Truck lifting is a common modification for truck enthusiasts. They lift their trucks either to get more room for extra tires, better shock absorbers, and greater off-road capability or just for fun. Most people would love to lift their trucks, but the question is, how much does it cost to lift a truck?
Car lifting offers a major improvement to your truck’s performance and driving experience. The process of truck lifting requires money. The lifting cost varies depending on the type of truck lift you want, the type of vehicle, and if you do it yourself or hire a professional. This article will shed light on the approximate cost to lift a truck.
Lifting a Truck
While people raise their trucks for appearance, the main reason for lifting is ground clearance and getting the frame, body, and differentials higher. The extra clearance needs you to install larger tires, and thus you need to get everything higher from the ground.
Truck lifting provides many benefits for off-road driving, such as departure angles, break over, and greater approach. Taller tires help to go through rough areas easily and flex more around obstacles, thus reducing damages to the truck’s underhood. The lifted suspension also provides optimum traction to the four tires.
The two major factors to consider when looking for a truck lift installation near me are the process and kits to use in the installation process. The time taken in basic setup truck lifting is approximately 7 hours, while extensive modification will take around 15 hours. All these factors influence the total cost of truck lifting.
Choosing the Right Truck Lift Kit
Various types of toolkits are used in truck lifting, but they all offer the same result, which is to increase their height. One question running through the mind of many is how much for lift installation? The different types of lit kits differ in price, and each of them has its pros and cons.
A lift kit can raise your truck from 1.5 inches to 6 inches and above. Before you settle on the lift kit, you require to consider why you need the truck lifting, the size of tires to use, and if you will hire a professional or DIY. Here are three types of lift kits, their merits, and demerits:
1. Leveling Kits
Leveling kit raises the front of your truck by one inch or two to level it with the rear part. Raising the truck’s front parts gives you a little additional ground clearance. Depending on the stock suspension and truck type, you can accomplish these using extra leaf springs, blocks, or torsion keys. Leveling kits are cheaper compared to body lifts.
Lifting the truck’s front offers balance to vehicles experiencing imbalances. These imbalances are mainly caused by loading heavy equipment in the truck. A leveling kit is only ideal for trucks that need lifting of two inches or less. So, how much does it cost to lift a truck 2 inches?
Basic two-inch truck leveling costs around $60 to $100. Advanced two-inch leveling will cost you an average of $125 to $1000. The installation fee for a two-inch truck leveling is approximately $300. 2-inch Leveling Lift Kit for F150 does not have so many parts and thus is easy to install.
Pros
- Easy to Install
- Cheaper than other lift kits
- Improves hauling performance
- Enhances the trucks looks
Cons
- Minimal extra tire clearance
- It does not improve suspension travel
2. Suspension Lift Kits
The suspension lift kits create extra clearance through spacing factory suspension. You can also achieve this by replacing the whole suspension with other parts designed for raising the chassis. You can do this using add-a-leafs, shackle, lift blocks, torsion keys or bars, coil spring spacers, or taller coil springs.
Depending on the kit you purchase, you will also get new bushings, shocks, and meatier control arms. This kit is ideal if you want to lift the truck by more than 3 to 5 inches, install very large tires, and improve ride quality and suspension. Suspension lifts are, however, quite expensive.
One may be wondering how much does it cost to lift a truck 4 inches. Suspension lifts need more modifications and thus are more expensive. The price will depend on the height you choose. A decent suspension lift will cost you approximately between $450 and $2,000.
Pros
- Adds extra ground clearance
- Increase suspension performance
- Enhances the trucks looks
- It gives room for extra-large tires
Cons
- They are expensive
- Intricate installation
3. Body Lift Kits
Body lift kits are also known as spacer lift kits. It is a low-cost way of raising your truck. The kits entail spacers designed for raising the truck’s body away from the frame. A body lift kit provides you with a 1 inch to 3 inches lifter. The kit also consists of rear and front bumper brackets. A common query among people who want to do a body lift is how much to lift a truck 3 inches.
Body lifts kits only raise the truck’s body. The vehicle’s suspension and chassis retain their original height from the ground. This means that you will not get extra clearance. This lift kit is suitable for installing larger tires on their trucks without affecting their ride quality.
Body lifts are ideal for trucks that mainly drive on highways and streets for a smooth ride. On top of giving your truck a cool look, it also increases your visibility. Body lift kit installation cost depends on the lift size. A body lift kit will cost you around $400 to $4,000 if you do the installation yourself. However, if you choose a professional, it will cost approximately $800 to $8,000.
