How to Lift a Truck

If you drive a new or used truck of any kind, you probably understand why lifting is popular. Different kits, such as lift kits, leveling kits, and body lift kits, allow drivers to customize the look — and in many cases, the performance — of their trucks. Below, you can learn more about how to lift a truck and the process it entails. 

What Tools Do I Need to Lift a Truck?

First thing’s first, here are the tools you’ll need to install a lift kit:

• Vehicle jacks and jack stands
• Torque wrench
• Lug wrench
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Prybar 
• Hammer 
• WD-40
• Extra nuts and bolts 

How Do I Lift My Truck at Home? An Overview 

It should go without saying that no online instructions can replace the manual included with your kit. Below, you’ll get a quick overview of the process of lifting a truck, so you can decide if it’s a project you’re willing to tackle. 

For starters, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a lift kit that’s appropriate for your truck. Then, take the following steps to perform a DIY lift: 

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lug nuts. This will make the tires easier to remove when you use the jack. 
3. Use your jack and jack stands to lift your truck. This will take a while. Make sure that the vehicle’s center of gravity isn’t off-center. 
4. Remove the wheels and tires. Set them aside for now. 
5. Remove the old U-bolts. Then, remove your truck’s shocks and springs, as those will be replaced. 
6. Attach the new bolts. You may need to assemble parts for this next step, but when you’re finished, attach the new shocks and suspension. 
7. Use your torque wrench to tighten the bolts. 
8. Put your old tires back on your truck. Or, if you’ve purchased a new set, attach those. 
9. Carefully lower your truck. Lower it slowly and keep it as level as you can until it’s safely on the ground. 

Should I Lift My Truck at Home?

Lifting a truck is a difficult process that can take anywhere from seven to 15 hours — and that’s for certified service technicians who have access to a full shop. If you’re planning to do a DIY install, double those time estimates. If you have experience installing lift kits, you mightbe able to get it done in a weekend. If you don’t have the parts and tools you need, it’ll likely be more cost-effective to bring your truck to our service center for a professional installation. We have everything that’s needed onsite. 

Schedule a Lift Kit Installation at Ken Garff Chevrolet! 

Now that you have a general idea of how to lift a truck, you can decide whether you want to go the DIY route or schedule service at Ken Garff Chevrolet. If you have any questions about how we install lift kits or what your other options are, don’t hesitate to contact us online or reach out by phone at (801) 960-3340!