What are the benefits of lifted trucks?

If you drive a pickup, you may have considered lifting it. Maybe you've seen a lifted truck similar to yours and liked the look, or perhaps you want a lift to improve performance. Our team at ORO Ford compiled this article to help you understand what a lift involves and how to do it right.

What Is a Lifted Truck?

Lifting a truck means raising the height above the manufacturer's original specifications. But what does lifting a truck do, and why do it?  We do two types of lifts at ORO Ford: a body lift and a suspension lift. We can implement a body lift on any body-on-frame vehicle, a platform most manufacturers use on trucks and SUVs. We separate the body from the frame and chassis and install the lift before reattaching the body. A body lift raises the truck's body but doesn't improve ground clearance.

A suspension lift is more complex but raises both the vehicle's height and ground clearance. We raise the truck from the axles instead of the chassis, increasing the vehicle's ground clearance and ride height. You can get a significantly higher lift with a suspension lift than a body lift, but some states have laws regulating how high you can lift a truck. We recommend you check your local regulations before you start.

History and Evolution of Truck Lifting

The process was first used during World War II when military trucks were lifted to help them traverse rough terrain. By the 1970s, DIY truck enthusiasts had begun installing their own lifts, putting blocks between the axles and adding leaf springs with longer U-bolts and shackles. These were quick and easy but didn't improve the vehicle's ride quality.

It was, however, a good idea, and it resulted in the emergence of custom shops that built their own kits for lifting and produced better performance without sacrificing ride quality. Kits today have evolved to include hydraulic adjustments you can make as you drive.

Different Types of Lift Kits

Different types of lift kits are available, depending on your needs. Most people choose a standard body lift or suspension lift kit, but leveling kits are also available. You can even install an adjustable height suspension lift, which allows you to adjust the lift as needed. For example, You can lower your vehicle on the highway or raise it when you hit the trail. There are pros and cons for each option.

Body Lift Kits

Body lift kits do precisely what the name implies but can only be performed on body-on-frame vehicles. We detach the body from the frame, install spacers, and then reattach the body to the frame, providing you with an inexpensive way to improve ride height.

Body lift kits cost much less than other lifts. You can expect to spend less than $1,000 on a body lift, which can increase your ride height by up to 3 inches. This is ideal if you only want a higher perch while driving around Oracle. Installing body kits is simpler than suspension lift kits but not necessarily easy, as you still have to remove the body from the frame.

Suspension Lift Kits

Suspension lift kits cost more but have several advantages over body kits. First, a suspension lift adds ground clearance, an important feature for taking your truck off-roading. You can go higher with a suspension lift because you raise the body and frame from the axles, which enhances your truck's curb appeal and performance.

Unfortunately, choosing a suspension lift means you'll need to replace most of your existing suspension components, such as the control arms, shocks, and leaf springs, which gets expensive. The result will be a truck ready to tackle rugged terrain, but you should expect to spend more. Suspension lifts also let you install much larger tires. If you want those 35-inch tires, a suspension lift will get you there.

Leveling Kits

Most trucks are designed with a higher rear end to compensate for vehicle sag when towing and hauling. A leveling kit simply raises the front end to match the rear. They cost less than $1,000 and install easily.
A leveling kit doesn't improve ride height but does increase the front bumper's clearance from the road surface. You won't drive your front bumper into the ground as much when off-roading, but if you want real off-roading performance, you should look into a suspension lift instead.

Key Benefits of Lifted Trucks

Lifting your truck has some benefits; the additional ride height gives you an excellent vantage point to see over the top of the vehicles ahead. This angle helps you react quickly to emergencies. A lifted truck looks good aesthetically, and it'll improve performance.

Lifting your truck will improve ground clearance and maneuverability, and it's almost a requirement if you enjoy serious off-roading. Sometimes, lifting your truck improves towing performance; while it won't increase your towing capacity, it can improve the physics of towing by aligning your trailer more evenly with your truck. This alignment can enhance your driving stability and control while towing.

Installing a lift means you can use larger tires, significantly improving traction in off-road and harsh weather conditions. In addition, installing a lift will increase your truck's resale value, an important detail when it's time to sell.

A lift can also include accessories such as incorporated lighting and specialized trim, transforming your truck into a showpiece.

Contact ORO Ford To Lift Your Truck Today

If you're 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'll discuss your goals and recommend the best way to custom-lift your truck for a unique look and improved performance.