How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Truck?

There are many aesthetic and functional benefits to lifting a truck, but it’s important to know what the financial commitment is before diving in.

Lifting a truck can do more than just improve the truck’s aesthetic; the lift can also increase ride height and cargo capacity, gain suspension travel, and boost clearance. Drivers may choose to lift their trucks to be able to mount up bigger wheels and tires, improve the truck’s ride while towing, or increase the vehicle’s off-road capability.

How much a truck owner spends to lift a truck can vary greatly, depending on a series of factors, such as the number of parts installed, the price of parts themselves, or any necessary labor costs. This article outlines the different ways a truck can be lifted and the costs associated with each technique.

Ways to Elevate One’s Ride

There are two basic methods for lifting a truck, depending on the end goal.

Installing a Leveling Kit

A leveling kit doesn’t raise a truck’s overall ride height by much, if at all. Its purpose is mainly to correct suspension geometry so that the truck sits flat, giving it a more aesthetically pleasing stance. They come in handy for towing as well, as the rear end of the truck doesn’t squat down as much with a large load. Another top reason to install a leveling kit is for fitting bigger tires for off-roading.

Moving Up to a Lift Kit

If a truck owner wants to lift their truck more than an inch or so, then a lift kit is the best way to go. Lift kits typically raise the suspension by over two inches. Installing lift springs is a straightforward way to add a couple of inches. If more height is desired, installing different shock absorbers and geometry-correcting components is necessary to ensure the vehicle will still drive safely at its new height.

Lift via the Suspension or Body?

There are two methods to raise a truck with a lift kit: a suspension lift and a body lift. The former is a suspension component change, such as lift springs. A body lift consists of installing metal spacers that go between the body and the frame, also known as chassis, essentially changing the vehicle’s overall dimensions.

The Parts Cost of Lifting a Truck

Depending on the make and model of truck, there could be a myriad of aftermarket parts available to achieve the perfect lift.

Typically, a leveling kit is the least expensive method; it utilizes basic materials, such as small metal spacers or mildly higher-riding springs, and only raises the front end an inch or two. Parts alone cost anywhere from $30 to $1,000, depending on brand and materials quality.

Lift kits start at a higher price point due to the amount of components involved. If the goal is to achieve a modest, three-to-four-inch lift, truck owners can expect to spend $200 to $1,000. Going higher than that involves more components to correct the vehicle’s geometry, which increases the cost range for parts to $400 to $2,000.

The Labor Cost

After acquiring the necessary aftermarket parts, the truck owner must have them installed. For the average car enthusiast with the space, tools, and know-how to do it themselves, the price of labor is free. There are risks associated with going the DIY route, though—without taking proper care, an unsupported vehicle could either badly injure or kill someone if it falls on them. So it’s important to be well-versed in properly raising and supporting a car with a jack and stands and other necessary safety steps.

But if a truck owner isn’t certain on how to lift the truck, or just doesn’t have the time or the right tools, then the best choice is to hire a professional shop. The shop will likely mark up the cost of parts on top of its hourly labor rate, so be prepared to see prices that don’t align with what’s common with various online retailers.

Typically, a shop will charge $300 to $500 to install a mild leveling or lift kit, whereas more substantial lifts may cost significantly more. This is due to having to remove factory components and installing new ones, any necessary cutting or drilling, and utilizing special tools. Once all the parts are installed, the vehicle must be aligned to ensure it tracks straight and won’t cause premature tire wear. Plan on paying for at least four hours of labor, but definitely shop around and get quotes from a handful of reputable shops with good reviews before making a decision.

Summary

There are several reasons truck owners may want to lift their truck: aesthetics, a better stance, mounting bigger tires, gaining clearance for off-road driving, or gaining suspension travel for off-road driving. There are also various ways to do so, which may involve something as simple as a $40 leveling kit or a comprehensive lift that may take several hours to complete. But if a truck owner doesn’t have a certain level of skills and experience to install them, paying a professional to install the kit is the safer way to go.

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