What Ready Lift Suspension Does

Ready Lift is a manufacturer of suspension lift kits designed to raise the ride height of pickup trucks and SUVs. The company makes kits that range from 1 inch to 7 inches of lift, depending on the vehicle model and the specific product line. Ready Lift kits use a combination of coil spring spacers, strut extensions, and rear blocks to achieve the desired height increase.

The core difference between Ready Lift and some competitors is that many Ready Lift kits preserve the factory suspension geometry more closely than full replacement systems do. This means your truck's handling characteristics, ride quality, and suspension travel often remain closer to stock than they would with a complete suspension overhaul. Ready Lift does not manufacture the shocks or dampers themselves — you either keep your factory shocks or purchase aftermarket ones separately, depending on the kit design.

Key Takeaways

  • Ready Lift kits range from 1 to 7 inches of lift and use spacers, strut extensions, or rear blocks rather than replacing the entire suspension.
  • Installation typically costs between $800 and $2,500 in labor, depending on lift height and your vehicle, on top of the kit price itself.
  • Most Ready Lift kits preserve factory suspension geometry, which can mean better ride quality and less wear on steering components than full replacement systems.
  • You will need to budget for wheel alignment, new tires (often larger diameter), and potentially brake line extensions or other modifications after installation.
  • Ready Lift kits are vehicle-specific — a kit for a Ford F-150 will not fit a Chevrolet Silverado, so verify the exact year, generation, and model before purchasing.

How Ready Lift Kits Are Structured

Ready Lift organizes its product line by lift height and vehicle platform. The company produces kits for Ford F-Series trucks, Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado, GMC Sierra and Canyon, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tacoma and Tundra, Nissan Frontier and Titan, and Jeep Wrangler, among others. Each kit is engineered for a specific generation and model year range — a 2019 Ford F-150 kit will not work on a 2015 F-150 because the suspension geometry differs.

Ready Lift kits typically fall into three categories. Coil spring spacer kits sit on top of the factory coil springs and push the suspension up without replacing the springs themselves. Strut extension kits lengthen the strut assembly to accommodate the added height, common on independent front suspension trucks. Rear block kits use solid blocks of material inserted between the axle and leaf springs to lift the rear end. Many Ready Lift kits combine these methods — for example, a strut extension up front and blocks in the rear.

The lift height you choose affects what other components you may need to replace. A 1- to 2-inch lift often requires only the kit itself, new tires, and an alignment. A 4-inch or taller lift typically requires brake line extensions, driveshaft modifications, and sometimes transfer case drop kits to maintain proper angles and clearances.

Installation Labor and Timeline

Ready Lift kits are not bolt-on jobs that take an hour. A professional shop will typically charge between $800 and $2,500 in labor to install a Ready Lift kit, with the wide range reflecting differences in lift height, vehicle complexity, and regional labor rates. A 2-inch coil spacer kit on a newer Ford F-150 might run $1,000 to $1,500 in labor. A 4-inch strut extension and block kit on a Dodge Ram with additional modifications could reach $2,000 to $2,500.

The installation process usually takes one to three days, depending on the shop's schedule and whether complications arise. Shops often discover rusted bolts, stripped threads, or suspension damage during disassembly that requires additional work. Budget time for a post-installation wheel alignment, which is mandatory and typically costs $150 to $300. Many shops will not may provide the kit installation without an alignment, because improper alignment can cause premature tire wear and handling problems.

Some truck owners attempt DIY installation to save labor costs. This is feasible for simpler 1- to 2-inch kits if you have mechanical experience, a lift or jack stands, and proper tools. However, even a straightforward installation requires several hours, and mistakes during suspension work can affect safety. Most people find professional installation worth the cost.

Additional Costs Beyond the Kit and Labor

The kit price and installation labor are only part of the total cost. Lifting your truck creates a cascade of secondary expenses that many first-time buyers underestimate.

Tires and wheels are the most when ready add-on. A lifted truck often looks disproportionate on factory-size tires, and many owners upgrade to larger diameter wheels and tires. A set of four all-terrain or mud-terrain tires in a larger size can range from $800 to $2,000 depending on quality and size. Wheels themselves add another $400 to $1,200 for a set of four.

Brake line extensions become necessary on lifts of 3 inches or more. The factory brake lines are not long enough to accommodate the additional suspension travel, so extensions must be fabricated or purchased as part of a kit. This typically costs $150 to $400 in parts and labor.

Driveshaft modifications may be needed on rear-wheel-drive trucks with 4 inches or more of lift. The angle between the transmission and rear differential changes, which can cause vibration or premature wear. A driveshaft shop can re-angle or shorten the shaft, usually for $300 to $600.

