Will a Ford dealer install a lift kit?
Usually not; Ford dealers generally do not install aftermarket lift kits that are not Ford-approved. If the lift kit is a Ford Performance Parts kit or a dealer-approved installation, they may perform the work. Always check with your local dealer for policy, availability, and warranty implications.
Understanding dealership policy on lift kits
Dealerships balance customer requests with safety, warranty protections, and liability. The core question is whether the modification uses Ford-approved parts and whether installation will be covered under warranty if something related goes wrong.
What follows outlines common practices, potential exceptions, and steps to take when considering a lift kit for a Ford vehicle.
- Non-Ford aftermarket kits are seldom installed by a dealer; they typically prefer Ford-approved options to protect safety and warranties.
- Ford Performance Parts lifts may be installed by participating dealers, depending on model year and local policy.
- Warranty implications vary: some modifications may affect coverage for related systems, and some issues may be excluded if caused by the modification.
- Installation often requires additional work such as alignment, recalibration, and potential parts upgrades (tires, brakes, steering components).
Policy varies by dealership, model, and region. Always confirm in writing what kit is allowed and how it affects warranty and service.
Paths a Ford dealer might offer
Dealers may offer installation through one of several routes, each with different eligibility and warranty terms.
Ford Performance Parts kits
Ford Performance Parts (FPP) lifts are designed for compatibility with Ford vehicles and may be installed by authorized dealers or technicians. Availability depends on the model, year, and region, and the kit may come with a warranty for parts and labor when installed by approved personnel.
- Check model-year compatibility and kit availability for your vehicle.
- Confirm whether installation is performed by certified staff.
- Ask about parts and labor warranty coverage and any required recalibration.
- Obtain a written estimate detailing parts, labor, and any ancillary work (alignment, tires, braking components).
Warranty terms and costs can vary; ensure every detail is documented before proceeding.
Factory-approved dealer installations
Some dealers offer installation of Ford-approved suspension options or other officially sanctioned modifications that are managed through Ford’s authorized channels.
- Limited availability by model and region; not all dealers offer this service.
- Work performed by technicians trained for Ford-approved parts, with defined warranty terms.
- Likely to require a formal order, scheduled downtime, and written estimates.
- Warranty coverage may apply to the kit and labor as specified by Ford or the dealer.
Always verify the exact kit, installation scope, and warranty status in writing before committing.
Alternatives if the dealer won't install
If your local Ford dealer declines to install a lift kit, several practical options remain.
- Use a reputable independent suspension shop that specializes in lifts and has Ford-experienced technicians.
- Look for a shop that offers Ford Performance Parts installation through approved channels, if available in your area.
- Ask for a comprehensive written quote covering parts, labor, alignment, and any required recalibration.
- Ensure the installer provides a warranty on workmanship and uses components compatible with your truck or SUV model.
Document everything and confirm how the modification might affect resale value and future service options.
Cost and safety considerations
Prices vary widely based on the kit, vehicle, and labor rates. Installation can entail additional work such as wheel/tire changes, braking upgrades, steering geometry adjustments, and electronic recalibration. Safety and warranty implications hinge on the specific kit and the installer’s credentials.
- Budget range for common lift kits and installation can vary significantly by model and market.
- Consider whether tires, wheels, brakes, and steering components need upgrading to safely accommodate the lift.
- Understand how the modification could affect braking performance, suspension geometry, and vehicle dynamics.
- Clarify warranty coverage for the kit, labor, and related vehicle systems before proceeding.
Get all terms in writing and keep copies of receipts and service records.
Summary
In practice, Ford dealers are most likely to install Ford-approved lift kits or Ford Performance Parts through authorized channels. For non-Ford aftermarket lifts, expectations should be set with the dealer and you may be directed to a specialized independent shop. Always verify which parts are approved, the impact on warranty, and the full cost before moving forward.
Can a dealership install a lift kit?
Financing a Lift Kit
Luckily, Anderson drivers can get a lift kit professionally and competently installed at their local RAM dealership. The complex nature of a lift kit installation, and the time it takes to perform such a task, means that lift kits can be rather expensive.
Does a lift kit void a Ford powertrain warranty?
Will aftermarket lift kits or bigger tires void my factory warranty? Absolutely not. Many people enhance and personalize the looks of their trucks by adding aftermarket lift kits, leveling kits, custom wheels or/and custom tires.
How much does it cost to get a Ford truck lifted?
around $1,000 to $4,000
Price & Installation
If you're lifting your Ford F-150 truck, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the ride quality and height you want. Professional installation is usually necessary if you're using a lift or block kit, as well as an alignment after.
Will a Ford dealer install aftermarket parts?
Yes, many Ford dealerships will install aftermarket parts, but their policies vary and some may only use parts they sell, while others may refuse customer-supplied parts. It is best to contact your specific dealership to ask about their policies and whether they will install the part you want, as well as how it might affect your vehicle's warranty.
Factors to consider
- Warranty: Some dealerships may refuse to install parts that could affect your warranty, while others might have specific policies for using certain aftermarket parts and installing them in a way that maintains your warranty.
- Part type: Dealerships are more likely to install common upgrades like leveling kits or larger wheels, but their willingness to install other parts will depend on their technicians' expertise and the part's complexity.
- Cost: The cost will vary based on the part, labor, and the dealership's pricing structure.
Before you go
- Check your warranty: Contact the dealership or the manufacturer to understand how the installation of the aftermarket part might affect your warranty.
- Contact the dealership: Ask them if they will install the specific part you have in mind and if they have any policies that could impact your warranty.
- Research other options: If the dealership refuses to install the part, consider getting it installed at an independent shop that specializes in aftermarket parts.
