The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in America, and here in Kansas City, it is one of the most popular vehicles on the road. Whether you own a rugged XLT work truck, a loaded Lariat, or a high-performance Raptor, lifting your F-150 transforms its appearance, capability, and presence. But with so many lift kit options available — from simple leveling kits to full suspension overhauls — choosing the right setup can be overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, the truck customization experts at American Fusion Wheels walk you through every F-150 lift option from 2 inches to 6+ inches, covering cost, tire fitment, ride quality, and what to expect from each height.
F-150 Lift Kit Overview
Before diving into specific lift heights, it helps to understand why truck owners lift their F-150s and what changes when you add height:
Why Lift Your F-150?
- Appearance: A lifted F-150 commands attention. The taller stance, larger tires, and aggressive wheel gap create a presence that a stock truck simply cannot match. For many owners, the look alone is worth the investment.
- Tire Clearance: Larger tires improve off-road capability, ride comfort over rough terrain, and visual impact. But bigger tires need more clearance to avoid rubbing on fenders, bumpers, and suspension components. A lift kit provides that clearance.
- Off-Road Capability: Increased ground clearance means better approach, departure, and breakover angles. This translates to the ability to clear larger obstacles, navigate deeper ruts, and tackle steeper inclines without scraping the frame or skid plates.
- Towing Stance: Many F-150 owners find that a leveling kit improves the truck's appearance when towing. The factory rake (where the front sits lower than the rear) is designed to compensate for tongue weight, but many owners prefer a level stance even when not towing.
What Changes When You Lift:
- Center of gravity rises, which can affect handling and body roll in corners
- Driveshaft angles change, which may cause vibrations if not addressed
- Steering geometry changes, potentially requiring alignment corrections or aftermarket components
- Fuel economy typically decreases due to increased wind resistance and larger, heavier tires
- Ride quality can improve or degrade depending on the quality of the lift components
Understanding these trade-offs helps you choose the lift height and type that best matches your goals and budget.
2-Inch F-150 Leveling Kit
A 2-inch leveling kit is the most popular and accessible F-150 modification. It raises the front of the truck to match the factory rear height, eliminating the nose-down rake that comes from the factory.
How It Works: A leveling kit uses strut spacers (aluminum or polyurethane pucks) that sit on top of the front strut assemblies. They require no modification to the factory suspension components and can typically be installed in 2-3 hours. Some kits include rear blocks or add-a-leaf springs to raise the rear by 1-2 inches as well.
Cost: $200-$500 for the kit itself, plus $200-$400 for professional installation. Total cost is typically $400-$900 including alignment.
Tire Fitment: A 2-inch level allows you to fit 33-inch tires (such as 285/70R17 or 275/65R20) without rubbing in most cases. Some mild trimming of the front bumper liner or crash bar may be needed depending on the wheel offset.
Ride Quality: A quality leveling kit should not noticeably change ride quality. The factory struts and shocks continue to function within their designed range. Some truck owners report a slightly firmer front end, but the difference is minimal.
Popular Brands:
- Rough Country 2" Leveling Kit — The most affordable option, typically under $100 for the kit. Includes forged aluminum strut spacers and all necessary hardware. A solid choice for budget-conscious builds.
- ReadyLIFT 2" SST Leveling Kit — A step up in quality with CNC-machined billet aluminum spacers. ReadyLIFT is known for precise fitment and includes detailed instructions. Expect to pay $150-$250.
- Bilstein 5100 Series Adjustable Struts — Not technically a spacer kit, but adjustable struts that allow you to dial in 0 to 2.1 inches of front lift by repositioning the spring seat. They also significantly improve ride quality over factory struts. At $250-$350 for the pair, they are the premium leveling option.
A 2-inch leveling kit is the ideal modification for F-150 owners who want a better stance with minimal compromise. It is reversible, affordable, and does not require any drivetrain modifications.
3-Inch F-150 Lift
A 3-inch lift sits in a sweet spot between a simple leveling kit and a full suspension lift. It provides noticeably more ground clearance and tire fitment than a 2-inch level while remaining relatively affordable and straightforward to install.
How It Works: Most 3-inch lifts use a combination of front strut spacers (or new strut assemblies) and rear blocks or add-a-leaf springs. Some kits include differential drop brackets to correct the CV axle angles that change when you lift the front of an IFS (independent front suspension) truck like the F-150.
Cost: $400-$1,200 for the kit, plus $400-$800 for installation. Total cost is typically $800-$2,000 depending on components and whether you upgrade shocks.
