What Is a Lift Kit?
A lift kit is a set of aftermarket components designed to raise your truck or SUV higher off the ground. Whether you want to fit larger tires, improve off-road clearance, or simply give your ride a more aggressive, commanding stance, a lift kit is one of the most popular upgrades truck owners invest in.
Here in the Kansas City metro, we see lifted trucks everywhere — from Shawnee to Overland Park, Olathe to Independence. Whether you’re driving a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, RAM 1500, Toyota Tacoma, or Jeep Wrangler, there’s a lift kit option that fits your vehicle and your goals.
At American Fusion Wheels, we’ve been installing lift kits for over 13 years and have transformed thousands of trucks across the KC metro. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before lifting your truck.
Types of Lift Kits Explained
Not all lift kits are created equal. The right choice depends on your budget, how you use your truck, and how high you want to go. Here are the three main types:
Leveling Kits
Most trucks come from the factory with the front end sitting slightly lower than the rear (this is called “factory rake”). A leveling kit raises the front 1 to 2 inches to match the rear height, giving your truck a clean, balanced look.
- Lift height: 1–2 inches (front only)
- Components: Strut spacers, torsion keys, or coil spring spacers
- Best for: Daily drivers who want a leveled stance and room for slightly larger tires
- Installation time: 1–3 hours
- Price range: $200–$500 for parts + $200–$400 for professional installation
Leveling kits are the most affordable and simplest option. They’re perfect if you want a subtle improvement without major modifications.
Body Lifts
A body lift uses spacers (typically polyurethane blocks) to raise the truck’s body away from the frame. The suspension and drivetrain remain untouched, which means your ground clearance doesn’t actually increase — only the body sits higher.
- Lift height: 1–3 inches
- Components: Body mount spacers, bumper brackets, steering extensions
- Best for: Budget-conscious owners who want room for larger tires without changing the suspension
- Installation time: 3–5 hours
- Price range: $200–$1,500 for parts + $500–$1,000 for installation
Body lifts are a cost-effective middle ground, but keep in mind that the gap between the body and frame may be visible if not properly trimmed.
Suspension Lifts
This is the gold standard for serious lifts. A suspension lift kit replaces or modifies your truck’s entire suspension system — springs, shocks, control arms, and more — to raise both the frame and body. This gives you real ground clearance and the ability to run significantly larger tires.
- Lift height: 2–12+ inches
- Components: Coil springs or leaf springs, shocks/struts, control arms, brake line extensions, sway bar links, driveshaft modifications
- Best for: Off-road enthusiasts, show trucks, and anyone wanting maximum lift and capability
- Installation time: 6–10+ hours
- Price range: $1,000–$5,000+ for parts + $500–$2,000+ for professional installation
Suspension lifts deliver the most dramatic transformation. A 6-inch lift on a Silverado or F-150 completely changes the truck’s presence on the road. These kits require professional installation — this is not a weekend DIY project.
How to Choose the Right Lift Kit for Your Truck
Choosing the right lift kit comes down to a few key questions:
What’s your primary goal? If you just want a leveled look and slightly bigger tires, a leveling kit is all you need. If you’re building a trail rig or a show truck, a suspension lift is the way to go.
What size tires do you want to run? Bigger tires need more clearance. Here’s a general guide:
- Stock to 2-inch lift: Up to 33-inch tires
- 3 to 4-inch lift: 33 to 35-inch tires
- 5 to 6-inch lift: 35 to 37-inch tires
- 7+ inch lift: 37-inch and larger tires
Is this your daily driver? Higher lifts change your truck’s center of gravity, handling, and fuel economy. For daily driving in the Kansas City metro, a 2 to 4-inch lift offers a great balance of looks and drivability.
Why professional installation matters: A properly installed lift kit keeps your truck safe, preserves your warranty, and ensures everything — from steering geometry to brake line routing — is done right. At American Fusion Wheels, every lift kit installation includes a full alignment to make sure your truck drives straight and your tires wear evenly.
Lift Kit Installation: What to Expect
When you bring your truck to our shop in Shawnee, here’s what the lift kit installation process looks like:
- Consultation: We discuss your goals, recommend the right kit for your vehicle, and provide an honest quote. Walk-ins are always welcome, or call us at 913-210-2565 to schedule.
