How much does it cost to raise your vehicle?

In the United States, raising a vehicle typically costs between $200 and $8,000+, depending on the method and vehicle: a basic leveling kit installed can run $200–$1,000, a body lift $700–$2,000, a 2–3 inch suspension lift $700–$3,000, and a 4–6+ inch suspension lift $2,500–$8,000 or more. Additional expenses like alignment ($100–$200), ADAS sensor recalibration ($150–$400), wheels/tires ($800–$3,000+), or drivetrain changes can push total project costs into the $2,000–$12,000+ range. Below is a detailed breakdown of what “raising” entails, the cost drivers, and how to budget smartly.

What “raising” your vehicle means

“Raising” describes increasing the ride height or ground clearance using one of three main approaches, each with different costs, complexity, and outcomes.

• Leveling kit: Modest front-end lift (often 1–2 inches) to reduce factory rake; typically spacers or torsion key adjustments.
• Body lift: Raises the body from the frame (commonly 1–3 inches) without changing suspension geometry.
• Suspension lift: Replaces or reconfigures suspension components to lift the chassis; ranges from mild (2–3 inches) to major (4–6+ inches), with the most handling and parts implications.

Choosing among these depends on your goals—looks, tire clearance, off-road performance—and your tolerance for cost, complexity, and potential changes to ride and handling.

Typical cost ranges by approach

The following ranges reflect current U.S. pricing for parts and professional labor as of 2025; premium brands, complex platforms, and regional labor rates can shift totals upward.

• Leveling kit (1–2 inches): Parts $100–$500; labor $100–$300; alignment $100–$200. Typical total: $300–$1,000.
• Body lift (1–3 inches): Parts $300–$1,000; labor $400–$1,000. Typical total: $700–$2,000.
• Suspension lift (2–3 inches): Parts $400–$2,000 (spacers to full coilover packages); labor $300–$1,200; alignment $100–$200. Typical total: $700–$3,000.
• Suspension lift (4–6+ inches): Parts $1,500–$5,000+ (drop brackets, knuckles, control arms, shocks); labor $1,000–$3,000; alignment $100–$200. Typical total: $2,500–$8,000+.
• Premium/long-travel/air-suspension builds: Parts $3,000–$10,000+; labor $1,500–$4,000+. Typical total: $5,000–$15,000+.

These figures cover the core lift. Many builds also require or benefit from additional components—especially at higher lift heights or for serious off-road use.

Hidden and adjacent costs to plan for

Beyond the lift kit and labor, several add-ons can be necessary for safety, performance, legal compliance, and to avoid accelerated wear.

• Wheel alignment: $100–$200; essential after any suspension geometry change.
• ADAS recalibration (cameras/radar): $150–$400 when sensors are disturbed; increasingly common on late-model vehicles.
• Wheels and tires: $800–$3,000+ depending on size and brand; larger diameters and off-road tires increase cost and weight.
• Gearing (re-gear front/rear diffs): $1,200–$2,500+ to restore drivability after big tire upsizes.
• Upper control arms/ball joints: $300–$1,200 when needed to correct alignment on IFS trucks/SUVs.
• Brake line extensions/relocation: $50–$300 when droop travel increases.
• Driveshafts/CV axles/differential drop: $200–$1,500+ to manage angles and prevent premature wear.
• Track bar/panhard and steering corrections (solid axle): $200–$1,200 to recenter axle and maintain steering geometry.
• Speedometer/tire size calibration: $100–$200 (scan tool) or $200–$500 (tuner/module).
• Headlight aim adjustment: Often free to $50; required by law in many states after height changes.
• Fender trimming/mud flaps/inner liners: $0–$400 for tire clearance and compliance.
• Insurance and fuel costs: Modest premium changes; expect 5–15% fuel economy drop with larger, more aggressive tires.

These items are situational. Mild lifts on stock tires might need only alignment; big lifts with larger tires often trigger multiple supporting upgrades.

Vehicle-specific variables that affect price

Not all vehicles lift equally—design, drivetrain, and technology level influence both parts availability and installation hours.

• Make/model complexity: Full-size domestic trucks have abundant kit options and competitive pricing; crossovers and luxury SUVs may require pricier, limited-availability kits.
• 2WD vs 4×4/AWD: Four-wheel-drive lifts are generally more expensive and complex due to front differentials and driveline angles.
• IFS vs solid axle: Independent front suspension often needs more components to correct geometry at higher lifts.
• Factory air or adaptive suspension: Integration kits or replacement systems increase cost significantly.
• EVs and hybrids: Heavier curb weights, range/efficiency impacts, and sensor suite recalibrations can add cost and reduce range noticeably with larger tires.

Checking platform-specific forums and reputable installers can reveal common pitfalls, required supporting parts, and realistic quotes for your exact vehicle.

DIY versus professional installation

Whether to install a lift yourself or hire a shop comes down to tools, experience, time, and warranty considerations.

• DIY pros: Saves $200–$2,000 in labor; direct control over parts; educational experience.
• DIY cons: Requires quality jacks/stands, torque tools, spring compressors; risk of alignment/safety issues; potential warranty and insurance complications.
• Shop pros: Proper equipment, faster turnaround, warranty on labor, ADAS calibration capability, inspection knowledge.
• Shop cons: Higher upfront cost; scheduling delays; quality varies—choose specialty 4×4/suspension shops with good reputations.

