F150 Lift Kits – Bolt-On Kits for 2WD & 4WD, Up to 6” Lift

Leveling Kit vs. Lift Kit: Which One Do You Need?

This is the most common question F-150 owners ask before buying, and the answer comes down to what you want your truck to do. A leveling kit raises only the front of the truck by 1 to 2.5 inches to eliminate the factory nose-down rake. Leveling kits are affordable, easy to install, and give the F-150 a more balanced stance while creating enough clearance to run slightly larger tires. If your goal is to improve the look of your truck without dramatically changing its ride height or spending a lot of money, a leveling kit is the right starting point. Popular leveling options include Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts, which let you set height at 1.5, 1.75, or 2 inches, and simple strut spacer kits from Rough Country and ReadyLift that bolt on top of the factory struts in under two hours.

A lift kit raises both the front and rear of the truck evenly, adding anywhere from 2 to 8 inches of total height depending on the kit. Lift kits provide significantly more ground clearance, allow for much larger tire fitments including 35s, 37s, and beyond, and deliver the aggressive, commanding stance that sets lifted trucks apart. Lift kits cost more and require more involved installation, but they open up a level of capability and customization that leveling kits cannot match. For most F-150 owners, the decision comes down to tire size. If you want to run 33-inch tires and keep things simple, a leveling kit is enough. If you want to fit 35-inch tires with room to spare or step up to 37s, you need a lift kit. Many F-150 owners start with a leveling kit and later upgrade to a full lift as their build evolves, so both paths have a place in any build plan.

F-150 Lift Kits by Height: What Each Size Gets You

0-3 Inch Lift Kits

A 0-3 inch lift kit is the sweet spot for F-150 owners who want a noticeable improvement without going extreme. These kits usually include new front strut or coilover assemblies, new rear shocks, and either larger rear blocks or add-a-leafs. At 2 to 3 inches of lift, you gain enough clearance to comfortably fit 33-inch tires on most wheel options, and you may be able to squeeze on a 34-inch tire with the right wheel offset and backspacing. This range preserves the factory ride quality better than taller lifts, keeps the center of gravity reasonable for highway driving and towing, and does not require cutting or drilling your truck's subframe. For the daily-driven F-150 that needs to look good and handle some off-road duty, the 0-3 inch range is the most versatile and budget-friendly choice. Kits in this range include options from Rough Country, ReadyLift, BDS, and Fox Performance Series components. If you want the best ride quality in this height range, a Bilstein 6112 front coilover paired with 5160 rear shocks is one of the most popular combinations on the market.

4 Inch Lift Kits

A 4-inch lift kit is the first of the "true" lift kits for the F-150. These kits include dropped crossmembers, new knuckles, and differential drop brackets to correct your truck's suspension geometry at the taller ride height. Unlike leveling kits or 0-3 inch kits, 4-inch systems require cutting and drilling your truck's subframe for installation, making them more involved. At 4 inches of front ride height, you can fit 35-inch tires on pretty much any wheel you want without rubbing issues. Many setups clear 35x12.50 on 20x9 wheels without any trimming. A 4-inch lift is the most popular height for F-150 owners who want an aggressive look that is still practical for daily driving, towing, and highway use. BDS and Rough Country are the two most popular brands in this height range, offering kits with basic N3 or NX2 shocks as well as premium options that swap in Fox 2.0 or Fox 2.5 coilovers for significantly better on-road comfort and off-road damping. A 4-inch lift with 35-inch tires and 20-inch wheels is the most commonly requested F-150 build, and for good reason - it looks incredible and rides well.

6 Inch Lift Kits

A 6-inch lift kit is similar to a 4-inch in construction but offers more ride height with taller front spacers or coilovers and larger rear blocks. At 6 inches of front height, you will still clear 35-inch tires comfortably, and if you swap to an aftermarket front bumper and are careful about your wheel offsets, you may be able to stuff a set of 37-inch tires on your truck. Six-inch kits demand more comprehensive components and are best suited for F-150 owners who prioritize appearance and off-road capability and are willing to invest in the supporting modifications that a tall lift requires. Zone Off-Road and Fabtech are popular choices for 6-inch systems, with both brands offering optional Fox and Bilstein shock upgrades that transform ride quality at the taller height.

