Charlie Pitcock, Owner of Bandit Customs LLC
Lifting a truck is currently a hot trend among truck lovers. Beyond its cool, sleek look, it has its own benefits on top of its aesthetics. But hold on! Before taking the plunge, explore the pros and cons of lifting a truck with different types of lift kits.
What it Means to Lift a Truck
Lifting a truck means raising the truck to make it ride higher. Typically, people lift their trucks to enhance performance, equip larger wheels and tires, or just for looks.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of lifting a truck with the two most popular types of lift kits: suspension and body lifts.
Suspension Lift Kits
Suspension lift kits elevate the entire vehicle frame by replacing the front and rear suspension components. This allows for a significant increase in ground clearance and accommodates larger tires.
Who Are Suspension Lifts For?
Suspension lifts are tailored for individuals who demand more than just looks. This includes:
- Off-road Enthusiasts: If you live for weekends spent conquering trails, climbing mountains, and exploring the wild, a suspension lift is your best friend. Increased ground clearance, better tire clearance for bigger rubber, and improved handling on rough terrain will transform your truck into a capable off-road beast.
- Performance And Looks: If you want to get your truck stylish and gain offroad performance, this is the way to go. Suspension lifts offer more clearance and often allow you to choose how you want the truck to ride. That means you can make your truck an on and off-road master while still looking sharp.
Pros and Cons Of Lifting a Truck: Suspension Lifts
Let’s take a dive into everything that’s great about suspension lifts and what holds them back.
Pros of Suspension Lifts
Suspension lifts are more than just a beauty upgrade for trucks; they’re a solution to enhanced performance and versatility. Let’s explore three pros of lifting a truck with suspension lifts.
- Ground Clearance: One of the most substantial advantages of high-quality suspension lifts is the real increase in ground clearance. Higher clearance lets you tackle obstacles like rocks, logs, and uneven terrain without scraping your undercarriage. In addition, sitting higher up gives you a better view of the road ahead, allowing you to anticipate challenges and avoid hazards.
- Larger Tires: Larger tires have a wider contact patch with the ground, providing better grip on loose surfaces like sand, mud, and snow. With more rubber between you and the water, you can safely navigate deeper puddles and cross obstacles without worry. This translates to improved handling and control in challenging terrain.
- Improved Performance: Beyond aesthetics, aftermarket suspension systems typically offer better performance. While there might be a trade-off in ride quality, the enhanced handling and stability make it worthwhile for off-road enthusiasts.
Cons of Suspension Lifts
While these high-quality lifts offer numerous benefits for truck owners, there are also certain drawbacks of suspension lift kits.
- High Cost. Suspension lifts are generally more expensive than body lifts. However, it’s a worthwhile investment. Suspension lift kits can range from $300 to $2000+, and the installation fee can range from $400 to $1200+, depending on the type of lift kit.
- Towing. Elevated trucks may pose challenges when towing trailers, especially if the lift exceeds 4 inches. Additional modifications like drop hitches may be required. Plus, the added weight from those big wheels and tires you want can reduce braking performance and, therefore, towing capacity.
- Decreased Fuel Economy. Lifting a truck alters its height and profile, resulting in heightened aerodynamic drag. This increased resistance forces the engine to work harder to maintain speed. Secondly, the added components of a truck or jeep lift kit can make your trucks heavier. This means the engine must exert more energy to accelerate and sustain speed, reducing fuel efficiency.
Body Lift Kits
Body lift kits elevate the vehicle’s body off the frame without altering the suspension. They’re the cheaper alternative to lifting a truck. However, they lack the performance benefits that suspension lifts provide.
Who Are Body Lifts For?
If you’re not concerned about serious off-roading or performance improvements but still crave a slightly tougher look and some flexibility, body lifts might be worth considering. Here’s who they might appeal to people who:
- DIY enthusiasts. Body lifts are generally easier and faster to install than suspension lifts, often requiring minimal mechanical knowledge. This can be appealing to DIY enthusiasts who want to personalize their trucks.
- Look over performance. If you want to lift your truck just for looks, then you can do so with less cost with a body lift.
Pros and Cons Of Lifting a Truck: Body Lifts
Let’s take a look at everything that makes body lifts great, and what’s holding them back.
Pros of Body Lifts
While suspension lifts often take the spotlight in the realm of truck lift kits, there are distinct pros of lifting a truck with a body lift.
- Larger Tires. If you prefer larger tires, then you can install them easily and quickly with a body lift. However, keep in mind that anything significantly bigger might cause clearance issues with the frame and other components since they aren’t being lifted either.
- Affordable. Body lifts are a budget-friendly option for truck owners looking to enhance aesthetics without breaking the bank. Body lift kits can range from $100 to $400.
- Towing Capacity. Unlike suspension lifts, body lifts have minimal impact on towing capacity since they don’t alter the vehicle’s suspension geometry.
Cons of Body Lifts
While body lifts provide a cost-effective solution for truck owners seeking to enhance the appearance of their vehicles, they also come with certain drawbacks, such as:
- Looks. While body lifts provide aesthetic enhancements, they often result in exposed frames and detached bumpers, detracting from the vehicle’s overall appearance.
- Ground Clearance. Unlike suspension lifts, body lifts do not provide any increase in ground clearance unless paired with larger tires. This limitation restricts their effectiveness in off-road environments.
- No Performance Gain. Body lifts solely focus on appearance and do not offer any performance enhancements. For those seeking improved off-road capabilities, suspension lifts remain the superior choice.
Pros and Cons Of Lifting a Truck: Are Lift Kits For You?
Ultimately, the decision to lift your truck boils down to your priorities. If you’re looking to improve your trucks’ ride quality, performance, and looks and are okay with some minor drawbacks, then definitely.
When choosing what’s right for you, the biggest factor is whether you want just the looks (body lift) or to improve the ride quality and performance, too (suspension lift).
Ready to get your truck lifted? Visit or call Bandits Customs, Port Richey, FL, today to get started.
