What a Honda Element lift kit does and why owners install them
A suspension lift kit for a Honda Element raises the vehicle's body and frame away from the wheels, increasing ground clearance by 1 to 3 inches depending on the kit type. The Element's unibody design — where the body and frame are welded together as one unit — means lift kits for this model work differently than they do on traditional truck frames. Most Element lift kits use one of two methods: spacers that sit on top of the existing springs, or complete replacement coil springs with a higher spring rate and different geometry.
Owners install lift kits for three main reasons: to clear larger tires without rubbing, to increase approach and departure angles for light off-road driving, and to change the vehicle's stance for appearance. The Element's boxy shape and relatively high center of gravity compared to sedans make it a candidate for modest lifts, though the gains are smaller than what you would see on a truck with a frame-mounted suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Honda Element lift kits typically raise the vehicle 1 to 3 inches using either spring spacers or replacement coil springs, with spacers being the cheaper and simpler option.
- A lift kit changes ride height, handling characteristics, and how the suspension compresses under load, so you may need to adjust or replace other components like struts, sway bar links, and brake lines.
- Spacer-based kits cost between $200 and $500 in parts, while full coil spring replacements run $400 to $800, plus labor if you do not install them yourself.
- Lifting an Element can affect fuel economy, tire wear patterns, and the warranty on suspension components, and may require a wheel alignment after installation.
- The Element's unibody construction limits how much you can safely lift without compromising structural integrity or creating binding in the suspension at full compression or extension.
Spacer kits versus replacement coil spring kits
The two main types of lift kits for the Element differ in how they achieve height and what they cost. Spacer kits — also called strut spacers or coil spacers — are rubber or polyurethane blocks that sit on top of the existing coil springs. They compress the springs slightly and push the strut assembly upward. Spacer kits are the entry-level option: they cost less, install faster (usually 2 to 4 hours per person with basic tools), and do not require you to remove the springs themselves. The trade-off is that spacers do not change the spring rate, so the suspension still compresses the same amount under load, which can make the ride feel stiffer and reduce ground clearance when the vehicle is fully loaded or bouncing over bumps.
Replacement coil spring kits swap out the factory springs for stiffer, shorter springs designed to sit higher on the strut. These kits preserve more ground clearance under load because the springs are engineered to support the higher ride height without excessive compression. They also tend to feel more refined because the spring rate is matched to the new height. The downside is cost — replacement springs run $400 to $800 for a full set, plus labor if you do not do the work yourself — and installation requires removing the struts, compressing the springs with a spring compressor tool, and swapping the springs. This is not a beginner job and usually takes 4 to 8 hours per axle.
A third, less common option is a complete strut assembly replacement, where you buy pre-assembled struts with lift springs already installed. This eliminates the need for a spring compressor and reduces labor time, but the cost is higher — typically $600 to $1,200 per axle — and you are locked into one specific spring rate and damping curve.
What changes when you lift your Element
Lifting the Element alters how the suspension behaves and how other systems interact with it. The most when ready change is ride height and approach angle: a 2-inch lift gives you roughly 2 additional inches of clearance between the undercarriage and the ground, which helps with steep driveways, rocky terrain, and fitting larger tires. However, the Element's center of gravity rises as well, which increases body roll in corners and makes the vehicle feel less stable during quick lane changes or emergency maneuvers.
The suspension geometry also shifts. When you raise the vehicle, the angles of the control arms, tie rods, and sway bar links change relative to the wheels. This can introduce bump steer — where the wheels steer slightly as the suspension compresses — and may require adjusting or replacing components like sway bar end links and brake hose routing to prevent binding. Many lift kit instructions include longer sway bar links as part of the package for this reason.
Tire wear patterns often become uneven after a lift because the wheel alignment changes. Even if the suspension geometry is within acceptable ranges, the camber (the angle of the wheel relative to vertical) may shift enough to wear the inner or outer edge of the tire faster. A wheel alignment after installation is not always required by the kit manufacturer, but it is recommended to extend tire life and maintain predictable handling.
Compatibility with other Element modifications
If you have already modified your Element's suspension or are planning to, a lift kit interacts with those changes in ways that matter. Larger tires are the most common pairing: a 2-inch lift typically allows you to fit tires one size larger than stock without rubbing the fender or suspension components. However, larger tires also increase rotational mass, which reduces acceleration and fuel economy, and they change the effective gear ratio, making the engine work harder at highway speeds.
If you have upgraded to performance shocks or struts with different damping curves, a lift kit may not be compatible with them because the new springs or spacers change the load the damper sees. Some aftermarket strut manufacturers publish compatibility charts; others require you to contact them directly. Mixing and matching without checking can result in poor ride quality or premature wear.
Sway bars and anti-roll bars also interact with lift kits. The factory sway bar is tuned for the stock ride height and spring rate. A lift kit changes the leverage and angle of the sway bar, which can reduce its effectiveness or cause it to bind during extreme suspension travel. Some lift kit packages include adjustable sway bar end links or recommend disconnecting the sway bar during off-road driving to allow more suspension articulation.