7 Inch and Taller Lift Kits

Seven inches and above is the only reliable way to fit 37-inch tires on an F-150 with room to spare. At this height, you will clear 37-inch tires on most wheel options without issues, and even 38-inch tires are possible on certain configurations. These are full-blown suspension systems with extensive component lists including new knuckles, crossmembers, coilovers or strut assemblies, extended brake lines, driveshaft modifications, and heavy-duty rear components. This lift range is for dedicated build trucks where appearance, clearance, and off-road capability take priority over daily driving comfort. ReadyLift's 7-inch system and BDS's 8-inch kit are among the tallest options available, and both support 37-inch tires with room to spare for serious trail use.

Ride Quality and Performance: Spacer Kits vs. Coilover Kits

While a 4, 6, or 7 inch lift kit delivers a big ride height quickly, not all lift kits do much for your truck's ride quality or suspension performance. Many basic lift kits use strut spacers on top of your factory coilover assemblies to achieve their ride height and only include basic rear shocks that are adequate but uninspiring. Spacer kits are the most affordable option and work fine for truck owners who primarily care about stance and tire fitment on a budget. The factory shocks still do the damping work, so ride quality does not improve - it actually degrades slightly because the shocks operate at the top end of their travel range where they were not designed to spend most of their time.

The good news is that there are coilover lift kits available that come with upgraded Fox 2.5 front coilovers and Fox 2.0 rear shocks, giving your truck genuinely improved performance and ride quality at the lifted height. F-150 coilover kits replace the factory strut and spring entirely with a fully adjustable coilover assembly that lets you dial in exactly the ride height and damping you want. Fox 2.0 Performance Series coilovers are the entry-level upgrade, Fox 2.5 coilovers are the performance sweet spot with superior heat dissipation and reservoir technology, and Fox 3.0 Factory Series deliver race-ready damping for the most demanding applications. Bilstein 6112 coilovers provide height-adjustable performance at a mid-tier price, while Icon 2.5 CDCV coilovers offer the ultimate in adjustable damping control. Complete coilover packages that include front coilovers, matched rear shocks, and sometimes upper control arms provide a complete suspension transformation in a single purchase.

Wheel Backspacing and Tire Fitment: What You Need to Know

One of the most common points of confusion about lift kits is wheel diameter and backspacing requirements. Most 4, 6, or 7+ inch lift kits that include new knuckles require at least an 18-inch diameter wheel and a maximum of 5 to 5.50 inches of backspace to clear a 12.50-inch wide tire. The key phrase is "to clear a 12.50-inch wide tire." You can absolutely use a wheel with more backspace than what a lift kit specifies, but you will be limited in tire width. Running a narrower tire like a 305/70R18 (12 inches wide) instead of a 315/70R18 (12.50 inches wide) can let you use a wheel with slightly more backspace while still fitting under the lifted fender with no issues.

With a 2-inch leveling kit, most F-150s clear 33-inch tires (285/70R17 or 275/60R20) comfortably. Some owners fit 285/65R20 (roughly 34 inches) with the right wheel offset. With a 3-inch lift, 35-inch tires (315/70R17 or 295/65R20) fit on most setups with moderate positive offset wheels. With a 4-inch lift, 35-inch tires fit comfortably on nearly any wheel and offset. With a 6-inch lift, 35s fit easily and 37s are possible with the right bumper and offset. With a 7+ inch lift, 37-inch tires clear on most wheel options without issues.

F-150 Lift Kit Build Paths: Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3

If you are unsure where to start, think about your F-150 lift in stages. A Stage 1 build focuses on a leveling kit or 2-inch lift with stock or slightly larger tires. This is the most affordable path (under $500 for parts) and keeps your truck close to stock handling. A Stage 2 build steps up to a 3-4 inch lift with 33 or 35-inch tires, upgraded shocks, and often includes upper control arms. This is the performance sweet spot, running $1,500 to $3,000 in parts. A Stage 3 build is the full commitment - a 6-inch or taller lift with 35-37 inch tires, premium coilovers from Fox or Icon, aftermarket upper control arms, regearing, and supporting modifications. Stage 3 builds run $4,000 to $8,000 or more in parts alone, but deliver the best possible combination of ride quality, off-road performance, and visual impact.

F-150 Lift Kit Brands: Who Makes What

Rough Country offers the widest range of F-150 lift kits at the most accessible price points. Their N3 shock series provides solid performance for the money, and their kits range from 2-inch leveling systems to 6-inch full suspension lifts. Rough Country is the go-to for budget-conscious F-150 owners who want reliable quality without premium pricing.

