Everyone considers installing a lift kit for different reasons, whether you are looking to add larger tires, some extra ground clearance, or simply want “the look.” But before you commit to a specific kit, you need to understand the different options to make the best decision for your goals.
We breakdown the must-know’s of everything you need to know about the different types of lift kits to make sure you pick one that fits your needs.
What Different Types Of Lift Kits Are There?
When considering any type of truck accessory, especially a lift kit, it really comes down to what you use your truck for on the regular. After that, it’ all a matter of preference, the make and model of your truck…and price.
There are three main types of lift kits: leveling, coil-overs, and dropdown, each with their own lift specs and price difference.
Leveling Kits
The leveling kit is the most cost effective and easiest to install. Since most factory pickups are set about two inches higher in the rear when empty, this kit gives you an extra inch or two on the front of your truck to “level” it with the back. This is your best option if you don’t do as much off-roading and still use this truck to go to and from work every day.
Giving your truck a leveled look isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about more functionality for your truck. You could have a few reasons why you want to purchase this kit, like updating to bigger and better tires, new wheels, or even adding a snowplow. This kit allows you to add a larger wheel and tire combination…and for those of us not in Texas, can offset the height lost due to the weight of a heavy plow.
Coil-Overs
Coil-overs are a bit pricier, but you can get way more out of them. On top of getting an extra two to three inches of lift, you get extra control because these kits are integrated into your suspension system.
Your truck is lifted by a shock with a spring around it which allows for greater adjustability in the truck’s height and other performance factors. As an example, you can adjust the shock absorbers to either soften or stiffen the coil-overs to customize your suspension for either on-road or off-road use.
These extra features can make coil-overs more expensive than a leveling kit. You can opt for simple struts to avoid the price associated with this lift kit, although, other truck owners find the customizable options worth the investment.
Dropdown Lift
This is the best option if you are looking for three to six inches of lift. This is the best option for those looking for the highest-profile available, and can usually allow most half-ton trucks to clear 35-inch tires.
It’s important to note that your ride will feel different. If you don’t upgrade your suspension along with the kit, your ride can get a little rough and make hauling significantly more difficult.
This option has a few different installation methods as well, giving you a little bit more flexibility to address your preferences, price point, and how you want your ride to handle.
Dropdown kits are the most expensive options when compared to leveling or coil-over kits, but if you’re looking for maximum lift or adding much larger tires, there is no other option available.
There are two different dropdown kits to choose between: a body lift or a suspension lift.
Body Lift
A body lift raises the body of your truck off the frame, consisting mostly of spacers to increase the distance between your truck body and the tires. This style lift kit is limited to two to five inches, but will give you room for larger tires. This option does not get as much ground clearance as a suspension kit, which means you may have a harder time navigating over rocks, trees, and such while off-roading.
If you’re looking to raise the body of your truck or other truck on a very limited budget and timeline, a body lift kit gets the job done.
Suspension Lift
A suspension lift kit is the best of both worlds. This option can truly transform the look and feel of your truck by raising every part of the truck. You have more options of height that can go all the way up to nine or 12 inches.
This is ideal if you are an avid outdoor enthusiast! You will have room for larger off-roading tires with more ground clearance, so you can explore all kinds of terrain without the fear of damaging the bottom of your truck.
An important note, suspension lift kits do cost more than body lift kits. So if you’re just looking to sit up a little higher, body lift kits may be the best choice for you. But if you’re looking to add some massive tires and take the great outdoors by storm, go with a suspension lift kit instead.
Conclusion & Warranty Considerations
You will need to consider what any aftermarket modifications will do to the factory warranties on your truck. If you have an older model or one with high mileage, this may not be an issue for you. But if you have a new truck, adding any type of lift kit may have warranty implications with your auto manufacturer. It is worth doing some research beforehand.
And lastly, depending on what state you are in, there can also be legal restrictions on how much lift you can add to your truck. Before you make your investment, check if there are any legal regulations where you live.
Now that you know your options and what to research beforehand, you are ready to choose the right kit for your lifestyle. The last thing, you will need to do is choose the right size kit based on your specific make and model of your truck, as well as the size of tire and wheel combination you are trying to achieve. This part of the process is important to get right, so you can always consult a professional. You can ask any of our professionals by clicking here[1] .
Now, go forth and conquer!
