Truck Lift Kits Near Pittsburgh: The Complete Guide (Cost, Brands, Tire Fitment)
If you're searching for truck lift kits near me in the Pittsburgh area, you're ready to upgrade your truck's clearance, fit larger tires, or improve off-road capability. Whether you drive through the South Hills, commute on I-79, or hit the trails, a professionally installed lift kit transforms how your truck looks and performs.
At Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories in Bridgeville, we've been helping Pittsburgh-area truck owners choose and install the right lift kits since 1978.
Ready to lift your truck? Call us at 412-257-1006 or visit our shop at 150 Millers Run Rd in Bridgeville for a free consultation.
Serving Bridgeville, Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, McMurray, Peters Township, South Park, and the South Hills since 1978.
What Is a Truck Lift Kit?
A truck lift kit is a suspension modification that raises your vehicle's ride height. By lifting the body or frame away from the axles, a lift kit increases ground clearance and allows larger tires.
Lift kits come in different configurations depending on height and purpose. Some focus on the front end to level your truck's stance, while full suspension lifts raise the entire vehicle.
Main components in most lift kits:
Coil spacers or new coils (for coil-spring trucks)
Leaf spring blocks or add-a-leaf kits (for leaf-spring suspensions)
Extended shocks to accommodate increased travel
Control arm adjustments or extensions
Brake line extensions
Additional hardware like differential drops and sway bar links
The specific components vary by kit type, manufacturer, and your truck's make and model. Professional installation ensures all components work together properly.
Suspension Lift vs Leveling Kit: Which One Do You Need?
When researching truck lifts, you'll encounter two main categories: suspension lift kits and leveling kits.
Leveling Kits (1.5" to 3")
Leveling kits raise the front of your truck to match the rear height. Most trucks sit slightly lower in the front from the factory. A leveling kit corrects this rake.
Best for: Improving appearance with a level stance, fitting slightly larger tires (1-2 inches bigger than stock), maintaining near-stock ride quality, budget-conscious upgrades
Limitations: Only lifts the front, minimal ground clearance gain under rear axle, won't accommodate very large tires
Suspension Lift Kits (2" to 6"+)
A full truck suspension lift raises both front and rear. These kits replace or modify major suspension components to increase overall ride height.
Best for: Serious off-roading, fitting significantly larger tires (33", 35", 37"+), maximum ground clearance, aggressive stance
Considerations: Higher cost, professional installation strongly recommended, may affect ride quality, requires wheels and tires to fill wheel wells
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a leveling kit if you want a level stance, slightly bigger tires, and near-stock ride quality without major investment.
Choose a suspension lift if you're serious about off-roading, want maximum clearance, plan to run large tires, or want an aggressive lifted appearance.
Not sure? Visit Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories in Bridgeville. We'll discuss your goals and help you choose the right setup.
What a Lift Kit Helps You Do (and What It Doesn't)
Lift kits for trucks offer real benefits, but understanding their limitations is important.
What Lift Kits Help With:
Increased ground clearance: More space between your undercarriage and obstacles like rocks and ruts. Critical for off-road performance.
Larger tire fitment: Creates room in wheel wells for bigger tires, improving clearance and traction.
Improved approach and departure angles: Higher ride height means steeper inclines and declines without scraping bumpers.
Better visibility: Sitting higher gives you a better view of the road ahead.
Aggressive appearance: A properly lifted truck with the right wheels and tires commands attention.
Articulation and suspension travel: Quality suspension lifts can improve wheel travel for better off-road traction.
What Lift Kits Don't Do:
They don't automatically improve towing capacity. Lifting can negatively affect towing dynamics. Discuss towing needs with your installer.
They don't make your truck faster. Larger tires and added weight can reduce acceleration and fuel economy.
They won't fix existing suspension problems. Address worn components separately.
They don't eliminate the need for proper driving. A lifted truck still has limits. Ground clearance helps, but driver skill matters more.
Understanding these realities ensures you invest for the right reasons with appropriate expectations.
Tire Size & Fitment Guide (What Fits After a Lift)
One of the main reasons for lift kits is running larger tires. Here's a general guide to tire sizes with different lift heights.
Important: Exact fitment depends on your truck's make, model, year, wheel offset, and modifications. These are guidelines, not guarantees.
Stock to 1.5" Leveling Kit
Typical tire size: Up to 33"
Example: 275/65R18, 285/70R17
Notes: Minimal rubbing risk. May need minor trimming at full lock on some models.
2" to 3" Lift
Typical tire size: 33" to 34"
Example: 285/75R17, 295/70R18, 33x12.50R17
Notes: Good balance for daily drivers who occasionally off-road.
