What FABTech suspension does

FABTech is a manufacturer of aftermarket suspension components — primarily lift kits, shocks, and control arms — designed for trucks and SUVs. The company makes bolt-on parts that replace or upgrade your vehicle's factory suspension to raise ride height, improve off-road capability, or change how the vehicle handles on pavement.

FABTech products are sold through retailers and installers, not directly to consumers. You order through a shop, and that shop installs the parts on your vehicle. The company does not handle the transaction between you and the installer, so your warranty and support relationship is with whoever sells and installs the kit, not with FABTech itself.

FABTech suspension is one option among many in the aftermarket lift and suspension space. Other manufacturers in the same category include BDS Suspension, Rough Country, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. The choice between them usually comes down to price, the specific vehicle you own, and what your installer has in stock or prefers to work with.

Key Takeaways

  • FABTech makes lift kits and suspension upgrades sold through shops and installers, not directly to you.
  • Prices vary widely depending on lift height, vehicle model, and whether the kit includes shocks or only springs and brackets.
  • Installation typically takes one to three days and requires a shop with experience in suspension work.
  • Your warranty and support come from the installer or retailer, not from FABTech, so choose a shop you trust.
  • FABTech suspension changes how your vehicle rides and handles, and may affect fuel economy, tire wear, and alignment.

Types of FABTech suspension kits and what they include

FABTech offers several kit levels, usually named by lift height — 2.5-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, and higher. A smaller lift (2.5 to 4 inches) typically includes coil springs, new shocks, and brackets to reposition components. A larger lift (6 inches and up) may require additional parts like longer control arms, track bars, or driveline modifications to keep the vehicle aligned and functioning properly.

Some kits are "coilover" systems, meaning the shock and spring are combined into one unit. Others separate the spring and shock, giving you more flexibility to upgrade one without replacing the other later. The difference matters because a coilover kit is usually more expensive upfront but simpler to install, while a separated system costs less initially but may require more labor to assemble.

FABTech also makes component-only kits — for example, just shocks, or just control arms — if you want to upgrade part of your suspension without a full lift. These are cheaper but require you to know what else your vehicle needs, so they are usually chosen by people who have already lifted their truck or who are working with an experienced installer.

Cost range for FABTech suspension kits

Prices depend on lift height, vehicle model, and whether shocks are included. A basic 2.5-inch kit for a common truck model (like a Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado) typically costs between $800 and $1,500 for parts alone. A 4-inch kit usually runs $1,200 to $2,500. A 6-inch or larger lift can range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, especially if it requires control arms or other structural changes.

Installation labor is separate and varies by shop and complexity. A straightforward 2.5-inch lift on a truck with good access might take 8 to 16 hours of labor. A 6-inch lift with control arms and alignment work can take 20 to 40 hours. At typical shop rates of $100 to $150 per hour, labor alone can add $800 to $6,000 to your total cost.

Some shops bundle parts and labor into a single price. Others charge separately. Always ask for a written estimate that breaks down parts, labor, and any additional work (like alignment or driveline modifications) before you commit. Prices also vary by region and by how busy the shop is.

What happens during installation

Installation begins with the vehicle on a lift. The shop removes the wheels, disconnects the factory suspension components (springs, shocks, control arms, sway bar links), and sets them aside. New brackets are bolted to the frame or axle, and new springs and shocks are installed in the correct sequence — usually springs first, then shocks, then any control arms or track bars.

After the suspension is installed, the shop reconnects the wheels and lowers the vehicle to the ground. The vehicle is then driven to an alignment rack, where the technician measures and adjusts the angles of the wheels and steering to factory specifications (or as close as possible, since a lifted vehicle may not align exactly like a stock one).

A full suspension installation typically takes one to three days, depending on how many parts need to be replaced and whether the shop encounters rust or damage to factory components that requires extra work. Some shops can do a straightforward 2.5-inch lift in a single day. A complex 6-inch lift with control arms may take two or three days.