BDS Suspension delivers mid-to-premium lift kits with Fox shock options and their NX2 series shocks. BDS kits are known for excellent fitment, comprehensive hardware packages, and a strong lifetime warranty. Their 4-inch and 6-inch F-150 kits are some of the best-selling suspension systems on the market.

Fox Shocks is the gold standard in lifted truck shock technology. Fox 2.0 Performance Series is the entry-level upgrade. Fox 2.5 coilovers are the performance sweet spot with adjustable ride height and superior heat dissipation. Fox 3.0 Factory Series delivers race-ready damping. Many lift kit manufacturers offer Fox shock upgrades within their kits.

Bilstein brings German engineering to the F-150 market. The Bilstein 5100 is the most popular leveling shock in the truck world. The 6112 coilover provides height-adjustable lift with excellent ride quality. The 8112 delivers premium off-road damping for aggressive use.

Icon Vehicle Dynamics produces premium suspension systems for F-150 owners who demand the best. Icon stage kits (Stage 1 through Stage 4) combine 2.5 CDCV coilovers, matched rear shocks, and tubular upper control arms in tiered packages. Icon is the choice for serious off-road builds and owners who want the absolute best ride quality available.

ReadyLift specializes in the 2-4 inch range with their SST kits that provide clean lifts while maintaining the factory ride feel. ReadyLift is a popular choice for F-150 owners who want a lift without drama or complexity.

Zone Off-Road, Fabtech, and Skyjacker round out the market with kits at various price points and lift heights, each with their own strengths in specific applications from daily driving to aggressive off-road use.

F-150 Lift Kits by Generation

Stage 3 Motorsports carries lift kits for every modern F-150 generation. Because each generation uses different suspension geometry, frame dimensions, and component specifications, lift kits are not interchangeable between generations. Always verify that the kit you are purchasing is designed for your specific F-150 model year, cab configuration, and drivetrain before ordering. SuperCrew, SuperCab, and Regular Cab models share the same suspension components within each generation, but 4WD and 2WD models use different front suspension geometry that requires different kits. If you have a Raptor or Tremor package, factory suspension components differ from standard F-150 models and require platform-specific kits.

2021-2026 F-150 Lift Kits - The 14th generation rides on Ford's fully boxed high-strength steel frame with an independent front suspension and live rear axle with leaf springs. Available with the 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L Coyote V8, 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.3L V6, and 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid. This generation supports lift kits from spacer leveling kits through 4-inch systems and full 6-inch suspension lifts.

2015-2020 F-150 Lift Kits - The 13th generation introduced the aluminum body that reduced weight by 700 pounds and enabled new suspension tuning possibilities. Available kits range from spacer levels to 4-inch lifts and 6-inch suspension systems from BDS, Rough Country, Zone, and Fabtech.

2009-2014 F-150 Lift Kits - The 12th generation uses a steel body on Ford's P2 platform. Lift options include 0-3 inch kits, 4-inch suspension lifts, and taller systems. This generation has one of the deepest aftermarket catalogs of any F-150, with lift kits still being produced by BDS, Rough Country, Zone, ReadyLift, and others.

2004-2008 F-150 Lift Kits - The 11th generation rides on a similar body-on-frame architecture with a different suspension geometry that requires generation-specific components. Lift kits are available from 3 inches to 6 inches and beyond, with Rough Country and Fabtech providing some of the widest selection for this generation.

Supporting Modifications for Lifted F-150s

Upper Control Arms: At lifts of 3 inches and above, the factory upper control arms operate at steeper angles that limit suspension travel and accelerate ball joint wear. Aftermarket upper control arms from Icon, Camburg, or BDS correct the geometry and restore full travel.

Rear Shocks: Most lift kits include matched rear shocks, but if you are upgrading piecemeal, the rear dampers need to match the lifted ride height for proper balance and control.

Alignment: Every lift kit installation requires a professional alignment afterward. Lifted trucks experience changes in camber, caster, and toe that cause uneven tire wear and unpredictable handling if not corrected. Budget $100 to $150 for a quality 4-wheel alignment from a shop experienced with lifted trucks.

Regearing: If you step up to 35-inch or larger tires, regearing the axles restores the engine RPM range to where it operates most efficiently. Without regearing, larger tires make the truck feel sluggish, increase transmission temps during towing, and reduce fuel economy more than necessary. Most F-150 owners running 35s on the 3.5L EcoBoost benefit from a regear to 4.56 ratios, while 5.0L V8 trucks may prefer 4.88 depending on axle ratio and tire diameter.

