5 Best Lift Kits for Ford F-150 You’ll Love
The best lift kit for Ford F-150 depends on your needs. The Rough Country 3″ Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Lifted Struts is best for drivers wanting a balanced ride with aggressive looks, while the Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2WD excels at maximum ground clearance for newer trucks. For budget-conscious buyers with older F-150s, the Rough Country 2″ Leveling Lift Kit stands out with affordable pricing and easy installation.
Each kit offers bolt-on installation and premium N3 shocks for smooth performance on and off the road. All come with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, so you can lift your truck with confidence.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Lift Height | Compatibility | Shock Type | Installation | Max Tire Size | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC 3″ Suspension (4WD 2014-2020) | 3 inches | 2014-2020 F-150 4WD | N3 Loaded Struts | Bolt-on, no cutting | 34 inches | Lifetime |
| RC 4″ Suspension (2WD 2015-2020) | 4 inches | 2015-2020 F-150 2WD | N3 Shock Absorbers | Bolt-on, easy | 33 inches | Lifetime |
| RC 4″ Suspension (1980-1996) | 4 inches | 1980-1996 F-150 4WD | N3 Shock Absorbers | Bolt-on, home install | Not specified | Lifetime |
| RC 2″ Leveling Kit (2009-2013) | 2 inches | 2009-2013 F-150 4WD | N3 Loaded Coil Struts | Bolt-on, home install | Not specified | Lifetime |
| RC 3″ Lift Kit (2009-2013) | 3 inches | 2009-2013 F-150 4WD | N3 Loaded Struts | Bolt-on, no cutting | Not specified | Lifetime |
Best Lift Kits for Ford F-150
1. Rough Country 3″ Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Lifted Struts – Best Overall Balance
Best for: Truck owners who want an aggressive look without sacrificing ride quality or easy installation.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 3 inches front and rear |
| Control Arms | Forged aluminum, heavy-duty |
| Shock Quality | N3 pre-loaded struts included |
| Installation | 100% bolt-on, no modifications |
| Tire Compatibility | Supports up to 34-inch tires |
The Rough Country 3″ Suspension Lift Kit is perfect for F-150 owners seeking the ideal mix of style and performance. The forged aluminum upper control arms are built to last, with heavy-duty rubber bushings that reduce wear and maintain factory geometry. You get premium N3 struts and matching rear shocks that handle both smooth highways and rough trails with ease. Installation takes just a few hours with basic tools—no cutting or drilling required. This kit backs everything with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
Pros:
- Premium forged aluminum components
- Supports large 34-inch tires
- Smooth, balanced ride quality
- Fully reversible to stock height
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Only fits 2014-2020 4WD models
2. Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2WD – Maximum Ground Clearance
Best for: Newer F-150 2WD owners who want the biggest lift possible for serious off-road adventures.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 4 inches for maximum clearance |
| Shock Quality | Premium N3 shock absorbers |
| Tire Support | Handles up to 33-inch tires |
| Ride Quality | Maintains factory-like feel |
| Installation | Easy bolt-on design |
The Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit gives your 2WD F-150 serious attitude and capability. With lifted knuckles and strut spacers, you get unmatched ground clearance for tackling obstacles and rough terrain. The premium N3 shocks absorb bumps smoothly whether you’re cruising on pavement or exploring off-road trails. Installation is straightforward and can be done at home with basic tools. Rough Country backs this kit with their Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty for peace of mind.
