Behind the Wheel

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Truck Lifted?

The decision to lift your truck opens up a world of possibilities. Each year, thousands of truck owners upgrade their vehicles from stock to stunning with a professional lift. With the right lift setup, that dream of dominating off-road trails or making your mark in a sea of ordinary trucks becomes a reality.

The process involves more than raising the truck and adding bigger tires. A truck lift requires careful planning, quality components, and expert installation. The investment varies based on several factors, from your truck’s make and model to your vision for the final result.

Ready to talk numbers? The cost range runs wide – from $100 to $12,000+.

Why such a massive spread? Because lifting your truck spans everything from basic spacer kits that just level out the front end all the way up to premium suspension systems that completely transform your truck’s performance and appearance.

While going budget might seem the best route at first glance, using a professional lifted truck service like Ultimate Rides can save you money in the long run (more on that later).

Let’s walk through your options and what drives the costs.

Types of Truck Lift Kits & Their Costs

There are three main ways to lift your truck. They all make your truck sit higher, but that’s where the similarities end.

ProsConsBest For
✓ Affordable upgrade✗ Limited to front-end lift only➤ Eliminating factory rake
✓ Easier installation✗ No performance improvements➤ Fitting slightly larger tires
✓ Maintains factory ride quality✗ Minimal ground clearance gain➤ Daily driven trucks

Note: Actual costs vary by truck make/model, lift height, and components chosen. Contact Ultimate Rides for precise quotes.

Leveling Kits

While not technically a lift, a leveling kit is often the first step into the lifted truck world. It eliminates your truck’s factory rake (where the front sits lower than the rear) by raising just the front to match the rear height. Most trucks have 1 to 2.5 inches of rake that can be corrected through strut spacers or torsion keys.

Expect to pay $200-$1000 for a quality leveling kit. Professional installation runs about $300-$500, making your total investment between $500-$1500.

ProsConsBest For
✓ Affordable upgrade✗ Limited to front-end lift only➤ Eliminating factory rake
✓ Easier installation✗ No performance improvements➤ Fitting slightly larger tires
✓ Maintains factory ride quality✗ Minimal ground clearance gain➤ Daily driven trucks

 

Body Lifts

A body lift adds height by placing spacers between your truck’s body and frame. These polyurethane spacers boost the body up by 1 to 3 inches.

It’s the cheapest way to lift a truck. Expect to pay $200-$800 for a quality body lift kit. Add another $500-$800 for professional installation, putting your total investment between $700-$1,600.

ProsConsBest For
✓ Affordable lift option✗ Limited to 3 inches max-height➤ Modest height increase needs
✓ Fits larger tires without major mods✗ Creates visible body-to-frame gap➤ Budget-conscious drivers
✓ Keeps factory suspension setup✗ Limited off-road gains➤ Street/highway trucks

 

Suspension Lifts

A suspension lift delivers the most dramatic height increase and best performance gains by replacing or modifying suspension components. These kits can add anywhere from 2 to 12 inches of lift.

A basic suspension lift kit usually costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on the height and complexity. Professional installation generally adds between $500 and $1,200. For more complex installations or larger lifts, the later price could double.

Popular truck models come with different price tags. A Ford F-150 suspension lift typically runs at $2,000+ for parts and labor.

ProsConsBest For
✓ Maximum height increase potential✗ Most expensive option➤ Serious off-road enthusiasts
✓ Big performance gains✗ Complex installation➤ Maximum height goals
✓ Better ground clearance✗ May affect daily drivability➤ Performance-focused builds

If you want further information about the two types of lift, read our comprehensive Body Lift vs Suspension Lift Guide.

Lift Height Cost Guide

The average cost to lift a truck varies dramatically based on height.

How Much to Lift a Truck 3 Inches?

A 2-3 inch lift hits the sweet spot for many truck owners. You’ll need a basic lift kit, new shocks, hardware, and an alignment kit. You can expect to pay between $800-$1,700 total. At this height, you’ve got options – whether it’s a leveling kit, body lift, or basic suspension lift.

How Much Is a 4-inch Lift on a Truck?

Moving up to 4 inches transforms your truck’s look and capability. A 4-inch lift typically runs $1,500-$2,500. You’ll need a complete suspension lift kit, extended brake lines, longer shocks, and drive shaft mods. Some trucks also need track bar relocation. Budget another $1,000-$2,000 for those new wheels and tires you’ll want.

How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Truck 6 Inches?

Six-inch lifts mean business – and more modifications. Count on spending $2,500-$4,000+. Your shopping list includes a heavy-duty suspension kit, brake line extensions, drive shaft mods, steering upgrades, and possibly a transmission drop. Professional alignment is non-negotiable.

4 or 6? Not sure which? Read our article on Should I Lift My Truck 4 or 6 Inches?

Going past 7 inches?

Now, we’re talking serious modifications. You’ll need a premium suspension system, custom drive shafts, geometry correction brackets, steering stabilizers, control arm drops, new brake lines throughout, and possible transmission and transfer case mods. This can push total costs to between $4,000 and $12,000+.