Driveshaft and CV Angles: At 4 inches of lift and above, the front driveshaft and CV axles operate at steeper angles than they were designed for. Most quality lift kits include differential drop brackets to correct these angles, but if you are piecing together a custom lift setup, make sure your CV angles and driveshaft phasing are within spec to avoid vibrations and premature wear.

F-150 Lift Kit Cost: What to Expect

F-150 lift kit costs vary widely based on type, height, and component quality. Spacer leveling kits start under $200 and are the most affordable option. Strut-based 2-3 inch lift kits with matched rear shocks typically run $400 to $800. Complete 4-inch suspension lift kits from BDS, Rough Country, or Zone range from $800 to $2,000 depending on shock upgrades. Premium 4-inch kits with Fox 2.5 or Icon 2.5 coilovers run $2,500 to $4,000. Full 6-inch suspension systems start around $1,500 for budget kits and reach $4,000 or more with premium components. Professional installation typically adds $500 to $1,500 depending on complexity. Do not forget to budget for a professional alignment ($100 to $150) after any lift kit install. The total cost of lifting an F-150 ranges from under $500 for a basic spacer level to $5,000 or more for a complete premium suspension system with professional installation. When you factor in wheels and tires, a fully built lifted F-150 can represent a $3,000 to $10,000 investment, which is why choosing the right components the first time matters so much.

Does a Lift Kit Void Your F-150 Warranty?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Ford cannot void your entire warranty simply because you installed a lift kit. However, if a specific component failure is directly caused by the lift kit (like premature CV wear from extreme angles), that particular repair may not be covered. In practice, reputable lift kits from established brands installed correctly rarely cause warranty issues. Ford Performance offers their own off-road suspension systems for the F-150 that are designed to maintain factory warranty compatibility, making them the safest choice for warranty-conscious owners. Many lift kit manufacturers also back their products with their own warranties - BDS offers a lifetime warranty on their kits, and Fox components carry a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lift kit for a Ford F-150?
It depends on your goals and budget. For a daily driver that needs a better stance and room for 33-inch tires, a Bilstein 5100 leveling kit or ReadyLift SST kit is the best value. For fitting 35-inch tires with improved ride quality, a 3-4 inch kit from BDS or Rough Country with Fox shocks hits the sweet spot. For the best possible ride quality and off-road performance, an Icon stage kit with 2.5 CDCV coilovers is the top choice.

Can I lift a 2WD F-150?
Yes, you absolutely can. Most manufacturers offer 2WD-specific versions of their kits that account for the different front suspension geometry. Spacer kits, strut kits, and full suspension lifts are all available for 2WD F-150 trucks.

Does lifting an F-150 affect gas mileage?
Yes, but the impact depends on lift height and tire size. A 2-inch level with stock-size tires has minimal effect. A 6-inch lift with 37-inch tires can reduce highway fuel economy by 2-4 mpg due to increased wind resistance, rolling resistance, and drivetrain load. Regearing helps minimize the penalty.

Can I still tow with a lifted F-150?
Yes. A properly installed lift kit does not reduce the F-150's towing capacity. However, taller lifts raise the hitch height, which requires a drop hitch to maintain proper trailer level. Upgraded rear shocks and proper sway control become more important on lifted trucks that tow regularly.

How long does it take to install a lift kit on an F-150?
A spacer leveling kit can be installed in 1-2 hours. A 3-inch strut-based kit typically takes 3-5 hours. A complete 4-inch or 6-inch suspension lift kit takes 6-10 hours depending on complexity. Most professional shops complete a full lift kit install in a single day.

Do I need new shocks with a lift kit?
Spacer kits reuse the factory shocks, which means they operate at a less optimal part of their travel range. Strut and coilover kits include new front damping designed for the lifted height. For the best ride quality and performance, always choose a kit that includes both front and rear components matched to the intended lift height.

What is the best F-150 lift kit for daily driving?
A 2-3 inch lift with quality shocks - Bilstein 5100, Fox 2.0, or ReadyLift SST - provides the best balance of improved stance and preserved ride quality. These kits fit 33-35 inch tires while keeping the center of gravity low enough for confident highway handling, comfortable daily commuting, and safe towing. Pair any of these with a matching rear shock upgrade and your lifted F-150 will ride better than stock at the new height.