Many truck owners dream of adding a lift kit to their ride. After all, it’s an upgrade that can dramatically change how your truck looks, drives, and performs. As much fun as it is to shop around, though, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before you buy.
While the right lift kit can improve clearance and capability, literally taking your vehicle to new heights, the wrong lift kit can lead to disappointing results once it’s installed—such as poor ride quality, handling issues, and expensive fixes you didn’t budget for. That’s why it’s always best to do as much research as possible before making a purchase.
For beginners, the easiest way to start is by learning what not to do. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common mistakes people make when buying lift kits, so you know what to avoid while assembling your dream rig and can make a more informed decision before you buy.
Understanding the Different Types of Lift Kits
Before you start shopping, it helps to understand what a lift kit actually does—and what it doesn’t. Lift kits get their name from the fact that they lift a vehicle’s suspension or body to increase ride height and allow for bigger tires. These upgrades can transform how your truck looks and drives, especially if you’re a serious off-roader planning to tackle rugged trails. But even daily drivers can benefit from added clearance, as it changes ride height, visibility, and overall road presence. Some lift kits can also improve suspension geometry, which may further enhance how the vehicle performs from a mechanical standpoint.
However, not all lift kits work the same way, and choosing without understanding those differences is where many buyers run into trouble. There are three main types of lift kits:
- Suspension lift kits, which raise or modify the vehicle’s suspension, often improving off-road capability while allowing for bigger tires.
- Body lift kits, which use spacers to distance the body from the frame, creating more room in the wheel wells without changing the suspension.
- Leveling kits, which raise the front end of the vehicle to level its stance and make room for slighter larger tires
Understanding these differences is important, because each type of lift kit affects ride quality, handling, and overall capability in its own way. Choosing the wrong type can lead to results that don’t match your expectations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Lift Kit
Shopping for lift kits can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with some responsibility. Buyers need to do their homework in order to end up with a kit that actually suits both their needs and their vehicle. Below are some of the most common pitfalls shoppers run into—and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Verify YMM Compatibility
Lift kits are typically built for very specific vehicle configurations, and small differences between trims, drivetrains, or suspension setups can make a big difference. When compatibility isn’t checked carefully, you may end up with a kit that doesn’t fit at all, or one that seems “close enough” until installation reveals clearance or alignment issues. That can mean return shipping, restocking fees, delayed installs, or paying for labor twice.
To avoid this, use a retailer’s Year-Make-Model tool as your starting point, then double-check fitment details on the manufacturer’s site or another reputable retailer before making a purchase. Don’t rely on a general internet search, as it often surfaces products that appear compatible but aren’t actually designed for your truck.
2. Choosing a Lift Kit That Doesn’t Match How You Use Your Truck
A lot of truck owners fall under the impression that buying a lift kit is simply about adding ground clearance and that bigger is always better. In reality, choosing the right lift starts with understanding how you use your truck and what you expect the upgrade to accomplish.
Before shopping, take a moment to consider how you drive your truck now and what limitations you actually notice. A lift kit can help address certain issues, but it won’t automatically make a truck more capable in every situation.
For example, many people assume that ground clearance comes from the lift kit itself—but that’s only true to an extent. Ground clearance comes from larger tires, which lift kits make room for. The bigger the lift, the bigger the tire you can fit beneath the truck to create more clearance. If you’re not planning to run larger tires, a taller kit may offer little benefit and could leave you paying for capability you won’t use.
By understanding what you do and don’t need, you’re far more likely to choose a lift kit that actually suits your truck and how you plan to use it.
3. Choosing Price Over Quality
We all like to save money, but sacrificing quality to stay within a budget can lead to problems—especially if you plan to do any serious off-roading. The goal should be finding a lift kit that delivers performance safely and reliably, not simply scoring the lowest-priced option.
A good starting point is researching what other truck owners with similar builds are running and what they recommend based on real-world experience. That kind of insight can help you identify which brands hold up over time, what a realistic price range looks like, and what installation or maintenance considerations come with a particular kit.
It’s also worth remembering that budget constraints don’t have to force a rushed decision. If the right kit is currently out of reach, it may be worth waiting. In the meantime, you can save up, set price alerts for upcoming sales, or even talk with a local shop about gently used components. Don’t settle for something that doesn’t truly meet your needs.
4. Not Considering Other Necessary Upgrades
Some lift kits are more comprehensive than others. In the case of larger lift kits especially, raising a truck can affect driveline angles and suspension geometry, which may require additional components for everything to work properly.
You may need to invest in items such as transfer case lowering kits, extended slip yokes, new driveshafts, or even wheels with a particular offset to maintain proper fitment and drivability. Failing to sort out these details ahead of time can lead to surprise expenses you didn’t factor into your budget or unexpected complications during installation.
Before purchasing, make sure you understand not only what’s included with a lift kit, but also what additional parts may be required for it to function as intended.
What to Know When Shopping for a Lift Kit Online
Shopping for auto parts online can be frustrating, and lift kits add another layer of complexity. There are a lot of options to sort through, and it’s easy to miss small details that end up mattering later. That said, as long as you slow down and pay attention to the basics, buying a lift kit online doesn’t have to be a headache.
Keep the following tips in mind while you shop to help you stay in the right lane:
- Always make sure you’re looking at a kit designed specifically for your truck by using a year-make-model search.
- Factor shipping costs into your purchase, especially for large and heavy items like lift kits.
- Verify the return policy allows you to send a kit back if it’s not what you expected when it arrives.
- Stick with retailers that have a solid reputation and a track record of selling lift kits.
- Use customer service as a resource if you have questions about fitment or kit requirements before buying.
Buying a lift kit online is much easier when you have the right support. Parts Via carries lift kits from leading brands and offers guidance to help you choose a setup that fits your truck and your goals. Plus, with our fast, FREE ship-to-store option, you can have your lift kit delivered directly to the installer of your choice, simplifying both shipping and installation. Start browsing today and get your build moving in the right direction.