What a ReadyLift suspension lift does

A ReadyLift suspension lift raises your truck's body and frame higher off the ground by replacing or modifying your suspension components. The lift increases ground clearance, which lets you fit larger tires, navigate rough terrain more easily, and change your vehicle's appearance. ReadyLift is a manufacturer that makes lift kits specifically designed to fit certain truck models — they engineer the parts to work with your truck's existing suspension geometry rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.

ReadyLift kits come in different heights, typically ranging from 1.5 inches to 3 inches or more, depending on the model and kit type. The height you choose affects how your truck handles, how much tire clearance you gain, and whether you'll need additional modifications like brake line extensions or driveshaft adjustments. Most ReadyLift kits use a combination of new coil springs, shocks, and spacers to achieve the lift while maintaining ride quality.

Key Takeaways

  • ReadyLift suspension lifts raise your truck by replacing springs, shocks, or adding spacers, with lift heights typically between 1.5 and 3 inches depending on the kit.
  • Different kit types — coilover, spacer, and spring-based — work differently and suit different trucks and driving needs.
  • Installation requires removing suspension components and can take a professional shop 4 to 8 hours, or longer if your truck needs alignment or additional work.
  • A lifted truck may need new brake lines, driveshaft modifications, and a wheel alignment after installation to handle safely.
  • Lifting your truck affects fuel economy, ride comfort, and handling, and may void certain manufacturer warranties.

Types of ReadyLift kits and how they differ

ReadyLift makes several kit types, and the one you choose depends on your truck model and what you want from the lift. Coilover kits replace your factory coil springs and shocks with new ones that sit higher, giving you both lift and the ability to adjust ride height and stiffness. These are popular for trucks that will see off-road use because they offer better control over suspension tuning.

Spacer kits use rubber or polyurethane spacers placed on top of your existing coil springs to push the body up without replacing the springs themselves. Spacer lifts are cheaper and faster to install, but they don't change your suspension's spring rate or damping, so ride quality may feel harsher. Spring kits replace your factory springs with stiffer, taller ones and usually include new shocks matched to those springs. Each type has trade-offs: coilovers cost more but give you tuning options; spacers are budget-friendly but offer less refinement; springs split the difference in price and performance.

ReadyLift also makes kits specific to certain truck generations and cab styles. A kit for a 2019 Ford F-150 SuperCrew will not fit a 2015 model or a single-cab truck, so you must confirm your truck's year, generation, and body style before ordering. The manufacturer's website or product listing will specify which vehicles each kit fits.

What happens during installation

Installing a ReadyLift kit requires removing your truck's wheels, disconnecting the suspension components, and replacing or modifying them according to the kit instructions. A professional shop typically needs 4 to 8 hours for a straightforward installation, though the time varies based on how corroded or stuck your factory bolts are, whether your truck has been lifted before, and what additional work the kit requires.

The basic steps are: lift the truck on a hoist, remove the wheels, disconnect the sway bar and shock absorbers, remove the coil springs (or install spacers on top of them), install the new springs or shocks, reconnect everything, and lower the truck. If your kit includes a driveshaft modification or brake line extension, those add time. Some shops charge a flat rate for ReadyLift installation; others charge hourly. Get a quote from your shop before you drop off the truck, and ask whether alignment and any additional modifications are included in that price or billed separately.

After installation, your truck will sit higher but may not drive straight or handle correctly until the suspension is aligned. Most shops include a wheel alignment in the installation cost, but confirm this before you commit. A misaligned lifted truck will wear tires unevenly and may pull to one side, so alignment is not optional.

Additional work your truck may need after lifting

Lifting your truck changes the angles of several systems, and some of those systems may need modification to work safely. Brake lines may become too short when the suspension extends, so ReadyLift kits often include extended brake lines or instructions for routing them differently. If your kit does not include brake line work and your shop notices the lines are tight, ask them to extend them — a brake line that stretches too far can rupture.

Driveshaft angle changes when you lift the truck, and if the angle becomes too steep, the driveshaft can vibrate or wear out prematurely. Some ReadyLift kits include a driveshaft spacer or shim to correct this; others do not. Your shop will check the driveshaft angle during installation and let you know if modification is needed. Bump stops — rubber blocks that prevent the suspension from extending too far — may also need adjustment or replacement if your lift is tall enough.

If you plan to add larger tires after lifting, confirm that your truck's wheel wells have enough clearance and that your speedometer will still read correctly. Larger tires roll a bigger circle, so your speedometer will read slower than you are actually going unless you recalibrate it. Some shops handle this during installation; others leave it to you.

