Can Am Commander Lift Kit Problems

So, you're thinking about lifting your Can-Am Commander? You're probably picturing yourself tearing through trails, conquering obstacles, and generally looking awesome. And a lift kit can definitely help you achieve that. But before you reach for your wallet, let's talk about some potential pitfalls. Installing a lift kit isn't always smooth sailing, and understanding the common problems upfront can save you a ton of headaches, money, and maybe even some serious damage to your machine. We're going to dive into the real-world issues Commander owners face when lifting their rigs, and how to avoid them.

The Allure of the Lift: Why We Do It

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of problems, let's quickly recap why people lift their Commanders in the first place. The most obvious reason is increased ground clearance. This allows you to navigate rougher terrain, clear larger rocks, and avoid getting hung up on obstacles. A lift kit also lets you run bigger tires, which further enhances ground clearance and provides better traction. And, let's be honest, a lifted Commander just looks tougher. It’s about both form and function.

The Not-So-Sweet Side: Common Lift Kit Problems

Okay, now for the main course: the problems you might encounter when installing a lift kit on your Can-Am Commander. These aren't meant to scare you off, but to prepare you. Awareness is half the battle!

1. Axle Angles and Their Ugly Consequences

This is arguably the biggest and most common issue. When you lift your Commander, you're effectively changing the geometry of the suspension. This, in turn, increases the angle of your axles. While a slight angle isn't a big deal, excessive angles can put a ton of stress on your CV joints (Constant Velocity joints). These joints are designed to allow the axle to rotate while also allowing it to move up and down with the suspension.

• What happens when the angle is too extreme?

  • Premature CV joint wear: The CV joints will wear out much faster than they normally would. You might start hearing clicking or popping noises, especially when turning.
  • CV joint failure: In extreme cases, the CV joint can completely fail, leaving you stranded on the trail. This is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous.
  • Axle breakage: The increased stress can also lead to the axle itself snapping.

• How to mitigate this problem:

  • Choose the right lift kit: Opt for a lift kit that doesn't lift the machine too high. A moderate lift (around 2-3 inches) is generally safer than a super-aggressive lift.
  • Consider aftermarket axles: High-quality aftermarket axles are often designed to handle steeper angles and are much stronger than the stock axles. Companies like SuperATV and Rhino Brand make excellent replacements.
  • Install a diff drop kit: A differential drop kit lowers the differential, which helps to reduce the axle angles. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive modification that can significantly improve axle life.

2. Steering Woes: Bump Steer and Tie Rod Issues

Lifting your Commander can also affect the steering geometry, leading to problems like bump steer.

• What is bump steer? Bump steer occurs when the steering wheel jerks or pulls to one side when the suspension moves up and down. This is caused by the tie rods changing length relative to the suspension arms as the suspension cycles. It makes the vehicle harder to control, especially at higher speeds.

• Tie rod stress: The increased angles can also put extra stress on the tie rods, potentially leading to bending or breakage.

• How to address these issues:

  • High-clearance tie rods: These aftermarket tie rods are designed to provide more clearance and are often stronger than the stock tie rods.
  • Steering correction kits: Some lift kits include (or require) steering correction kits that help to restore the proper steering geometry.
  • Proper alignment: After installing a lift kit, it's crucial to get a professional alignment. This will ensure that the wheels are properly aligned and that the steering is as accurate as possible.

3. Brake Line Blues: Stretching and Snapping

As you lift your Commander, the brake lines have to stretch further to reach the wheels. This can lead to several problems.

• Stretched brake lines: The stock brake lines might not be long enough to accommodate the lift. This can cause them to stretch, which reduces their effectiveness and can even lead to them snapping.
• Reduced braking performance: Stretched brake lines can also reduce braking performance, making it harder to stop quickly.
• How to solve this:
  • Extended brake lines: The easiest solution is to install extended brake lines. These are specifically designed to accommodate the increased length required by the lift. Stainless steel braided lines are a popular choice because they are stronger and more durable than the stock rubber lines.

4. Ride Quality: From Smooth to Bumpy

While a lift kit can improve off-road performance, it can also negatively affect ride quality.