- Parts ordering: We source your lift kit from top brands. We offer a price match guarantee — if you find it cheaper from an authorized seller, we’ll match it.
- Installation: Our certified technicians handle the full installation in our shop. Depending on the kit, this takes anywhere from 1 hour (leveling kit) to a full day (6-inch suspension lift).
- Alignment & inspection: Every lift kit installation includes a professional wheel alignment and safety inspection. We check steering, brakes, driveline angles, and tire clearance.
- Final walkthrough: We show you the completed work, explain any break-in tips, and make sure you’re 100% satisfied before you drive off.
Additional services you may need with a lift include: extended brake lines, driveshaft spacers or replacements, sway bar end links, and new shocks or struts if not included in the kit.
How Much Does a Lift Kit Cost?
The total cost of a lift kit depends on the type, the vehicle, and the height. Here’s what Kansas City area truck owners can expect:
| Lift Type | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leveling Kit | $200–$500 | $200–$400 | $400–$900 |
| Body Lift | $200–$1,500 | $500–$1,000 | $700–$2,500 |
| Suspension Lift | $1,000–$5,000+ | $500–$2,000+ | $1,500–$7,000+ |
We offer no credit check financing so you can get your dream build started today — even on the bigger kits. Ask about our payment plans when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lift kit void my warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealership cannot void your entire warranty simply because you installed a lift kit. They must prove that the aftermarket part directly caused the failure. A professionally installed lift kit from a reputable shop like American Fusion Wheels keeps your truck in good hands.
What’s the difference between a leveling kit and a lift kit?
A leveling kit only raises the front of your truck 1 to 2 inches to match the rear. A lift kit (body or suspension) raises the entire vehicle. Leveling kits are simpler and cheaper, while full lift kits provide more clearance and a more dramatic change.
How long does lift kit installation take?
A leveling kit can be installed in 1 to 3 hours. A body lift typically takes 3 to 5 hours. A full suspension lift can take 6 to 10+ hours depending on the height and complexity. Most trucks are done the same day.
What size tires can I run with a 4-inch lift?
With a 4-inch lift, most trucks can comfortably run 33 to 35-inch tires. The exact fitment depends on your specific vehicle, wheel offset, and whether any trimming is needed. We’ll help you choose the perfect tire and wheel combination.
Do I need a wheel alignment after installing a lift kit?
Yes, always. Lifting your truck changes the suspension geometry, which affects your alignment angles. Without a proper alignment, you’ll experience uneven tire wear and poor handling. Every lift kit installation at our shop includes a full alignment.
Are lift kits legal in Kansas?
Kansas does not have specific laws limiting vehicle lift height. However, your vehicle must still meet federal safety standards including proper headlight aim, bumper height, and fender coverage. We ensure every installation meets all applicable safety requirements.
Can you install a lift kit on a leased truck?
Technically you can, but keep in mind that you’ll likely need to return the truck to stock condition before the lease ends. We can remove lift kits as well, so this is definitely an option if you’re willing to plan for the reversal.
What brands of lift kits do you carry?
We work with all major lift kit manufacturers including Rough Country, BDS Suspension, ReadyLift, Zone Offroad, Fabtech, Pro Comp, Skyjacker, Rancho, and more. If you have a specific brand in mind, we can source it. And remember — we offer a price match guarantee on all parts.
Get Your Lift Kit Installed by the Pros in Kansas City
When it comes to lifting your truck the right way, experience matters. At American Fusion Wheels, we’ve been the Kansas City metro’s trusted destination for lift kit installation since 2011. Our certified technicians have installed thousands of lift kits on every major truck and SUV platform.
Why choose us?
- 13+ years of hands-on lift kit installation experience
- Certified technicians who specialize in suspension work
- Price match guarantee on all parts
- Full wheel alignment included with every installation
- Bilingual service (English & Spanish)
- No credit check financing available
- Proudly serving Shawnee, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, and the entire KC metro
Ready to lift your truck? Call us today at 913-210-2565 or stop by our shop at 12310 W 62nd Terrace, Shawnee, KS 66216. Walk-ins are always welcome!
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
