Suspension Lifts Kits—Your Truck’s Answer to Platform Shoes

By: Tim saunier


Suspension lift kits have come along way since the days when desert rats modified their rigs with axle blocks and add-a-leafs. Today’s suspension lift kits are so technically advanced that it takes an engineering degree to make any sense at all, and it continues to get more complex. Modern truck builders use complicated set ups to try and find the balance between ride quality and off-road performance.

The aftermarket suspension industry is the only place to start when looking to lift your truck. When the off-road scene took off few decades ago, folks began tinkering with their truck’s suspension. A few entrepreneurs quickly caught on and as the industry grew, their businesses grew right along with it. These days suspension lift kits are big business.

Whether you wanna lift your rig for a cool look, better performance or towing big loads, the market has every option covered. You can spend a few bucks on some performance shocks and simple brackets to completely change your rig’s height and look. You can also opt to ditch the stock springs and shocks altogether for a set of adjustable air bags. Or, if so inclined, you can go with something like a 15” body and suspension lift kit that requires an air-traffic controller to pull into your driveway.

In order to get a smooth road ride and improved handling for off-road use, you’ll need to get a quality lift kit. All kits will give you more ground clearance, of course, with the increased wheel travel helping to smooth the trails. A quality kit will include performance shocks that not only rebuff bumps and ruts; they can do wonders for your on-road handling as well.

When serious off-roading is in order, a full-blown suspension lift kit is the only way to go. The most affordable kits lift both the front and rear of your rig between 2 and 6 inches. The better kits replace shocks and springs; and depending on how high you’re going, they may replace steering knuckles or add differential spacers to maintain factory-like handling. Many lift kits don’t require welding and can be installed in your driveway, but most manufacturers encourage you to seek a professional for the installation.

Whether you use your rig for work or play, a high-quality suspension lift kit lends a major change to your rig’s altitude and attitude. Looks and performance are both seriously altered, hopefully for the better. There are a lot of kits and styles available, so careful consideration must be taken to meet your lift needs and stay within your budget. Luckily, an eager suspension industry is waiting to serve you.


When it comes to adding a suspension lift kit to your truck, it pays to be a curious and frugal shopper. There are a few fly-by-night outfits whose products could be down-right dangerous. It’s best to stick with industry leaders like Fabtech Lift Kits or Pro Comp. These companies make quality stuff and they back everything with a guarantee. - Tim Saunier