time with the installation, respect the new handling characteristics, and stay on top of your maintenance.
Now get out there, ride smart, and show those trails what your Renegade can really do. We’ll see you at the top!
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