If you want your truck or SUV to stand taller but still drive smooth on the highway, choosing the right lift kit is key. Not all lifts are made for the daily grind. Some are better for off-road punishment, while others keep your ride comfortable for city streets and long commutes. Here’s what to look for when picking the best lift kit for daily driving.
Know Your Goals
Before you shop, think about why you’re lifting your vehicle.
- Looks: A modest lift can give your truck a tougher stance without sacrificing ride comfort.
- Tire Clearance: A small lift is enough to fit larger tires for a bolder look and better ground clearance.
- Mild Off-Roading: You can still hit light trails on the weekends without going extreme.
If your truck spends most of its life on pavement, you don’t need the same kit a rock crawler would choose.
Best Lift Heights for Comfort
For daily driving, 2 to 3 inches is the sweet spot. It gives you the clearance for bigger tires and a more aggressive look, but it won’t make your truck feel top-heavy or throw off your suspension geometry too much.
Lift Kit Types to Consider
- Leveling Kits: Raise the front of your truck to match the rear. Simple, affordable, and ideal for a mild lift.
- Coilover Lift Kits: Great ride quality and adjustability. They cost more but give a smooth, controlled feel on the road.
- Spacer Lifts: Budget-friendly way to fit larger tires without major suspension changes.
- Full Suspension Lifts: More parts and labor, but if done right with quality components, they keep a factory-like ride while adding height.
Quality Matters
For a truck you drive every day, don’t cut corners. Cheap kits often lead to alignment issues, premature wear, and a rough ride. Look for well-known brands that use high-grade components. Popular daily-driver-friendly brands include:
- Bilstein
- ICON Vehicle Dynamics
- ReadyLIFT
- Fabtech (milder kits)
Don’t Forget the Extras
A proper lift for daily driving should come with:
- Correct shocks or struts to match your new ride height
- Alignment adjustments to prevent uneven tire wear
- Brake line extensions if needed
- Professional installation for safety and warranty purposes
The Bottom Line
If your truck is your commuter, err on the side of comfort and control. A 2 to 3 inch lift with quality shocks will give you the style you want without beating you up on the drive to work. At Cowboys Customs, we can help you choose and install the perfect lift kit so you get the best of both worlds — a tough look and a smooth ride.