How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Truck?

If you are ready to get more height out of your truck or you want to install beefy tires, it’s time to consider a lift kit. How much does it cost to lift a truck and are you prepared for this expense?

On average, a truck lift can cost anywhere from $500 to $4000. The cost ranges widely based on what type of lift you choose, how high you want to go and where you choose to have it installed, whether professionally or on your own.

In this guide, we examine these factors. We also look at the different types of truck lifts you can choose from.

Factors Affecting Truck Lift Cost

1. Type of Lift

You have multiple lift kit designs to choose from, having the most profound impact on the price itself. We will discuss each of these lifts in more detail in just a few minutes.

Until then, the cheapest option is to get a leveling kit, which doesn’t add height across the whole truck but levels it out for a little boost. Next up is the body lift kit, which is considerably less expensive than a suspension lift. However, each one has its own pros and cons worth considering.

2. Lift Height

The height you plan to take your truck also influences what you are going to spend. If you are only adding an inch, you can do this without a lot of fanfare, thereby keeping the price to a minimum.

The higher you go with the truck, the more work needs to be done. You may end up replacing suspension components and other costly parts to get the height you want.

3. Professional vs. DIY

When you have a lift kit installed on your truck, you have two options. You can either tackle the job yourself or have a professional handle it for you.

If you have the skills and equipment to get the job done, you can save a lot of money. At worst, you might need to give some beers to friends, so you have some extra hands on-site for a quicker operation. However, if you don’t know what you are doing or are replacing vital parts, it’s best to pay the extra to have a professional handle the installation.

Types of Truck Lift Kits

1. Leveling Kit

The truck leveling kit raises up the front of the pickup by an inch or two. This simple front-end lift helps it match the rear height. This may offer a small amount of additional ground clearance in the front, but not by much. Leveling can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your truck. Sometimes, additional leaf springs are needed when other kits use torsion keys or blocks.

These are the cheapest lift kits available and come with many benefits. For starters, the leveling kit helps to create more balance for the truck. If you are hauling heavy equipment, you will appreciate this extra balance. Plus, you can level your truck two inches for just around $100 if you can do the labor yourself. Thankfully, you shouldn’t need additional equipment or special expertise to get the job done. You just need to be able to follow instructions.

2. Body Lift Kit

Body lift kits are otherwise referred to as spacer lift kits. While it’s relatively cost-effective, it’s not as cheap as most leveling kits. However, you can get better height with this option than with the leveling kit. On average, you can use the body lift kit to gain one to three inches. Sometimes, it’s used in conjunction with a leveling kit.

This lift is only going to raise up the truck’s body. Your pickup’s chassis and suspension continue to keep their original height, so there’s no additional room between the truck and the ground. Without this extra clearance, you don’t gain any advantage off-road or when heading over obstacles. Still, you should be able to install a larger set of tires without sacrificing the ride quality at all.

If you are planning to drive down the highway with no off-road travel, the body kit might be the best option for you. Not only does it create a unique look, but it can also help you see clearer by showing you what’s beyond the traffic. On average, you might spend $300 to $3,000 for the kit itself. If you can install it at home, there’s no labor involved. Otherwise, you could spend another $750 to $7,000 for the installation, depending on your truck and its needs.

3. Suspension Lift Kit

If you are willing to spend whatever is needed to get the clearance you want, a suspension lift is the right option for you. It’s the most expensive of the three, but it ensures the best results. Depending on how high you need to go, it might be necessary to add new suspension components, whether it’s the coil springs, spacers, torsion keys, leaf springs or more.

It’s also possible that you will need shocks, bushings or control arms to make the new lift work. However, it’s the only option if you need to raise the truck more than three inches. For drivers that desire more ground clearance and need to add huge tires, the suspension kit gives you the room to do what you want. Yet, all of this comes with a price.

Let’s say you want to add four inches to your truck. You might only spend $400 to $5,000 on the kit itself. However, you also have to replace some suspension components and will likely need a professional to perform the installation. You could very quickly spend $10,000 or more until all is said and done.

However, nothing looks quite as good as a properly lifted truck. These pickups are aggressive and they rule the road. The only major problem is that the center of gravity changes with every inch. Therefore, you might not be prepared for how the handling will be altered. If you haven’t driven a lifted truck before, it could take some getting used to.

Is It Worth the Cost of Lifting a Truck?

Sitting behind the wheel of a lifted truck can create a confidence boost, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. You are sure to turn heads wherever you go, making you more popular on the road. But is the lift kit worth the expense?

It depends on your budget. If you can afford to perform the proper upgrades, the lift kit can offer superior ground clearance. This is helpful if you head off-road and you want to protect the underside of your truck better. With an upgraded suspension system, you can also enjoy a better ride. If you install larger tires, you can splurge and get a set that will further increase the traction too.

On the other hand, you must be prepared to handle more wear and tear expenses. You could also notice a drop in fuel economy, which should be considered upfront. It may also be more difficult to sell the truck, depending on what part of the country you live in.

Categories: Estimator, Suspension