For anything beyond a simple leveling kit, most owners benefit from professional installation and a same-day alignment and sensor check.

Realistic budgeting examples

These sample scenarios illustrate how quickly totals can change once supporting items are added.

• Basic leveling kit on a half-ton truck: Kit $200, labor $200, alignment $140 = about $540.
• Leveling plus new all-terrain tires: Above $540 + tires (set of 4) $1,000 = about $1,540.
• 3-inch suspension lift with stock wheels/tires: Kit $900, labor $700, alignment $150, UCA upgrade $600 = about $2,350.
• 4–6 inch lift with 35-inch tires and wheels: Kit $2,800, labor $1,800, alignment $150, wheels/tires $2,200, brake lines $120, speedo calibration $200 = about $7,270.
• Premium long-travel/coilover setup for off-road: Suspension $5,500, labor $2,500, alignment $150, UCAs $900, tires $1,600, skid/armor $1,000 = about $11,650.

Your final number depends on tire size and whether geometry-correcting components are included in the kit or added à la carte.

Legal and safety considerations

Lift height affects visibility, crash dynamics, and compliance. Staying within rules and best practices helps avoid fines and liability.

• State height laws: Many states cap bumper and headlight heights; verify specific limits where you register the vehicle.
• Inspection and documentation: Some jurisdictions require modified-vehicle inspections or receipts for major modifications.
• Headlight aiming and ADAS: Mis-aimed lights can be dangerous and illegal; radar/camera recalibration may be necessary.
• Load and towing: Higher center of gravity changes handling and may reduce safe towing and payload margins.
• Warranty and insurance: Modifications can affect coverage; disclose changes to your insurer and review manufacturer/dealer policies.

A reputable installer will discuss compliance, aim headlights post-install, and advise on ADAS and inspection requirements.

How to save money and get the best result

Smart planning, part selection, and shop choice can keep costs down without compromising safety.

• Start with your tire goal: Choose the smallest lift that clears your intended tire size to minimize supporting mods.
• Bundle work: Install lift, tires, and alignment in one visit to save time and reduce duplicate labor.
• Choose complete kits: Packages with UCAs, brake line brackets, and geometry corrections can be cheaper than piecemeal fixes later.
• Avoid no-name components: Saving $100 now can cost more in premature wear or rework.
• Get multiple quotes: Compare 4×4 specialists; ask for line-item estimates and photos of comparable builds.
• Plan for re-gear if jumping to 35s/37s: Budget upfront rather than living with sluggish performance and transmission strain.

A well-matched tire-and-lift combination installed by an experienced shop often delivers the best long-term value and reliability.

Timeline: how long it takes

Project duration varies by complexity and shop workload.

• Leveling kit: 1.5–3 hours; same-day alignment.
• Body lift: 4–8 hours depending on vehicle and hardware condition.
• 2–3 inch suspension lift: 4–10 hours including alignment.
• 4–6+ inch suspension lift or premium systems: 8–20 hours; ADAS calibration may add time.

Expect longer timelines if parts are backordered or if additional components are required mid-install.

Bottom line

For most drivers aiming to reduce rake or fit slightly larger tires, a professionally installed leveling kit with alignment can land under $1,000. A mild 2–3 inch suspension lift often ends up between $1,500 and $3,000 once supporting parts are included. Big 4–6+ inch lifts with new wheels/tires regularly fall in the $5,000–$8,000 range, and premium off-road builds can exceed $10,000. Plan for alignment, potential ADAS recalibration, and tire-related impacts on performance and fuel economy.

Summary

Expect $300–$1,000 for a leveling kit, $700–$2,000 for a body lift, $700–$3,000 for a 2–3 inch suspension lift, and $2,500–$8,000+ for 4–6+ inches—before optional wheels/tires and drivetrain changes. Alignment and sensor calibration are common add-ons, and larger tires can push totals into five figures. Define your tire size and usage first, pick the smallest lift that meets the goal, and get quotes from specialty suspension shops to avoid surprises.

How expensive is it to raise a car?

Types of car lifts and their costs. Each type of lift has its pros and cons. Some lifts are better for oil change shops and some are better for tire or repair shops. In general, car lifts can cost between $1,000 and $20,000 depending on brand, lift capacity, lift height, and features.

How much does it cost to raise a car 1 inch?

A body lift kit only raises your frame by one to three inches and consists mainly of spacers between the frame and body of the vehicle. This kind of lift is cheaper than a suspension lift – usually only costing around $100 to $400 or so – but it doesn’t provide quite as much height as its counterpart.

How much does it cost to lift a vehicle 2 inches?

A 2-inch lift for full-size pickup trucks.
For pickups like the Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Ford F-150, a suspension lift kit can average around $1,200 in parts. Installation can easily be $600 to $800, for a total nearing $2,000.

How much does it cost to have your vehicle lifted?

How much is it to lift a truck if a professional does it? Having a shop lift your truck can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000. The reason the cost varies so much is that it depends on several factors such as whether a leveling or lift kit is used, what kind of setup you want, and what kind of truck you have.