Pros:
- Biggest lift available in this lineup
- Excellent off-road capability
- Premium N3 shocks included
- Easy home installation
Cons:
- Only compatible with 2WD models
- Limited to 33-inch tires
3. Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit for 1980-1996 – Best for Classic Trucks
Best for: Owners of vintage F-150s looking to restore and upgrade their classic trucks with modern suspension technology.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 4 inches for older models |
| Design Method | Precision laser-cut materials |
| Shock Quality | N3 shock absorbers included |
| Compatibility | 1980-1996 F-150 4WD only |
| Installation | Bolt-on home installation |
The Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit for classic F-150s brings your vintage truck into the modern era. Precision laser-cut materials ensure perfect fitment and durability on older models. Premium N3 shocks deliver smooth performance while maintaining the truck’s classic character. This kit is engineered specifically for 1980-1996 4WD F-150s, so you get perfect compatibility. You can install it at home with basic tools and enjoy Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
Pros:
- Built for classic F-150 models
- Precision laser-cut design
- Affordable pricing
- Easy at-home installation
Cons:
- Only fits 1980-1996 models
- Fewer tire size options
4. Rough Country 2″ Leveling Lift Kit with N3 Struts – Best Budget Option
Best for: Budget-conscious truck owners who want to level their F-150 and improve appearance without a massive lift.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 2 inches leveling lift |
| Purpose | Levels front with rear |
| Shock Quality | N3 loaded coil struts |
| Compatibility | 2009-2013 F-150 4WD |
| Ride Quality | Excellent factory feel |
The Rough Country 2″ Leveling Lift Kit is the smart choice for truck owners wanting a subtle upgrade at a great price. This kit levels the front of your F-150 with the rear, eliminating that “nose down” look and improving appearance instantly. Premium N3 loaded coil spring struts and matching rear shocks keep your ride smooth and comfortable. Installation is quick and easy at home with basic tools. Backed by Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Perfect for leveling stance
- Premium N3 shocks included
- Quick installation process
Cons:
- Smallest lift height available
- Only fits 2009-2013 models
5. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit with N3 Struts – Best for Mid-Size Lift
Best for: Owners of 2009-2013 F-150s seeking a mid-range lift that balances height, style, and performance.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Lift Height | 3 inches for balanced look |
| Control Arms | Forged aluminum included |
| Shock Quality | N3 loaded struts |
| Installation | Bolt-on, fully reversible |
| Compatibility | 2009-2013 F-150 4WD |
The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit is ideal for mid-2000s F-150 owners wanting aggressive stance without going overboard. Forged aluminum upper control arms provide strength and durability for years of reliable performance. Optimized ball joint angles and heavy-duty rubber bushings reduce wear and extend suspension life. Installation is simple—everything bolts right on with no cutting or drilling needed. This kit is fully reversible if you ever want to return to stock height.
Pros:
- Perfect mid-range lift height
- Forged aluminum components
- Improved suspension geometry
- Fully reversible design
Cons:
How to Choose the Best Lift Kit for Ford F-150
Check Your F-150 Model Year and Drive Type
First, identify your truck’s year and whether it’s 2WD or 4WD. Each lift kit is designed for specific model years, so choosing the right one ensures perfect fitment and performance.
Matching your truck’s specifications guarantees the kit will work properly and maintain factory-like handling and comfort.
Decide Your Desired Lift Height
Lift kits range from 2 inches for leveling to 4 inches for maximum ground clearance. Think about why you want a lift—are you going off-roading, improving looks, or fitting bigger tires?
Bigger lifts give you more clearance but may affect ride comfort and fuel economy slightly. Choose based on your actual needs, not just wanting the biggest lift available.
Consider Your Tire Size Goals
Different lift heights support different tire sizes. A 2-inch lift works great for stock tires, while a 4-inch lift lets you run 33 or 34-inch tires for that impressive look.
Check what tire size your chosen kit supports before purchasing to ensure you can achieve your truck’s appearance goals.
Evaluate Installation Difficulty
All these Rough Country kits are bolt-on designs, but some are easier than others. If you’re handy, you can install most at home in a few hours with basic tools.
If you’re not comfortable working on suspension, budget for professional installation at a local shop.
Check the Warranty and Brand Reputation
All five kits come with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, which is excellent protection. Rough Country is a trusted brand known for quality and customer support.
This warranty gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected against defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a lift kit affect my F-150’s fuel economy?
Yes, larger lifts (3-4 inches) may reduce fuel economy by 1-3 MPG due to increased height and wind resistance. A 2-inch leveling kit has minimal impact on fuel efficiency.
Can I install a lift kit myself at home?
Yes, all these kits are bolt-on designs that can be installed at home with basic tools in 2-4 hours. However, if you’re uncomfortable working on suspension, professional installation is recommended.
Do I need new tires after installing a lift kit?
Not necessarily, but larger lifts allow you to fit bigger tires for better off-road capability and a more aggressive look. Your current tires will work fine with any of these kits.
Will a lift kit affect my truck’s warranty?
Lift kits themselves don’t void your factory warranty, but any damage directly caused by the lift installation may not be covered. Check with your dealer for specifics.
How long do Rough Country lift kits last?
With proper maintenance, these kits last 100,000+ miles. The N3 shocks are particularly durable for both on-road and off-road use.
Final Thoughts
The Rough Country 3″ Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Lifted Struts is our top pick for most F-150 owners, offering the best balance of height, quality, and value.
When choosing your lift kit, match it to your truck’s model year, consider your lift height goals, and think about tire size needs. All five options include premium shocks and Rough Country’s lifetime warranty for reliable performance.
Whatever kit you choose, you’ll love the aggressive look and improved capability your lifted F-150 delivers.










