Truck Lift Kits - Will Heads Turn When You Drive by?

Truck lift kits are an extremely popular truckand improved approach and departure angles.
accessory. It's no secret that the monster truckThere are also steps you can take to make your
look has been gaining popularity with pick up trucktall lift work well.
owners for the last several years. The lift kits areThere are several manufacturers that produce
purchased primarily by men, ages 18-35, but theresuspension lift kits. Many of these companies are
are no age or gender limitations for those pick upglobally recognized as leaders in off-road
truck owners that purchase truck lift kits.technology. Since late 1992, companies have been
Many truck enthusiasts truck their trucks withmanufacturing high quality, durable lift kits for on
suspension without checking with their local lawand off road racers and enthusiasts for trucks.
enforcement It is imperative that you check withEvery year, these manufacturers create more
your state highway patrol as to the heightvalue for your truck by improving product
limitations for street legal trucks. We alsoperformance and integrating new technologies into
recommend that you check with an OEM dealersuspension lift kits.
parts and or service department and a localHow Will a Lift Kit Affect The Ride of My Rig?
independent repair center as well. Compare theIt depends on the truck and your preferences.
answers from all three to make sure that yourMost straight axle truck lift kits with leaf springs
suspension lift kit will comply with local and/oror coil springs will typically ride firmer than stock in
state law enforcement.your truck. Firmer spring rates are required as
Installing a truck lift kit can be an expensiveheight increases to lessen body roll and provide
proposition, so make sure your finished productstability in your truck. More lift equals a firmer ride.
will be street legal before you spend your hardA Truck with independent front suspension will
earned Benjamin's on your pick up truck.normally ride, as well as, or better than stock with
The next time you're shopping for a suspensionmost truck lift kits.
lift kit, do yourself a favor and don't buyThere are a wide choice of suspension systems
whatever your friends are running on their trucks.and accessories for your truck or SUV. Whether
At least not before doing a little research (andit is 2WD or 4WD you'll find several companies
perhaps soul-searching) on your own to decidethat make the suspension lift kits that are right
how you'll be using your vehicle. Nowadays, evenfor you and your truck. Increase the height of
simple, solid-axle kits can cost hundreds ofyour truck from 2" - 7" to provide ample tire and
dollars--and that's without any optional kitterrain clearance while still maintaining that factory
equipment, shocks, or the new taller tires you'llride quality is what most pick up truck enthusiasts
want to install.hope for with installing truck lift kits.
Along with proper steering and suspensionHow much will a Professionally Installed Lift Kit
geometry, spring rate is one of the mostCost?
important design aspects of any lift kit. AlthoughIt is a wise investment to consider having a truck
spring rate can be defined simply as the amountlift kit professionally installed. While it is a great
of weight necessary to compress a spring 1 inch,way to express your individuality you have to be
matching the correct rate to a specific vehicle andable to afford it. Suspension lift kits can be
its usage is as much art and opinion as it isinstalled at a OEM dealership, an independent body
science and engineering.shop or a heavy duty spring shop.
The number-one fallacy when lifting a 4x4 is aPrices will range from approximately $1,800 to
that you will achieve more wheel travel (or axle$2,500, depending on the location and the going
articulation). In most cases, you actually diminishlabor rates in the marketplace. Always get several
this off-road attribute. In fact, the taller you go,quotes and references from previous customers
the harder this is to regain. A reasonable amountbefore determining which place to go to and ask
of lift, however, offers significant advantageshow long it will take for the process to be
such as ground clearance, room for bigger tires,complete before committing to one place.