Truck Lift Problems and Solutions (2024)

FAQs

What are common problems with lift kits? ›

Lifting the truck is mainly for aiding in traversing rough terrain. However, installing the lift kit in your truck may cause some problems such as vibrations, noises, and handling difficulties.

Modify the Chassis

There are modifications that can be done to the chassis that will help to make a lifted truck ride smoother. Lightweight suspension components should be used in lieu of heavier ones. When available, choose brake parts that are lighter-weight than those which originally came with the vehicle.

Wear and Tear: It's important to keep in mind that a lifted truck can experience increased wear on certain components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and bushings, depending on driving conditions and maintenance practices.

If done incorrectly, a torsion key lift can create the following problems: poor ride quality, shocks bottoming out, squeaking or whining noises, misaligned tires, and damaged CV boots or drive axles. A torsion key can cost anywhere between $120 and $200 for parts alone.

Less Control: Buying a lifted truck means you have no control over the quality of the prior lifting work or the parts used. Unwelcome Ride Changes: Lifting a truck changes the vehicle's center of gravity, which alters how it drives and handles.

Handling – Lifting a truck does not improve performance and may make a vehicle more prone to tipping by raising the center of gravity.

Steering Components: Lifted trucks might also experience issues with steering components being stretched or stressed beyond their standard operational range. This stress can lead to excessive play in the steering system or premature wear of components, contributing to the shaking sensation.

Feeling every bump

If you start to feel every bump on the road, it's a clear sign that there is a problem with your shock absorbers or struts, that needs to be checked. An easy check is the bounce test. Simply push your entire weight down on your car's bonnet. Release and count the number of times the car bounces.

Larger trucks tend to elicit ideas of the countryside or work sites, but if you've got your sights set on a lifted truck, like one of the many lifted GMC trucks out there, you could still make it work. So, can a lifted truck be a daily driver? The short answer is yes.

Do lifted trucks require more maintenance? ›

Because body lifts don't alter the truck's performance or chassis, maintaining a used truck with a body lift requires the same services as a standard truck. Beyond routine oil changes and fluid checks, you may spend more money on larger tires.

Employee performing pre-operation inspection. A vehicle that is in need of repair, defective or in any way unsafe should be removed from service. The problem should be recorded on a log and reported to a supervisor immediately.

Before loading a vehicle onto the lift, try to identify the vehicle´s centre of gravity - this will differ depending on whether it is front or rear-wheel drive. For rear-wheel drive vehicles, this point is usually just behind the front seats. For front-wheel vehicles, this lies further forward.

Check the Height of Your Lift Kit

Apart from knowing your vehicle's year, make, and model, the most critical aspect of buying shocks for a raised truck is ensuring you know the optimum lift height. The directions that come in your lift kit should provide this information.

Cost and warranties. Lifting your truck might turn out to be more expensive than you think. Keep in mind that you'll probably have to get new tires, and you may be required to make other modifications to your truck to comply with state law. Plus, installing a lift kit might void your truck's warranties.

Between 20 and 25 Years.

Unwelcome Ride Changes: Lifting a truck changes the vehicle's center of gravity, which alters how it drives and handles. The lift work done by the previous owner may have changed the truck to the point that it is hard for you to control or uncomfortable to ride in.

Lifts require different types of maintenance, with many lift manufacturers outlining recommended service intervals that ensure you get the most out of the kit.