COLORADO OFF ROAD EXPERTS

Do Lift Kits Affect Ride Quality and MPG?

What actually changes after a lift and how to do it right.

✓ Real Answers

✓ No BS

✓ Performance Focused

The Honest Answer on Ride Quality

A lot of people expect a lifted truck to ride worse. That's not automatically true � but a bad install absolutely will ride worse. Here's the real breakdown.

Myth

All lift kits ruin your ride quality

This is only true for cheap installs with budget spacers and worn or mismatched shocks. A properly built lift with quality shocks and correct geometry actually improves how the truck handles rough terrain � on and off road.

Fact

Quality components + proper install = better ride

Fox, Bilstein, and King shocks are engineered to absorb impacts better than worn factory shocks. Many truck owners find that a quality lift kit actually smooths out rough Colorado roads and trails compared to old, tired factory suspension.

Myth

Lifting your truck destroys fuel economy

The lift itself has minimal MPG impact. What affects fuel economy is tire size and weight. Larger, heavier tires increase rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. A lift with stock-size tires barely moves the needle on gas mileage.

Fact

Bigger tires = modest MPG decrease

Most Colorado drivers running 35-inch all-terrain tires see a 1-3 MPG decrease from stock. Mud-terrain tires at the same size add slightly more due to aggressive tread patterns. The trade-off is real off-road performance � most drivers accept it without issue.

Stock setup

Baseline

Leveling kit only

~0-1% loss

Lift + 33" A/T tires

~5-8% loss

Lift + 35" A/T tires

~10-15% loss

Lift + 35" M/T tires

~15-20% loss

Full build + 37" tires

~20%+ loss

What determines ride quality after lift kit

What Makes the Difference

These four factors determine whether your lifted truck rides great or rides like garbage.

Suspension Quality

Fox or Bilstein shocks vs. cheap knockoffs � the difference in ride quality is night and day on Colorado roads.

Proper Alignment

Bad alignment after a lift causes truck pull, uneven tire wear, and instability. Non-negotiable step.

Tire Choice

All-terrain tires ride far better on highways than mud-terrain. Your tire choice matters as much as your lift choice.

Install Quality

Correct torque specs and geometry correction keep everything functioning as designed. Sloppy installs vibrate and wear prematurely.

Build It Right

Serving Colorado Truck & Jeep Owners

Truckwerks builds lift kits for drivers across the Front Range who want real performance without sacrificing drivability. Based in Brighton, CO.

Denver Aurora Fort Collins Colorado Springs Boulder Greeley Brighton Pueblo

Quality Shocks Every Time

We don't install budget shocks. Fox, Bilstein, King, and Icon are our go-to brands � because they're what actually makes a lifted truck ride well on Colorado terrain.

Proper Geometry, Always

Correct alignment and geometry after every install. Your truck tracks straight, wears tires evenly, and handles predictably both on road and off.

Tire Advice That's Honest

We tell you the real MPG impact of your tire choice and whether all-terrain or mud-terrain actually makes sense for how you drive in Colorado.

Built for Daily Use Too

Most Colorado trucks are daily drivers. We build setups that are capable on trails and comfortable for daily highway driving � not one or the other.

No Shortcuts on Installation

Correct torque specs, proper component mounting, and full alignment are standard on every build. These are the steps that determine whether your lift rides well long-term.

Colorado Owned & Operated

We know Colorado's roads, trails, and elevation. Your build is spec'd for the conditions you'll actually encounter � not a generic national guide.

Will my truck ride worse after a lift kit?

Not if the build is done correctly with quality components. A properly installed lift with good shocks can actually improve ride quality over worn factory suspension � especially on rough Colorado roads and trails. Cheap kits and sloppy installs are what cause poor ride quality.

How much MPG will I lose with a lift kit?

The lift itself has minimal impact. The tire upgrade that typically accompanies a lift is what affects MPG. Most drivers running 35-inch all-terrain tires see a 1-3 MPG decrease from stock. Mud-terrain tires at the same size lose a bit more. Exact numbers depend on your vehicle, driving habits, and tire choice.

Can I keep my truck comfortable after lifting it?

Yes. With the right shock selection, correct installation, and proper alignment, a lifted truck can be very comfortable for daily highway driving in Colorado. We regularly build daily-driven trucks that also perform on weekend trails without compromising ride quality.

Do I need to re-gear if I go to bigger tires?

For significant tire size increases � especially 35s or 37s on a truck geared for 31s or 33s � re-gearing is strongly recommended. It restores performance, fuel economy, and protects your drivetrain from the strain of working too hard against larger tire rolling resistance.

Build It Right the First Time

We build setups that perform without sacrificing drivability. Quality components, proper installation, and honest guidance on every build.

Get a Quote Call (303) 955-6443