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Whether you need more clearance for off-roading, want a better view from a higher perch or simply want bigger tires to show off, jacking up your vehicle with a lift kit is a simple solution. In this guide we explore the strengths and weaknesses of five kinds of lift kits. For the avid off-roader, a full suspension lift kit to raise your truck’s body may make the most sense to avoid obstacles—and it’ll make room for larger off-road tires. If you’re only hoping to add larger tires or want to reduce the installation time and cost of lifting your truck, leveling and coil-over kits are good options.

Below we have evaluated and ranked five styles of kits, all of which are designed to fit the number-one selling pickup truck in the U.S. for more than 40 years, the Ford F-150. Before purchasing any lift kit, you should be absolutely sure it fits your make and model. If you’re not sure, spend some time researching or contact the seller of the lift kit to be sure.

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Editorial Picks


Best Full Suspension Lift Kit
Why We Picked It

If you want your truck high off the ground and ready for anything, this Rough Country kit should do the job. Installing a full suspension lift kit is similar to installing a whole new suspension but Rough Country has you covered with well-regarded customer service and a lifetime replacement warranty on most parts (three-year warranty on shocks/struts). This six-inch kit will give you enough ride height to run tires up to 35 inches while maintaining proper wheel spacing. The drive shaft spacer keeps everything at an optimal angle for factory-like ride, even after lifting. Note this will not change the basic physics of a higher load center. If you’re planning to do the install yourself without any experience, note that the instructions may not cut it—it’s best to consult a professional.


Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It

For those who want a few more inches of lift without modifying a suspension system, the Performance Accessories Body Lift Kit can do the job. This body lift kit provides a comparable amount of lift without altering the factory-designed suspension geometries and keeps your truck’s center of gravity lower than a comparable suspension lift. This Performance Accessories kit gives you three inches of lift allowing for larger diameter tires but not much extra ground clearance. The parts are CNC-machined and laser cut for high precision and the lifting blocks are made of high-pressure fiberglass reinforced nylon for immense strength.   


Pros & Cons
Best Coil-Over Lift Kit
Sale
$504.69
-$60.17  (12%)
$444.52 On Amazon
Why We Picked It

If you’re interested in upgrading your truck’s shocks and increasing lift but not necessarily achieving a ton of extra clearance, consider upgrading to these Fox Performance Series coil-over shocks. A well-known shock brand that outfits the F-150 Raptor, these shocks can bolt on with no modifications and are designed to level your truck front-to-back, increasing lift up to two inches. These easy-to-install performance shocks provide a comfortable on-road ride and can improve off-road handling even in the toughest conditions. It is difficult to adjust the pre-loaded height and as such, customers report a stiffer ride. Note that the shock listed is only for the front axle. Fox kits for front and rear are difficult to find at the moment, so you’ll need to buy them separately. 


Pros & Cons
Best Front and Rear Leveling Kit
Why We Picked It

Leveling kits provide a couple inches of lift at a fraction of the cost of suspension or body kits. These kits are also easier for the average consumer to install and do not require specialized tools. This AKM leveling kit makes lifting your Ford F-150 a breeze. Using front lift spacers and zinc-plated rear lift blocks, AKM’s leveling kit will lift your Ford truck at an affordable price without lessening your comfort level while driving. Beware that some customers have reported incorrect bolt sizes and be prepared to outsource the instructions. YouTube tutorials have been found to be clearer than manufacturer instructions.


Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It

For those who need just a few inches of lift, this MotoFab two-inch front leveling kit will fit the bill. Featuring simple installation and an incredibly affordable price, this leveling kit is a walk in the park to install and will get you back on the road in no time. The MotoFab spacers are CNC-machined out of strong aluminum and powder coated for a rust-proof finish, designed to match your truck’s factory suspension. This lift kit is made in the United States and includes a lifetime warranty for peace of mind. Some customers have reported these kits are best used on older F-150s and that post-2018 models may require extra modification. For best results, call and discuss with the MotoFab before purchase or consult a professional.


Pros & Cons

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METHODOLOGY

In order to determine the best lift kit for your vehicle, we considered the products most accessible to the widest swath of consumers in the U.S. and evaluated performance, price and value. We also considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers. Forbes Wheels evaluated 10 top-rated lift kits of different styles. Products were rated based on ease of installation, price, customer reviews and construction. Most selected lift kits fit late-model Ford F-150 trucks though most companies offer similar products for other years, makes and models.


Do lift kits ruin your truck?
Do lift kits cause problems?
What type of lift kits are there?
Are body lift kits worth it?
Which is better, a body lift or suspension lift?
What is the average cost of a lift kit for a truck?