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At FlexBilt Customs LLC, we strive to have the best knowledge and understanding of all current and future customers wants and needs. Especially when it comes to their cars, trucks, jeeps, SUVs, and Off-Road vehicles. As with any work that you may need done, it is always best to find the right custom shop. At FlexBilt, you will not find a more friendly and knowledgeable staff. As a woman who grew up around cars, I understand a lot of the basics in this industry. However, some of the new and exciting technologies sound like a foreign language to me! I want to invite you on this fun journey with me as we explore the exciting world of the custom body shop industry. I want you to be able to learn right along with me as I dive deep into my new career with FlexBilt, and the great men that I get the pleasure to work with and learn from every day. Today, I have been diving in to Bolt Patterns. You might be wondering: What is a bolt pattern? Well, I’ve got the scoop! A bolt pattern refers to the measurement of an imaginary circle formed by the lug holes at the center of a vehicle’s wheel. Knowing your bolt pattern is Critical. It’s how your wheels are safely secured to your vehicle. And what is more important than safety? NOTHING! Below you will find a diagram of the most common lug patterns. I will also be breaking it down by the most common brands of vehicles. The brands we will look at today are Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, and Jeep. Dodge - Dodge usually only consists of 5, 6, and 8 lug patterns. http://www.boltpatternfitment.com/dodge-bolt-patterns/ using this link you can search by year and model. Some of the most popular models are the RAM series. RAM 1500 has 5 lugs with a 5x5.5 pattern also referred to as a 5x139. The more heavy-duty RAM trucks (2500, 3500) have 8 lugs with an 8x6.5 pattern also referred to as 8x165. A Dodge Dakota has a lug pattern of 5x114.3. A Dodge Journey has a lug pattern of 5x5 or (5x127mm). Ford - when it comes to Ford wheels, there are two common 5-lug bolt patterns: 5x4-½ and 5x5-1/2. Ford did produce a few passenger cars with 5x5 inch bolt patterns. Let's look at some of the most popular trucks Ford is known for... F150 has a bolt pattern of 6x135. F250 from 2008 onwards has 8x6.69 inches or 170mm. F350 has a bolt pattern of 8x6.69 or 165.1mm. The raptor lug pattern is 6x135. https://www.discountedwheelwarehouse.com/ford-vehicle-bolt-pattern-reference using this link you search by year and model. Chevrolet - Chevy uses a six-lug bolt pattern for several of their SUVs and pickup trucks, and depending on which truck you have, the pattern is most likely a six-lug, 5.5-inch standard, or medium offset. The most popular, the Chevy Silverado 1500, has a bolt pattern of 6x139. The Chevy Colorado from 2015-onward has a bolt pattern of 6x4.72 or 6x120mm. https://getjerry.com/car-repair/chevy-lug-pattern using this link you can search by Chevrolet year and model. Toyota - Toyota’s lug patterns vary from model to model, but the most common Toyota bolt pattern is 5x4.5. The most popular Toyota is Tacoma. A Tacoma 2000-2020 model vehicle with 2wd is 5 lug 4.5 inches or 114.3mm high positive offset. If it is a 4wd vehicle, it is 6 lug, 5.5 inches or139.7mm medium offset. https://getjerry.com/car-repair/toyota-lug-pattern using this link you can search all of the most popular Toyota's by year and model. Jeep - while most Jeeps have five lugs, different models have different spacing between the lugs. Now let's talk about some of the most popular Jeep brands. Let’s talk about the Wrangler. The Wrangler has a bolt pattern of 5x127mm. The Gladiator has a bolt pattern of 5x5 or 5x127mm. Jeep Compass has a lug pattern of 5x110mm. https://www.quadratec.com/c/reference/wheel-bolt-patterns-typical-lug-nut- torque-specifications using this link you can search by all Jeep models and year. Nissan - Nissan has a wide variety of lug patterns ranging from 4x3, 6x5.50. If you're going to switch out your rims, you must know the lug pattern for your specific model of Nissan. The most popular Nissan is the Titan. The Titan has a lug pattern of 6x5.5 (6x139.7mm), a center bore of 3.06 (77.8mm), and 6 lugs. https://getjerry.com/car-repair/nissan-lug-pattern using this link you can search by your favorite Nissan year and model. How to measure your Bolt Pattern: 4 Lug - bolt patterns are measured in a straight line from center to center of two bolt holes directly across from each other. 