Frequently Asked Questions

Installation can be done by the average mechanically inclined individual with basic hand tools and takes roughly 2-3 hours. This number stays the same regardless of if you choose to replace the shocks/strut assemblies at the same time since you will be removing them either way. If you choose to replace just the strut instead of going with a full assembly plan on adding an hour to the front end installation and a spring compressor for the removal of the top strut mount. A spring compressor can often be rented from your local auto parts store free of charge. If you have over 100k miles on your factory shocks/struts we suggest you take this opportunity to replace them at this time. If your steering and suspension components are worn out, their negative characteristics will only be exaggerated by a lift and oversized tires. Though our kit does correct camber and caster as best as humanly possible, it is HIGHLY recommended that an alignment be performed by a professional after the installation. This is due to the fact that every car has  slight variations, the possibility of human error, and the fact that things like toe will change with any height adjustment and cannot be corrected through lift alone. 

It's safe to say that very few of us own a Prius for its sex appeal or sheer power. Fuel economy will always be a primary characteristic that none of us want to sacrifice. Any time you make an exterior modification to a vehicle you alter the aerodynamic coefficient and add drag. Even though our lift is designed to maintain the factory "rake" of the vehicle the amount of air flowing beneath the vehicle is increasing. Fortunately with a lift alone we have seen minimal, if any, reduction in fuel efficiency (ie. 1-2mpg or less). Where you will see a more significant influence is in your tire size and tread selection. Opting for a 2" larger AT tire rated for severe snow will result in a much harder hit on fuel economy (10-20%) than a 2" larger low rolling resistance AS tire (10-15%), or a 1" larger low rolling resistance touring tire (5-10%). It all depends on what you want to accomplish with your Prius and what matters most to you.     

Regardless of having the same measuring parameters, all tire manufacturers vary just a little bit in overall tire dimensions. For example: a 215/70R15 BF Goodrich tire might be 1/4" taller than a 215/70R15 Michelin tire. On average, our lifts provide the ability to run up to a 2" larger overall diameter tire without rubbing or the need to trim or modify any existing factory plastic or hardware. Our kits are entirely bolt on and able to be removed and the vehicle returned to stock form if ever desired, but who in their right mind would ever want to?

"What's it like driving a lifted Prius?" We get asked this question A LOT, and our answer is "IT'S AWESOME!". The smooth factory ride is retained while eliminating the nuances of having to worry about parking blocks, scraping your bumper on driveway approaches, high centering on speed bumps, or dragging your hitch mounted bike rack through intersections. Combine our lift with slightly oversized all season tires and the ride becomes even better! Road noise is reduced, freeway joints disappear, getting in and out becomes less of a struggle, overnight snowfall is no longer an issue, and the world of off road camp spots finally becomes a possibility. It's essentially like driving a small SUV, with 40+ mpg!