Hey fellow drummers and 4×4 enthusiasts! Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your trusty 4×4 just couldn’t quite handle the terrain? Well, let me tell you, I have a solution for you – a lift kit!
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “But I don’t do any serious off-roading, why do I need a lift kit?” Let me tell you, a lift kit isn’t just for off-roading. It can also improve your vehicle’s overall performance and give you a better driving experience.
The Time I Almost Missed A Gig
Let me tell you a little story about the time I found out just how necessary a lift kit can be. I was on tour with my band, playing at a hotel in the middle of rural Queensland. We arrived at the hotel a couple hours early. And I was pretty excited to explore the beautiful countryside. I set out in my 4×4, ready for an adventure heading to a local swimming spot.
As I ventured out, I quickly realized that my 4×4 just wasn’t cut out for the terrain. The roads were rough and uneven, and my vehicle kept bottoming out. Worst thing was, I must’ve hit a ditch too hard, because next thing I know, my 4WD is making an extremely loud grinding sound. I couldn’t drive it and I was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Even though I was back on an even road, I couldn’t make it back to the hotel.
Don’t be like this idiot and bottom out your 4×4 in the middle of nowhere.
I was stranded for hours, waiting for someone to come and rescue me. And let me tell you, it was not a pleasant experience. As I was chatting to the guy with the tow truck he let me know that the stock kit I had was only built for city driving. So even though it was a 4×4, it must’ve been designed for people who drive around on paved roads instead of those wanting to go offroad.
The not so funny part of the story was that not only did I wreck the car, but I had most of our gear in the back as well. Luckily the tow truck driver was nice enough to tow me back to the hotel, where we managed to still play our set, even if it was about an hour later than planned.
The Importance of A Lift Kit
But it was that night that I realized the importance of a lift kit. If I had a lift kit installed, I would have been able to easily navigate the rough terrain and make it back to the hotel without any issues.
So, musicians and 4×4 enthusiasts, take it from me – a lift kit is a must-have for anyone who wants to make the most of their 4×4. Not only will it improve your off-roading capabilities, but it will also give you a better overall driving experience. Plus, you’ll avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere like I did.
Why I Like Lift Kits
I finally got my lift kit installed on my car by AVR Automotive, who I would highly recommend by the way. Not only did they get my lift kit installed but they gave me some great advice. Plus when they serviced my car they gave it one of the most thorough services my car has ever had. They even took pictures of the individual parts to keep track of the wear and tear. Check AVR out here if you need a lift kit installed or just need a bloody good service.
But lift kits are great for multiple reasons.
Improved off-roading
As mentioned in my story, a lift kit raises the ground clearance of your vehicle, allowing it to more easily navigate rough terrain and obstacles. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy off-roading or frequently drive on unpaved roads.
Better performance
A lift kit can actually improve the overall performance of your vehicle by allowing for larger tires, which can provide better traction and stability. Wildly, this can also help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s suspension.
It Looks Amazing
This may sound a bit vain but what the hell. A lift kit can give your 4×4 a more aggressive and rugged look, making it stand out. This can be especially appealing for those who want to personalize their vehicle and make it their own. In fact, we’ve had a few people remember our band just from the fact we drive around in a lifted Ford Ranger with the giant tyres. I remember at one gig, the MC yelled out, “you can find those rock stars selling their merch out the back of their monster truck”. Sure enough, most people remembered who we were that night.
But don’t just take my word for it, do your research and find the right lift kit for your vehicle. And if you’re ever on tour in rural Queensland, make sure your 4×4 is up to the task! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
So, drummers, let’s rock on and roll out with lift kits installed! Happy off-roading!