5 Lug - bolt patterns can be more difficult to measure. You can estimate by using a straight line from the backside of one hole to the center of the 3rd bolt hole. 6 Lug - bolt patterns are measured in a straight line, center-to-center, directly across from each other. 8 Lug - bolt patterns are measured in a straight line directly across from each other. Rims with a 5-lug pattern are the most common bolt pattern on vehicles. An accurate measurement can only be executed with a special tool called a bolt pattern gauge or by using a geometric equation. Below you will find a chart that has a bolt pattern conversion chart to help you better understand the measurements. What is a dual-drill bolt pattern? On your wheel-hunting journey, you may also come across the phrase ‘dual-drilled wheels’ or ‘dual-drilled bolt pattern’. In short, a dual-drill wheel is a wheel or rim that is drilled with two sets of bolt holes. With this additional set of holes, dual-drill wheels can accept two different bolt patterns. This simple change means a single wheel can fit a much wider range of vehicles. While we have talked about lug patterns, let's also talk about lug nuts. Just like knowing your lug pattern is extremely important on what wheels you can buy, knowing the proper lug nuts is important for safety, looks, and proper seating. Picking the right QUALITY lug nut that is going to perform at the highest level is critical to your safety and your wheel lasting a long time on the road. At FlexBilt, we only offer our customers with the best quality lug nuts on the market today - Gorilla. Gorilla Automotive Products carries the most complete selection of high-quality lug nuts available. Gorilla provides a full line of lug nuts covering virtually every wheel OEM and after-market wheel applications. Gorilla also offers hard-to-find lug nuts and washers for the 'hard to find' wheel applications. Whatever you need in lug nuts, Gorilla usually has it! First and foremost, always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications on what kind of lug nuts are required for OEM wheel applications. Or, if you have purchased after-market wheels, every wheel manufacturer will include with their documentation which lug nuts seat the best for the wheel you purchased. The "Seat" refers to the area on the wheel where the lug nut fastener part will clamp down. Be certain the fasteners are correct for the application at hand. It is critical that the fastener match the thread diameter, pitch and seat; otherwise, the installation will be improper and may result in damage to your wheel and an unsafe condition going down the road! Never use a Cone Seat fastener on a Mag or Shank type seat. Spherical or ball seat fasteners must be used with spherical or ball seats. The simple bottom line, the different types are not compatible and, if installed incorrectly, the fastener may lose its torque, possibly resulting in your wheel coming off! Match your lug nuts using the three charts below to find the proper seat type for your lug nuts and wheels: There are five main different types of lug nuts that industry offers: Acorn Lug Nuts - this is for mainly used with steel wheels with a 60-degree tapered seat. Offered in 13/16" and 3/4" HEX Acorn Bulge (1.4" Tall). Bulge Acorn Lug Nuts - this is for use with steel and aluminum wheels with a 60-degree tapered seat in Acord Bulge Extra Long (13/16" HEX), Acorn Bulge Extra Long (3/4" HEX), Duplex Acorn Bulge (7/8" HEX), and Duplex Acorn Bulge Extra Long (7/8" HEX). Standard Mag Lug Nuts - this is for use with custom aluminum wheels that are 9/16” to ⅞” thick at the stud hole, without tapered seats. Duplex Acorn Lug Nuts - this is for use with 8 lug wheels with tapered seats. Cragar SST - this is for use with Cragar mags, such as Protec or SST, that are 1-⅜” thick at the stud hole. I think that it is safe to say that you all have learned just as much as I have when it comes to wheel bolt/lug patterns, and a few different types of lug nuts. I hope that you find this article informative and helpful. I broke all the information down the way I would hope someone would explain it to me. I really hope that you find the information easy to read and understand. I cannot wait for my next article to be able to dive more into the custom body shop industry. If there is a specific topic that you would like covered, please feel free to leave feedback and let me know what you would like to learn about next. I look forward to this journey with my career and readers as well.

