When shopping for a lift kit, you will come across two fundamentally different approaches: body lifts and suspension lifts. They both make your truck taller, but they do it in completely different ways and deliver very different results. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right option for how you actually use your truck.
How a Body Lift Works
A body lift raises the body of the truck away from the frame using spacers — typically made of polyurethane or nylon blocks. These spacers are placed between the body mounts and the frame, lifting the cab and bed 1 to 3 inches higher while leaving the frame, suspension, and drivetrain at their original height.
Think of it this way: the body goes up, but everything underneath stays exactly where it was. The axles, springs, shocks, and transfer case remain in their factory positions.
What a Body Lift Does
- Creates a gap between the body and frame (visible at the bumpers and rocker panels)
- Provides clearance for slightly larger tires by raising the fender wells
- Does not change ground clearance under the frame, axles, or differential
- Does not change suspension travel, approach angles, or departure angles
Body Lift Advantages
- Low cost — body lift kits typically run 00 to 00 for parts
- Simple installation — fewer components to modify
- No effect on ride quality — since the suspension is untouched
- Allows fitment of slightly larger tires
Body Lift Drawbacks
- Cosmetic only — no actual improvement in ground clearance or off-road capability
- Visible gap — the space between the body and frame can look unfinished, especially on trucks with exposed frame rails
- Bumper alignment issues — the factory bumpers may no longer line up with the frame properly
- Steering shaft extensions needed — on some trucks, the steering column must be extended to bridge the gap
- Limited height increase — most body lifts max out at 3 inches
How a Suspension Lift Works
A suspension lift replaces or modifies the actual suspension components — springs, shocks, control arms, and sometimes knuckles and crossmembers. This raises the entire vehicle, including the frame and axles, off the ground. Everything goes up: the body, the frame, the differential, and the transfer case.
Suspension lifts range from mild 2-inch kits that replace the stock struts or add spacers above them, all the way to complete 6 to 12 inch systems that overhaul the entire suspension with long-travel components.
What a Suspension Lift Does
- Increases actual ground clearance under the frame and axles
- Improves approach, departure, and breakover angles
- Provides room for significantly larger tires
- Upgrades the suspension with better shocks and springs
- Changes the suspension geometry to accommodate the added height
Suspension Lift Advantages
- Real off-road improvement — more clearance to clear rocks, ruts, and obstacles
- Better suspension performance — quality kits include upgraded shocks that improve ride quality on and off road
- Room for much larger tires — 35-inch, 37-inch, or larger
- Clean appearance — no visible gap between the body and frame
- More height options — from 2 inches to 12 inches or more
Suspension Lift Drawbacks
- Higher cost — suspension lift kits range from 00 to ,000+ depending on the height and brand
- More involved installation — typically requires 6 to 12 hours of labor
- Requires a professional alignment — alignment is included as part of a proper installation
- Changes center of gravity — taller trucks handle differently, especially in crosswinds and sharp turns
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends entirely on what you want from the modification.
Choose a body lift if:
- You only want a slight visual change on a tight budget
- You want to fit a slightly larger tire without touching the suspension
- You never plan to take the truck off-road
Choose a suspension lift if:
- You want actual ground clearance improvement
- You plan to go off-road or drive on rough terrain
- You want to run 35-inch or larger tires
- You want a cleaner, more professional-looking result
- You want improved ride quality with upgraded shocks
Can You Combine a Body Lift and Suspension Lift?
Some truck owners stack a small body lift on top of a suspension lift to gain extra tire clearance without going to a taller suspension kit. For example, a 4-inch suspension lift combined with a 1-inch body lift can give you the tire clearance of a 5-inch lift while keeping the suspension at a more manageable height. This is a niche approach and it adds complexity, but it works for certain builds.
Our Take
For most truck owners, a suspension lift is the better investment. It provides real performance improvements, looks cleaner, and lasts longer. A body lift can save money in the short term, but it does not deliver the capability or appearance that most truck owners are actually looking for when they decide to lift their vehicle.
At American Fusion Wheels in Shawnee, KS, we specialize in suspension lift kit installations for trucks and SUVs. We carry kits from top brands and handle everything from mild 2-inch setups to full 6-inch-plus builds.
Ready for a lift? Explore our lift kit installation services or check out our truck suspension upgrade options. Call 913-291-2027 or stop by 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee, KS 66216.