Pros
- It is inexpensive
- Increase visibility
- It does not compromise the factory ride
- It gives the truck a cool look
- Allow larger tires
Cons
- Limited lift range
- Has no performance advantage
4. Lift Kits
Most of the best lift kits are divided into two classes. There is the larger version and the smaller version. Smaller lift kits raise the trucks by two to five inches. A larger version, on the other hand, raises the vehicles by 6 inches and above. A lift kit makes a significant change to your truck.
Lift kits are ideal if you will be doing a lot of offloading from your truck. The kits are, however, more expensive compared to leveling kits. The costs will vary with the height you choose. You can compare the different installation prices by searching lift kit installation near me and checking their charges.
Since the larger lift kit version allow you to raise the truck above 6 inches, how much does it cost to lift a truck 6 inches? The cost of raising your truck for 6 inches and above is around $10,000 to $15,000.
Pros
- Ideal for off-road courses
- Allow extensive changes to the truck’s exterior
- Improve driving performance
- It gives the truck a great appearance
Cons
- Cost higher than leveling lifts
How Much Does the Kit Cost
The various types of kits differ in cost. Each of the above-discussed kits has its functions. Some kits raise the truck to as low as 1 inch, while others raise it to more than 6 inches. The cost will also differ depending on whether you will be carrying out a basic or more advanced setup.
- The cost of standard leveling kits ranges between $200 and $1,000
- Lower-scale lift kits will raise your truck from two to five inches. This will cost you between $400 and $12,000.
- Higher scale lift kits raise your truck by 6 inches and above. A 6-inch lift kit installation cost between $10,000 and $15,000.
Choosing the Right Approach
Once you get the right lift kit for the next thing is to think about the installation process. The process you choose to raise your truck will also affect the cost. The two approaches to installing lift kits are either hiring a professional or DIY (Do-It-Yourself).
1. DIY Lifting
Some kits are easy to install, and you can do it by yourself. Only install the kit if you have done it in the past. DIY truck lifting is less costly since you will not pay for the installation process. However, some kits, such as suspension kits, are quite complicated and are difficult to install.
Never do the kit installation if you are unsure. This may cause damages that may cost you more than the kit. If you will be installing the kit yourself, ensure you have tools such as a breaker bar, strut compressor, impact wrench, hydraulic jacks, and stands. Also, be ready for unforeseen costs such as the cost of accidental damages and any other additional costs.
Lift kit installation is quite labor-intensive, and it will take you 7 to 15 hours. The time you spend will depend on whether you are doing small body lifts or more extensive modifications. Once you install a lift kit in your truck, it is advisable to visit your mechanic to confirm if everything is perfectly in place. This is an additional expense that may cost you more expenses between $80 and $200.
2. Hiring a professional
The other option for lifting your truck is by hiring professionals. If you do not know how to install a lift kit, you should consider hiring a professional. Hiring a truck lifting expert will give you peace of mind and also make the installation process effortless.
When choosing a professional ensures that they are certified and experienced to do the truck lifting. This way, you will not bother about them making a mistake during the installation process. Unlike DIY, hiring an expert will add to the cost. The installation costs vary depending on the kit, truck model, and miscellaneous work.
So, how much does it cost to hire a professional to lift a truck? In most cases, installation costs are then the same price as the lift kit or even more. For instance, installing a $200 lift kit may cost you $200 or a little more. Professionals will charge higher installation costs for more extensive kits. Professional lift kit installation costs range from $800 to $12,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How Much Does a Dealership Charge To Lift a Truck?
The charges of lifting a truck in a dealership vary with the type of truck and the lift kit you use. Dealerships also charge installation costs since the process is done by a professional. The cost will also vary on if you will be paying hourly or for the whole package.
Hourly lift kit installation cost is around $100 to $110 per hour. Some lift kits will need more time than others; thus, they will be more expensive. Installing a lift kit will cost around $800 to $1,200 for labor, while leveling kit cost approximately $800 to $4,000. Suspension lifts are more complex, and thus they are more expensive to install.
Q: Do Lift Kits Ruin Your Truck?
Lift kits raise your vehicle, offering you more suspension and clearance. This modification will improve your driving experience, especially in off-roading. Lift kits will not ruin your truck if you install them properly. However, poor installation will cause damages that may cost you more than the kit to replace them.