At FlexBilt Customs, we work hard to make sure that we are in the know regarding every possible upgrade and modification for your Jeep, truck, or SUV.  Whether you want to meanest and toughest looking 4x4 or just want a sharp looking SUV with a few tasteful additions, finding the right custom shop for you should be your first priority. The following are some of the more popular general upgrades and modifications that custom shop do all over the country every week. If you currently own an off-road vehicle and are interested in ways it can be modified for safer, sturdier off-roading, most custom shops can modify your vehicle for better 4x4 performance. At FlexBilt, a lot of our customers bring us their Jeeps, trucks, FJ Cruisers, Buggies, and more to have them fitted for a number of 4X4 mods. Shock Upgrades and Modifications - Stock shocks from the manufacturer are usually not designed for much more than a measly dirt road - even in off-roading vehicles like trucks and Jeeps. Over-used shocks develop a foamy oil due to heat build up. This causes your shocks to lose their dampening strength. You’ll need to replace your shocks if you decide to increase your wheel size as well. Most stock shocks are designed to work with factory-sized tires. A lot of people buy bigger wheels and tires but never think about ​Exhaust Upgrades and Modifications - For 4x4 activities and off-roading, your exhaust needs to be up to par. Factory exhausts are designed with noise control in mind over efficiency. An aftermarket exhaust will provide the air flow your engine needs to reduce back-pressure and turbulence. It is suggested you take your vehicle to a performance exhaust shop to optimize both performance and sound. Tire Upgrades and Modifications - Stock tires on off-road vehicles can be vastly improved with a set of more aggressive tires. Increasing the width, tread, and height of your tire will increase your footprint for better traction and 4x4 capabilities. From 35" tires to over 40" tires, there is a lot to choose from on the market today. Intake Upgrades and Modifications - Taking your vehicle off road requires modifications to your intake system. A standard intake and filter will not be enough to stand up to the dirt and debris your engine needs. Without the clean air necessary for combustion, you’re going to experience serious problems with your engine. Suspension Upgrades and Modifications - Everyone knows that ground clearance is vital to rock crawling and off-roading. Without sufficient ground clearance, you risk serious damage to your undercarriage. Modifying your suspension will permit you to have larger tires, more ground clearance, less probability of getting stuck, and more fun. Traction Upgrades and Modifications -  Install a locking or limited-slip differential to improve your rigs grip and movability. This will help prevent instances where your vehicle is stuck because not enough wheels are touching the ground. Digital Upgrades and Modifications - Newer 4x4 vehicles come with an ECU (engine control unit) programmed with factory settings. Modifying this system can generate more power from your engine by altering top speed settings and rev limits. Braking Power Upgrades and Modifications - Your brakes are a vital upgrade, especially if you’re crawling over large objects and going high speeds through dirt and mud. Standard brakes from the factory are not designed with modifications in mind. If making other modifications to your truck or Jeep, you’ll be changing the weight and likely the tire size. These factors should be taken into consideration when modifying your brakes. Lighting Upgrades and Modifications - Giving yourself every advantage when it comes to your line of sight is huge when you’re navigating rocky terrain. Upgrade your rig with additional lighting for maximized visibility at night.

Getting a new paint job on your favorite truck, Jeep, or SUV can be exciting. Deciding on a color is important, but equally important is the type of paint and finish for your color. There are several steps involved in painting a vehicle. Most average to high-end paint jobs consist of four layers: e-coat, primer or filler, basecoat, and clear coat. A topcoat refers to the combined layers of basecoat and clear coat. Some of your cheaper paint job will use 2-stage - primer and a top-coat (base & clear). The e-coat is about 17-22 um thick and is primarily for corrosion resistance and paint adhesion. The primer coat is 30-35 um thick and serves for UV radiation resistance, anti-chipping, and providing a smooth surface for the basecoat. The basecoat is the color layer and is typically 10-20 um thick. This layer provides the visual appeal. Finally, the clearcoat layer is 30-50 um thick, is transparent and prolongs the lifespan of the layers below it. Types of Paint When most people think of painting a vehicle, they are thinking of the color layer which is technically just one layer of a paint job. The color layer is called the Base Coat. Base coats contain the color, but they do not have any hardeners or strengtheners. This layer won’t protect the metal or the primer level. There are several different types of Base Coat to consider. Automotive paint resins are usually one of three chemical compounds: lacquer, enamel, or urethane. Urethane Most new cars are painted with urethane and most collision repair shops use urethane paints to repair damage, so it is a practical and popular option. Urethane auto paint generally lasts longer than other options. It is highly resistant to chips and can resist fading for up to 10 years. You can paint over a previous paint job without too much prep work. Urethane auto paint dries quickly and is less likely to run during application. It also