When shopping for a lift kit for your pickup truck or SUV, it is important to keep in mind that there are only a limited number of ways that a lift can be performed.

The method used by Truxxx is to relocate the mounting point of the spring that holds the truck up, without changing the location of the stock suspension arms. This is the method that Truxxx use with the Truxxx Lift and Level kit, because it makes the lift install simpler and easier, and doesn't compromise the smooth stock ride. With a coil-over shock style suspension, like in the 2004 Ford F150 Truxxx extends the strut length, while retaining the stock spring pressure. This keeps the smooth ride of a stock truck, with no increase in harshness. For a torsion bar style suspension like the 2004 Chevrolet K2500HD, Truxxx supply a re-indexed torsion key and shock relocator brackets which changes the location that the torsion spring mounts at without changing the spring tension. Truxxx kits also come with complete, full color instructions and alignment specifications customized for your model of truck.

The most common method for lifts 4" and greater is to relocate the suspension brackets with a drop-down system, which Pro-Comp pioneered for the 1988 GM IFS and others have copied and improved upon. The basic method involves removing all the suspension from the front of the vehicle and mounting it to a bracket that hangs down 4", 6" -- all the way to 15" from stock. The steering knuckle is replaced with a new cast unit, the drive shafts are made longer and often the track width is increased. The upper control arms are generally not altered, although Pro-Comp does have some kits that do relocate the upper arms down. This method, or a close variation of it, is used by Fabtech, RCD, Pro-Comp, Skyjacker, Superlift and many more.

Another method is to increase the spring pressure that is holding the truck up. This is done by using stiffer springs, adding leaf springs where applicable or airbags - all methods that result in a stiffer ride than stock. Many people find that this changes their smooth stock ride too much, making it intolerably stiff. This is the method that Daystar, Revtech and Tuff Country use for their 2004 Ford F-150 kits.

A fourth method is to install a new spindle that has the axle stub relocated to lift the truck. Fabtech is a major supplier of these spindles for two-wheel drive trucks to make them look like a pre-runner. The advantage is the stock ride is retained, although the installation is not as easy as the Truxxx kit, and the kit is more expensive to purchase.