8 Best Lift Kits for Gas Trucks You Need Now

The best lift kit for lifted gas trucks depends on your needs. The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit for 2001-2010 Chevy/GMC 2500HD is best for heavy-duty truck owners wanting premium performance and durability, while the Rough Country 1.5-2″ Leveling Lift Kit for 99-06 Chevy/GMC 1500 excels at budget-conscious buyers seeking simple ground clearance. For modern trucks, the Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit for 2019-2024 Chevy/GMC 1500 stands out with forged aluminum components and pre-installed ball joints for easier installation.

Whether you’re lifting a classic C/K truck or a brand-new Silverado, there’s a kit here that fits your truck and your wallet. We’ve tested and reviewed eight top options to help you make the right choice for your gas truck upgrade.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit for 2001-2010 Chevy/GMC 2500HD – Best for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Best for: Owners of 2001-2010 Chevy and GMC 2500HD trucks seeking maximum ground clearance with premium performance components.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit is the best choice for heavy-duty truck owners wanting serious ground clearance without compromising ride quality. This kit features forged solid steel torsion bar keys and upper control arms that won’t bend under stress. The premium N3 shock absorbers deliver excellent performance both on and off-road, keeping your truck stable during towing and hauling. Installation is straightforward with bolt-on components you can tackle at home. Rough Country backs this kit with their limited lifetime replacement warranty, giving you peace of mind on your investment.

2. Rough Country 1.5-2″ Leveling Lift Kit for 99-06 Chevy/GMC 1500 – Best Budget Option

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of 1999-2006 Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks wanting modest lift and leveling.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 1.5-2″ Leveling Lift Kit is perfect for truck owners wanting affordable ground clearance without breaking the bank. This kit levels out the factory rake of your truck while providing modest lift, giving you a more aggressive stance. Forged torsion keys and fabricated blocks are built to last longer than standard components. Premium N3 shocks keep your ride smooth on both highways and rough terrain. At just $230.08, this is one of the most affordable quality lift kits available for older Chevy and GMC 1500s.

3. Rough Country 2-3″ Lift Kit for 88-98 Chevy/GMC C/K1500 – Best for Classic Trucks

Best for: Classic truck enthusiasts with 1988-1998 C/K1500 models seeking significant lift with quality components.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 2-3″ Lift Kit is ideal for classic C/K truck owners wanting to modernize their ride with quality suspension components. This kit delivers 2-3 inches of ground clearance while maintaining the classic look of your vintage truck. Forged torsion bar keys and control arms with Clevite OEM-style rubber bushings ensure durability and smooth operation. Premium N3 shocks provide excellent handling both on-road and off-road. At $599.95, it’s a solid investment for restoring or upgrading classic Chevy and GMC trucks.

4. Rough Country 3″ Body Lift for 1995-1999 Chevy C1500/K1500 Pickup – Best Budget Body Lift

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of 1995-1999 Chevy and GMC pickups wanting a simple 3-inch lift without suspension modifications.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3″ Body Lift is a budget-friendly way to get aggressive ground clearance on your mid-90s Chevy or GMC pickup. This body lift raises the entire truck body 3 inches without touching the suspension, making it simple and affordable. Installation takes about 4-5 hours and requires basic tools, making it perfect for DIY mechanics. Note that this kit is designed for gas engines only and the rear bumper cannot be used for towing after installation. At $249.95, it’s one of the most affordable lift options available.

5. TORCH 3″ Front 3″ Rear Lift Kit for 2007-2022 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 – Best for Modern Trucks

Best for: Owners of 2007-2022 Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks wanting balanced front and rear lift with extended shocks.

Key Features:

The TORCH 3″ Front/Rear Lift Kit is perfect for modern Silverado and Sierra owners wanting balanced lift and a professional appearance. This kit includes 3-inch front strut spacers with stackable plates that maintain factory strut mount position, eliminating the need for strut rotation. Tapered rear blocks and extended U-bolts provide even 3-inch rear lift, keeping your truck level. Extended rear shocks handle the increased suspension travel smoothly. At $279.95, it offers excellent value with lifetime warranty on the kit and 5-year/50,000-mile coverage on extended shocks.

6. ReadyLift 2.5″ Leveling Kit with Track Bar Relocation Bracket for 2011-2020 Ford Super Duty – Best for Ford Trucks

Best for: Owners of 2011-2020 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty 4WD trucks wanting leveling with track bar correction.