provides some level of protection to the metal surface and primer layer. Urethane car paint is more expensive than other options (like enamel). Urethane is a good alternative to lacquer. Be sure to think about the future though because lacquer cannot be applied over urethane on future paint jobs. Urethane is more difficult to handle than enamel, so it is not a good option if you plan to do the application yourself. There is a form of urethane paint called “aliphatic polyurethane” that is illegal in some states. Acrylic enamel is a softer resin than urethane. Enamels are usually less expensive than urethane, and dry to a glossy finish. It forms a hard, strong shell over the whole vehicle. There are two kinds of enamel paint: single-stage and two-stage. The single-stage enamel paint has the basecoat and the clearcoat mixed together so that you only have to apply a single layer of paint. The two-stage enamel requires the basecoat to be applied first, followed by the clearcoat after the basecoat dries. Acrylic enamel auto paint can be very hard to apply, so it is not a good choice for doing it yourself. A professional shop, like FlexBilt Customs, will have the proper equipment to “bake” the paint onto the auto, giving it a longer life. Acrylic Lacquer was the very first auto paint and the only option for some time. Acrylic lacquer auto paints are the easiest to apply, they dry smooth, and have a high gloss finish. The paint is generally a high viscosity and mixed with a thinner for application. Many more coats are needed to cover the vehicle because of this dilution. However, these paints fade quickly, especially when exposed to UV rays. Acrylic lacquer paint is illegal spray in some states because it has negative effects on the environment. Lacquer paint becomes brittle with age and will crack and become chalky. Waxing and buffing regularly can lengthen the life span. Lacquer paints dry by evaporation, not by chemically bonding to the vehicle’s surface. The liquid portion evaporates, leaving a tinted resin layer as the color layer. If you are restoring an antique or classic car, using an acrylic lacquer may be important. It provides the highest shine of any paint option. It is authentic to the auto’s origin. Most classic or antique cars are not used as daily drivers, so using this paint on a stored auto is a good option. Acrylic Urethane paint is a newer option in auto paint. It lasts a long time (like enamel) and is easy to apply (like lacquer) without being illegal to use. Acrylic urethane uses a catalyst to promote fast drying, and has to be used shortly after it is mixed. Auto Paint Finishes Auto paints have finish options. This is a protective coating applied after the color layer has dried. The most common, and least expensive, option is a plain, solid paint. It is relatively inexpensive, easier to apply, and repairs or touch ups are simple. Nearly all stock autos come with solid paint. Solid paints work well on a vehicle that has great form or lines because the paint won’t detract from the body style. It can also be jazzed up with good choices of accessories or trim options. Solid paint coats are usually covered in a protective lacquer coat called a “clear coat”. Metallic paint gives a subtle, eye-catching sparkle. Aluminum powder in the metallic auto paint catches sunlight for a beautiful, sparkling shine. This dynamic finish will help cover up dings or small scratches. It tends to be more expensive, and it can be difficult to match later. Metallic paints have a more limited color palette, so you may not be able to find exactly what you want in a metallic auto paint. However, the range of colors is much better than it used to be. Pearlescent paints are similar to metallic, but the aluminum powder is replaced with ceramic (mica) crystals. These ceramic crystals reflect and refract light, giving the illusion of more depth and color. It creates a dazzling, subtly colorful look that changes with light and direction. As with metallic paint, it can be very difficult (if not impossible) to match in the future. Pearlescent color palettes are limited in options too. Matte Paint is the latest hot item. They are more expensive, and the maintenance is much more difficult. The matte finish is achieved by using a primer coat or other agents in the clear coat. The effect is a velvety, satin or silk finish. The look is reminiscent of the old hotrod or muscle cars that were driven around between paint jobs. Most paint repair and maintenance tools are for gloss paint. Products and equipment used to buff out scratches or detail a car may leave glossy areas on the matte finish. Carbon fiber, or bare carbon fiber, finishes are at the very high end of paint jobs for autos. Most carbon fiber on large areas of the vehicle are wraps. However, many smaller accert pieces of the vehicle may be made from actual carbon fiber, which is known for its extreme lightweight and durability/strength. Clear Coat is actually a type of auto paint without pigment. The purpose of clear coat is to protect the pigment layer, primer layer, and metal. Clear Coat finished usually have specialized chemicals that provide easy adherence to the flexible components, like a plastic bumper. The clear coat layer also has UV inhibitors to prevent ultraviolet rays from fading the vehicle’s color layer. Other Considerations – Preparation is Critical Even a basic paint job is not inexpensive. There are several other things to consider when taking on the project of painting a vehicle. Preparing the vehicle to receive paint must be done correctly if the finished product is going to look good and last a long time. Decide the extent you would like damage (such as scratches, dents, gouges, rust spots or rock chips) repaired. Some are easier to repair than others, and all require labor and materials. After any repairs are done to the surface of the vehicle, a primer layer is applied. It is usually a shade of grey or black. Primers help the paint adhere to the surface of the vehicle better, and they can even out tiny imperfections. Primers prevent moisture from reaching the base metal which will cause rust or oxidation. Primers are porous and require sanding between coats so the final paint will adhere smoothly. Determine if the company performing your paint job will remove parts prior to painting, or just tape off parts. The best way (and at FlexBilt, the only way) is to remove any part that is not receiving the new paint application. We have outlined the different types of paint in this article, but there are different price points within those categories. