What a MaxTrac lift kit does and how it changes your truck
A MaxTrac suspension lift kit raises the frame of your truck by replacing or modifying the springs, shocks, and related components. The kit lifts the vehicle anywhere from 2 to 6 inches depending on which model you buy, creating more ground clearance and allowing you to fit larger tires underneath. MaxTrac is a manufacturer based in Fort Worth, Texas, and makes kits for trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ford F-150, and Dodge Ram.
The lift changes how your truck handles, sits, and performs. A higher ride height means better clearance over obstacles and steeper approach angles, but it also shifts your center of gravity, affects steering response, and puts different loads on your drivetrain. Before you buy one, you need to understand what the installation involves, what it costs, and what trade-offs come with the height you choose.
Key Takeaways
- MaxTrac kits come in different heights (typically 2 to 6 inches) and different types (coil spring, leaf spring, or coilover), and the right choice depends on your truck model and how you plan to use it.
- Installation requires removing and replacing suspension components, which usually takes a shop 4 to 8 hours and costs between $800 and $2,000 in labor on top of the kit price.
- A lift kit changes your truck's geometry, which can affect alignment, tire wear, steering feel, and fuel economy, and some changes require follow-up adjustments or parts replacements.
- Wheel alignment and a driveshaft inspection or replacement are often necessary after installation to prevent premature wear and vibration.
- MaxTrac kits are bolt-on designs that do not require welding or cutting the frame, which makes them reversible but also means they work within the limits of your truck's existing structure.
How MaxTrac kits are built and what components they replace
MaxTrac suspension kits consist of new coil springs, leaf springs, or coilover shocks, depending on the kit type and your truck's suspension design. The kit also includes new shock absorbers, bump stops, and sometimes track bars or control arm brackets. When a technician installs the kit, they remove your factory springs and shocks, bolt the new components into the existing mounting points, and reassemble everything.
The reason MaxTrac can offer different heights is that springs come in different rates and preload settings. A 2-inch lift uses springs with a slightly stiffer rate than stock, while a 6-inch lift uses much stiffer springs to support the extra height without sagging. Stiffer springs mean a firmer ride, especially on rough roads, because the suspension does not compress as easily.
MaxTrac does not cut or weld your frame. All components bolt to existing holes or use brackets that bolt to the frame. This design makes the kit reversible — you can remove it and go back to stock suspension — but it also means the lift is limited by how much the factory mounting points can handle. Very tall lifts (5 inches and above) sometimes require additional bracing or control arm modifications, which MaxTrac accounts for in their kit design.
Installation time, labor costs, and what a shop will do
Installing a MaxTrac kit is not a weekend job for most owners. A professional shop typically needs 4 to 8 hours to remove the old suspension, install the new components, and torque everything to specification. Labor rates vary by region and shop, but expect to pay between $800 and $2,000 for installation alone. The kit itself ranges from roughly $400 to $1,200 depending on the height and truck model.
The shop will lift your truck, remove the wheels, disconnect the old springs and shocks, unbolt them from the frame, install the new components in reverse order, and then lower the truck back down. They will also check that all bolts are tight and that nothing is rubbing or binding. Some shops include a wheel alignment in the labor cost; others charge separately, usually $100 to $200.
Do not attempt this yourself unless you have suspension experience and the right tools. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if released improperly. Shocks and springs must be torqued to exact specifications, and mistakes can lead to steering problems, tire damage, or suspension failure.
Alignment, driveshaft, and other adjustments you may need after installation
Once the lift is installed, your truck's suspension geometry has changed. The angles of your steering and suspension components are no longer aligned to factory spec. A wheel alignment — specifically a four-wheel alignment — is almost always necessary after a lift kit installation. Without it, your tires will wear unevenly, your steering will pull to one side, and your fuel economy will drop.
On trucks with a driveshaft (rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive models), the angle of the driveshaft changes when you lift the truck. If the angle becomes too steep, the driveshaft can vibrate, wear out the U-joints faster, or even fail. Many shops will inspect the driveshaft after installation and recommend a replacement or a driveshaft service if the angle is out of spec. A new driveshaft or a driveshaft service can cost $300 to $800.
You may also need new brake lines or ABS sensor extensions if the lift is tall enough to stretch the factory lines. Some trucks require a new transfer case skid plate or fuel tank skid plate to maintain ground clearance protection. These are not always included in the kit price and can add $200 to $500 to the total cost.
