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Did you get stuck? You probably need bigger tires. Unfortunately, the fender wells of your truck are probably not very spacious. The only option is to jack up that truck!There are lots of different ways to jack up your truck. Which option is best for you hinges on a few different factors. Here are the most orthodox methods for jacking up your truck and the pros/cons of each.Body LiftThe body lift is one of the simplest types of lift kit. Generally, all that is included is a set of nylon blocks that replace the bushings in between your trucks frame and body; also new hardware and sometimes a steering linkage extension. Body lifts are normally sold advertised as 2" or 3" lift kits, each respectively lifting the body of your truck 2 or 3 inches from the frame and creating room for larger tires. Body lifts are typically the cheapest method of lifting your truck. A body lift kit can be purchased for less than 100 dollars for nearly any model truck or SUV. The installation is also very simple and cheap to have installed professionally. The downside to these types of lifts is that the frame and suspension of the vehicle doesn't gain any additional clearance except what is provided by larger tires.Suspension LiftsSuspension lift kits vary greatly between applications. Most notably, the infamous switch to independent front suspension that occurred through the 90's. If your truck is a little older, and has a solid front axle, than lift kits are probably available to you in heights up to 6 inches, costing between 400 and 800 dollars. These kits work by either replacing your trucks coil or leaf springs or by putting blocks or spacers between them. This type of kit is relatively simple to install and would probably only run you 3 - 5 hours professional labor cost. If you drive a late model truck, your options are no more limited, but certainly more costly. With the Independent Front Suspension, or IFS of late model trucks, lift kit installation become an involved process that typically costs thousands of dollars. However, this has also seemed to add to their appeal in the last few years. Unless you are a mechanic, you should probably leave IFS lift kit installation to the professionals. These kits cost between 1,000 and 4,000 dollars and depending on the kit and model, sometimes nearly that much to install. The end product however, is far more rewarding than any body lift.Torsion Key/Crank LiftsA less expensive option for lifting your late model IFS equipped truck is a torsion bar type lift. These lifts typically only yield 1 - 3 inches lift, but can be had for 200 - 400 dollars with installation being a breeze. They work by increasing the tension on your trucks torsion bars either by a crank or a replacement torsion key, pushing each independent suspension arm down and raising your trucks front stance a bit. The back is normally leveled by an add-a-leaf or a new shackle. These kits can be installed at home if you're experienced or at a shop for a few hours labor cost.These are the most common methods for jacking up your truck. A quick Google search should provide you with several choices of each type. With this information you are better prepared to decided which type is best for you. Follow each kits installation instructions explicitly or have it installed by a willing mechanic or 4x4 shop.