Tire Fitment: A 3-inch lift opens the door to 33-inch and 34-inch tires with moderate wheel offsets. Running 285/70R17 or 295/70R18 tires becomes easy, and some owners fit 35s with aggressive offsets and minor trimming, though this is pushing the limits at 3 inches of lift.
Popular Brands:
- Rough Country 3" Bolt-On Lift Kit — An affordable and comprehensive kit that includes front strut spacers, rear lift blocks, u-bolts, and a differential drop bracket. Available with or without shock upgrades. Pricing starts around $400.
- Zone Offroad 3" Adventure Series — Zone's kits use quality components and include everything needed for installation. Their Adventure Series kits often include new rear shocks and extended brake lines. Expect to pay $600-$900.
- ReadyLIFT 3.5" SST Lift Kit — Technically a 3.5-inch kit, ReadyLIFT's SST system uses their proven strut spacer design up front with rear blocks and new rear shocks. The extra half-inch gives you a bit more clearance for tire fitment. Priced around $600-$800.
At 3 inches, your F-150 starts to look significantly different from stock. The taller stance combined with 33- or 34-inch tires creates a purposeful, trail-ready appearance while maintaining a comfortable daily-driver experience.
4-Inch F-150 Lift
A 4-inch lift is where the line between spacer lifts and true suspension lifts begins to blur. At this height, most quality kits replace the factory struts entirely or use longer, purpose-built strut spacers combined with new control arms or drop brackets to maintain proper suspension geometry.
How It Works: A 4-inch suspension lift typically includes new upper or lower control arms (or both), front strut spacers or complete coilover assemblies, rear lift blocks or new leaf springs, extended sway bar links, brake line extensions, and a differential drop or CV axle correction bracket. Some premium kits include new rear shocks matched to the increased ride height.
Cost: $1,000-$3,000 for the kit, plus $800-$1,500 for professional installation. Total cost is typically $1,800-$4,500 depending on the brand and component quality.
Tire Fitment: A 4-inch lift is the sweet spot for 35-inch tires. Sizes like 35x12.50R17 or 35x12.50R20 fit comfortably with proper wheel offset (typically -12 to -24mm). Some minor trimming of the inner fender liner or crash bar may be needed, but most quality 4-inch kits are designed to clear 35s without cutting sheet metal.
Popular Brands:
- BDS 4" Suspension Lift — BDS is known for premium quality and engineering. Their F-150 kits include new upper control arms with heavy-duty ball joints, NX2 series nitrogen-charged shocks, extended sway bar links, and all necessary brackets. BDS kits are designed for daily-driver comfort with off-road capability. Expect to pay $2,000-$3,000.
- Fabtech 4" Basic System — Fabtech offers multiple configurations for the F-150, from basic spacer systems to full component lifts with new upper control arms. Their modular approach lets you start basic and upgrade components over time. Basic systems start around $1,000, with complete systems reaching $2,500.
- Rough Country 4" Suspension Lift — Rough Country's 4-inch kit offers strong value with forged upper control arms, premium N3 shocks, and a complete hardware package. At $800-$1,500, it is one of the most affordable true 4-inch suspension lifts available.
A 4-inch lift with 35-inch tires is the most popular aggressive F-150 build configuration. It delivers a dramatic visual transformation, significant off-road improvement, and is achievable without major modifications to the truck's drivetrain.
6-Inch F-150 Lift
A 6-inch lift is a serious modification that transforms your F-150 into a towering presence on the road. At this height, every aspect of the suspension is replaced or modified, and the truck requires careful setup to drive safely and comfortably.
How It Works: A 6-inch suspension lift is a complete suspension overhaul. These kits include new upper and lower control arms (or radius arms, depending on the system), complete coilover strut assemblies or long-travel strut spacers, rear leaf spring packs or blocks with new U-bolts, extended brake lines and sway bar links, differential drop brackets, driveshaft spacers or new driveshafts, and in some cases, steering knuckle replacements. Installation typically takes 10-16 hours for an experienced shop.
Cost: $2,500-$6,000 for the kit, plus $1,500-$3,000 for professional installation. Total cost is typically $4,000-$9,000 or more, especially if you opt for premium coilover shocks or additional accessories like skid plates and bumpers.
Tire Fitment: A 6-inch lift easily clears 35-inch tires and opens the door to 37-inch tires. Sizes like 37x12.50R17 or 37x13.50R20 fit with proper wheel offset. Some owners run 38- or even 40-inch tires at 6 inches of lift, though this may require additional fender trimming and typically necessitates regearing the axles.
Popular Brands:
- BDS 6" Suspension Lift — The gold standard for 6-inch F-150 lifts. BDS kits include forged aluminum upper control arms, NX2 nitrogen shocks, extended radius arms, and all necessary brackets and hardware. Their engineering ensures proper geometry and ride quality even at 6 inches of lift. Expect to pay $3,500-$5,000 for the kit.