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Make sure you understand the expected life span of the paint you select for your vehicle paint job. Application Method Syphon spray guns used to be the application method for painting vehicles. They were used with lacquer paint, and syphoned the paint from the bottom of a bottle attached to the spray gun. These are no longer used because they required 45 to 70 psi but only delivered about 40% of the paint to the surface of the vehicle. Now days, a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray gun is used. These feature a tank on top of the spray gun which gravity feeds paint into the nozzle. These HVLP spray guns deliver about 80% of the paint and only require 10 psi to operate. Painting cars, trucks, and Jeeps has gotten more technical than ever. There are many considerations to research, and more options available to create a unique finished product. Understanding the process and paint options helps you make a better decision on your paint job. Be sure to consult with an experienced company, like FlexBilt Customs, to ensure you are happy with your newly painted vehicle!

Jeeps are more popular than ever, and Jeep owners love to personalize them. There are a lot of Jeep Wrangler owners due to both the overall style, functionality, and off-road dependability. Choosing the right upgrades to match your off-road expectations can prove to be a challenge based on the hundreds, if not thousands, of options from so many different brands. Upgrades can be functional or just aesthetic. We will cover some of the most popular Jeep Wrangler upgrades for both the outside and inside of your Jeep. Exterior customizations of Jeeps are a great place to start. They can be functional and help your ride stand out right away. Tires Depending on where your Jeep will spend most of its miles, Jeep tires are a fantastic and popular upgrade for your Jeep. The largest tire a stock Jeep can take is 33”, but adding a lift to your Jeep will increase the size tire it can take. We have several articles that go into great depth on tires, so be sure to check out that information. Another thing to consider is the terrain you will encounter when you leave pavement. Tires are specific to terrain, with different tread and construction for all-terrain tires, mud-terrain tires, winter tires, sand tires, or rock tires. Wheels Custom wheels are the most popular upgrade for a Jeep Wrangler. A good combination of tires and rims will enhance the performance and looks of a Jeep right away. Be sure to get the correct bolt pattern for your year of Jeep – Jeep changes bolt patterns. The Jeep website has a fitment calculator that is helpful. Many people ask if they need Beadlock Wheels, and they are a little complex to understand. Beadlock Wheels A beadlock wheel has a mechanical device (called a beadlock ring) that secures the bead of the tire against the inside of the wheel rim. Regular street tires don’t need this configuration, because the inflated tire pressure is enough to prevent the tire and wheel rim from slipping. In off-road applications, it is common to deflate tires in order to gain traction over rocky terrain. Anything more than minor deflation could cause a regular tire and rim to slip. Outfitting your Jeep with beadlock tires allows for more off-road adventures where decreased tire pressure is a must. Some of the drawbacks to beadlock wheels is that each wheel is heavier. Beadlocks may not be legal for regular street use. Because the beadlocks are attached using bolts, any bolt failure can risk breaking the beadlock ring, which in essence results in blow out. There are DOT- approved beadlock wheels and using these will prevent this liability. Beadlock wheels are more expensive to purchase and install. Finally, most tire shops do not mount beadlock wheels due to the liability associated with them, so if you want beadlock wheels for your Jeep makeover, plan on installing them yourself. Fender Flares Fender Flares have both an aesthetic and utilitarian purpose. They look very cool, but their main purpose is to protect your jeep from rocks, abrasion, and debris during off-road adventures. Flares can finish off the look of a jeep that has been cut to fit larger tires. If your Jeep has tires that stick out past the body, flares or mud flaps are required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency. After market fender flares come in a wide variety of materials and styles. Be sure your choice will cover the tire so your Jeep is street-legal. Off-road Lighting The options and selection of after market Jeep Wrangler off-road lighting is vast! From spot lights to light bars, there is every conceivable variation available. If you are looking for lights that will actually be used, be sure you have all of the “lighting zones” covered. Most people have heard of fog lights and spot lights, but