The original reason is to fit larger diameter tires.

With the little bit of Jeeping I've done, there is a big difference in going from 31" tires just to 33" in rolling over obstacles. Big tires need to have the body lifted out of the way so there is room for articulation.

....Then the fad starts:

"If that truck over there is "cool" because of what he can do off road, I'm going to lift mine twice as much so I'm twice as cool when parked in front of Starbucks!"

My Ranger came from the factory with this amt of lift. I put 31" tires on it, which helps to fill in the wheel well somewhat. It's 2wd, but it's hauled everything I've tried, including a trailer w/car.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1486233573.jpg

I don't understand why anyone would want a lifted truck, Mine has stock tires and sits as it was built. I just don't see the need!:D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1486235285.JPG

Didja ever think that they lift the trucks so it is easier to get under them to do oil changes?

The 4" lift on my GMC Jimmy was to fit larger diameter tires so it did increase the ground clearance by about 3 inches of the larger tires.

However, it was not the ground clearance of the axles that got it stuck, it was the FRAME. So the 4 inch suspension and 3 inches from half the tires diameter increased the actual clearance 7 inches.

7 inches was enough that the truck did not get stuck in snow or mud deeper than the frame because it would pack it down grab and climb on top as it moved forward. Without the lift it would have gotten stuck before it had a chance to build up enough mud/snow under the tires to get traction.

And yes, it was nice to just roll under it to change oil, etc. without a lift or using a jack.

...and it's VONSMOG, for the WIN!!