No Regrets: How to Choose the Right Lift Kit for Your Truck
by Jay Ehret
There’s a thought that keeps creeping in:
“I sure would like to put a lift kit on my truck.”
Then come the questions:
- How do I choose the right lift kit?
- Am I going to regret this?
Let’s clear that up right now.
Yes, the right lift kit can make your truck look incredible, especially when paired with new wheels and all-terrain tires. But looks are only part of the equation. What really matters is how your truck drives and whether you maintain the ride quality you expect.
Here are the key things you need to know—based on insights from leading lift kit manufacturers.
Understanding Lift Kits and Ride Quality
According to ReadyLift, spacer-style lift kits have the least impact on ride quality. These kits use a spacer placed on top of the strut or shock assembly to lift the vehicle without extending or altering the shock itself.
When installed properly, you may notice little to no change in ride quality.
However, that can change depending on other modifications—especially wheels and tires, which we’ll cover shortly.
If a pre-load spacer is added at the base of the strut assembly, you may notice a slight change in ride feel.
Many lift kit manufacturers, including ReadyLift, offer kits with new shocks and coils, which can actually improve ride quality. ReadyLift uses Falcon shocks that are tuned for specific vehicles and lift heights. They also offer multi-tune shocks with three compression settings, allowing you to adjust ride quality based on your driving conditions.
Carli Suspension also custom tunes its shocks for each vehicle and conducts extensive testing. In addition, they offer softer coil springs in the front and softer leaf springs in the rear, which may improve ride comfort compared to factory suspension.
Don’t Regret Your Lift Kit Purchase
If you want to avoid regret, focus on these key decisions.
1. Choose Ride Quality Over Height
There’s a natural tendency to go as big as possible—6-inch or even 8-inch lifts. But larger lifts introduce factors that can negatively affect your experience.
2. Consider the Impact of Wheels and Tires
If you go with a larger lift, you’ll likely need bigger wheels and tires to match the new stance. These changes can have an even greater impact on ride quality than the lift kit itself.
3. Think About Everyday Usability
A taller truck means a higher step-in height—for you and your passengers. That may require adding power running boards to make entry and exit easier.
4. Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
Not all lift kits are created equal. Differences in engineering, design, and quality control matter.
A well-designed lift kit maintains proper suspension geometry, preventing issues like binding or premature wear on components such as ball joints. Higher-quality kits often cost more—but they are designed to perform better and last longer.
5. Choose the Right Tire
Tires play a major role in how your truck rides after a lift.
Factors like tire size, rating, and pressure all influence performance and comfort. If you’re not keeping your factory tires, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable shop that can guide you through the options.
Pickup Outfitters lift kit experts are trained to help you choose the right tire for your specific setup.
Let the Experts Install Your Lift Kit
Sure, your sister’s co-worker Bubba might offer to install your lift kit for a case of Michelob Ultra—but that’s not a decision you want to regret.
Professional installation requires the right tools, including:
- Impact wrench
- Spring compressor
- 2- or 4-post lift
- Jacks and jack stands
- Alignment machine
Experience matters just as much as equipment. A skilled technician can install your lift kit more efficiently and accurately—and handle situations that don’t come with instructions.
Suspension systems vary across manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, and Ram, and they differ between half-ton (1500) and heavy-duty (2500/3500) trucks. Proper knowledge of these systems is critical.
Pickup Outfitters has an ASE Certified Suspension Technician on staff (and his name’s not Bubba) to ensure your lift kit is installed correctly. We are the place in Waco and Central Texas to have your lift kit professionally installed.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing the right lift kit isn’t just about how your truck looks—it’s about how it performs every time you get behind the wheel. By focusing on ride quality, selecting the right components, and working with experienced professionals, you can upgrade your truck with confidence and avoid the common mistakes that lead to regret.
Pickup Outfitters sells and professionally installs all major brands of lift kits. And we back up our installation with free warranty support and a lifetime installation guarantee.
Summary
Choosing the right lift kit involves more than just selecting the height—it requires careful consideration of ride quality, suspension components, tires, and installation. Spacer-style kits can preserve ride quality, while upgraded shocks and springs may improve it. Larger lifts introduce additional factors such as tire selection and usability challenges. Quality engineering and professional installation are essential to maintaining proper suspension geometry and long-term performance, helping ensure a lift kit upgrade enhances your truck without regret.
Choosing a Lift Kit Key Points
- Spacer-style lift kits typically have minimal impact on ride quality
- Pre-load spacers can slightly change ride feel
- Upgraded shocks and coils may improve ride quality
- Larger lifts (6”–8”) introduce more variables and potential trade-offs
- Wheels and tires can affect ride quality more than the lift kit itself
- Increased height may require running boards for easier access
- Higher-quality kits offer better engineering and durability
- Tire selection (size, rating, pressure) is critical to performance
- Professional installation ensures proper setup and alignment
- Suspension systems vary by truck type and manufacturer
For more information, check out the FAQs on the Pickup Outfitters Lift Kit Page