for Jeep owners, rock lights, cargo lights, LED reverse lights, and underbody lights are very popular. It doesn’t necessarily take a large number of lights to add a great look or functionality to your Jeep either. LED lights add a great deal of illumination with a small light. The size, shape, and other features of the lamp determines where and how a light should be used on your jeep. Another consideration for your aftermarket Jeep lights is their ability to perform in different environments. If you will be in a lot of water, you need a waterproof light. The same scenario applies for lighting that will be in extremely dusty conditions (like Baja racing, or desert environments). Bumpers Due to the wide variety of options in Jeep bumpers, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Jeeps come with a front factory bumper that is an aluminum plate over factory rails, with plastic end caps, weighting about 27 lbs. The factory rear bumper is plastic with metal mounting plates and weighs about 15 lbs. These factory bumpers offer very little protection and no strength to mount other accessories. Depending on the fuel economy and use, consider if you need a lighter (aluminum) bumper, or heavier weight for mounting. Jeep bumpers typically fall into two categories: winching and non-winching. Mounting the bumpers is critical because it will affect your “off-road angles”. The off-road angles are 1. Approach 2. Breakover 3. Departure. The approach and departure angles are affected by the bumper style and mounting. The further out the bumper protrudes, the less angle you can handle in off-roading (unless you lift the Jeep). Rear bumpers affect the departure angle and also come with many options. Features include spare tire racks, D-ring hooks, and hitch receivers. Grill Inserts Grill inserts for the front grill of Jeeps are very popular and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Budget friendly, they are easy to install and give your Jeep an immediate custom look. Jeep Wranglers come with a factory grill that has 7 slots. Some people think the 7-slot grill signifies Jeep as being the first vehicle driven on all 7 continents. After market grills come in many slot formations. Jeep Tops A fun aspect of Jeep Wrangles is that the top of the vehicle can be changed out. All Jeep Wranglers have removable tops. Options for Jeep tops include hard top, soft top, and bikini top. Jeep hard tops are durable, provide excellent insulation, and come in 1-piece or 2-piece versions. It takes at least 2 people to move a hard top, so keep that in mind if you plan to change tops often. Jeep soft tops are made of tough materials and come with options such as sunroofs, storage pockets, and interchangeable materials. They can be installed or uninstalled by one person, and are lightweight for storage. Soft tops can distort in extreme temperatures and over time because they are just not as durable as a hard top. It is important to scrutinize how each soft top attaches to the Jeep frame to ensure all the critical attachment points line up properly. Bikini tops just cover the top of the Jeep, leaving the sides and back open. It is a fun option for a day at the beach or summer driving, but offers no protection for any serious off-roading. Skid Plates Skid Plates for Jeeps are thick, sturdy metal pieces that bold (or weld) onto the underside of the Jeep to protect the drive train, shock mount, gas tank, oil pan, or other critical components of the vehicle. While you can’t enjoy the look of skid plates, they are vital equipment for any Jeep that is going to be off-roading. Factory Jeeps come with skid plates that protect most of the Jeep parts for mild off-road adventures. These skid plates are engineered to decrease heat building up and are generally lighter weight than after market skid plates. They don’t protect the oil pan well and prevent you from fully enjoying the Jeep in off road adventures because the protection is limited. Aftermarket skid plates come in aluminum, steel, and a combination of the two. An installer like FlexBilt Customs can help you choose what is right for your specific Jeep and budget. Winches A winch mounted on the front of your Jeep is very useful for off-road adventures. The primary use is to pull yourself out of a jam, or help pull a friend out of a tight spot. Winches come in electric and hydraulic. Different capacity winches are available and is referenced as the “rated line pull”. It is generally recommended to add 30% to the working GVW. (for a Jeep with GVW of 6,700, you would want a winch with 8,000 lb of working load capacity). Winches come with different lengths of line. These different lengths have positive and negative aspects, but a good compromise for most applications is 100 feet on the drum and a 50 foot extension packed with your off-road tools. Winch ropes come in wire and synthetic rope, each having positives and negatives. All of these factors, plus many more, determine if your selected winch will perform best when you need it most. If your Jeep has a winch already, thoroughly understand its capabilities before you are in a situation your winch isn’t suited to handle. Jeeps are fun, practical, and hard-working off-road vehicles. The options to upgrade and customize Jeeps are endless. When you are considering any of these upgrades for your Jeep, thoroughly research the options, positives and negatives associated with each of these systems. All of these components can be added, subtracted, and substituted based on your particular needs. Fortunately for Jeep owners, there are more options available than ever before! FlexBilt Customs can help you understand your choices and put together a comprehensive plan for modifying your Jeep!