- Fabtech 6" Performance System — Fabtech's performance systems include Dirt Logic coilover shocks that provide adjustable damping for both on-road comfort and off-road performance. Their F-150 kits are available with standard or performance shock packages. Pricing ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on configuration.
- Pro Comp 6" Stage II Lift — Pro Comp offers a complete 6-inch system with ES9000 series shocks, new control arms, and a comprehensive hardware package. Their kits are competitively priced at $2,500-$4,000 and include a limited lifetime warranty on components.
A 6-inch lift is not for everyone. The cost is significant, the ride quality changes are noticeable, and you may need to invest in additional modifications (regearing, driveshaft, alignment components) to keep the truck driving properly. But for F-150 owners who want the ultimate lifted truck experience, a 6-inch suspension lift with 37-inch tires is hard to beat.
Leveling Kit vs Suspension Lift: Which Is Right for Your F-150?
The decision between a leveling kit and a suspension lift comes down to three factors: your goals, your budget, and how you use your truck.
Choose a Leveling Kit (2-inch) if:
- You want to eliminate the factory rake for a level stance
- You want to fit 33-inch tires without major modifications
- Your budget is under $1,000 total
- You want a modification that is reversible and will not void your warranty
- You primarily drive on pavement with occasional light off-road use
Choose a Suspension Lift (4-6 inches) if:
- You want to run 35-inch or larger tires
- You want significantly more ground clearance for off-road use
- You want the dramatic visual impact of a tall lifted truck
- Your budget allows $2,000-$9,000 for the lift and installation
- You are willing to accept changes in ride quality, fuel economy, and handling
The 3-inch lift is the compromise option — more aggressive than a leveling kit but less complex and expensive than a full suspension lift. It is an excellent choice for F-150 owners who want 33-34 inch tires and improved ground clearance without the full commitment of a suspension lift.
EcoBoost vs Coyote: Does Engine Choice Affect Your Lift?
The F-150 is available with several engine options, but the two most popular choices for lifted builds are the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and the 5.0L Coyote V8. Here is how each engine interacts with lift modifications:
3.5L EcoBoost: The twin-turbo V6 produces impressive torque (400+ lb-ft in recent models), which helps compensate for the added weight and wind resistance of larger tires. However, the turbo system is more sensitive to airflow restrictions, and the intercooler can be exposed to more road debris at higher ride heights. The EcoBoost's fuel economy advantage over the V8 diminishes somewhat with larger tires, but it still typically returns 1-2 mpg better than the Coyote in a lifted configuration.
5.0L Coyote V8: The naturally aspirated V8 is simpler and arguably more reliable for hard off-road use, as there are no turbos, intercoolers, or boost pipes to worry about. The Coyote produces strong horsepower but slightly less torque than the EcoBoost, which can make larger tires feel more labored at low RPM. The V8's exhaust note is also a consideration — many F-150 owners choose the Coyote specifically for the sound, and an exhaust upgrade on a lifted F-150 sounds incredible.
Regearing Considerations: Both engines benefit from regearing when running tires 35 inches and larger. The factory 3.31 or 3.55 rear axle ratios are optimized for stock tire sizes. With 35-inch tires, the effective gear ratio drops, making the engine work harder to accelerate and maintain highway speed. Regearing to 4.10 or 4.56 ratios restores the factory power-to-weight feel and can actually improve fuel economy by keeping the engine in a more efficient RPM range. With 37-inch tires, regearing is strongly recommended for both engine options.
The Bottom Line: Your engine choice does not limit your lift options. Both the EcoBoost and Coyote work well with any lift height. The primary difference is in how each engine responds to larger tires, and that can be addressed with regearing if needed.
Alignment and Drivability After a Lift
One of the most overlooked aspects of lifting an F-150 is the alignment and drivability work required after installation. A lift changes the geometry of your suspension, steering, and drivetrain, and these changes must be corrected to ensure safe, comfortable driving.
Alignment: Every lift installation — from a 2-inch leveling kit to a 6-inch suspension lift — requires a professional alignment afterward. Lifting the front end changes the camber (tire tilt) and caster (steering axis angle) of the front wheels. Without correction, you will experience uneven tire wear, wandering steering, and reduced handling confidence. At American Fusion Wheels, every lift kit installation includes a comprehensive alignment using our state-of-the-art equipment.