Installation steps and tools you will need
The installation process differs between spacer kits and spring replacement kits, but both require lifting the vehicle safely and working with suspension components under load. For a spacer kit installation, the basic steps are: lift the vehicle on a jack stand, remove the wheel, unbolt the strut from the steering knuckle and control arm, slide the spacer onto the coil spring, reinstall the strut, and torque all bolts to the manufacturer's specification. You will need a jack, jack stands, a socket set, a torque wrench, and possibly a spring compressor if the springs are too tight to fit the spacer without compression.
For a spring replacement kit, the process is longer: lift the vehicle, remove the wheel and strut assembly, mount the strut in a spring compressor, compress the spring until the upper mount is loose, remove the spring, install the new spring, release the compressor, and reinstall the strut. This requires a spring compressor (which you can rent from many auto parts stores for $20 to $50 per day), a strut removal tool or impact wrench, and careful attention to the torque specifications for the upper strut mount nut, which is often very tight.
After installation, you should check that all bolts are tight, the wheels are balanced, and the suspension moves freely through its full range of motion. Many shops recommend a wheel alignment within 100 miles of installation to catch any geometry issues early.
Cost breakdown and labor considerations
The total cost of a lift kit depends on the type, the brand, and whether you install it yourself or pay a shop. A basic spacer kit from brands like Daystar or Rough Country runs $200 to $400 for the parts alone. A full coil spring replacement kit costs $400 to $800. If you add a wheel alignment ($100 to $200), new sway bar links ($50 to $150), and any other suspension adjustments, the total can reach $1,000 to $1,500 for a complete job.
Labor at an independent shop typically runs $75 to $150 per hour. A spacer kit installation takes 2 to 4 hours, so labor alone is $150 to $600. A spring replacement takes 4 to 8 hours, so labor is $300 to $1,200. Dealerships charge more — often $150 to $200 per hour — so a spring replacement at a Honda dealer could cost $600 to $1,600 in labor alone. Many Element owners choose to install spacer kits themselves to save on labor, while spring replacements are more often done by shops because the spring compressor tool and strut removal technique require experience.
Effects on warranty, fuel economy, and handling
Installing a lift kit voids the warranty on any suspension components you modify or replace. If you install a spacer kit on the factory struts, Honda will still warranty the struts themselves, but not the spacer or any damage that results from the spacer's installation. If you replace the coil springs, the warranty on those springs is typically limited to the manufacturer's coverage (often 1 to 3 years), and Honda will not cover any related suspension work. Keep your receipts and documentation in case a warranty claim comes up later.
Fuel economy typically drops by 1 to 3 miles per gallon after a lift kit, depending on how much weight you added and how much the aerodynamics changed. The Element's boxy shape means it is not highly sensitive to small height changes, but the increased rolling resistance from larger tires (if you install them) has a bigger effect on fuel economy than the lift itself.
Handling changes are noticeable but usually manageable for street driving. The Element will feel less planted in corners, body roll will increase, and the braking distance may lengthen slightly because the center of gravity is higher. For highway driving and normal commuting, these changes are minor. For aggressive driving or emergency maneuvers, the lifted Element is less stable than stock. Off-road, the increased ground clearance and suspension travel are the main benefits, though the Element's unibody construction and relatively light weight limit how much abuse the suspension can take compared to a truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I safely lift a Honda Element?
Most Element owners stay in the 1 to 3 inch range. Beyond 3 inches, the suspension geometry becomes compromised, brake lines and hoses may bind, and the unibody structure can experience stress. Check the lift kit manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model year, as first-generation (2003–2008) and second-generation (2009–2011) Elements have different suspension designs.
Do I need new shocks or struts after installing a lift kit?
Not always. If you use a spacer kit, the factory struts remain in place and usually function fine, though they may feel stiffer because the springs are compressed. If you replace the coil springs, the struts stay the same unless they are worn out. However, if your struts are old or leaking, a lift is a good time to replace them with quality aftermarket units tuned for the new height.
Will a lift kit affect my Element's towing or payload capacity?
Yes. Lifting the vehicle raises the center of gravity, which reduces stability when towing and increases the risk of rollover in emergency maneuvers. The Element is not designed as a tow vehicle, but if you tow a trailer, a lift kit makes it less safe. Payload capacity is also reduced because the suspension is already working harder to support the higher ride height.
Can I install a lift kit on my Element myself if I have never done suspension work?
A spacer kit is manageable for someone with basic mechanical skills and the right tools — a jack, jack stands, and a socket set. A spring replacement requires a spring compressor and more experience; if you are not comfortable working with compressed springs or removing struts, have a shop do it. Either way, take your time, follow the instructions exactly, and double-check all torque specifications.
What is the difference between a lift kit and a leveling kit?
A leveling kit raises only the front of the vehicle to match the rear, which is already higher due to the factory suspension design. A lift kit raises the entire vehicle. The Element's front and rear are already fairly level, so a leveling kit offers minimal benefit. A full lift kit is what most Element owners choose if they want more ground clearance.