Lift Kits and Leveling Kits are both popular modifications for vehicles. Choosing the right one for your vehicle depends on a few factors like the ultimate performance goal of the vehicle, amount you are willing to spend, and how much modification you want to have. Both can add value to the vehicle, but some are better suited for certain activities. Here we will cover the difference between a Lift Kit and a Levelling Kit. LIFT KITS – BODY vs SUSPENSION LIFT KITS Right out of the gate, you need to make a decision on budget and type of lift: Body lift kits (step above a leveling kit) or a more custom, in-depth suspension lift kit. Frequently, FlexBilt has a customer walk-in who does not understand the difference between a body lift and suspension lift. It’s important to know what a body lift and a suspension lift actually do. Looking at the names, it becomes pretty simple: a body lift raises the body away from the frame and a suspension lift extends the suspension and raises every part of the vehicle. A suspension lift is oftentimes a better choice than a body lift only in situations where off-road performance is important to the truck or Jeep owner. Suspension lifts provide what’s critical in off-road performance – additional ground clearance! However, suspension lifts also provide additional room for larger performance wheels and tires. Any lift kit is basically designed to raise the body of your vehicle above the ground. Kits can raise the body from 2” to 10”. There are custom kits and any-level lifts that reach 18”+ high and can cost close to $30,000. Any kit that raises the body more than 6” gets more complicated and much more involved – suspension considerations, necessary supporting upgrades, fabrication, and engineering. Higher lift kits will feature a number of additional accessories like springs, shocks, control arms, and necessary brake line modifications. Extreme customized kits can require drive shaft alterations, thicker coils, high-performance shocks, and lot of custom cut fabrication & welding. These kits can necessitate larger tires and aftermarket wheels with increased offset. SUSPENSION LIFT KIT COST The average cost of a suspension lift kit is around $1,200. Depending on your desired lift and options you choose, suspension lifts can run as low as $300-500 and go above $5,000-6,000. Labor to install lift kits would be in addition to the cost of the kit. Labor rate and time is also dependent on the kit/options you choose. The hours to install a suspension lift can range from 8-12 hours. Suspension lifts provide what’s critical in off-road performance – additional ground clearance! However, suspension lifts also provide additional room for larger performance wheels and tires. BODY LIFT COST While a suspension lift is a better for off-road performance, a simple body lift might be your answer if you are wanting a better look. Body lifts are often less than $400-500 but if you are wanting a lift of 2”, often times there is a body lift for less than $120. Body lifts are much less complex than a full suspension lift so labor is much cheaper with a range of $200-$600. Lift kits give the body of a vehicle more ground clearance, which is desirable for off-road performance. The higher the body, the less risk of rubbing the underbelly over rocks or dirt if off-roading is your thing. Lift kits are a good investment if your vehicle is used for camping trips, over inconsistent terrain, or just off-road somewhere in the mountains. The extra lift gives room for larger, off-road tires. The tire will have good turning geometry and traction. Lift kits allow you to consider tires 33”-37” or larger. LEVELING KITS Leveling kits are used to make the front and back of the vehicle parallel to the ground. It basically levels the height of the vehicle so it is balanced. Most, if not all, pickup truck manufacturers engineer the rear of the trucks higher than the front of the truck for towing reasons. Leveling kits give extra room for larger tires, or redistribute the vehicle’s weight after adding a heavy bumper, winch kit, or other aftermarket accessory. This is accomplished by using hardware to slightly raise the front of the vehicle to match the height of the back. Leveling kits typically are 2”-3” for the front while leaving the rear axle alone. However, there are a lot of different scenarios/options on the market allowing 3” lift in the front and 1-2” on the rear, for example. If a stock-style stance is your goal, front-end leveling kits can be used with spacer blocks on the rear leaf springs. This gives a slight lift on all four wheels. Most pickup trucks have plenty of clearance in the rear, but may not in the front after adding larger tires. A