4" to 6" Lift
Typical tire size: 35" to 37"
Example: 35x12.50R20, 37x12.50R17
Notes: Requires proper wheel offset, may need fender trimming. Performance modifications recommended.
6"+ Lift
Typical tire size: 37"+
Notes: Serious modification territory. Requires careful planning for gearing and drivetrain. Not ideal for daily driving.
Wheels Matter Too
Wheel offset and backspacing determine how far your tires sit from the body. Incorrect offset causes rubbing.
When upgrading to larger tires, we often recommend new wheels with appropriate offset. At Xtreme, we can help you select compatible truck rims and tires that fit properly.
Bring your truck to our Bridgeville shop before ordering. We'll measure your setup and ensure proper fitment.
Lift Kit Cost in the Pittsburgh Area (What Affects Price)
If you're searching for lift kits near me and wondering about cost, the answer depends on several variables.
Factors That Affect Cost:
Kit type and lift height: Leveling kits are most affordable. Full suspension lifts (4" to 6"+) cost significantly more.
Brand and quality: Budget options exist, but premium brands with better components cost more upfront.
Your truck's make and model: Some trucks require more modification. Diesel trucks often cost more than gas models.
Installation labor: Professional installation is essential. Labor varies based on kit complexity.
Additional components: You may need extended brake lines, CV spacers, differential drops, or other hardware.
Alignment and services: Post-installation alignment is required.
Wheels and tires: If upgrading, this is often the biggest additional expense.
General Cost Ranges
While exact pricing varies:
Leveling kits: Lower investment
2" to 3" lifts: Mid-range
4" to 6" lifts: Higher investment
6"+ custom lifts: Premium territory
These are for kit and installation only. Wheels, tires, and modifications are separate.
For an accurate quote on your truck, contact Xtreme Car & Truck at 412-257-1006. We'll provide a detailed estimate covering everything you need.
Popular Lift Kit Brands People Ask About
When researching truck lift kits, you'll encounter several well-known brands. Here's what you should know.
ReadyLIFT
Known for leveling kits and moderate lift solutions. ReadyLIFT focuses on maintaining ride quality. Popular for daily-driven trucks.
Skyjacker
Long-established brand with a wide range from mild to wild. Offers budget-friendly and premium options.
Teraflex
Specializes in Jeep and truck suspensions. Popular among off-road enthusiasts wanting serious articulation and performance.
Rough Country
One of the most recognized names. Rough country lift kits cover everything from basic leveling to extreme lifts with competitive pricing.
Pro Comp
Offers complete suspension systems along with wheels and tires. Known for aggressive styling and off-road-focused designs.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
The "best" brand depends on your truck, intended use, budget, and priorities. At Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories, we work with quality manufacturers and recommend the right kit for your situation.
Factors we consider:
How you use your truck (daily driver, off-road, towing)
Your lift height goals
Desired ride quality
Budget constraints
Schedule a consultation at our Bridgeville location and we'll walk through your options.
Professional Installation: What to Expect at Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories
Lift kit installation requires proper tools, knowledge, and experience. Here's what professional installation at our Bridgeville shop involves.
Pre-Installation Consultation
We discuss your goals and inspect your truck. We check for existing wear or damage and verify your chosen kit fits your truck's configuration.
Installation Process
Preparation: Your truck is safely lifted and supported. We inspect suspension components.
Component removal and installation: Factory parts are removed and new lift components installed according to manufacturer specifications with proper torque settings.
Extensions and adjustments: Extended brake lines and steering adjustments are installed if needed to prevent binding.
Safety checks: Before lowering your truck, we verify all connections and clearances.
Post-Installation Services
Alignment: Professional alignment is required after lift installation for even tire wear and safe handling.
Test drive: We verify proper operation and identify any issues needing adjustment.
Final inspection: We perform a final check before you pick up your truck.
Timeline
Leveling kits: Often completed in a few hours
2" to 3" lifts: Typically half-day to full-day
4"+ lifts: May require a full day or more
Why Professional Installation Matters
Improperly installed lift kits cause premature wear, poor handling, alignment problems, voided warranties, and potential drivetrain damage.
Our experienced technicians ensure correct installation the first time. We've been lifting trucks in Bridgeville for decades.
Lift Kits Near Bridgeville & the South Hills
If you're searching for truck lift kits near me in the Pittsburgh area, Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories is your local solution. We're at 150 Millers Run Rd in Bridgeville, easily accessible from the South Hills, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.
Why Choose Xtreme?
