Pro's and Cons of installing a modest lift kit

Like a 3" or 4" lift kit to give a truck a different look. Is it hard on the U-joints, ball joints etc? I have heard that if done right it doesn't harm the mechanics of the truck, and heard that it puts stress on everything. What's your opinion???

It WILL change the geometry of the drive train/steering linkage, causing U-joints, ball joints etc to wear faster. If you do it, make sure to exceed the recommended frequency of lube jobs.

Honestly, If your over 30 it's a bad move...Right up there with loud pipes, and a swinging testicle ball hitch ornament...Lol.


Leveling kits are a reasonable compromise, and don't strain the mechanics of a truck.

3 or 4 inch ain't nothing if done right

What truck you thinking abut lifting , Catch ?

Straight axle front is pretty simple and a 3 to 4 inch will have no adverse affects and in fact can improve the ride and handling

IFS is a little more tricky and more expensive to do correctly . Cutting corners on this type of lift to save money will cost you later in worn out tires and front end parts.

yep, seen it when I worked in a 4x4 shop 25 yrs ago

PLUS, you worsen traction, by raising your center of gravity....especially on a side hill climb.

It depends if a body lift or suspension lift. And it depends on the truck. And it depends on the tires you will then install.

And mostly it depends on the babe who you want to get in your truck. If she has long legs, a 3-4” lift is no problem. A lift keeps the short fat ones from getting in the truck.

A lift with larger tires will also make your speedometer inaccurate. You will need to correct that.

Ultimately, the question is will the lift get you better traction, better clearance for larger tires, and most of all a hot babe with long legs. If it will get you a hot babe with long legs then I say do it! It worked for me.

And if the babe is short, you can get behind her and gently push.

Over 30, is that age or maturity level lol.

Had no luck finding a round eye Gov, I'm bummed about that. But I found a nice 02 Chevy. I thought it might look some better with a small lift but I don't want to wear it out prematurely. But I might if my chances go way up in getting a long legged babe.

Most lift kits come shim kits for the axles so they are pointed toward the transmission / transfer cases. I did one for a 79 CJ5 Jeep several years ago. It has very short driveshafts, I think it was a tough country kit and it had steel shims to set on top of the axles that came with the kit. I did it over a weekend and that thing would 80 mph in second gear straight as an arrow. I never had a lick of trouble and it was 4''.

I knew a guy that only changed his truck from UNDER the axle spring mount to an OVER the axle mount. Nothing to buy, just labor.

And, easily reversed!

Things have to be right. How old is the truck? It dose put stress on stuff. I ham a 2015 ram I bought new and after the warranty ram out I did have bilistien level struts put in, moved from a 265 tire to a 285 tire and had everything re aligned. I wouldn't do much more than that best off keeping things factory. I only had mine done because I hunt out west and needed a bit mor clearance for chains. I also have to have wheel spacers though to clear my brake parts. If you don't need it leave it stock!

No, IQ! ...Lol.

Lol, well then I'm screwed.

Me too!