How to Lift a Truck

“How do I lift my truck?” Drivers from Hudson to Port Richey ask us this question every day at our service center, and it’s no surprise! A lifted truck delivers bolder style, greater off-road capabilities, and better shock absorption during your everyday travels. But lifting a truck is a big project for most DIY enthusiasts. The team at Ford Spring Hill is happy to do the heavy lifting for you, but if you’re up for the challenge, take a look at how to lift a truck like a pro. 

What Tools Do I Need to Lift a Truck?

So, how do I lift my truck without a full-service shop on hand? You’ll need to gather the right tools to get started. While this can certainly be an investment, these are common tools that can be used in other DIY tasks like oil changes and tire rotations. Here is a good starting point, but feel free to add on as you see fit:

• Vehicle jacks and jack stands
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Socket wrench
• Torque wrench
• Lug wrench
• Screwdriver
• WD-40 or penetrating oil
• Spare nuts and bolts

Missing anything? Stop by our parts department to get your toolkit in order! Our team can help you find exactly what you need for any automotive project.

How Do I Lift My Truck at Home? A Step-by-Step Guide

From lift kits to leveling kits to body kits, there’s no shortage of options on the market. That’s why your best reference is the instruction manual that came with your specific lift kit. But if you’re still shopping around, we can walk you through the general steps. This can help you determine whether you’re up for the challenge, or if you’d rather opt for a professional installation instead. Take a look at what you’ll need to do:

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lug nuts for easier tire removal.
3. Use your jack and jack stands to raise the vehicle. Make sure that the vehicle’s center of gravity is spot on before you continue.
4. Remove the wheels and tires and set them aside.
5. Remove the old U-bolts, along with your vehicle’s current shocks and springs.
6. Attach the new bolts and attach the new shocks and suspension. 
7. Use your torque wrench to make sure every component is secure.
8. Attach your old tires or bigger tires if you’d prefer.
9. Install any driveshaft or transfer case modifications if needed.
10. Lower your vehicle carefully, keeping it level as you go.

Should I Lift My Truck or Schedule an Installation?

Lifting a truck can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, and it’s important to know that before you get started. Many Brooksville drivers try to install lift kits themselves to save money on labor. And while this can be an effective way to bring down costs, it can also cause issues. Those who are skilled and experienced in automotive work can usually install a lift kit in a weekend. We still recommend scheduling an inspection to make sure everything is road ready before your next adventure. Those who are new to auto work can run into costly issues, running to the auto parts store for tools or even the service department to fix mistakes. Meanwhile, a service team can get your truck lifted in around 7 to 15 hours. So, consider your skill level and resources before you get started.

Lift Your Truck with Ford Spring Hill

Now you know how to lift your truck, so what other questions do you have about the process? You can contact us at any time to learn more, or stop by our parts department to see what’s in stock. Prefer to let our techs take care of your installation? Schedule your appointment online or book your Ford pickup and delivery service.