What an FTS suspension lift kit does

An FTS suspension lift kit raises your vehicle's frame and suspension components to increase ground clearance. FTS (which stands for different things depending on the manufacturer, but commonly refers to specific lift system designs) uses a combination of extended coil springs, shocks, and control arm brackets to lift the entire suspension assembly rather than just adding spacers on top of existing parts.

The result is higher ride height, more room for larger tires, and improved approach and departure angles — the angles at which your vehicle can climb over obstacles without scraping the undercarriage. Unlike a straightforward body lift that only raises the frame, an FTS kit lifts both frame and axles, which means your suspension geometry stays closer to factory angles even at the new height.

FTS kits are sold for specific vehicle makes and models — a kit for a Ford F-150 will not fit a Chevrolet Silverado. The lift height varies by kit, typically ranging from 2 to 6 inches, depending on which model you own and which kit you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • FTS kits raise both the frame and axles by replacing springs and shocks with longer components, keeping suspension angles closer to factory specifications than spacer-only lifts.
  • Lift height depends on your vehicle model and the specific kit you buy, and you must match the kit to your exact year, make, and model.
  • Installation requires removing wheels, suspension components, and often the fuel tank or other undercarriage parts, typically taking 8 to 16 hours at a shop.
  • After installation, your speedometer may read high, your fuel economy will drop, and you will need a wheel alignment and possibly a brake line extension.
  • FTS kits cost between $800 and $2,500 depending on lift height and vehicle, plus $1,000 to $3,000 in labor if you have a shop install it.

How FTS kits differ from spacer lifts and body lifts

A spacer lift (also called a leveling kit) uses rubber or metal spacers stacked on top of your existing coil springs to push the frame up without replacing the springs themselves. This is cheaper and faster to install, but it compresses your springs and can make the ride harsher. Spacer lifts also change your suspension geometry — the angles at which your control arms and shocks work — which can cause uneven tire wear and steering issues over time.

A body lift raises only the frame and body, leaving the axles and suspension in their original position. This creates a gap between the frame and axles that you fill with extended brake lines and driveshaft components. Body lifts are the cheapest option but do not increase ground clearance under the axles, so rocks and obstacles can still hit your differential and transfer case.

An FTS kit replaces your springs and shocks with longer versions and adjusts control arm brackets so that both the frame and axles rise together. This keeps your suspension angles much closer to what the factory designed, which means better handling, more predictable tire wear, and a smoother ride than a spacer lift. The trade-off is cost and installation time — FTS kits are more expensive and take longer to install than spacer lifts.

What you need to know before buying an FTS kit

Write down your vehicle's exact year, make, model, and engine size. FTS kits are engineered for specific configurations — a 2020 Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter engine may need a different kit than a 2020 F-150 with a 5.0-liter engine because the engine weight affects suspension tuning. Ordering the wrong kit means it will not fit or will not perform as designed.

Decide how much lift height you actually need. A 2-inch lift gives you room for 33-inch tires and modest ground clearance gains. A 4-inch lift accommodates 35-inch tires and noticeably improves approach angles. A 6-inch lift is the maximum for most trucks before you run into driveline angle problems and transmission cooling issues. More lift is not always better — it raises your center of gravity, makes the vehicle less stable in emergency maneuvers, and puts more stress on drivetrain components.

Check whether the kit you are considering is a complete suspension replacement or a partial one. Some kits replace only the front springs and shocks, leaving the rear suspension stock or requiring a separate rear kit. Others are full four-corner kits. The product description should specify what components are included.

Understand that lift kits void or complicate your vehicle's factory warranty. Some dealers will still service your vehicle under warranty if the lift did not cause the problem, but others will not. Check your warranty paperwork or call your dealer before you buy.

Installation process and what happens to your vehicle

Installation begins with the vehicle on a lift and all four wheels removed. The technician disconnects the brake lines, sway bar links, and shock absorbers, then unbolt the coil springs. On many vehicles, the fuel tank, exhaust system, or transfer case must come out to access all the mounting points. This is why FTS installation takes 8 to 16 hours depending on your vehicle's design.

Once the old springs and shocks are out, the technician installs the new longer springs and shocks, then reattaches the control arm brackets in their new positions. Brake lines are extended or replaced with longer lines to reach the calipers at the new height. The fuel tank, exhaust, and other components go back in, and the wheels are reinstalled.

After installation, the vehicle must be taken to an alignment shop for a four-wheel alignment. The lift changes the angles of your wheels relative to the frame, and if those angles are not corrected, your tires will wear unevenly and your steering will pull to one side. Alignment costs $150 to $300 and is not optional.

You should also have the shop check your driveshaft angles and, if necessary, install a driveshaft spacer or have the driveshaft rebalanced. Incorrect driveshaft angles cause vibration at highway speeds and can damage the transmission and transfer case over time.

