Riding High: What Goes into Lifting a Truck?

Lifted trucks have a lot to offer when it comes to versatility, whether you’ve got hauling to do or just like driving a powerful truck.

However, it’s important to know what’s involved with lifting a truck before you make the investment.

Why Lift a Truck?

According to hotcars.com, lifted trucks have set and reset sales records in recent months, a testament to their “cool” factor as well as their utility. After all, a lifted truck makes you feel like you “own the highways,” allowing you to haul heavy loads and traverse rough terrain.

Increased ground clearance and bigger tires offer a better view of what’s up ahead. It also helps you power through snowdrifts or run roughshod over tree limbs, rocks, and unexpected objects that sometimes loom up out of nowhere. Whether you love off-roading or live in a cold, snowy climate, a lifted truck can make life easier.

As-Is or DIY

Some truck dealerships offer GM SCA Performance Lifted Trucks, widely regarded as one of the finest lifted truck brands on the market. Bought as is, such lifted trucks come supplied with a custom suspension lift system, 35-inch tires, high-clearance bumpers, and more.

But if you’re into DIY, you might save a little money by purchasing a suspension lift kit, which comes in a wide range of prices based on your vehicle (kits can cost anywhere from $80 to $4,000). It is a time-consuming endeavor and care is needed (particularly where the coil spring is concerned). If you’re lifting your truck by more than a couple of inches, it may be worthwhile to have this done by a professional.

What Do You Need?

When it comes to lifting a truck yourself, the more tools you have, the better off you are. In fact, it’s a good idea to do this in a fully equipped shop, so this is one of those times when being a gearhead will pay off. At a minimum, you’ll need the basics, which include a vehicle jack; lots of wrenches; a big screwdriver; a hammer or pry bar to force those old parts loose; plenty of bolts, nuts, and washers; and WD-40 to make it all a bit easier.

Purchasing a lifted truck as is can add to your bottom line. The cost can range between $50,000 and about $80,000, so being handy can save you some bucks. However, there’s a lot to be said for just driving it off the lot without having to worry about the time and difficulty of lifting a truck on your own.

Whether you need a truck with higher suspension for work or just like having a long view of the road ahead, a lifted truck for sale can make a big difference in terms of performance and reliability. Whether you buy one off the lot or do it yourself will probably have a lot to do with your finances (as well as your skill with tools), but if you choose to install it, be sure you understand what you’re getting into.