Do You Need Longer Shocks With A Lift Kit?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Suspension lift kits that raise your truck higher than 3 inches will usually require a new shock absorber to take

up the difference in distance

between the top and bottom mounting points of the shock. To simplify the shopping experience, the majority of brands we carry will include new shock absorbers in these cases.

Do 2 inch leveling kits require new shocks?

Do I Need New Shocks?

Not all leveling kits require new shocks

. … However, if your original shocks have 20,000 or more miles on them, you plan to take the vehicle off-road, or if you drive aggressively, you should consider new shocks mandatory with the installation of a suspension leveling kit.

Do I need new shocks with a 2 inch lift?

Next up is a 2” or 2.5” lift, typically consisting of spacer and add-a-leaf kits. At this point, you’ll also usually need new shock absorbers with

longer

tubes. … At this point, a steering damper might also be necessary to correct a tendency toward wander and bump steer.

How long do shocks last on a lifted truck?

“As a general rule of thumb, OEM hydraulic twin-tube shocks only last

about 15,000 to 20,000 miles

when used in a work truck environment (towing, hauling heavier loads, off-road/off-pavement use),” says Shane Casad, Bilstein of America, who specializes in pickup suspension setups.

Do lift kits cause problems?

A

rough-riding kit can cause unexpected issues

—like additional fatigue on long trips and wear on the truck itself. Generic suspension tuning can lead to loss of suspension damping which could lead to a much more serious problem.

Do lift kits affect steering?

Suspension lift kits

can alter steering and suspension geometry

in significant ways, affecting road manners and handling, while possibly wearing out suspension and drivetrain parts prematurely.

Do lift kits decrease gas mileage?

It actually does. Lifting the

truck higher

than its factory standard and adding on bigger tires will lower the fuel economy of your truck. … All-terrain tires or larger sized tires are going to lower your fuel economy a bit. The lift kit will impact your fuel economy depending on the size and weight of the kit installed.

How can I make my lifted truck ride smoother?

To combat these issues, you can invest in

reservoir shocks

to help smooth out your ride. You can also consider buying coilover shocks, custom leaf springs, and traction bars for even more dampening relief. Keep an eye on your driveline after you lift your truck.

What noise do bad shocks make?


Knocking Sound

: When you head over some bumps in the road, especially potholes, speed bumps, things like that and you hear a metallic knocking sound then that’s a good sign that your shocks are worn out.

Is a 2 inch lift worth it?


Yes a 2′′ lift is worth it

, think of it this way… On a tourer it enables you to get to more places or the same places with less risk of sill and under carriage damage, it also increases your take off and departure angles which is a plus.

Is a 4 inch lift worth it?

A 4-inch lift can allow you to fit into more spaces, such as garages, parking spots, car washes, etc. … A 4-inch lift is

overall less expensive

, not only when it comes to gas but also tires. The less lifted a truck, the smaller the tires you can get away with keeping or installing.

Are body lifts worth it?

Body lifts are

good for adding some extra clearance if needed

. If you have a 5.5′′ lift already I could see it helping you out to gain more room for the tires. Cons… Well looks, some people don’t like the look of a body lift.

Does a 3 inch lift make a difference?

The same is true when you level or lift a truck. … With that being said, don’t be surprised to see

a more significant difference between a stock truck

and a truck lifted higher than 3 inches, as the hardware required to do so weighs more and adds more drag to the vehicle.

Why you should not lift your truck?

Handling is going to take a hit, as the truck’s center

of gravity is going to be much higher

. This will also require driving at slower speeds, especially while turning, as the higher a vehicle gets, the less stability it will have while cornering.

Do you need bigger tires if you lift your truck?

Pushing a larger profile through the air takes its toll and increases drag. And, your drivetrain having to spin heavier tires takes an even bigger toll. If you are concerned about gas mileage, our advice is to stick to a smaller lift and a

tire that is at the most a couple inches bigger than stock

.

How much does it cost to install a 3 inch lift kit?

Depending on the size of your lift, buying and installing a lift kit can easily cost anywhere between

$400 to $4,000

if you install the kit yourself. If you hire a professional, it could cost between $800 and $8,000.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.