Installing a Lift Kit on Your Truck, SUV or Jeep

Go Big or Go Home, It’s the Off-Roading Way

It’s hard to miss a truck, SUV or Jeep with a lift kit installed. A lift kit raises the body and suspension of the vehicle to provide better ground clearance and the ability to traverse large obstacles. Towering above most others on the road, vehicles with lifts installed tend to sport oversized tires and impressive, colorful suspension systems. Drivers install lift kits to their rides for a variety of reasons from off-roading to rock crawling or just to show off as well. Additionally, towing and hauling is easier in a lifted truck because the suspension has more room to settle before bottoming out under the load.

Enthusiasts who operate lifted vehicles understand that these specialized systems require a different approach to driving as the higher center of gravity can make handling trickier, which means less stability on surface streets and uneven terrain. However, the improved capabilities, head-turning attention and adrenaline rush of tackling a particularly technical trail make driving lifted vehicles an unrivaled passion.

If you’re considering installing a lift kit on your truck, SUV or Jeep, you’re in good company. But, before you sink time, effort and cash into a huge lifting project on your vehicle, there are a few important things you want to consider. Let the experts at NAPA Auto Parts walk you through the ins and outs lift kit installation so you can do it correctly and get the sky-high profile of our dreams without sacrificing performance.

Elevated Considerations for Monster Trucks, SUVs & Jeeps

Before you purchase a lift kit, consider the purpose of your suspension overhaul and whether you want to invest in the parts separately or purchase an entire lift kit. Lift kits are designed to increase ground clearance, which improves off-road performance and allows for larger tires. However, lift kits also change the center of gravity of your vehicle, which affects handling and stability. 

Consider the age of your vehicle (older trucks, Jeeps and SUVs may require modifications to the front end) and the size of the tires that came on your vehicle. Your truck’s fenders were designed to accommodate these tires, so oversized tires can cause them to rub against the inner wheel well when turning. That can wear down both suspension parts and tires faster, so consider a lift kit that includes wheel spacers. 

It’s also essential to remember that you may void your vehicle warranty if you lift your truck. A truck that’s older and already through its warranty is a better candidate for modifications than a brand-new vehicle. Another reason not to lift a new truck is premature wear. Body lifts, suspension lifts and bigger tires all increase stress on shock absorbers, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, ball joints and tie rod ends.

When it comes to lifting your truck, SUV or Jeep, good quality components are absolutely crucial. Cheaper lift kits may seem like a good deal, but they often come with lower-quality parts that can fail as time passes. Whether you decide to purchase all your lift components separately or invest in a full lift kit, you should choose high-quality materials and reputable brand names. NAPAonline.com carries a vast selection of individual parts for DIY height upgrades from renowned brands like Daystar, Rancho, Air Lift, NAPA and others.

Choosing the Right Lift Kit

Once you understand the purpose of your lift kit, it’s time to choose the right one for your vehicle. Lift kits come in a variety of sizes from 1 inch to 12 inches or more. There are three main types of lift kits. The size and type you choose depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your daily driving or off-roading goals. 

Leveling kits are the most cost-effective option, maintain a smoother ride and are usually the easiest to install. However, you’re only gaining an inch or two, and while this is great for a more aggressive profile, it’s not ideal for off-roading. A coil lift kit is more expensive, but they usually come with eye-catching shocks and coil springs, offer 3 inches of lift and work with your suspension to provide a more stable ride when you’re off-roading. 

If you’re looking to raise your vehicle more than three inches, things get really interesting. Dropdown kits come with brackets and other components that ensure you get up to a full six inches of clearance. While these modifications are pricey, if you want maximum lift, this is the way to go!

Let NAPA Auto Care Lift Your Ride

By now, you know installing a lift kit is a complex and time-consuming process, especially if you’re not familiar with the mechanics of your vehicle. If you’ve weighed your options and you’re not quite confident about installing a lift kit on your truck, SUV or Jeep, don’t fret—NAPA Auto Care is here to help. With more 17,000 NAPA Auto Care centers nationwide, you can take your rig into any of our convenient locations to have your lift kit installed correctly and safely by one of our ASE-certified technicians. 

Installing a lift kit on your truck, SUV or Jeep is a great way to improve off-road performance and give your vehicle a unique profile that everyone is sure to notice. You can also shop NAPAOnline.com for all those finishing touch accessories you need for your lifted rig like running boards, nerf bars and off-road light kits. Sign up now for NAPA Rewards to get 1 Point for every $1 you spend!

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