How FABTech suspension changes your vehicle's behavior

A lifted suspension raises your center of gravity, which changes how the vehicle handles in turns and during emergency maneuvers. The vehicle may feel less stable on pavement, especially at highway speeds or in sharp turns. This is normal and expected — the trade-off for increased ground clearance and off-road capability.

Ride quality also changes. A stiffer suspension (which is common in lift kits designed for off-road use) will transmit more bumps to the cabin on pavement. A softer suspension will ride smoother on the road but may not perform as well on rocks or rough terrain. FABTech kits are tuned somewhere in the middle, but the exact feel depends on which specific kit you choose and how the shocks are valved.

Fuel economy typically decreases after a lift, because the vehicle is heavier and has more aerodynamic drag. The amount varies, but expect a loss of 1 to 3 miles per gallon depending on lift height and driving habits. Tire wear may also increase if the suspension is not properly aligned or if you install larger tires (which many people do after lifting).

Warranty and support for FABTech suspension

FABTech typically warrants its parts against manufacturing defects for one to three years, depending on the component. However, you do not deal with FABTech directly — your warranty is through the shop or retailer that sold you the kit. If a part fails, you contact the shop, and the shop contacts FABTech or handles the replacement.

This means your experience with warranty service depends entirely on the installer you choose. A reputable shop will stand behind the work and handle warranty claims quickly. A shop that closes or ignores warranty requests leaves you with no recourse. Before you buy, ask the shop how long they have been in business, whether they have a physical location you can visit, and what their warranty process looks like in writing.

FABTech does not offer phone support or customer service to end users. The company sells to distributors and shops, not to consumers. If you have questions about your suspension after installation, contact the shop that installed it, not FABTech.

Choosing between FABTech and other suspension brands

FABTech competes primarily on price and availability. The kits are generally less expensive than Icon or Fox, and more widely available than some boutique brands. If you want a lift at a mid-range price point and your local shops stock FABTech, it is a reasonable choice.

Other brands offer different strengths. BDS Suspension is known for durability in extreme off-road use. Rough Country is the most budget-friendly option. Icon and Fox are premium brands with higher prices and more customization. The "best" brand depends on your budget, your vehicle, how you plan to use it, and what your installer recommends.

The most important factor is not the brand but the installer. A skilled shop with FABTech parts will deliver better results than an inexperienced shop with premium parts. Ask for references, look at photos of previous work, and make sure the shop has done lifts on your vehicle model before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a FABTech lift void my vehicle's warranty?

Possibly. Most manufacturers consider suspension modifications a reason to deny warranty claims related to suspension, steering, or drivetrain. Your factory warranty may remain valid for unrelated systems (engine, transmission, electronics). Check your warranty documents or contact your dealer before lifting to understand what you might lose.

Can I install a FABTech kit myself?

Suspension installation requires specialized tools (spring compressors, alignment equipment) and knowledge of your vehicle's geometry. Most people should not attempt this at home. A professional shop has the tools and experience to do it safely and correctly. Improper installation can make the vehicle unsafe to drive.

How long does a FABTech suspension last?

Shocks typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and how hard you use the vehicle. Springs can last much longer, often the life of the vehicle. Off-road use, rough terrain, and high speeds wear components faster than highway driving. Regular maintenance and inspection extend the life of all suspension parts.

Do I need new tires after lifting with FABTech?

Not necessarily. A modest lift (2.5 to 4 inches) usually fits your factory tire size. A larger lift may require tires one or two sizes bigger to fill the wheel well and avoid rubbing. Larger tires cost more and affect fuel economy and speedometer accuracy. Discuss tire options with your installer before you buy the kit.

What is the difference between a FABTech coilover and a traditional spring-and-shock kit?

A coilover combines the spring and shock into one unit, making installation simpler and the system more compact. A traditional kit keeps them separate, which is cheaper upfront but requires more labor to assemble. Coilovers are easier to adjust later if you want to change ride height or stiffness, but they cost more initially.