Lift kits for trucks can offer many benefits for their owners, such as increased ground clearance, enhanced off-road performance and the option to run larger tire sizes. Unfortunately, however, lift kits may also cause altered center of gravity, ride quality changes and stress on drivetrain components that might compromise their use.

Asked advice of an experienced mechanic or longtime truck owner can help determine whether lifting your truck is the appropriate decision.

Increased Ground Clearance

Lift kits allow truck owners to fit larger tires and wheels onto their vehicle for an off-road ready appearance, increasing ground clearance but increasing center of gravity as well as impacting fuel economy. However, increased ground clearance does come at a price; increasing center of gravity may increase vehicle center of gravity which may negatively impact fuel economy.

Lifted vehicles often require additional care and maintenance than their stock counterparts, such as regular alignment checks. Furthermore, it’s vital that air pressure in tires stays at manufacturer recommended levels to prevent uneven wear or poor ride quality from developing over time. Furthermore, lifted trucks usually have lower gas mileage due to their heavier weight and taller tires which increase rolling resistance resulting in greater rolling resistance and thus decreased gas mileage than their stock-height counterparts.

Better Looks

People often opt to install lift kits for trucks to make their vehicle stand out from the crowd and make an impressionful statement about themselves and their vehicle. Many enjoy the unique appearance of lifted vehicles and often add larger tires for additional flair.

Body lift kits increase vehicle height by two to three inches on average through using a nylon spacer between the vehicle’s body and frame, without altering suspension or wheel positioning; they do not affect suspension height adjustment, thus leaving its ride height unchanged.

Leveling or coil-over lift kits tend to be more costly than body kits, but allow vehicles to fit larger tires while providing a smoother ride. Just be mindful that lifting may void its factory warranty.

Better Performance

Lift kits allow drivers to run larger tires that can more easily navigate rugged terrain, as well as providing a commanding driving position and increasing field of vision.

Spacer lift kits raise your body separately from its suspension, leaving a visible gap between it and your truck frame. Suspension lifts, however, are more costly but deliver better results, increasing both height and suspension travel in your vehicle.

Raising a vehicle using a lift kit often increases its centre of gravity, which can be dangerous. Furthermore, this could put additional stress on stock suspension components that might become compromised with such height increases; wheels can even contact each other. Increased fuel consumption may also occur over time as this effect becomes evident over time.

Better Fuel Economy

Lift kits allow truck owners to fit larger tires, increasing off-road capability and creating an aggressive look on the road. Unfortunately, larger tires also increase rolling resistance and air drag which could negatively affect fuel economy.

Raising a vehicle’s centre of gravity decreases stability at higher speeds, increasing the chance that a truck might flip during sudden swerves or emergency-avoidance maneuvers, as well as leading to additional weight causing shock absorbers to overheat and fail prematurely.

Addition of body or suspension lifts can void your factory warranty, so it is wise to consult experienced professionals prior to making modifications. It is also advised that lifted trucks be serviced regularly to ensure everything runs as intended – this includes checking tire pressure and aligning them properly.

More Stability

Lift kits add height to a vehicle while simultaneously raising its center of gravity, potentially increasing instability while driving at high speeds or turning sharply.

Installation of a lift kit ultimately boils down to what the truck-owner plans on using their truck for. For off-roading, raising a truck will increase ground clearance, making it easier to pass over rocks and obstacles more easily, while larger tires provide improved traction in mud and sand conditions. However, lifting reduces fuel efficiency and can alter handling due to raising its center of gravity; regular inspections and pressure checks can help mitigate such effects.