Key Features:

The ReadyLift 2.5″ Leveling Kit is specifically engineered for Ford Super Duty owners wanting to level their truck while maintaining proper suspension geometry. This kit includes a critical track bar relocation bracket that corrects suspension angles when lifting, preventing tire wear and steering issues. Shock extensions and sway bar spacers with sound isolators are included to complete the package. At $364.98, it’s a solid choice for Ford truck owners who need precision engineering. Note that this kit is designed for 4WD models only.

7. Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit for 1988-1998 Chevy/GMC C/K1500 2WD – Best for Maximum Lift

Best for: Classic truck owners seeking maximum 4-inch lift while maintaining factory ride quality on 1988-1998 C/K1500 2WD models.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit delivers maximum ground clearance for classic C/K truck owners wanting an aggressive stance without sacrificing ride quality. This suspension lift adds 4 inches of clearance, making your truck stand out while maintaining smooth highway driving. Premium N3 shock absorbers are engineered to handle the extra suspension travel, keeping your truck stable and comfortable. Installation is straightforward with bolt-on components. At $549.95, it’s priced competitively for the maximum lift it provides, backed by Rough Country’s lifetime warranty.

8. Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit for 2019-2024 Chevy/GMC 1500 – Best for Newest Trucks

Best for: Owners of 2019-2024 Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks wanting modern engineering with forged aluminum components and pre-installed ball joints.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit for 2019-2024 trucks represents the latest in lift kit engineering, designed specifically for modern Silverado and Sierra 1500s. Forged aluminum control arms reduce weight while increasing strength, improving handling and fuel economy. Pre-installed POM ball joints make installation easier and faster than older designs. Premium N3 shock absorbers deliver excellent performance on new truck platforms. At $559.95, it’s a premium option for new truck owners wanting professional-grade components and modern engineering.

How to Choose best lift kit for lifted gas trucks

Match Your Truck Year and Model

The first step is identifying your exact truck year, make, and model to find compatible kits. Each lift kit is engineered for specific truck generations, so choosing the wrong one won’t fit properly.

Check your vehicle registration or owner’s manual to confirm your truck’s exact year and model code. This ensures you order the right kit the first time.

Decide Your Desired Lift Height

Lift heights range from 1.5 inches for leveling kits to 4 inches for maximum lift. Consider what look you want and what your truck can handle.

Remember that higher lifts may require additional modifications like extended brake lines or driveshaft work. Start with moderate lifts if you’re unsure.

Choose Between Suspension and Body Lifts

Suspension lifts modify your truck’s suspension system for better ride quality, while body lifts simply raise the body higher without touching suspension. Suspension lifts cost more but perform better.

Body lifts are budget-friendly but offer less control and comfort. Choose suspension lifts if you plan to drive off-road or tow frequently.

Check Shock Absorber Quality

Premium shocks like Rough Country’s N3 absorbers make a huge difference in ride quality and handling. Don’t settle for basic shocks on expensive lift kits.

Good shocks keep your truck stable during turns, braking, and acceleration. They’re worth the extra investment.

Consider Installation Complexity

Most modern lift kits are bolt-on designs that take 4-8 hours to install at home with basic tools. Some older kits may require welding or professional installation.

If you’re not mechanically inclined, budget for professional installation costs in addition to the kit price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a lift kit?

Most bolt-on lift kits cost $200-$600 for the kit itself. Professional installation typically runs $500-$2,000 depending on complexity and your location’s labor rates.

Will lifting my truck affect fuel economy?

Yes, lifting increases wind resistance and weight, typically reducing fuel economy by 5-10%. Larger tires amplify this effect even more.

Can I install a lift kit myself?

Most modern bolt-on lift kits can be installed at home with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. Plan for 4-8 hours of work depending on the kit and your experience level.

Do I need to replace my tires after lifting?

Not necessarily, but many owners upgrade to larger tires to fill the new wheel well space and maximize the lifted appearance. Larger tires are optional but popular.

What warranty do lift kits come with?

Most quality lift kits like Rough Country’s include limited lifetime warranties on the kit components. Shock absorbers often have shorter warranties of 3-5 years.

Final Thoughts

The best lift kit for your gas truck depends on your truck’s year, your budget, and how much lift you want. Rough Country dominates this market with quality kits ranging from $230 to $600, while TORCH and ReadyLift offer solid alternatives for specific truck models.

Focus on kit compatibility, shock quality, and warranty coverage when making your decision. Whether you choose a budget-friendly body lift or a premium suspension kit, you’ll enjoy improved ground clearance and a more aggressive truck appearance.

Start with your truck’s year and model, then pick the lift height that matches your goals and budget.