How a lift kit affects ride quality, handling, and fuel economy
A stiffer suspension means a firmer, bouncier ride on smooth roads. You will feel bumps and road texture more than you did with the factory suspension. On rough terrain or washboard roads, the stiffer springs actually help because they do not compress as much, which can improve control. But on a highway, the trade-off is less comfort.
Handling changes because your truck's center of gravity is higher. The truck will lean more in corners, and the steering may feel less responsive. Some owners describe it as a "looser" feel, especially at highway speeds. This is normal and usually becomes less noticeable as you adjust to the truck's new behavior. Taller lifts (5 to 6 inches) have a more noticeable effect on handling than smaller lifts.
Fuel economy typically drops by 1 to 3 miles per gallon after a lift kit installation. The reasons are increased wind resistance from the taller profile, heavier suspension components, and the stiffer springs requiring more engine effort to move the truck. The exact loss depends on your driving habits and the lift height.
Tire size options and what you can fit with different lift heights
One of the main reasons people install lift kits is to fit larger tires. A 2-inch lift usually allows tires up to 33 inches in diameter. A 4-inch lift can accommodate 35-inch tires. A 6-inch lift opens the door to 37-inch tires or larger. However, tire size also depends on your truck's wheel width and whether you need to modify the fenders or add spacers.
Larger tires are heavier and have more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption and puts more stress on your engine, transmission, and drivetrain. They also affect your speedometer accuracy — a larger tire makes your truck appear to be going slower than it actually is. You may need to recalibrate your speedometer or install a programmer to correct this.
Tire cost is significant. A set of four 35-inch or 37-inch tires can cost $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the brand and quality. Wheels to fit those tires add another $1,000 to $3,000. So the total cost of a lift kit plus new tires and wheels can easily exceed $4,000 to $6,000 before labor.
Warranty, durability, and long-term maintenance after installation
MaxTrac offers a limited lifetime warranty on the suspension components themselves, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. However, the warranty does not cover wear and tear, damage from off-road use, or problems caused by incorrect installation. If you have the kit installed by a professional shop, keep the receipt — it proves the installation was done correctly and can help if you need to make a warranty claim.
After installation, you should inspect your suspension regularly. Check for loose bolts, cracks in welds (though MaxTrac kits do not have welds), or signs of rubbing or binding. Shocks typically last 50,000 to 80,000 miles before they start to wear out, and a stiffer suspension can accelerate this wear. Plan to replace shocks sooner than you would with factory suspension.
Springs are designed to last the life of the truck, but they can sag over time, especially if you frequently carry heavy loads. If your truck starts to sag noticeably, the springs may need replacement. This is rare with MaxTrac kits, but it is worth monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a MaxTrac lift kit void my truck's warranty?
It depends on your truck's manufacturer and what warranty coverage you have. Most manufacturers will not void your entire warranty, but they may deny coverage for suspension-related problems or problems that could be caused by the lift. Check your warranty documentation or contact the dealer before installation. Some dealers are more lenient than others.
Can I install a MaxTrac kit on a truck with four-wheel drive?
Yes. MaxTrac makes kits for both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive trucks. Four-wheel drive trucks may require additional adjustments to the transfer case or driveshaft angle, so make sure your shop has experience with four-wheel drive lifts on your specific truck model.
What is the difference between a coil spring kit and a leaf spring kit?
Coil spring kits replace the factory coil springs with stiffer coil springs and new shocks. Leaf spring kits add or replace leaf springs, which are common on the rear axle of trucks. The choice depends on your truck's suspension design. Most modern trucks use coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear, so you may need a combination kit.
Do I need to replace my shocks when I install a lift kit?
Yes. The factory shocks are designed to work with the factory springs. A stiffer spring requires a stiffer shock to control the suspension properly. MaxTrac kits include new shocks, so you do not need to buy them separately, but you do need to install them as part of the kit.
How much will my truck sit higher after a 4-inch lift?
A 4-inch lift raises the frame 4 inches off the ground. The actual ride height increase is usually close to 4 inches, though it can vary slightly depending on your truck's weight distribution and tire size. If you also install taller tires, the total height increase will be greater than 4 inches.