• Stiffer ride: Lifting the Commander can make the ride stiffer, especially if you're using a puck-style lift kit that doesn't change the spring rate. This can be uncomfortable on long rides.
• Body roll: The higher center of gravity can also increase body roll, making the machine feel less stable in corners.
• How to improve ride quality:
  • Choose a lift kit with progressive springs: These springs offer a softer ride at low speeds and become stiffer as the suspension compresses, providing better handling and stability.
  • Adjustable shocks: Upgrading to adjustable shocks allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your liking. You can adjust the compression and rebound damping to optimize ride quality and handling.
  • Sway bar links: Upgrading the sway bar links can also help to reduce body roll.

5. Installation Headaches: It's Not Always Plug and Play

Even if you're a seasoned mechanic, installing a lift kit can be challenging.

• Missing parts: Sometimes, lift kits are missing parts or have incorrect hardware.
• Poor instructions: The instructions might be unclear or incomplete, making the installation process more difficult.
• Fitment issues: Some lift kits might not fit perfectly, requiring you to modify the parts or the machine.
• How to avoid installation headaches:
  • Read reviews: Before you buy a lift kit, read reviews from other Commander owners to see what their experience was like.
  • Choose a reputable brand: Stick with well-known brands that have a good reputation for quality and customer service.
  • Have the right tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start the installation. This includes things like sockets, wrenches, torque wrenches, and a jack.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're not comfortable installing the lift kit yourself, take it to a professional mechanic.

6. Budget Busters: Hidden Costs

The cost of the lift kit itself is just the beginning. There are often other expenses that you need to factor in.

• Tires and wheels: If you're planning to run bigger tires, you'll also need to buy new wheels.
• Alignment: As mentioned earlier, you'll need to get a professional alignment after installing the lift kit.
• Labor: If you're not installing the lift kit yourself, you'll need to pay for labor.
• Other modifications: You might also need to make other modifications, such as extending the brake lines or installing a diff drop kit.
• How to stay on budget:
  • Research all the costs: Before you buy a lift kit, research all the potential costs, including the lift kit itself, tires, wheels, alignment, labor, and any other modifications.
  • Set a budget: Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Shop around: Compare prices from different vendors to find the best deals.

7. Warranty Woes: Kiss Your Coverage Goodbye?

Installing a lift kit can potentially void your factory warranty.

• Directly affected parts: If a part that's directly affected by the lift kit fails (e.g., an axle), the manufacturer might deny your warranty claim.
• Indirectly affected parts: Even if the failure isn't directly related to the lift kit, the manufacturer might argue that the lift kit contributed to the problem.
• How to protect your warranty:
  • Talk to your dealer: Before you install a lift kit, talk to your dealer to see what their policy is on aftermarket modifications.
  • Choose a dealer-approved lift kit: Some dealers offer lift kits that are approved by the manufacturer.
  • Keep records: Keep detailed records of all the modifications you make to your machine, including the date of installation, the parts used, and the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Will a lift kit void my warranty? Potentially, yes. Discuss this with your dealer beforehand to understand their specific policy on aftermarket modifications.
• How much does it cost to install a lift kit? Costs vary, but expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars for professional installation, depending on the complexity of the kit.
• What size lift kit should I get? A 2-3 inch lift is generally considered a safe and reliable option that won't put excessive stress on your components.
• Do I need to re-gear after installing a lift kit? It's not always necessary, but if you're running significantly larger tires, re-gearing can help to restore lost power and improve performance.
• Can I install a lift kit myself? If you have mechanical experience and the right tools, you can install a lift kit yourself. However, it's often best to have it done by a professional.

Final Thoughts: Lift Smart, Ride Safe

Lifting your Can-Am Commander can be a great way to improve its off-road capabilities and give it a more aggressive look. However, it's important to be aware of the potential problems and to take steps to mitigate them. By choosing the right lift kit, installing it properly, and addressing any potential issues, you can enjoy the benefits of a lifted Commander without sacrificing reliability or safety. Do your research, understand the risks, and make an informed decision before you start wrenching.