If you drive a pickup, you may have considered lifting it. Maybe you have seen a lifted truck similar to yours and liked the look, or maybe you want a lift to improve performance. Our team at ORO Ford put together this guide to help you understand what a lift involves and how to approach it the right way.

What Is a Lifted Truck?

Lifting a truck means raising its height above the manufacturer’s original specifications. But what does lifting a truck actually do, and why would you want to do it?

At ORO Ford, we work with two main types of lifts: body lifts and suspension lifts. A body lift can be performed on any body-on-frame vehicle, which is a platform commonly used on trucks and SUVs. In a body lift, the body is separated from the frame and chassis, the lift components are installed, and then the body is reattached. A body lift raises the truck’s body but does not increase ground clearance.

A suspension lift is more involved, but it raises both the vehicle’s ride height and its ground clearance. Instead of lifting from the chassis, the truck is lifted from the axles. This increases ground clearance and overall ride height. Suspension lifts can typically raise a vehicle more than body lifts, but some states regulate how high a truck can legally be lifted, so it is smart to check local laws before moving forward.

History and Evolution of Truck Lifting

Truck lifting first gained traction during World War II, when military trucks were raised to help them handle rough terrain. By the 1970s, do-it-yourself truck enthusiasts had begun installing simple lift setups of their own by placing blocks between the axles and adding leaf springs with longer U-bolts and shackles.

Those early systems were fast and simple, but they did not do much to improve ride quality. Over time, custom shops began developing more advanced lift kits that improved performance without sacrificing comfort. Today, some lift systems even include adjustable hydraulic setups that let you change ride height while driving.

What Are the Different Types of Lift Kits?

There are several different types of lift kits available depending on your goals. Most drivers choose a standard body lift or suspension lift, but leveling kits are also common. Some drivers go with adjustable-height suspension systems that let them change the lift based on where and how they are driving. For example, you might lower the truck on the highway and raise it once you hit the trail. Each option comes with its own pros and cons.

Truck Body Lift Kits

Body lift kits do exactly what the name suggests, but they can only be installed on body-on-frame vehicles. The process involves detaching the body from the frame, adding spacers, and then reattaching the body to the frame. This creates a relatively affordable way to increase ride height.

Body lift kits typically cost less than other lift options. In many cases, you can expect to spend under $1,000 for a body lift, and it may raise ride height by up to 3 inches. This can be a good option if you mainly want a taller look while driving around Oracle. While simpler than suspension lifts, body lifts still require separating the body from the frame, so they are not necessarily easy to install.

Truck Suspension Lift Kits

Suspension lift kits cost more, but they bring several major benefits. Most importantly, a suspension lift increases ground clearance, which is especially helpful if you take your truck off-road. Because the body and frame are raised from the axles, suspension lifts can create more dramatic changes in ride height than body lifts.

The tradeoff is that suspension lifts often require replacing much of the factory suspension system, including control arms, shocks, and leaf springs. That makes them more expensive, but the end result is a truck that is better prepared for rough terrain. Suspension lifts also make it easier to install larger tires. If you want 35-inch tires, this is usually the route that gets you there.

Truck Leveling Kits

Most trucks are built with a slightly higher rear end to help offset sag when towing or hauling. A leveling kit raises the front end so it sits more evenly with the rear. These kits usually cost less than $1,000 and are generally easier to install than full lift kits.

A leveling kit does not meaningfully improve total ride height, but it does raise the front bumper’s clearance from the ground. That can help reduce front-end contact when driving off-road. Still, if you want major off-road gains, a suspension lift is usually the better choice.

Key Benefits of a Custom Lifted Truck

Lifting your truck offers a number of potential benefits. The added ride height gives you a better vantage point over traffic, which can help you spot problems ahead more quickly. A lifted truck also creates a more aggressive look, and it can improve capability depending on the setup you choose.

A lift can improve ground clearance and maneuverability, and it is often an important upgrade for drivers who enjoy serious off-roading. In some cases, lifting your truck can also improve towing stability by helping align the trailer more evenly with the truck. While a lift does not increase official towing capacity, it can influence how the truck handles certain towing situations.

Another major benefit is the ability to install larger tires, which can improve traction in off-road conditions and harsh weather. A lift may also help increase resale value depending on the build quality and buyer interest. Some lifted setups also include accessories such as integrated lighting and custom trim, turning your truck into more of a standout build.

Contact ORO Ford To Lift Your Truck Today

If you are ready to get started with a lift or want to custom-build a truck from scratch, we can help. Our ORO Ford dealership in Oracle near Tucson, Arizona, has been customizing pickups for many years. Please contact our service team to get started. We will talk through your goals and recommend the best way to custom-lift your truck for a unique look and improved performance.

Images by OEM