McGaughys makes bolt-on suspension kits that replace your truck's factory springs and shocks with adjustable components

McGaughys is a manufacturer of aftermarket suspension parts, not a repair shop or installer. Their kits let you lower, raise, or stiffen your truck's suspension by swapping out the original springs, shocks, and related hardware. You buy the kit, then either install it yourself or take it to a mechanic who handles suspension work. The company has been making these kits since the 1980s and focuses mainly on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs.

A McGaughys kit typically includes new coil springs (or leaf springs, depending on your truck), new shocks or struts, and the brackets and fasteners needed to bolt everything together. Some kits also include bump stops, sway bar links, or other components that need replacement when you change the suspension geometry. The cost and contents vary widely depending on your vehicle year and model, and whether you want a mild adjustment or a dramatic lift or drop.

Key Takeaways

  • McGaughys kits are designed for specific truck and SUV models, so you must match the kit to your exact year and model before ordering.
  • Installation requires removing the factory suspension and bolting in new springs, shocks, and brackets — a job that takes a full day or more and needs a lift or jack stands.
  • A McGaughys suspension change affects how your truck handles, sits, and rides, and may require a wheel alignment and speedometer recalibration afterward.
  • You can buy McGaughys kits directly from the manufacturer or through suspension shops and truck accessory retailers.

What a McGaughys kit actually includes

The contents of a McGaughys suspension kit depend on whether you are lifting, lowering, or stiffening your truck. A lift kit for a full-size pickup typically includes new coil springs (usually stiffer than factory), new shocks designed to work with the increased ride height, new bump stops to prevent the suspension from bottoming out, and new sway bar links because the geometry changes when you raise the truck. A lowering kit swaps in shorter springs and shorter shocks, and may include new control arm bushings if the angle of the arms changes significantly.

Every kit comes with new fasteners — bolts, nuts, and washers — because the originals are often damaged during removal or are not rated for the new suspension geometry. Some kits include a detailed instruction manual with torque specifications and step-by-step photos. Others assume you or your mechanic already know how to work on suspensions and provide only a parts list and basic diagrams. Before you order, check the product page to see exactly what is in the box and what tools or additional parts you may need to source separately.

How to find the right McGaughys kit for your truck

McGaughys organizes their kits by vehicle year, make, and model. You need to know your truck's exact year — not just the generation or decade — because suspension geometry can change year to year. A 2014 Silverado and a 2015 Silverado may use different spring rates or shock lengths, so a kit designed for one will not fit the other correctly.

Start by visiting the McGaughys website or calling their customer service line to confirm which kit matches your truck. You can also visit a local suspension shop that carries McGaughys products; they can look up your vehicle in their system and tell you which kit you need. Once you have the part number, you can order directly from McGaughys, from truck accessory retailers like Summit Racing or Ebay Motors, or from a local shop that stocks the kit.

Installation: what to expect and what it costs

Installing a McGaughys suspension kit is not a bolt-on-in-an-hour job. The process involves lifting the truck, removing wheels, unbolting the factory springs and shocks, disconnecting sway bar links and other hardware, and then reversing the process with the new parts. Depending on how corroded the factory fasteners are and whether any components are stuck, the job typically takes six to ten hours. If you have a lift or jack stands and the right tools, you can do it yourself. If you do not, you need to take it to a shop.

Labor costs vary by region and shop, but expect to pay $600 to $1,500 for installation alone, depending on how complex the kit is and how much extra work the truck needs. Some shops charge a flat rate for suspension work; others charge by the hour. Ask for a quote before you drop the truck off, and ask whether the shop will also do a wheel alignment afterward — that is a separate service and usually costs $100 to $200, but it is necessary after any suspension change to prevent uneven tire wear and steering problems.

How a McGaughys suspension change affects your truck

Raising your truck with a McGaughys lift kit increases ground clearance and lets you fit larger tires, but it also raises your center of gravity, which can make the truck feel less stable in hard cornering or emergency maneuvers. It may also affect your speedometer accuracy if you install larger tires without recalibrating the gauge. Lowering your truck lowers the center of gravity and can improve handling, but it reduces ground clearance and may cause the undercarriage to scrape on steep driveways or rough roads.

Any suspension change alters the angle of your steering and suspension components, which is why a wheel alignment is essential after installation. Without it, your tires will wear unevenly and your truck may pull to one side. Some McGaughys kits also require adjustments to the brake lines or ABS sensors if the suspension geometry changes significantly. A good suspension shop will check for these issues during installation and flag them before they become problems.

McGaughys kits versus other suspension brands

McGaughys competes with other aftermarket suspension makers like Rough Country, Rancho, BDS Suspension, and Bilstein. McGaughys kits tend to be mid-range in price and quality — not the cheapest option, but not the premium option either. Rough Country is often cheaper but may use lower-quality shocks; Bilstein and Rancho tend to cost more but offer better ride quality and durability. The best choice depends on your budget, how much you plan to use the truck off-road, and whether you prioritize a smooth highway ride or maximum adjustability.

Read reviews from truck owners who have installed the same kit on the same model truck as yours. Look for comments about ride quality, how long the shocks lasted, and whether the kit required any modifications to fit. A kit that works perfectly on one truck may need trimming or drilling on another, depending on how the factory frame is welded and where the suspension mounts are located.

Where to buy McGaughys suspension kits

You can order McGaughys kits from the manufacturer's website, from large online retailers like Amazon or Ebay Motors, or from truck accessory shops in your area. Buying locally lets you see the kit in person and ask questions before you commit, and the shop may offer installation as part of the purchase. Buying online is often cheaper, but you pay for shipping on a heavy box, and you have no one to call if a part arrives damaged or if you have questions during installation.

Some suspension shops are authorized McGaughys dealers and keep popular kits in stock. If you call ahead, they can tell you whether they have the kit for your truck in the warehouse and can often install it the same week. This is faster than ordering online and waiting for shipping, and the shop can handle any fitment issues that come up during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace my shocks if I only want to change the ride height?

Yes. When you change the spring length, the shock length must change too, or the suspension will not compress and extend correctly. A factory shock designed for a 2-inch lift will be too long and will bind up, causing a harsh ride and potential damage to the shock. McGaughys kits pair springs and shocks together for this reason.

Will a McGaughys kit void my truck's warranty?

Aftermarket suspension modifications typically void the factory suspension warranty, but not the entire truck warranty. Your engine, transmission, and other systems remain covered. Check your warranty documents or call your dealer to confirm what is and is not covered after a suspension change. Some dealers are more lenient than others.

Can I install a McGaughys kit myself if I have never worked on suspensions before?

It is possible but risky. Suspension work requires proper tools, a safe way to lift the truck, and knowledge of torque specifications and fastener safety. If a bolt is not tightened correctly, the suspension can fail while driving. If you are not confident, hire a shop. The labor cost is worth the safety and peace of mind.

How long do McGaughys shocks last?

Aftermarket shocks typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and how hard you use the truck. Off-road driving wears shocks faster than highway driving. Some owners report their McGaughys shocks lasting well beyond 100,000 miles; others replace them sooner. Regular inspection for leaks and loss of damping can help you catch wear early.

Do I need new tires after a suspension change?

Not necessarily, but a lift kit often makes larger tires possible or desirable, and a lowering kit may require smaller tires to avoid rubbing. Check the McGaughys product page for your truck to see what tire sizes are recommended with the kit. Your suspension shop can also advise on tire fitment during installation.