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How much to lift a Ford F-150?

Raising an F-150 can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic leveling kit to well over ten thousand dollars for a high-end, large lift with new wheels and tires. In practice, most installations fall in the $1,000 to $5,000 range when accounting for parts, labor, tires, and alignment.


Raising the truck changes its geometry, ride quality, and safety; the exact price depends on the lift height, the kit type, the year and trim of your F-150, tire and wheel choices, and whether you opt for professional installation or do it yourself. The following overview breaks down common lift options, typical price ranges, and practical considerations. This information reflects typical market pricing as of 2024–2025 and may vary by region and shop.


Lifting options and typical price ranges


Below are the most common ways F-150 owners increase ride height, with approximate installed price ranges. Actual costs vary by region, shop, kit type, and any required supporting work such as tires or steering components.



  • 1–2 inches: Leveling kit (spacers or strut-based) to even out the stance. Parts often run roughly $50–$350; installation typically $100–$700; total installed generally $200–$1,000.

  • 3 inches: Basic suspension lift or upgraded spacer/coil kit. Parts commonly $1,000–$2,800; labor $300–$900; total installed around $1,300–$3,700.

  • 4–6 inches: Moderate to larger suspension lift. Parts usually $1,500–$5,000; labor $600–$2,000; total installed roughly $2,100–$7,000.

  • 7–8+ inches: High-clearance, long-travel or aftermarket suspension systems. Parts often $3,000–$8,000 or more; labor $1,000–$3,000; total installed typically $4,000–$11,000+, depending on components and tires.

  • Tire and wheel considerations: Lifts often require new tires and wheels to fit the new geometry and avoid rubbing. Expect $600–$2,000 per tire set and $300–$600 per wheel, plus mounting/balancing and alignment.


Costs can escalate quickly when you add larger tires, stronger shocks, axles, drivetrain gear changes, or professional installation in high-cost markets.


Additional considerations


Several factors influence the final price and feasibility of lifting your F-150, beyond the kit price.


Warranty and resale implications


Installing aftermarket lifts can affect factory warranties and resale value. Some dealers or OEMs may view modifications unfavorably, while reputable aftermarket shops may offer warranties on their labor and components. Always check warranty implications for your specific model year and trim.


Safety, drivetrain and alignment


Higher ride height changes steering geometry, CV angles, brake lines, and suspension geometry. A professional alignment is essential, and you may need longer control arms, upgraded driveshafts, or re-gearing if you move to very large tires. All of these can add to the cost.


Budgeting and process


To move from decision to drivetrain-ready, plan methodically. The following steps outline a typical process and associated costs.



  1. Define lift goal and tire plans: Decide how much height you want and whether you’ll run bigger tires, which will influence wheels and gearing.

  2. Choose a kit and parts: Leveling vs suspension, shocks, control arms, and brackets; check compatibility with your year and trim.

  3. Get professional installation: Expect 2–8 hours for leveling kits, 8–20 hours for full suspension lifts, depending on kit complexity and vehicle access.

  4. Plan for tires, wheels and alignment: New wheels/tires and an alignment are often required; budget accordingly.

  5. Test drive and inspection: Verify clearance, rub, steering, braking, and fitment; address any issues before road use.


In practice, a straightforward leveling job with basic tires is the least expensive route, while a full 6–8 inch suspension, oversized tires, and upgraded wheels represents the higher end of the cost spectrum.


Summary


The price to lift a Ford F-150 depends on how high you want to go and what you replace in the process. Leveling kits offer the lowest upfront cost, while multi-inch suspension lifts with new tires can push total investment into the several-thousand-dollar range. Always factor in installation, alignment, tires, wheels, possible drivetrain tweaks, and warranty considerations when budgeting.

How much does a shop charge to lift a truck?


$800 to $8,000
How much is it to lift a truck if a professional does it? Having a shop lift your truck can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000. The reason the cost varies so much is that it depends on several factors such as whether a leveling or lift kit is used, what kind of setup you want, and what kind of truck you have.



How much lift for 35 inch tires F-150?


To fit 35-inch tires on an F-150, you will need at least a 2.5-inch leveling kit for narrower tires, but a 4-inch suspension lift is recommended for wider tires or for a better all-around fit. A 2.5-inch level can work with a 35x11.50-inch tire, but you may still need to trim the crash bars or have other minor rubbing issues, especially with more aggressive or wider tires. 
Leveling kit (2.5 inches) 

  • Best for: Narrower tires, around 11.5 inches wide (like a 295/65/20). 
  • Potential issues: Wider tires (12.5 inches) can rub against the upper control arm or crash bars, often requiring trimming. 
  • Requirement: This setup is often only feasible with the right wheel offset. You will likely need to trim the crash bars to avoid rubbing, especially when turning. 