How lifting affects your truck's performance and warranty

A lifted truck sits higher, which changes how it handles and how much fuel it uses. The higher center of gravity makes the truck more prone to rolling in sharp turns, especially at highway speeds, so you may need to adjust your driving habits. Ride quality often becomes harsher with a lift, particularly with spacer kits, because the suspension geometry changes and the springs work differently than they did at factory height.

Fuel economy typically drops after a lift, partly because of the increased aerodynamic drag from the taller profile and partly because the engine works harder to move the heavier suspension components. The drop is usually 1 to 3 miles per gallon, depending on the lift height and your driving. Off-road capability improves with a lift because you gain ground clearance and suspension travel, but on-road handling becomes less predictable.

Lifting your truck may void or limit your manufacturer's warranty on suspension components. Ford, Chevrolet, and other manufacturers often exclude warranty coverage for parts that fail after a lift kit is installed, reasoning that the lift changed the stresses those parts experience. Check your warranty documents or call your dealer before installing a lift to understand what coverage you might lose. Some dealers are more lenient than others, and some ReadyLift kits are designed to preserve more of the factory warranty than others.

Cost and timeline for a ReadyLift installation

A ReadyLift kit itself typically costs between $400 and $1,500, depending on the lift height and kit type. Spacer kits are usually the cheapest; coilover kits are the most expensive. Labor for installation ranges from $300 to $1,200 at most shops, with the wide range reflecting differences in shop rates, your truck's condition, and whether additional work like driveshaft modification is needed.

The total out-of-pocket cost for a complete lift installation — kit plus labor plus alignment plus any additional modifications — often falls between $1,000 and $3,000. Budget extra if your truck has never been serviced for suspension work or if bolts are corroded and difficult to remove. Once you order a kit, it typically arrives within a week or two, so you can schedule your installation after the parts are in hand. The entire process from ordering to driving away with a lifted truck usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Choosing the right ReadyLift kit for your truck

Start by confirming your truck's exact year, generation, cab style, and wheelbase — this information is on your registration or vehicle identification number (VIN). Go to the ReadyLift website or a truck parts retailer and filter by your truck to see which kits are available. Read reviews from other truck owners who have installed the same kit on the same model to learn about real-world fit, ride quality, and durability.

Decide how much lift you actually need. A 1.5-inch lift gives you modest ground clearance and tire upgrade options without dramatically changing how your truck handles. A 2.5 to 3-inch lift is more noticeable and may require additional modifications like brake line extensions. Lifts taller than 3 inches are available but become increasingly expensive and may require more extensive modifications. Consider whether you plan to use the truck off-road or mainly on pavement — off-road trucks benefit from coilover kits that let you tune the suspension, while pavement-only trucks may be fine with cheaper spacer or spring kits.

Once you have narrowed down your options, contact a local shop that has installed ReadyLift kits before. Ask them which kit they recommend for your truck and driving style, and get a written quote that includes the kit, labor, alignment, and any additional work they foresee. A shop familiar with ReadyLift installations will know what usually goes wrong and can help you avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a ReadyLift suspension lift affect my truck's warranty?

Lifting your truck may void or limit the manufacturer's warranty on suspension components, depending on your vehicle's warranty terms and the dealer's interpretation. Contact your dealer or review your warranty documents before installation to understand what coverage you might lose. Some ReadyLift kits are designed to preserve more warranty coverage than others.

Can I install a ReadyLift kit myself, or do I need a professional shop?

ReadyLift kits can be installed by experienced DIY mechanics with the right tools and a hoist, but most people use a professional shop. Installation requires removing and reinstalling suspension components, and mistakes can affect handling and safety. A shop also handles alignment and additional modifications like brake line extensions, which are difficult to do correctly at home.

How much larger of a tire can I fit after a ReadyLift suspension lift?

The tire size you can fit depends on your lift height and your truck's wheel well clearance. A 1.5-inch lift typically allows one size larger tire; a 2.5-inch lift may allow two sizes larger. Your shop can measure your wheel well and recommend the largest tire that will fit without rubbing. Larger tires also affect your speedometer accuracy and fuel economy.

Does a ReadyLift suspension lift improve off-road performance?

Yes, a lift increases ground clearance and suspension travel, which helps your truck navigate rocks, ruts, and steep terrain. Coilover kits offer the most off-road benefit because you can adjust the suspension stiffness and ride height. Spacer and spring kits also improve clearance but offer less tuning flexibility for rough terrain.

How long does a ReadyLift suspension lift last?

A well-maintained ReadyLift kit typically lasts as long as your truck. The springs and shocks will eventually wear out like any suspension component, but quality ReadyLift parts are designed to last 100,000 miles or more. Regular maintenance — checking bolts, inspecting shocks, and keeping the suspension clean — extends the life of your lift kit.