McGaughys lift kits raise your truck's frame and suspension to increase ground clearance

A McGaughys suspension lift kit is a set of components that lifts your truck higher off the ground by replacing or modifying your existing suspension system. The kit typically includes new springs, shocks, control arms, and brackets engineered to work together. McGaughys is a manufacturer that specializes in these kits for trucks and SUVs, and their products are sold through aftermarket retailers and installers.

The main reason people install lift kits is to fit larger tires, gain more space between the frame and obstacles like rocks or ruts, or change the truck's appearance. A lift also changes how your truck handles, brakes, and wears its tires — which is why understanding what you're getting matters before installation.

Key Takeaways

  • McGaughys kits come in different heights, typically ranging from 2 to 6 inches, and the height you choose affects cost, handling, and tire fitment.
  • Installation requires removing your existing suspension components and bolting on new ones, a job that takes a shop several hours and costs money beyond the kit itself.
  • Lifting your truck changes its center of gravity, which can affect braking distance, cornering stability, and how the steering feels.
  • Larger tires that fit after a lift wear faster and cost more to replace, and your fuel economy will decrease.
  • McGaughys offers different kit types — coil spring, air suspension, and independent front suspension designs — each suited to different truck models and driving needs.

How much height McGaughys kits add

McGaughys manufactures kits in several standard heights. Common options are 2-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch lifts, though some models offer intermediate heights like 3 inches or 5 inches. The height you choose depends on what tires you want to fit, how much clearance you need, and how much you want to change the truck's stance and handling.

A 2-inch lift is considered mild — it's noticeable but doesn't dramatically alter how the truck drives or looks. A 4-inch lift is popular for people who want a more aggressive appearance and room for 33-inch tires on most trucks. A 6-inch lift is at the upper end and typically requires additional modifications like extended brake lines and driveshaft work.

The actual height gain depends on your truck's model and year, because suspension geometry varies. A 4-inch kit on a 2015 Ford F-150 will not necessarily lift it the same amount as a 4-inch kit on a 2020 model. McGaughys publishes specifications for each kit, so check the product details for your specific truck before ordering.

Different types of McGaughys kits and what they replace

McGaughys makes kits designed for different suspension architectures. Many trucks use coil spring suspensions, where coils support the weight and shocks absorb bumps. McGaughys coil spring kits replace the factory coils with taller ones and often include new shocks and control arms to maintain proper geometry at the new height.

Some trucks and SUVs use air suspension systems, where air springs adjust the ride height electronically. McGaughys air suspension kits modify or replace these components while keeping the electronic controls functional. These kits are more complex and typically cost more than coil spring versions.

Newer trucks with independent front suspension (IFS) require kits that account for the different geometry. McGaughys offers IFS-specific kits that adjust control arm angles and add components to prevent binding or excessive wear as the suspension moves through its range.

What happens during installation

Installing a McGaughys kit is not a backyard job for most people. The process requires lifting the truck, removing wheels, disconnecting the existing suspension, and bolting on new components in a specific order. A professional shop typically needs 4 to 8 hours depending on the kit type and truck model.

After installation, the truck needs a wheel alignment — an adjustment of the angles at which your wheels sit relative to the frame. Lifting changes these angles, and if they're not corrected, your tires will wear unevenly and steering will feel off. Alignment is a separate cost, usually $100 to $200, and is essential after any suspension work.

Some kits also require modifications to other systems. If you're lifting 4 inches or more, you may need extended brake lines so the hoses don't stretch when the suspension compresses. You might also need a driveshaft spacer or new driveshaft to prevent binding. These additions increase both the kit cost and labor time.

How a lift kit changes how your truck drives

Raising your truck's center of gravity makes it less stable during hard cornering or emergency maneuvers. The higher the lift, the more pronounced this effect. A 2-inch lift is barely noticeable; a 6-inch lift will feel noticeably different, especially if you're used to the original truck.

Braking distance can increase slightly because the weight transfer during braking is affected by the higher center of gravity. This is usually small with modest lifts but becomes more significant at 4 inches and above. Steering may feel heavier or less responsive depending on the kit design and whether you've added larger tires.

Ride quality depends on the shocks included in the kit. McGaughys kits come with different shock options — some tuned for a smoother ride, others for off-road performance. A kit with performance shocks may feel stiffer on pavement but handle bumps better on rough terrain. This is a choice you make when ordering.

Tire size and fuel economy after lifting

The main reason people lift trucks is to fit larger tires. A 2-inch lift typically allows 31-inch tires; a 4-inch lift opens up 33-inch tires on most trucks; a 6-inch lift can accommodate 35-inch or even 37-inch tires depending on the model. Larger tires cost significantly more to buy and replace.

Larger, heavier tires also reduce fuel economy. The exact loss depends on tire size and how you drive, but expect a decrease of 1 to 3 miles per gallon. Over time, this adds up — if you drive 15,000 miles a year, the extra fuel cost can be several hundred dollars annually.

Tire wear accelerates after a lift, especially if the alignment is not perfect or if you've changed the suspension geometry in a way that puts uneven pressure on the tires. Rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles helps, but wear will still be faster than on a stock truck.

Cost of a McGaughys kit and installation

McGaughys kit prices vary widely based on lift height, truck model, and kit type. A basic 2-inch coil spring kit might cost $400 to $800. A 4-inch kit typically runs $800 to $1,500. A 6-inch kit or an air suspension kit can exceed $2,000. These are kit-only prices and do not include installation or alignment.

Labor at a professional shop adds $400 to $1,200 depending on complexity and local rates. Wheel alignment adds $100 to $200. If you need brake line extensions, a driveshaft spacer, or other modifications, those are additional costs. A complete 4-inch lift job, from kit purchase through alignment, often totals $1,500 to $2,500.

Some shops bundle kits and labor into a package price, which can save money compared to buying separately. It's worth getting quotes from multiple installers in your area, as labor rates and experience vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a McGaughys lift kit void my truck's warranty?

Suspension modifications typically void the manufacturer's suspension warranty. Some dealers will honor warranties on other systems if the lift kit didn't directly cause the failure, but this varies by dealer and manufacturer. Check your warranty documents or contact your dealer before installation if warranty coverage matters to you.

Can I install a McGaughys kit myself?

If you have suspension experience, proper tools, and a lift, you can install some kits yourself. However, most people should use a professional shop because mistakes can affect handling, safety, and tire wear. Alignment afterward is critical and requires specialized equipment.

Do I need to replace my shocks when I lift my truck?

McGaughys kits include shocks matched to the new suspension geometry. Using your factory shocks with a lift kit will result in poor ride quality and handling because the shocks are designed for the original suspension height and travel. The shocks in the kit are part of the system.

How long does a McGaughys lift kit last?

Suspension components wear over time based on driving conditions and maintenance. A well-maintained lift kit typically lasts as long as a factory suspension — 100,000 miles or more. Shocks may need replacement sooner, usually between 50,000 and 80,000 miles depending on driving style and terrain.

Can I lower my truck after installing a McGaughys lift kit?

Yes, but it requires removing the kit and reinstalling factory suspension components or purchasing a different kit. This is labor-intensive and expensive. Decide whether lifting is right for your needs before installation, because reversing it is not straightforward or cheap.