Again, these are ballpark figures. Many variables can affect the final cost of your lift. Reach out to one of our experts at Ultimate Rides to discuss costs and get answers to any questions you have about lifting your truck.

Professional vs DIY Installation

Many truck owners consider rolling up their sleeves and attempting DIY installation to save money. After all, YouTube makes everything look easy. But there’s a reason professional shops invest in specialized tools and training – lifting a truck properly involves more than just bolting on parts.

The Real Cost of DIY

The initial price tag might look attractive. You’re just paying for parts, right? Not exactly. Most DIY attempts overlook additional expenses. Specialty tools can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands.

What happens if you make a mistake? That can often mean buying parts twice. Many local shops won’t touch DIY jobs gone wrong, and insurance companies might deny claims involving DIY modifications.

Poor installation can also dramatically cut your truck’s resale value.

Professional Installation Advantages

Professional shops have seen it all. They know which bolts tend to snap, which bushings commonly fail, and how to prevent alignment issues before they start.

They understand proper torque specs, correct positioning of brake lines, and factory-spec alignment settings.

Their experience with specific truck models and access to manufacturer technical bulletins means they can spot and prevent problems before they start.

Safety Considerations

A lifted truck changes how forces act on suspension components, steering geometry, and braking systems. Professional installers understand these dynamics and make necessary adjustments. DIY installations often miss those ever-so-important details.

This can lead to premature tire wear, unpredictable handling, and excess stress on drivetrain components. At highway speeds, these oversights can have serious consequences.

The Professional Shop Advantage

Professional installers such as Ultimate Rides use calibrated tools, precision alignment equipment, and manufacturer-specific gear. Their experience lets them spot potential issues that most DIY installers miss.

Quality shops inspect all components before installation, follow manufacturer procedures, and make necessary adjustments for your specific setup. They test extensively and stand behind their work with solid warranties.

Consider this: Your truck needs to perform reliably at highway speeds, handle off-road challenges, and keep its occupants safe. While professional installation will certainly add to the total cost, that investment translates directly to better performance, longer component life, and stronger resale value.

Want to learn more about professional lift installation? Our team can walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you have.

What Affects Your Final Lift Cost?

Your Truck 

Different trucks need different approaches. Lifting a Ford F-150 involves different components and labor than a Chevy Silverado or RAM 1500. Newer trucks often cost more due to the complex electronic systems and special tools needed. Diesel trucks typically run higher than gas models because of their extra weight and beefier components.

Starting Point Counts

Your truck’s current condition plays a big role in costs. Rusty bolts mean more labor time. Worn suspension parts need replacement anyway – smart to do it during the lift. Some trucks come with factory options that make lifting easier or harder, affecting both parts and labor costs.

Height Changes Everything

As we covered earlier, taller lifts need more modifications. A basic 2-inch level might need just spacers and an alignment. But go for 6 inches, and suddenly you’re looking at drive shafts, brake lines, steering components, and more. Each extra inch can add hundreds to the bill.

Location and Shop Choice

Labor rates vary across the country. Major cities generally run higher than rural areas. But cheaper isn’t always better – experienced shops might charge more but save you money by doing the job right the first time. Quality parts also vary in price. Budget kits exist, but investing in reliable components from proven manufacturers costs more upfront and less long-term.

Our tip: Get detailed quotes that spell out exactly what’s included. A lower initial quote might not include necessary additions that a more complete quote factors in from the start.

Choosing the Right Lift Service

While that guy offering killer deals from his backyard might seem tempting, lifting your truck takes skill, experience, and the right equipment.

What Makes a Good Lift Shop?

A quality lift shop should have a clean, professional facility with proper lifts and alignment equipment. Look for ASE-certified mechanics and check out their reviews.

With over 1,000 positive Google reviews and around 500 lifts completed annually, Ultimate Rides’ experience shows in every build that leaves our shop.

Smart Questions to Ask

  • How many lifts do you typically do each month?
  • Can I see examples of similar trucks you’ve lifted?
  • What warranties do you offer on parts and labor?
  • Do you handle alignments in-house?

Watch Out For

Skip shops that push the cheapest parts, can’t show you previous work, or promise same-day completion for major lifts. If they’re rushing your build, they’re probably cutting corners. And run (don’t walk) from anyone who says alignment is optional.

Experience Counts

Quality lift work takes more than a wrench and an impact gun. It demands specialized knowledge, proper tools, and attention to detail. When you’re cruising down the highway in your lifted truck, you’ll be glad you chose a shop that knows exactly what they’re doing.

Financing Your Truck Lift

Don’t let the upfront cost of a lift kit keep your truck at stock height. Many buyers choose to finance their builds, spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments. Rates and terms vary based on credit and the total project cost.

Ask our team about the current financing options available for your lift build.

Wrapping Up on Lift Costs

There’s no getting away from it: a quality truck lift is a serious investment. The final price depends on your goals, choice of components, and, most importantly – who’s doing the installation.

Whether you’re looking to lift your current truck or want to skip the wait and drive home in a professionally built lifted truck today, Ultimate Rides has you covered. With hundreds of lifts completed annually and a showroom full of custom-built lifted trucks ready to roll, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen.

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