What MaxTrac suspension does

MaxTrac is a suspension brand that makes lift kits, lowering kits, and performance suspension components for trucks and SUVs. The company manufactures coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and complete suspension systems designed to raise or lower a vehicle's ride height and change how it handles on the road.

MaxTrac products are sold as aftermarket parts — meaning you buy them separately and install them yourself or have a shop do the work. They are not factory equipment. The brand is owned by Lonestar Automotive Group and is sold through retailers, online distributors, and suspension shops across the United States.

If you arrived here from the suspension category, you already know that suspension systems control ride height, absorb bumps, and keep your tires in contact with the road. MaxTrac makes components that change these characteristics by replacing or modifying the springs and shocks your vehicle came with.

Key Takeaways

  • MaxTrac makes lift kits that raise vehicles 2 to 6 inches and lowering kits that drop them 1 to 3 inches, depending on the truck or SUV model.
  • A complete MaxTrac lift kit typically costs between $400 and $1,200 in parts alone, with installation labor adding $500 to $1,500 more.
  • MaxTrac suspension changes how your vehicle handles, affects tire wear, and may require wheel alignment and speedometer recalibration after installation.
  • Installation requires removing the factory suspension components and bolting on new springs and shocks, a job that takes 4 to 8 hours at a shop.
  • MaxTrac products come with a limited lifetime warranty on parts, but the warranty does not cover labor, damage from off-road use, or wear items like shocks.

Types of MaxTrac suspension kits

MaxTrac offers different kits depending on whether you want to raise or lower your vehicle. Lift kits are the most common product line. They use coil springs or leaf springs to raise the chassis, creating clearance for larger tires and changing the vehicle's appearance. Lift heights range from 2 inches to 6 inches depending on the model and kit level.

Lowering kits do the opposite — they drop the ride height by 1 to 3 inches using shorter, stiffer springs. These are less common than lift kits but appeal to owners who want a lower stance or improved handling on paved roads.

MaxTrac also sells individual components: replacement coil springs, leaf springs, shock absorbers, and control arm assemblies. Some owners buy these parts to replace worn factory suspension without changing ride height. The company makes kits for specific truck and SUV models, so you need to know your vehicle's year, make, and model before ordering.

Cost of MaxTrac suspension parts and installation

MaxTrac lift kits range widely in price depending on lift height and vehicle type. A basic 2-inch lift kit for a common truck model typically costs $400 to $600 in parts. A 4-inch kit runs $700 to $1,000. A 6-inch lift or a kit with additional components like control arms or track bars can reach $1,200 to $1,500.

Installation labor varies by shop and location. Most suspension shops charge $500 to $1,500 to install a complete lift kit, depending on how many components need to be removed and how long the job takes. Some shops charge hourly rates (typically $75 to $150 per hour) rather than a flat fee. A full installation usually takes 4 to 8 hours.

You will also need to budget for related work after installation. Wheel alignment is almost always necessary and costs $100 to $200. If you lift the vehicle significantly, the speedometer may read incorrectly if you install larger tires — recalibration or a new instrument cluster can cost $200 to $500. Some shops include alignment in their installation price; ask before you commit.

What changes after installing MaxTrac suspension

Installing a lift or lowering kit changes how your vehicle rides and handles. A lifted vehicle sits higher, which raises the center of gravity and can make the truck feel less stable in sharp turns or at highway speeds. The steering may feel different, and the vehicle may sway more in crosswinds. A lowered vehicle does the opposite — it lowers the center of gravity and typically improves handling on paved roads, but reduces ground clearance and may scrape on driveways or speed bumps.

Tire wear patterns change after suspension work. Lifting or lowering the vehicle can alter the angle at which your tires contact the road, causing uneven wear if the alignment is not corrected. This is why alignment is essential after any suspension change. Worn shocks also wear out faster on lifted vehicles because the suspension travels through a greater range of motion.