Poorly installed lift kits speed up the process of wear and tear. They may also affect the handling and steering of your truck. It is crucial to note that most of the lift kits will void the warranties of your new truck.
Q: Is Lifting Your Truck Worth It?
Lifting your truck offers you a lot of benefits, especially if you use it in off-roads. It provides more clearance, thus preventing the truck’s underhood from getting damaged by bushes, large rocks, and other debris. Truck lifting also provides your vehicle with better traction.
After raising the tires, you can install larger tires, thus better traction when off-roading. A raised truck provides you with better visibility. Suspension and body lifts increase the height of your truck, enabling you to see better when driving. Though it will cost you some money to lift your truck, it is worth it.
Q: How Much Does 2 Inch Lift Cost?
The cost of 2-inch lifting may differ from place to place. A basic 2-inch leveling kit will cost you an average of $60 to $100. A more advanced 2-inch leveling kit costs around $125 to $1,000. The cost of installing a 2-inch level kit is approximately $300.
Leveling lift kits are some of the cheapest and easiest to install. You can reduce the cost by installing the kit yourself. However, if you are not comfortable with the installation process, it is better to consult a professional.
Q: Is a 2 Inch Lift Worth It?
We will answer this question depending on your purpose of getting the lift. If you want the lift to get more clearance, then raising the truck a little higher may be more ideal. However, if you are doing it for aesthetics, then a 2-inch lift is worth it. 2-inch truck lifting reduces the risk of undercarriage damages. It also increases the take-off and truck departure angles.
Q: How Hard Is It to Lift a Truck?
How hard it is to lift a truck depends on the lift kit you use, the type of truck, and the size of the lift. Installing a leveling kit is straightforward but quite time-consuming. Lifting a truck at 2 inches is not as difficult as raising it for 6 inches. Some kits, such as suspension lift kits, are so complex and difficult to install.
Q: Is a 3 Inch Lift Worth It?
Lifting your truck comes with many benefits and especially if it is for off-road use. If you use the truck on highways, it may not also make sense. However, if you go off-road, it is crucial to lifting your truck. A 3-inch truck lift is worth it since it offers more clearance and better traction. It also minimizes the risks of damaging the components under the truck when traveling off-road.
Q: Is a 4 Inch Lift Worth It?
A 4-inch lift is completely worth it. The lift helps you to fir more spaces like car washes, parking lots, and garages. The overall cost of a 4-inch lift is lower, especially when it comes to the cost of tires and gas. The truck becomes more attractive and easy to drive and maneuver compared to lower and higher lifts.
Q: What Are the Cons of Lifting a Truck?
As much as lifting trucks have their merits, it also has their demerits. Lifting your truck raises the center of gravity that can lead to safety concerns. Most of the truck lifting kits will void the warranty of a new vehicle.
Therefore, before you lift your new truck, consult with your car manual as well as the kit instructions. Another demerit of car lifting is the cost. The cost of buying the lift kits and installing them is quite high. The process is also illegal in some countries; thus, you need to check the laws of your country.
Q: How Much Will Labor Cost to Install a Lift Kit?
The labor of installing a lift kit varies depending on the type of lift kit. Some lift kits, such as leveling kits, are easy to install, and thus, the labor cost is around $500. Suspension lift kits are complex and challenging to install, and they will cost you around $2000 for labor. In most cases, the labor cost will be double the cost of the lift kit or slightly higher.
Q: How Much Is It to Lift a Ford F150?
The cost of lifting F150 will depend on the type of kit you choose. Body kits and leveling are the most affordable lift kits, and their prices range from $100 to $500. If you want to enhance the performance of your F150 truck, you can go for the suspension lift kit.
The kit is more expensive, and it costs around $1000 to $5000. These prices will further vary with your desired ride quality, height, and if you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Final Words:
As a truck driver in off-roads, you gain a lot by lifting your vehicle. Most people have wanted to lift their truck, but the question remains, how much does it cost to lift a truck? As we have seen, the cost of lifting a truck depends on various factors.
The type of truck, type of lift kit, and installation process determine the overall costs of truck lifting. Leveling and body lift kits are the most budget-friendly. Suspension lift kits improve your vehicle’s performance, but they are the most expensive. Doing the installation yourself reduces the expenses of truck lifting.
However, after lifting the truck by yourself, it is crucial to take it to a professional to ensure all is in place. On the other hand, if you do not know how to go through the installation process, hiring a professional is best. The cost of installation will increase, but it is completely worth it.