What a MaxTrac suspension lift does

A MaxTrac suspension lift raises your truck or SUV by replacing or modifying the springs and shocks that connect your wheels to the frame. MaxTrac is a brand that makes lift kits — complete packages of parts designed to work together — rather than a single component. When you install one, your vehicle sits higher off the ground, which increases ground clearance and changes how the suspension behaves.

The lift happens because MaxTrac kits use taller springs (coil springs or leaf springs, depending on your vehicle) or add spacers that push the suspension geometry upward. The shocks are also replaced with longer ones to match the new height and maintain proper suspension travel. Most MaxTrac kits lift vehicles between 2 and 6 inches, though the exact amount depends on which kit you choose and which vehicle you own.

Lifting your suspension is not the same as lifting your body. A body lift raises only the cab and bed away from the frame, leaving the axles and suspension in place. A suspension lift, which is what MaxTrac makes, raises the entire vehicle including the axles, so it changes how your truck handles, how it sits on the road, and what tires you can fit.

Key Takeaways

  • MaxTrac suspension lifts replace your vehicle's springs and shocks with taller versions, raising the entire truck or SUV by 2 to 6 inches depending on the kit.
  • The cost of a MaxTrac kit itself ranges widely based on vehicle type and lift height, and installation labor typically adds several hundred dollars on top of the parts price.
  • A lifted suspension changes your truck's handling, fuel economy, and tire wear, and may require adjustments to your steering and braking systems.
  • Lifting your vehicle high enough to need new tires or wheels means additional expense beyond the kit and installation.

How MaxTrac kits are built and what they include

A MaxTrac suspension lift kit is a matched set of parts engineered to work together on a specific vehicle model and year. The core components are coil springs (or leaf springs on some trucks), new shocks, and mounting hardware. Some kits also include bump stops, which are rubber blocks that prevent the suspension from compressing too far, and sway bar links, which connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension and need to be longer when the suspension is raised.

MaxTrac kits come in different heights. A 2-inch kit is considered mild and often requires no additional parts beyond what is in the box. A 4-inch or 6-inch kit is more aggressive and usually means you will need to buy new wheels and tires separately, because your factory tires will either rub against the fender or look disproportionately small under a lifted truck. You may also need a driveshaft spacer or CV axle extension if your vehicle has independent front suspension.

The brand makes kits for trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Dodge Ram, as well as some SUVs. Each kit is designed for a specific generation and model, so you cannot use a kit meant for a 2019 F-150 on a 2015 F-150. Before you buy, you need to know your exact year, make, model, and whether you have a single cab, crew cab, or other body style, because suspension geometry differs between them.

What installation costs and what is involved

The MaxTrac kit itself — the springs, shocks, and hardware — typically costs between $400 and $1,200 depending on the vehicle and lift height. A 2-inch kit for a common truck will be on the lower end; a 6-inch kit for a newer truck will be on the higher end. Prices vary by retailer and change over time, so check current prices from suspension shops or online retailers that serve your area.

Installation labor is separate and usually costs $500 to $1,500 at a shop that specializes in suspension work. The time required depends on how much of your suspension needs to come apart. A 2-inch lift on a truck with coil springs might take 4 to 6 hours; a 6-inch lift with additional components like driveshaft spacers can take 8 to 12 hours or more. Some shops charge by the hour; others quote a flat rate for a specific kit on a specific vehicle.

If your lift is tall enough that your factory tires no longer fit or look right, new wheels and tires are an additional $800 to $2,500 depending on size and quality. You may also need an alignment afterward, which costs $100 to $200. Some shops include alignment in their lift installation quote; others charge it separately.

How a lifted suspension changes the way your truck drives

Lifting your suspension raises your center of gravity, which means your truck will lean more in corners and feel less stable during hard turns compared to a stock vehicle. This is most noticeable in a 4-inch or 6-inch lift. The higher you lift, the more pronounced the effect. Heavier tires and wheels, which you often add to a lifted truck, make this worse because they increase the weight at the end of the suspension arms.

A lifted truck also sits higher, so the steering geometry changes. Your steering may feel heavier or less responsive, and the angle at which your front wheels point may shift slightly. A professional alignment after installation corrects some of this, but not all. Many people who lift their trucks also upgrade to a steering stabilizer or a new steering box to compensate.

Fuel economy typically decreases after a suspension lift, especially if you add larger tires. The increased weight and aerodynamic drag of a taller vehicle means your engine works harder to move the truck at highway speeds. Expect a loss of 1 to 3 miles per gallon depending on how much you lifted and what tires you chose.

Braking performance can also change. A lifted truck with heavier tires takes longer to stop because there is more mass to slow down. If you tow or carry heavy loads, the change is more noticeable. Some people upgrade their brakes after lifting, though it is not always necessary for street driving.

Warranty and durability concerns

Installing a suspension lift will void or limit your vehicle's factory suspension warranty. The manufacturer considers the suspension a system, and changing one part of it means they no longer may provide the rest. Check your warranty documents or call your dealer to understand what coverage you lose.

A properly installed MaxTrac kit should last as long as a factory suspension — typically 80,000 to 150,000 miles or more — if you maintain it. Maintenance means checking your shocks for leaks, inspecting your springs for cracks, and having your alignment checked annually. Rough roads, towing, and off-road use wear suspension components faster.

The quality of installation matters more than the quality of the kit itself. A shop that does not align your truck properly after installation, or that does not torque bolts to the correct specification, can cause premature wear or even suspension failure. Choose a shop with experience installing lifts on your specific vehicle model.

Alternatives to a full suspension lift

If you want more ground clearance but do not want to change your suspension geometry, a body lift raises only the cab and bed away from the frame. Body lifts are cheaper — usually $300 to $800 for parts and labor — and do not change how your truck handles. The downside is that your axles stay in the same place, so you do not gain as much clearance underneath, and the gap between your body and frame can look odd to some people.

Another option is to upgrade only your shocks to a higher-quality aftermarket brand without changing your springs. This gives you a slightly stiffer ride and better control without raising the vehicle. It costs $300 to $600 for parts and labor and does not void your warranty in most cases.

If you need clearance for larger tires but want to keep your suspension stock, you can install a small spacer kit — usually 1 to 2 inches — that costs less than a full suspension lift and requires less labor to install. The trade-off is that you get less clearance and less of the visual impact of a lifted truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a MaxTrac lift fit my truck?

MaxTrac makes kits for many popular trucks and SUVs, but not all models. You need to know your exact year, make, model, and body style. Check MaxTrac's website or call a suspension shop that carries their products with your vehicle information. They can tell you in minutes whether a kit exists for your truck.

Can I install a MaxTrac lift myself?

If you have suspension experience and the right tools — including a spring compressor, which is essential and dangerous to improvise — you can do it yourself. Most people take their truck to a shop because suspension work requires precision and safety is critical. A mistake can affect how your truck handles or brakes.

Do I need new tires after a lift?

Not always. A 2-inch lift usually fits your factory tires fine. A 4-inch or 6-inch lift often requires new tires because your factory tires will either rub or look too small. Measure the clearance between your tire and fender before you buy new ones to be sure.

How long does a MaxTrac suspension last?

A well-maintained lifted suspension typically lasts 80,000 to 150,000 miles, similar to a factory suspension. Regular alignment checks and shock inspections extend its life. Off-road use and towing wear components faster than street driving.

Will lifting my truck affect my insurance?

Some insurance companies charge more for lifted vehicles because they are more expensive to repair and may be perceived as higher-risk. Call your insurance agent before you lift to ask whether your rate will change. The increase, if any, is usually modest.