Truck Lift Kits: What’s the Right Height for Your Lift?
If you’re thinking about lifting your truck, the next question often boils down to how high are you willing to go? Lift kits come in all different sizes, including smaller kits that lift your truck by about two inches, all the way up to large lift kits that raise your truck by as much as ten inches or more. While just a few inches might not sound like that much of a difference, there are plenty of considerations to keep in mind. Run through our truck lift kit checklist to find the right height for your lift.
Choosing the Right Height for Your Lift:
1. Check Your Make and Model
Different makes and models come with their own suspension specifications and requirements. Some vehicles may come with certain limitations in terms of lifting. Depending on the make and model, you may need to invest in additional modifications if you choose a higher lift, such as extended brake lines, new steering components, and more. Make sure you know what’s involved with installing your new lift kit before you settle on a height.
2. Diving and Performance Considerations
Lift kits give you more ground clearance, but how much more clearance you need really depends on where you plan on driving. If you’re really tearing up the outdoors, driving over rock formations and through remote forests, a slightly larger kit may come in handy.
If you still want to use your truck for everyday errands and getting to and from work, you’re probably better off with a smaller lift or even some leveling kits for a slight height increase in the front. Larger lifts will start to deplete your trucks’ fuel economy. It can also alter the center of gravity, which can make turning a little trickier. If you want to retain a factory-like ride quality, stick with a smaller lift.
3. Making Room for New Tires
Many folks invest in lift kits, so they can make room for larger tires. The size of your lift kit also depends on how large you want these tires to be. You should be able to make room for some 37-inch tires with a smaller lift kit, but, if you want to go even bigger, you’ll probably need a larger lift kit. Some people love driving a truck with massive tires that eat up the road, but, if you prefer a more traditional driving experience, less is more when it comes to your lift.
4. Set Your Budget
Another consideration to keep in mind is how much you’re willing to spend. As you might’ve guessed, larger lift kits tend to be more expensive than their smaller counterparts. The higher you raise your vehicle, the more you’ll need to spend on additional modifications, such as new steering components, brake line extensions, and other accessories and upgrades. The kit itself will also be more expensive, usually costing around several thousand dollars.
Smaller lift kits won’t cost as much, and they’re generally easier to install.
5. Driving Experience
Another factor to consider is how comfortable you feel driving a lifted truck. Raising the body of your vehicle by more than a couple inches can get you into trouble in terms of the overall performance and drivability of your truck. Unless you’re well-versed in the world of vehicle lifts, it’s best to start small and work your way up to a larger lift.
Starting with a two-inch kit is a great way to learn more about the lifting process and how it feels to own and drive a lifted truck. If you go too large too fast, you might run into some problems down the road. You can always upgrade to a large lift later on.
6. Read Up on State and Local Laws
Last, but not least, choosing the right height for your lift might not be solely your decision. Some states and cities have strict laws regarding vehicle suspension. If you raise your truck too much, you could be in violation of some of these laws, which will limit you in terms of where you can use your new lifted truck. If you want complete freedom on the road and more peace of mind knowing that you’re not violating any laws, you’ll be better off with a smaller lift kit. Research the vehicle suspension laws in your area to get a better idea of what your options are.
The Right Height for You
This checklist should point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the right height for your lift. There are lots of factors to consider, but, if you do your homework, you can create the perfect customized truck that suits your needs.