Pros & Cons of Lifting Your Truck: Picking the Right Upgrades for Your Needs

Pros of Lifting Your Truck

Off-Roading Capability

If you are someone who likes to take your pickup off the beaten path, lifting it could be a great option. When you put a lift kit on your truck, you increase the ground clearance, which makes it much more capable when rock climbing or driving on wet, muddy terrain. Lift kits are primarily meant to improve off-roading capability and can improve versatility in tough situations. Even if you only take your vehicle on the street, lifting it can still make it easier to drive on snowy or rainy roads. This kind of enhanced capability is a great way to make the most of your truck, even when the conditions are poor.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Sometimes, it will be worth it to lift your truck simply for the look you can get. The lifted look is increasingly popular and it gives your pickup a chance to set itself apart from other vehicles on the road. If you have custom suspension components or want the ability to put bigger, flashier wheels on your truck, a lift kit is a great option. Bringing the ground clearance up can draw the eye in a way that makes your pickup more impressive and imposing.

Better Visibility

One of the main benefits of lifting a truck is the fact that it gives you much better visibility on the road. With a higher driving position, you can see further ahead and make driving decisions that can keep you safe. The upright feel of a lifted truck allows you to drive defensively and get a broader view of conditions on the road. If you live somewhere with a lot of traffic, this could be a great way to improve your ability to drive safely.

Cons of Lifting Your Truck

Lower Fuel Efficiency

When you lift your truck, you get the unfortunate side effect of lower fuel efficiency. Since a lift kit will almost always require larger tires, it takes more energy for the engine to move the truck along the road. This, combined with the decreased aerodynamics that comes along with making a vehicle taller, can negatively impact the truck’s fuel economy. If you regularly commute in your truck or take long trips, this could end up costing you quite a bit more in the long run.

Increased Strain

Lifting a truck will put an increased strain on nearly every important component. The suspension, steering, and drivetrain all need to work harder to do their jobs, which can lead to faster wear and tear or premature failures that will need to be fixed right away. Since these components are some of the most essential parts of the truck, they can be expensive to replace. It is a good idea to keep these potential costs in mind before you decide to lift your pickup.

Rollover Susceptibility

A higher center of gravity can affect the stability of your pickup, even at lower speeds. While this may have a negative impact on the handling of the truck, it can also make it more susceptible to rollovers. If safety is a priority for you, it is a good idea to make sure that all the traction control systems, seat belts, and other safety equipment are in good working order before you decide to install a lift kit on your truck. This way, if you find yourself in a rollover, you can rest easy knowing that you and your passengers are protected.

A lift kit is a great upgrade for drivers who love the look and feel of a larger pickup. AmericanTrucks is your source for lift kits, no matter what model truck you have. With a variety of sizes and styles from the top brands, you can find the perfect kit for the look you want.