Over 40 years of experience: Installing lift kits since 1978.
Quality brands: We work with ReadyLIFT, Skyjacker, Teraflex, Rough Country, and Pro Comp.
Complete truck accessories: Beyond lift kits, we offer wheels, tires, bed liners, tonneau covers, and more.
Local experts: We know Pittsburgh conditions and help you choose a setup that makes sense for how you use your truck.
Professional installation: Our technicians have the expertise and equipment for proper, safe installation.
Ready to Lift Your Truck?
Stop searching and visit us in person. We'll show you examples, discuss your goals, and provide honest recommendations.
Contact Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories:
Phone: 412-257-1006
Address: 150 Millers Run Rd, Bridgeville, PA 15017
Email: sales@xtremetruck.net
Open Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, Saturday 9 AM-12 PM. Walk-ins welcome or call ahead.
Whether you want a leveling kit or serious suspension lift with larger tires, we'll help you get it done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a truck lift kit cost?
Cost depends on several factors:
Leveling kits: Most affordable option for 1.5" to 3" front lift
2" to 3" suspension lifts: Mid-range investment with more components
4" to 6" lifts: Higher cost due to complexity and parts required
Labor: Professional installation is essential and varies by kit type
Extras: Wheels, tires, extended brake lines, and alignment are additional
Contact Xtreme Car & Truck at 412-257-1006 for a detailed quote based on your specific truck and goals.
What's the difference between a suspension lift and a leveling kit?
Leveling kit: Raises the front of your truck 1.5" to 3" to match the rear height. Corrects factory rake. Best for improved appearance and fitting slightly larger tires while maintaining near-stock ride quality.
Suspension lift: Raises both front and rear 2" to 6"+. Involves replacing or modifying major suspension components. Best for serious off-roading, maximum clearance, and fitting large tires.
Choose leveling for budget-friendly stance improvement. Choose suspension lift for capability and serious modifications.
Do I need an alignment after a lift kit?
Yes, always. Lift kits change suspension geometry and affect wheel alignment. Proper alignment after installation ensures:
Even tire wear
Straight steering
Safe handling characteristics
Optimal performance
We include alignment as part of our installation service at Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories.
What size tires can I fit with a 2" / 4" / 6" lift?
General guidelines (exact fitment varies by truck):
2" lift: Up to 33" tires, typically 285/75R17 or similar
4" lift: 33" to 35" tires, often 35x12.50R17 or similar
6" lift: 35" to 37"+ tires with proper wheel offset
Factors affecting fitment:
Your truck's make, model, and year
Wheel offset and backspacing
Whether you trim fender wells
Tire width and specific dimensions
Bring your truck to our Bridgeville shop for accurate fitment recommendations.
Will a lift kit affect ride quality?
It depends on the kit and components:
Leveling kits: Minimal impact on ride quality, especially with quality spacers or coils
Budget suspension lifts: May ride rougher than stock, particularly with basic shocks
Premium suspension lifts: Can actually improve ride quality with upgraded shocks and components designed for your truck's weight and use
Larger tires: Heavier tires and wheels add unsprung weight, which can affect ride smoothness
We'll help you choose components that balance your performance goals with comfort.
How long does lift kit installation take?
Installation time varies by kit type:
Leveling kits: 2-4 hours typically
2" to 3" suspension lifts: 4-8 hours (half to full day)
4" to 6" suspension lifts: 6-12 hours (full day or more)
Complex custom lifts: May require multiple days
Time increases if additional modifications are needed or if we discover worn components that should be replaced during installation.
Are lift kits legal in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania doesn't have specific lift height restrictions like some states. However, your modified truck must still meet safety requirements:
Headlights within legal height range
Bumpers at appropriate height
No parts extending dangerously beyond body
Proper functioning of all safety equipment
Reasonable lift kits (2" to 6") installed professionally typically have no legal issues. Extreme lifts may encounter inspection challenges.
We ensure installations meet Pennsylvania requirements and maintain your truck's safety and functionality.
Can you do wheels and tires at the same time?
Yes! Many customers choose to install wheels and tires during the same appointment as their lift kit. This makes sense because:
You'll see the complete transformation at once
We can verify proper fitment before you leave
More efficient than two separate visits
We can coordinate the entire build
Bring your wheel and tire preferences to your consultation, or we can show you options that complement your lift and truck style.
Xtreme Car & Truck Accessories
150 Millers Run Rd
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Phone: 412-257-1006
Email: sales@xtremetruck.net
Serving Bridgeville, Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, McMurray, Peters Township, South Park, and the South Hills since 1978