This video demonstrates how to fit 35-inch tires on a leveled F-150: 52sProfessor Mike AutoYouTube · Jun 11, 2023
Suspension lift (4 inches)
  • Best for: Wider tires (like 35x12.50) and a more aggressive look. 
  • Benefit: A full lift provides more clearance, minimizing or eliminating the need for extensive trimming. 
  • Requirement: This is the most common and reliable way to fit 35s without major modifications. 

Important considerations for both setups
  • Tire width: Tire width is often the most critical factor for avoiding rubbing. A narrower tire will have more clearance. 
  • Wheel offset: The wheel's offset will significantly impact how your tires fit. A positive offset can push the tire closer to the body mount or control arm, while a negative offset will push it out and can cause it to rub on the crash bar. 
  • Fender/crash bar trimming: Trimming the crash bars, wheel well liners, and front valance is often required, especially with wider tires and negative offset wheels. 
  • Bumper clearance: A more aggressive or aftermarket front bumper can provide more clearance for larger tires. 



Is a 2-inch lift worth it?


A 2-inch lift can be worth it if you want a slight increase in ground clearance, a more aggressive look, and the ability to fit slightly larger tires, especially for occasional off-roading, while maintaining a fairly comfortable on-road ride. However, it may not be worth it if you prioritize a smooth on-road ride, or if you don't plan to install larger tires, as you might not fully utilize the lift's benefits. The decision depends on your specific needs and how you use your vehicle, as a 2-inch lift can also impact towing, fuel economy, and handling.
 
Pros

  • Increased ground clearance: A 2-inch lift provides more room to clear obstacles on trails, snow, or rough terrain. 
  • Accommodates larger tires: You can fit slightly larger tires, which improves traction and gives the vehicle a more rugged appearance. 
  • Maintains ride quality: For many, a 2-inch lift doesn't significantly degrade the on-road ride quality, especially if you opt for a quality lift kit that replaces or upgrades struts rather than just using spacers. 
  • Improved stance and aesthetics: It provides a more aggressive and balanced look by raising the front of the vehicle to be level with the rear. 

Cons
  • Compromised on-road comfort: Some types of lifts can result in a stiffer suspension and a less comfortable ride on pavement, particularly if spacers are used, which can negatively affect strut performance. 
  • Potential issues with towing: A lift can cause the rear to squat more when towing, potentially making the vehicle less stable. You may need a drop hitch to compensate for the change in height. 
  • Negative impact on fuel economy: While the effect is often minimal, a lift, especially when combined with larger, heavier tires, can decrease your gas mileage. 
  • Altered handling: The change in suspension geometry can affect the vehicle's handling, and a wheel alignment is almost always necessary after installation to prevent issues like uneven tire wear. 
  • Parking and clearance issues: Your vehicle will be taller, which can create problems with parking garages, drive-thrus, and home garages. 

Is it worth it for you?
A 2-inch lift is a good choice if you are looking for a practical upgrade that improves off-road capability and aesthetics without the significant costs or compromises that come with larger lifts. It is particularly worthwhile if you plan to install slightly larger tires to take full advantage of the extra clearance. However, if you primarily drive on-road and tow frequently, a lift might not be the best option unless you are willing to address the potential compromises in comfort, stability, and fuel efficiency.



Is a 3 inch lift noticeable?


Yes, a 3-inch lift is very noticeable, providing a more aggressive look, a taller stance, and greater ground clearance. It can significantly alter a vehicle's appearance, making it look more commanding and capable, and is substantial enough to accommodate larger tires, which further enhances its rugged presence.
 
How it's noticeable

  • Visual change: The most immediate and obvious change is the vehicle's height. A 3-inch lift is a substantial modification that is clearly visible, especially when compared to a stock vehicle. 
  • Commanding presence: Lifting a vehicle this much gives it a more aggressive and rugged look, changing its overall profile from the side and front. 
  • Ground clearance: The increased height provides more space between the ground and the undercarriage, making it easier to handle uneven terrain. 
  • Larger tires: A 3-inch lift often makes it possible to install larger tires, which adds to the vehicle's aggressive appearance and improves traction for off-road use. 

Considerations for a 3-inch lift
  • Ride quality: Depending on the kit and how it's installed, a 3-inch lift can affect ride quality. Some users report a harsher ride, while others find it more stable or comfortable, especially when combined with appropriate shocks and tires. 
  • Component strain: A lift of this size can put extra stress on components like CV joints. To prevent premature wear, a lift kit might include parts like a differential drop kit or require aftermarket parts like upper control arms. 
  • Mileage impact: Installing a lift and larger tires will likely decrease fuel efficiency, though the exact amount depends on the vehicle and tire size. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.