Charlie Pitcock, Owner of Bandit Customs LLC
Should You Lift Your Truck? Real Pros and Cons of Lifting a Truck
Alright, let’s cut through the noise—lifting your truck is a big decision, and you need to know what you’re getting into before dropping cash on a lift kit. As someone who’s been around trucks for years, I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous. So, if you’re wondering whether lifting your truck is worth it, here’s the real breakdown.
Lift Your Truck: The Pros and Cons of Lifting a Truck
The Pros of Installing a Lift Kit on Your Truck
1. Bigger Tires = Better Looks & More Capability
The first thing people think about when lifting their truck? Bigger tires. Let’s be honest—most folks aren’t hitting the trails every weekend, but bigger tires make any truck look meaner, tougher, and more badass. Plus, if you actually do take your truck off-road, those bigger tires mean better traction on mud, sand, and rocks.
2. Improved Ground Clearance for Off-Roading
If you’re serious about off-road performance, a good suspension lift is a game-changer. You won’t be scraping your undercarriage on every rock and log you drive over. A lifted truck lets you tackle rough terrain without worrying about smashing your front end. Plus, it helps keep your engine (and you) out of the water when you’re mudding.
3. Personalization – Make Your Truck YOURS
Lifting a truck isn’t just about practicality—it’s about making a statement. Whether you go for a subtle two-inch lift or a full-on monster truck build, a lift is a gateway into more truck accessories. Suspension kits come in all shapes and sizes, so you can dial in the exact stance and performance you want.
4. Visibility – See More, Be Seen More
A lifted truck sits higher, meaning you’ll have a better view of the road ahead. Whether you’re dodging potholes or just want to tower over the compact cars next to you, higher ride height has its perks. Plus, it makes it easier for other drivers to see you, which can actually improve safety.
The Cons of a Lift Kit On Your Truck
1. Cost – It Adds Up FAST
Lifting a truck isn’t cheap, and the cost depends on how far you want to go. A simple two-inch lift might set you back $300 installed, but if you want to go crazy with an Any Level Lift, you’re looking at $40K+ in parts alone. And that’s before factoring in labor and custom parts.
2. Ride Quality – How a Suspension Lift Kit Affects Your Truck
Not all lift kits are created equal. Cheaper lifts can make your truck ride stiff and bouncy, especially if they don’t include upgraded shock absorbers or coil springs. That said, high-end brands like Rough Country, Fox, or King do a great job of maintaining (or even improving) ride comfort. Most brands offer multiple options for shocks when you’re buying a kit. These generally allow you to choose if you want that stock ride quality or more of a Baja truck.
3. Increased Body Roll and Changes to Ground Clearance
A taller truck means a higher center of gravity, and that leads to more body roll when cornering. If you go too high without upgrading your suspension and steering components, your truck can start feeling wobbly, especially at highway speeds.
4. Gas Mileage Will Take a Hit
There’s no way around it—bigger tires and more wind resistance = worse fuel economy. If you’re daily driving your lifted truck, expect to lose a few MPG. Also, larger tires can throw off your speedometer and odometer, so you may need a recalibration (or go a few under) to keep your readings accurate and stay out of trouble.
5. Towing Can Be More Challenging
If you tow a trailer often, a lift can complicate things. A high hitch height means you might need a drop hitch, and the added weight from bigger wheels and tires can impact braking performance and handling under a heavy load. It’s not uncommon to upgrade to better brakes when you go big.
Final Thoughts: Is Lifting a Truck Worth It?
If you’re lifting your truck for looks, I won’t judge—we all like having a badass-looking rig. But if you actually plan to hit the trails, haul gear, or tow, then you need to be strategic about your lift choice. A well-done lift can transform your truck, but a cheap or extreme lift can cause more headaches than it’s worth.
My advice? Do it right the first time. Don’t cheap out on suspension components, make sure the lift suits your actual needs, and budget for tires and alignment. If you’re not sure what’s best for your truck, swing by or call us at Bandits Customs in Port Richey, FL—we’ll help you get set up the right way.
FAQ – Common Questions About Installing a Lift Kit on a Truck
How Much Do Wheels and Tires Cost for a Lifted Truck?
The price of wheels and tires varies big time depending on what you want. You can get a solid set of new wheels and tires for under $2,000 if you’re not looking to go crazy. On the other hand, we’ve had customers spend over $10,000 on high-end forged wheels and massive tires. It all comes down to budget and preference. Want something practical? Stick to a mild setup. Want to stand out at truck shows? Be ready to spend some money.
What’s the Best Suspension Lift Kit for Daily Driving on City Streets?
If you’re driving your truck every day, a 2-4 inch lift or leveling kit is usually the sweet spot. It gives you a more aggressive stance and better ground clearance without making the truck a pain to park or climb into. Anything over 6 inches will be a commitment—you’ll need extra steps, and getting in and out might not be fun if you’re not 6 feet tall. The prices also greatly increase when you move to the 6+ inch range as you have to replace a lot more with those kits.
Will Installing a Lift Kit Void My Warranty or Affect Resale Value?
Whether your lift kit will void your warranty depends on your truck’s manufacturer and the dealership. Some dealers are mod-friendly and won’t hassle you about a lift, while others might use it as an excuse to deny warranty claims. If you’re worried, check with your dealer before installing a lift kit. Generally, we don’t have issues. According to most manufacturers, the warranty will only be denied if the modification is the cause of the issue.
Is It Safe to Install a Suspension Lift Kit on a Factory-Lifted Truck?
Absolutely—as long as it’s done right. A professionally installed lift with quality parts will keep your truck safe and stable. But a poorly installed lift, cheap components, or skipping alignment? That’s where problems start. Safety is a priority; don’t cut corners on parts or installation. We suggest taking your truck to a shop to get it installed. While we might be biased, all shops should stand behind their work (like we do), meaning they don’t want it breaking or worse, hurting someone.
