How to Measure Lift on Truck | Guide to Measuring Truck Lifts

Measuring a truck’s lift is like checking a child’s height. It’s about pride, looks, and safety. Before starting, it’s good to know the details and have the right tools. It is not a complex thing to do you can do it yourself.

Tools Needed for Life on Truck Measurement

Before you start measuring your truck’s lift, it’s like getting ready for a recipe – you need the right tools. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:

• Measuring Tape: To get the exact height from the ground to your truck.
• Level Ground: An even surface is key to accurate measurements.
• Notepad and Pen: For jotting down your measurements.

Lift on Truck Measurement Process

Measuring the lift on your truck is pretty much like baking – gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and voilà, you’ve got your delicious answer! Here’s a slice-by-slice breakdown to measure the lift on your truck:

Baseline Measurement

Think of this as your basic dough. On level ground, measure from a specific fixed point, let’s say the wheel’s center, right up to the fender’s bottom. This gives you the stock height or the “plain cookie” before any fancy toppings.

Current Measurement

Now, for the toppings! If your truck has been given that extra oomph with a lift, repeat the measurement from the same point to the fender. It’s like measuring how tall your cookie has become with all its chocolate chips and sprinkles.

Determining the Lift

Time to see how much your cookie has risen! Subtract your baseline measurement from the current one. And there you have it, your lift measurement. Just remember, no eating this result, no matter how sweet it feels.

Factors Affecting Lift on Truck Measurements

Measuring the lift on a truck might seem like a straightforward task at first glance, but various factors can influence the final reading. Some might be more obvious, while others are easily overlooked. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you get the most accurate measurement possible:

Factor	Description
Tire Size	Upgrading to larger tires can affect the overall height of the truck, giving a false perception of the lift.
Suspension Modifications	Any changes made to the suspension can alter the truck’s height. This includes adding or removing spacers, changing the shocks, or using aftermarket parts.
Aging of the Truck	As a truck ages, wear and tear can lead to sagging, impacting the actual lift measurement.
Cargo Load	A heavy load in the bed of the truck can temporarily compress the suspension, leading to a lower height measurement.
Ground Level	Always measure on level ground. An incline or uneven terrain can skew results.

Common Mistakes When Measuring Lift on Truck

Measuring the lift on a truck may seem simple, but several common errors can trip up even seasoned truck owners. Here are the usual suspects:

• Uneven Terrain: Always measure on flat ground to ensure accuracy.
• Over-relying on Factory Specs: Remember, these are averages, and individual trucks might differ slightly.
• Forgetting the Cargo: A heavy load in the back can influence your measurements temporarily.
• Not Double-Checking: Always measure twice for the best accuracy. As the old saying goes, Measure twice, lift once.

Questions You May Have

What is a truck lift?

A truck lift is like giving your truck a pair of high heels. It’s a modification that raises the truck higher than its original factory design. 

How many types of truck lifts are there?

Counting truck lifts is easier than counting the types of shoes out there, luckily. Primarily, there are three types:

1. Suspension Lift Kits: This type elevates the truck’s body and frame, offering more ground clearance.
2. Body Lift Kits: These lift the body of the truck away from the frame, usually without altering the suspension.
3. Leveling Kits: Specifically designed to level out any uneven stances a truck might have, often lifting the front to match the rear.

What are the benefits of lifting a truck?

Lifting a truck can give it a better off-road performance. The extra height not only stands out and looks cool but also provides a better viewpoint on the road. It’s a chance to customize the vehicle and in some places, a lifted truck can even sell for a higher price.

What are the drawbacks of lifting a truck?

On the flip side, a raised truck often guzzles more fuel. There’s also a risk of it being less stable, especially during quick turns. The height might make it a bit challenging to climb in and out regularly. Over time, the maintenance can be pricier. 

And then there are the legal issues, some areas have rules about truck height. Not to mention, modifications like lifting might void the truck’s warranty.

How do you measure a 4×4 lift?

Whether it’s a 4×4 or not, the process remains pretty straightforward. Park on level ground. Measure the distance from a fixed point  to the bottom of the fender. Do this for both the stock and lifted state, and the difference gives you the lift.

How many inches is a truck lift?

The range can vary from a subtle 2 inches to a towering 12 inches or even more. But on average, most truck lifts you’ll see on the road or trails hover between 4 to 6 inches.

What is a normal lift for a truck?

“Normal” is quite subjective when it comes to truck lifts. For regular use with a blend of daily driving and off-roading, a 2 to 4-inch lift is often deemed normal. But then, what’s life without a bit of extra!

How tall is a lifted truck?

The height of a lifted truck isn’t just about the lift. Add the truck’s original height, the lift, and any added height from bigger tires. Typically, a lifted truck can stand anywhere between 7 to 9 feet tall, depending on the make and model, as well as the type and extent of modifications.

Summary

Measuring your truck’s lift isn’t just about numbers. It’s about really knowing your truck. Whether for looks or performance, getting it right means safer and better rides. Keep on trucking and stay safe.