Driveshaft Vibration: On 4WD F-150s, lifting the body changes the angle of the rear driveshaft relative to the transfer case and rear differential. At 2-3 inches of lift, this change is typically minor and does not cause problems. At 4 inches and above, driveshaft vibration can become noticeable, especially at highway speeds. Solutions include driveshaft spacers (which adjust the transfer case output angle), new carrier bearings, or in some cases, a custom-length driveshaft with CV joints.
Steering: With lifts of 4 inches or more, the steering tie rods and drag link operate at steeper angles, which can cause bump steer (the truck pulling or wandering when hitting bumps). Quality lift kits address this with new upper control arms that reposition the ball joints, corrected-angle tie rod ends, or drop pitman arm brackets. It is critical that these corrections are made properly — steering geometry problems are not just annoying, they are dangerous.
Brake Lines: The factory brake lines are designed for the stock suspension travel. When you lift the truck, the brake lines can become stretched at full droop (when the suspension is fully extended). Quality lift kits include brake line extensions or relocation brackets to prevent this. Never drive a lifted truck without verifying that the brake lines have adequate slack at full suspension extension.
At American Fusion Wheels, our technicians are experienced with F-150 lift installations from every major brand. We verify every critical measurement — alignment angles, driveshaft angles, brake line clearance, and steering geometry — before delivering your truck. Our lifted truck alignment service is available for trucks lifted elsewhere that need corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a lift kit void my F-150's warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire warranty simply because you installed a lift kit. However, if a dealership determines that a specific failure was caused by the lift modification, they can deny warranty coverage for that particular repair. For example, if a lifted truck develops a wheel bearing failure and the dealer can demonstrate that the lift caused the premature wear, they may deny the bearing warranty claim. In practice, a quality 2-inch leveling kit installed by a professional shop rarely causes warranty issues. Larger lifts carry more risk. Many lift kit manufacturers (including BDS and Fabtech) offer their own component warranties to offset this concern.
How much does fuel economy change after lifting an F-150?
The impact depends on the lift height and tire size. A 2-inch leveling kit with stock-size tires typically has no measurable effect on fuel economy. A 4-inch lift with 35-inch tires typically reduces fuel economy by 2-3 mpg. A 6-inch lift with 37-inch tires can reduce fuel economy by 3-5 mpg. The larger tires are the primary factor — they are heavier (increasing rotational mass) and create more aerodynamic drag. Regearing can partially offset the fuel economy loss by keeping the engine in a more efficient operating range.
Can I install a lift kit on a leased F-150?
Technically, you can, but lease agreements typically require the vehicle to be returned in stock condition. A 2-inch leveling kit is relatively easy to remove and restore the truck to stock before returning it. Larger lifts are more difficult and expensive to reverse, and any holes drilled, brackets welded, or components cut during installation will be visible even after removal. If you are leasing, we recommend sticking with bolt-on leveling kits that can be cleanly removed.
What is the best lift height for daily driving an F-150?
For daily driving in Kansas City, we most commonly recommend a 2-inch leveling kit or a 3-inch lift. These heights provide a noticeably improved stance, allow for 33-34 inch tires, and maintain near-stock ride quality and fuel economy. If you want to run 35-inch tires, a 4-inch lift is the minimum we recommend for proper clearance. Going higher than 4 inches for a daily driver requires accepting trade-offs in comfort, fuel economy, and handling that not all drivers will be happy with.
F-150 Lift Kit Installation at American Fusion Wheels
American Fusion Wheels is the Kansas City metro's trusted destination for F-150 lift kit installation. Our experienced technicians have installed hundreds of lift kits ranging from simple leveling kits to full 6-inch suspension systems. We work with every major brand, including Rough Country, ReadyLIFT, BDS, Fabtech, Pro Comp, Zone, Fox, King, and Icon.
Every lift kit installation at our Shawnee, Kansas shop includes:
- Professional installation by experienced truck technicians
- Comprehensive 4-wheel alignment using state-of-the-art equipment
- Driveshaft angle verification and correction if needed
- Brake line clearance inspection
- Steering geometry check
- Test drive and final inspection
We also offer tire and wheel packages that pair perfectly with your lift. Running a new set of 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2s on Method or Fuel wheels with your 4-inch BDS lift? We can build the complete package — lift, wheels, tires, mounting, and road force balancing — so your F-150 leaves our shop ready to turn heads and conquer trails.
Ready to lift your F-150? Call us at 913-291-2027 or visit our shop at 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee, KS 66216. Explore our lift kit and truck customization pages:
- F-150 Customization
- Truck Lift Kits
- Leveling Kits
- Body vs Suspension Lift
- 35-Inch Tires
- Lifted Truck Alignment
From a simple level to a show-stopping 6-inch build, American Fusion Wheels has the expertise, brands, and service to make your F-150 vision a reality.