Fuel economy may decrease slightly, especially with a lift kit, because the higher ride height creates more wind resistance. Braking distance can increase slightly as well. If you install much larger tires to take advantage of the lift, the effect is more noticeable.

MaxTrac warranty and what it covers

MaxTrac suspension parts come with a limited lifetime warranty on the parts themselves. This means if a spring, shock, or other component fails due to a manufacturing defect, MaxTrac will replace it at no cost. The warranty is transferable to the next owner if you sell the vehicle.

The warranty does not cover labor — if a part fails and you need to pay a shop to remove and replace it, you pay for that work. It also does not cover damage from off-road use, racing, or extreme conditions. Wear items like shock absorbers are covered against defects but not against normal wear and tear. If a shock straightforward wears out after several years of use, it is not covered.

To make a warranty claim, you typically contact MaxTrac or the retailer where you bought the parts with proof of purchase and photos of the failure. Response times vary, but the company generally processes claims within a few weeks. Keep your receipt and installation documentation in case you need to file a claim later.

Installation: DIY versus professional shop

Installing a MaxTrac suspension kit is possible as a DIY project if you have mechanical experience, the right tools, and a safe way to lift the vehicle. You will need a hydraulic jack, jack stands, a socket set, wrenches, and possibly a spring compressor depending on the kit. The work involves removing the factory suspension components (springs, shocks, control arms) and bolting on the new ones.

Most owners choose to have a suspension shop do the work. A professional shop has the specialized equipment, knows the common pitfalls for each vehicle model, and can complete the job safely and quickly. They can also perform the alignment when ready after installation, which is difficult to do correctly without a proper alignment rack.

If you do install the kit yourself, plan to spend a full day or more on the work. Take photos as you remove the old parts so you remember how everything goes back together. After installation, have a shop perform a wheel alignment before driving the vehicle at highway speeds.

Common issues and what to watch for

The most common problem after suspension installation is poor wheel alignment. If the wheels are not aligned correctly, tires wear unevenly and the vehicle may pull to one side. This is why alignment is not optional — it is essential. Have it done when ready after installation.

Some owners report that lifted vehicles develop a clunking noise from the suspension after a few months of driving. This is often caused by loose bolts or worn bushings. Check all suspension bolts regularly and tighten them if needed. If the noise persists, have a shop inspect the suspension for worn components.

Shock absorbers wear out faster on lifted vehicles, especially if you drive on rough roads. Budget for replacement shocks every 50,000 to 80,000 miles, compared to 80,000 to 100,000 miles on a factory suspension. MaxTrac sells replacement shocks, but you can also use other brands as long as they are rated for your lift height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a MaxTrac lift kit fit my truck?

MaxTrac makes kits for specific truck and SUV models and years. You need to know your vehicle's exact year, make, model, and engine size. Check the MaxTrac website or contact a retailer with your vehicle information — they can tell you which kits are available. Not all vehicles have MaxTrac kits available.

Do I need new tires after installing a lift kit?

Not necessarily. A lift kit creates clearance for larger tires, but you can keep your factory tires if you want. Larger tires look better with a lift and provide more ground clearance, but they cost more and may affect fuel economy and speedometer accuracy. Many owners install new tires at the same time as the lift kit.

Can I lower my vehicle back to factory height if I change my mind?

Yes. You can remove the MaxTrac components and reinstall the factory suspension, or install a lowering kit to bring the vehicle back down. The factory suspension parts may still be available if you kept them. This is a reversal of the installation process and costs about the same in labor.

Will a suspension lift void my vehicle's warranty?

It may. Check your vehicle's warranty documentation or contact the manufacturer. Some manufacturers void the entire warranty if you modify the suspension. Others only void the warranty on suspension-related repairs. This is a question to ask before you install the kit, not after.

How often do I need to service MaxTrac suspension?

Inspect all bolts and connections every 10,000 miles and tighten them if loose. Have the wheel alignment checked annually or whenever you notice uneven tire wear. Shock absorbers do not require service but should be replaced when they wear out, typically every 50,000 to 80,000 miles on a lifted vehicle.