Can I put a lift kit on a Bronco Sport?
Yes—a Bronco Sport can be lifted, but it’s not a simple or risk-free upgrade. Lifting a unibody SUV can affect warranty, handling, and reliability if not done carefully.
The Bronco Sport uses a unibody chassis with independent suspension designed for everyday comfort and light off-road use. There is no factory lift kit from Ford for this model as of 2024–2025, and aftermarket options vary by year and market. If you’re considering lifting, plan to work with a reputable shop and understand how the modification may alter ride quality, steering feel, driveline angles, and eligibility for warranty coverage.
Types of lift options
Below are the common approaches enthusiasts pursue, from modest to more aggressive. Each option has trade-offs in ride, clearance, and compatibility.
- Leveling kits and spacer lifts (roughly 1–2 inches): Simple, inexpensive, and often the easiest way to gain a bit more ground clearance and fit slightly larger tires without major geometry changes.
- Full suspension lift kits (roughly 2–3 inches): Suspend rather than just raise the body, typically requiring new shocks/struts and springs, and potentially control arms. Provides more clearance but adds complexity and cost.
- Tire and wheel upgrades without a true lift: Increasing tire width or diameter can improve stance and clearance visually and functionally, but it is not a true lift and may necessitate fender trimming, enhanced alignment, and speedometer recalibration.
For many Bronco Sport owners, a modest leveling kit offers a balance of looks, practicality, and warranty considerations. A full suspension lift is feasible but more involved and may require ongoing maintenance and professional tuning.
Key considerations before lifting
Before you commit to a kit, review these factors to minimize surprises and potential problems.
- Warranty and dealer policy: Many lifts can affect powertrain, suspension, or electronic system warranties; check with Ford and your dealer before proceeding.
- Legal and insurance implications: Some regions have height or modification regulations, and insurers may adjust coverage for heavily modified suspensions.
- Suspension geometry and alignment: Lifts change camber and toe; professional alignment and possible component upgrades are often required.
- Clearance and rubbing: Bigger tires can rub fenders, underbody panels, and brake lines; you may need trimming or additional protection.
- Drivetrain angles and wear: Larger lifts can affect drivetrain angles, CV joints, and steering components; longer-term wear should be considered.
- Tire size and speedometer accuracy: Changing tire diameter without recalibration can affect speedometer and ABS calibration.
- Ride quality and handling: Heavier or stiffer setups can alter road manners, comfort, and handling in wet or icy conditions.
In practice, prospective buyers should consult a qualified suspension specialist who has experience with the Bronco Sport and verify kit compatibility with their year and trim. Official Ford support for lifts is limited, and not every kit will preserve warranty or on-road dynamics.
Summary
Raising a Bronco Sport with a lift kit is possible, but it requires careful planning, professional installation, and an understanding of potential warranty, regulatory, and ride-quality impacts. A modest leveling kit is commonly the simplest route to added clearance, while heavier suspension lifts demand more thorough consideration and expertise. Always verify kit compatibility with your specific model year and consult your dealer or a trusted installer before proceeding.
Does lifting void the Bronco Sport warranty?
Will aftermarket lift kits or bigger tires void my factory warranty? Absolutely not. Many people enhance and personalize the looks of their trucks by adding aftermarket lift kits, leveling kits, custom wheels or/and custom tires.
How does lifting affect Bronco Sport ride quality?
Well-Known Member The ride will be a bit more firm given your new setup. It will take time for the lift to settle in. Tire pressure could adjust down slightly 34/35. Give it time. But if it seems REALLY off then a cross check of the lift install may be advisable.
Can you lift a Ford Bronco Sport?
Yes, you can lift a Ford Bronco Sport, and various lift kits are available to increase its ground clearance for better off-road capability. Options range from simple spacer lifts that add a few inches for a more aggressive look to more extensive suspension kits, but they generally top out around 2.5 inches. It is recommended to have these kits professionally installed due to the complexity and potential impact on vehicle handling and alignment.
Types of lift kits
- Spacer/Body Lift Kits: These are typically the most affordable and easiest to install, using spacers to lift the body from the frame. They are good for aesthetic purposes and minor clearance gains but don't improve off-road performance as much as suspension kits.
- Suspension Lift Kits: These kits modify the suspension system, providing better off-road performance and improved clearance. They are more expensive and more complex to install but offer superior ground clearance and performance for rough terrain.
What to consider
- Lift Height: Most kits for the Bronco Sport are in the 1.5 to 2.5-inch range. Higher lifts are generally not recommended as they can significantly impact handling and may require more extensive modifications.
- Installation: The process can be complex and should ideally be done by a professional to ensure correct alignment and safety.
- Ride Quality: A suspension lift will change your vehicle's comfort levels, while a body lift may affect stability at higher speeds due to a higher center of gravity.
- Additional Modifications: Depending on the kit's size, you may need to make other adjustments, such as modifications to the steering, wheels, or brake lines.
This video demonstrates the installation process of a 2.5-inch lift kit on a Ford Bronco Sport: 1mHRG TVYouTube · Dec 19, 2022
How big of a tire can I put on a Bronco Sport?
The biggest tire size you can fit on a Bronco Sport with no modifications is 245/65R17. Going any larger without modifications will likely cause rubbing, especially at full steering lock or when the suspension compresses. While you can sometimes fit larger tires with significant modifications, 245/65R17 is the limit for a stock setup, including with a lift kit, because of the wheel well size.
Stock fitment
- Maximum without modification: 245/65R17 on a 17-inch wheel.
- Stock wheel: This size fits on the factory wheels and is the largest you can fit without modifications.
- With modifications: Some drivers have fit larger tires with modifications like trimming the pinch weld or crash bars, but 245/65R17 is the general limit for easy installation, according to Reddit users.
Tire size variations
- Different trims: Stock tire sizes vary by trim. For example, the Badlands often comes with 235/65R17, while the Big Bend may have 225/65R17.
- Rim size: The size 245/65R17 applies to 17-inch wheels. On 18-inch wheels, the largest size without rubbing would be approximately 245/60R18.
- Other sizes: Other sizes like 245/70R17 or 255/75R17 are too large for a stock setup and will cause rubbing.