Transfer case drop kits explore to four-wheel-drive trucks. Lifting the vehicle changes the angle at which the transfer case connects to the transmission and rear differential. A drop kit realigns these angles and typically costs $200 to $400 in parts and labor.

Smaller items add up as well: extended sway bar links ($100 to $200), bump stop extensions ($50 to $150), and potentially new shocks if your factory shocks are worn or if you want performance-tuned dampers ($400 to $1,200 for a set).

Ride Quality and Handling Trade-offs

Ready Lift kits generally preserve ride quality better than full replacement suspension systems because they work within the factory suspension's design parameters. A spacer kit, for example, straightforward moves the coil spring up without changing spring rate or damping. This means your truck will still absorb bumps and road imperfections in a way that feels familiar.

However, lifting any truck changes its center of gravity and weight distribution. A lifted truck will sit higher, which can make it feel slightly less stable during hard cornering or emergency maneuvers compared to a stock vehicle. The effect is usually minor on lifts under 3 inches, but becomes more noticeable at 4 inches or higher. Aftermarket shocks tuned for lifted trucks can mitigate this, but they add cost.

Steering feel may also change slightly. Longer struts or extensions can introduce a small amount of additional compliance in the steering column, and the altered suspension geometry can affect how quickly the truck responds to steering input. Again, this is usually subtle on modest lifts and more pronounced on taller ones.

Fuel economy typically decreases slightly after a lift, especially if you also install larger tires. The added weight and increased aerodynamic drag from taller tires can reduce MPG by 1 to 3 miles per gallon depending on driving habits and the size of the upgrade.

Warranty and Long-Term Durability

Ready Lift kits themselves typically carry a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. This covers the structural integrity of the spacers, struts, or blocks, but does not cover wear items like bushings or seals, and does not cover damage from off-road use or impacts.

Your vehicle's factory warranty is a different matter. Installing an aftermarket suspension lift will void the factory warranty on suspension and steering components. Some dealers will still service other systems under warranty, but suspension-related issues are off-limits. If you plan to keep the truck under warranty, confirm with your dealer what coverage you lose before installing a lift.

Long-term durability depends heavily on maintenance and use. Lifted trucks experience more stress on suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rods because the angles and leverage points change. Regular inspections — at least annually — help catch wear early. Bushings may need replacement every 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions, compared to 100,000+ miles on a stock truck.

Ready Lift Versus Other Suspension Lift Options

Ready Lift competes primarily with brands like Rough Country, Rancho, BDS Suspension, and Fabtech. The main differences come down to design philosophy and price point.

Rough Country is typically the most affordable option and uses similar spacer and block designs to Ready Lift. Rough Country kits often cost $200 to $400 less than Ready Lift equivalents, but some users report slightly more noticeable changes in ride quality and handling.

Rancho and BDS Suspension tend to be higher-end manufacturers that often include upgraded shocks and more sophisticated geometry management in their kits. These systems can cost 50% to 100% more than Ready Lift but may offer better ride quality and durability on heavily lifted trucks.

Fabtech occupies a middle ground, offering kits that balance cost and performance. The choice between these brands often comes down to your budget, desired lift height, and how much you prioritize ride quality versus cost savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Ready Lift kit affect my truck's towing capacity?

Towing capacity is determined by engine, transmission, and frame strength, not suspension height. A Ready Lift kit does not change these factors, so your truck's rated towing capacity remains the same. However, a lifted truck with larger tires may feel different when towing, and the altered suspension geometry can affect how weight is distributed. Always verify your specific truck's towing limits with the manufacturer.

Can I install a Ready Lift kit myself?

Simpler 1- to 2-inch kits can be installed by experienced DIYers with proper tools and a lift or jack stands. However, suspension work requires precision and safety awareness — mistakes can affect braking and handling. Most people benefit from professional installation, which ensures proper alignment and catches any underlying suspension issues during disassembly.

How do I know which Ready Lift kit fits my truck?

Ready Lift kits are specific to vehicle year, make, model, and generation. Check your truck's VIN or owner's manual to confirm the exact model year and generation, then cross-reference it with Ready Lift's product compatibility chart on their website or through a retailer. Installing the wrong kit can cause poor fit and handling problems.

Do I need new shocks when I install a Ready Lift kit?

Many Ready Lift kits work with factory shocks, especially on smaller lifts. However, factory shocks are tuned for stock ride height and may feel soft or bottomed-out after a lift. Upgrading to performance shocks designed for lifted trucks improves ride quality and handling, though it adds $400 to $1,200 to the total cost.

Will a Ready Lift kit make my truck harder to get in and out of?

Yes, a 4-inch or taller lift will noticeably increase the step-up height. Many lifted truck owners install running boards or side steps to make entry and exit easier. These typically cost $300 to $800 and can be added during the initial installation or later.