Leveling Kit may be enough bump to create the turning radius needed. Leveling kits are generally easier to install and cost less than a lift kit. Kits generally cost $100-$450 + labor. There are hundreds of different leveling kits, and, quite frankly, choosing can be a little overwhelming. From old school blocks, new leveling torsion keys, spacers, to coil spring extensions, it will come down to how specific you want to get while maintaining your ride quality. In some cases, leveling kits are not simple. Some customers see a simple coil spring 2” extension kit that cost around $100 and think this is the optimal solution. Later they find out that the stock shocks on the front end do not support an additional 2” coil springs spacer or extension. It is always good to swing by your local custom shop and pay the nominal lift fee to get a true assessment of what you need. CHOOSING Lift Kits and Leveling Kits both add value to a vehicle. The choice really depends on how you plan to use the vehicle and the look you want. Lift kits will provide the ground clearance for crawling over rock formations, negotiating dirt mounds, and navigating water obstacles in off-road journeys. It also allows room for larger, off-road tires which are important for varied terrain. Lift kits really transform the look of a vehicle, especially when coupled with larger tires. If you are wanting that off-road, oversized look to your vehicle, a lift kit with larger tires is the way to go. Levelling kits simply even out the balance from front to back of the vehicle. This is important for proper balance of the vehicle and also the look of the vehicle. If you have added heavy after-market accessories or use the vehicle for towing, a leveling kit may be your better choice. Many newer trucks are built with some features like low bumpers, exhaust, or running boards that make them more car-like. A simple leveling kit may provide enough clearance to compensate for this lower design. DISADVANTAGES OF LIFTING AND LEVELING Modifying a stock vehicle has some disadvantages to consider. Leveling kits are very simple, and the biggest concern often is that people expected the leveling kit to make a bigger aesthetic change than it does. A leveling kit may also cause a truck to sit a little nose-high when hooked up to a trailer. This won’t affect the performance but may not look as expected. Lift kits affect the suspension, and the main drawback is fuel economy. The extra weight and aerodynamic drag can create a 20% drop in fuel efficiency, all else being equal. Uncontrolled steering oscillation (“death wobble”) may occur. There are ways to improve this but it may not be eliminated. And an extreme lift will cause more systems to be involved, like shocks, drive shaft, etc. Installing a leveling or lift kit may affect the vehicle’s warranty! Be sure to understand before you make the modification. Both kits affect the balance and handling of the vehicle. Make sure you consult a professional, like FlexBilt Customs, before you decide which is right for you. Deciding on the right choice for you and your vehicle will make you the most satisfied in the long run. HISTORY OF LIFTING & LEVELING VEHICLES So, where did lifting and leveling trucks & Jeeps all start? It started over 135 years ago with the first truck, called the Motorwagen (1885). Karl Benz created the Motorwagen (correct spelling) with one objective – to allow a vehicle to go “off road” and haul anything at the same time. Once the idea was introduced by Mar Benz, the ball started to roll really fast with the Mack brothers, Henry Ford, and the Dodge Powerwagon got into the game. The story is rather simple and straightforward. As the general public started seeing the use of pickup trucks in their daily lives, on the farm, and within their companies, the evolution from a cargo box being added to a Model T to Powerwagon’s introduction to a factory made 4WD in 1946, the rest is history. Aesthetically, California started the craze of customization in the early 1970’s with wider tires, wheels, graphics, and, ultimately, “lifting” trucks via blocking and altering leaf-springs. FlexBilt Customs considers the 1970’s the true birth of lifted trucks . Actual lift companies started popping up. Superlift Suspension Systems (“Superlift”) was founded in 1975 and is still one of the leading lift kit companies in the U.S. Since the mid 70’s, there are now over 100 manufacturers and distributors of lift & leveling kits just in the United States. We hope this shines some light on both lift kits and leveling kits. Please feel free to reach out to FlexBilt Customs from wherever you live – we will be glad to speak with you and help you in your lift/leveling choices.