Changes to how your vehicle performs after installation

Your speedometer will read 3 to 5 percent high because larger tires rotate more slowly than stock tires, but your speedometer is calibrated to stock tire size. If you install a 4-inch lift with 35-inch tires, your speedometer might read 65 mph when you are actually going 62 mph. Some shops can reprogram your vehicle's computer to correct this, but not all vehicles support the correction.

Fuel economy will drop by 10 to 20 percent because the lifted vehicle has more wind resistance and the engine works harder to move the extra weight. A truck that got 18 mpg before the lift might get 15 mpg afterward.

The ride will feel different — usually softer than before if the kit includes quality shocks, but potentially bouncier if the shocks are low-quality. The vehicle will sit higher, which changes how it feels in turns and makes it more prone to body roll if you drive aggressively. Towing capacity may be reduced because the suspension geometry has changed, and some manufacturers will officially lower your truck's rated towing capacity after a lift.

Brake performance may change slightly because the vehicle's center of gravity is higher and weight distribution has shifted. Braking distance might increase marginally, especially if you have not upgraded your brake pads or rotors.

Cost breakdown and labor considerations

FTS kit prices vary widely based on lift height and vehicle model. A 2-inch kit for a mid-size truck typically costs $800 to $1,200. A 4-inch kit runs $1,200 to $2,000. A 6-inch kit can reach $2,500 or more. These are kit-only prices and do not include installation, alignment, or additional parts like brake line extensions or driveshaft spacers.

Labor costs depend on your vehicle and your shop's hourly rate. A straightforward 2-inch lift on a truck with good undercarriage access might take 8 hours at $100 to $150 per hour, totaling $800 to $1,200. A complex 4 or 6-inch lift on a vehicle that requires fuel tank removal can take 16 hours or more, pushing labor costs to $1,600 to $2,400. Add alignment ($150 to $300), driveshaft work ($200 to $500), and any additional parts, and your total installed cost can easily reach $3,000 to $5,000.

Some shops offer package deals that bundle the kit, installation, alignment, and driveshaft work at a discount. If you are planning a lift, get quotes from at least two shops and ask what is included in the labor price — some shops charge extra for fuel tank removal or driveshaft work.

Maintenance and long-term considerations

After a lift installation, your shocks and springs will wear faster than stock components because they are working at different angles and under different loads. Expect to replace shocks every 40,000 to 60,000 miles instead of the 80,000 to 100,000 miles you might get from factory shocks. Springs last longer but can sag over time, especially if you regularly carry heavy loads.

Tire wear becomes more noticeable if your alignment is not perfect. Check your alignment every 10,000 to 15,000 miles for the first few months after installation, then annually. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to even out wear.

Inspect your brake lines, driveshaft, and suspension components regularly for cracks or damage. The lift puts new stresses on parts that were not designed for the new angles and heights. Catching problems early prevents catastrophic failures on the road.

If you plan to sell your vehicle, disclose the lift to potential buyers. Some buyers view lifts as an upgrade; others see them as a red flag indicating the vehicle has been driven hard or modified in ways that affect reliability. The resale value impact varies by market and buyer preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an FTS kit myself if I have basic mechanical skills?

FTS installation requires removing and reinstalling suspension components, which demands specialized tools like spring compressors and alignment racks. Most DIY mechanics can handle simpler tasks like brake pad replacement, but suspension work is risky — a mistake can cause the vehicle to collapse or fail catastrophically while driving. Unless you have professional-level experience and the right tools, have a shop do the work.

Will a lift kit damage my transmission or transfer case?

A properly installed FTS kit with correct driveshaft angles should not damage your transmission or transfer case. However, if the driveshaft angles are wrong or the kit is installed incorrectly, the driveshaft can vibrate excessively, which damages bearings and seals over time. This is why driveshaft inspection and alignment are critical after installation.

What size tires can I fit after a lift?

Tire size depends on lift height and your vehicle's wheel well clearance. A 2-inch lift typically allows 33-inch tires. A 4-inch lift accommodates 35-inch tires. A 6-inch lift can fit 37-inch tires on some vehicles. Larger tires than your lift supports will rub the wheel well during turns or when the suspension compresses, causing damage and poor handling. Ask your shop what tire size is safe for your specific lift kit.

Do I need to replace my shocks if I only want a 2-inch lift?

A true FTS kit includes new shocks as part of the system. However, some budget "leveling kits" use spacers on stock shocks, which compresses the shocks and shortens their lifespan. If you are buying a kit, confirm whether new shocks are included. If only spacers are included, budget for shock replacement within a year or two.

Can I remove an FTS kit and go back to stock suspension?

Yes, you can remove an FTS kit and reinstall stock springs and shocks, but the cost is similar to the original installation — typically $1,000 to $2,500 in labor plus the cost of stock suspension components. Some shops will credit part of your original kit's cost if you sell it used, which can offset some expense. Plan for this if you think you might want to reverse the modification later.