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Introduction
A 6-inch lift is an after-market alteration of a truck that raises its frame height six inches in total. This lift can accomplish many benefits while driving a truck, such as improved off-roading capabilities with greater ground clearance. It also allows for larger wheel and tire combinations without having to make modifications to body panels or suspension components. Additionally, the increased ride height offers the advantage of better visibility when driving on highways or for recreational purposes such as soaring over dunes and making tight turns around trees and rocks. With a 6-inch lift, one greatly increases their truck’s performance, enabling them to safely tackle any terrain and enjoy the journey.
Benefits of a 6-Inch Lift
A 6-inch lift on a truck offers a variety of benefits for those looking for better off-road capabilities. The additional 6 inches of lift creates the space and clearance necessary to add in bigger, wider tires, allowing for more traction and an improved approach angle which helps tackle tougher terrain. With increased ground clearance, obstacles such as rocks and deep potholes can be crossed with ease. A higher center of gravity also gives you added stability over larger terrain features like hills or drops. It also provides an improved towing capacity as less of the load will be dragging in comparison to a lower set vehicle. Finally, a 6-inch lift significantly changes the overall aesthetic of your truck, with many custom builds becoming extremely popular among enthusiasts due to their unique look.
What to Expect with a 6-Inch Lift
A 6-inch lift for a truck is one of the more extreme off-roading modifications that you can purchase. It lifts your vehicle significantly higher than stock, increasing ground clearance and allowing you to tackle more rigorous terrain. By installing taller tires and adding additional frame brackets, it’s possible to achieve up to an 8-inch lift on some models.
When it comes to the changes expected from a 6-inch lift, many truck owners will enjoy increasing their ride height and the visibility that comes with it. Larger tires also create better suspension performance, which can provide a smoother on and off-road experience. Not only that but with a bigger ground clearance and chassis size you may be able to fit larger stuff in your pickup as well like equipment or big cargo items. Furthermore, if you drive through off-road trails or otherwise terrible roads then having deeper treads can give extra grip on slippery surfaces or thick mud paths so you don’t get stuck in any situations where trucks without a lift would find difficulty. And while these are just the primary effects of having this modification done, getting creative with your setup may uncover several other benefits including better power train durability due to increased strength components or improved engine performance thanks to increased air intake needed at certain heights which provides more oxygen for combustion!
Recommended Brands of 6-Inch Lift Kits
If you’re looking to get 6-inches of additional lift in your truck, there are several brands you should consider. Among the most popular brands are Rough Country, Pro Comp, Fabtech and Skyjacker. These brands all offer lift kits capable of providing 6-inches or more of additional clearance, allowing for bigger tires and better off-road capability.
Each brand offers unique features that separate them from the competition. Rough Country makes it easy for customers by offering a broad range of preconfigured lift kits packaged with an array of accessories such as shocks, steering stabilizers and control arms. Pro Comp has created a series of tuned ready-to-run kits with specific components matched to optimize suspension system performance and handling capabilities on trucks. Fabtech focuses on innovative design and precise materials engineering to create high quality parts equipped with top performing innovations. Skyjacker prides itself on providing superior shock absorbers for the last 40 years offering products made with deep rooted safety processes adhering to strict guidelines throughout the entire manufacturing process guaranteed to stand up against even the harshest terrain and conditions.
No matter which brand you decide is right for your truck’s suspension system, it’s important to make sure that the weight rating of the springs and components can safely handle your vehicle’s weight plus any additional loads due to cargo or aftermarket equipment.
Installation Process
1. Unbolt the factory coil springs and shock absorbers from the axle of the truck, then remove them completely.
2. Attach the new 6-inch lift kit to both the driver and passenger side frame rails of your truck, making sure to secure all bolts properly for a safe and reliable installation.
3. Replace with new hardware any necessary components (such as serviceable suspension components like ball joints, bushings, etc.) that are deteriorated beyond normal wear and tear, to ensure optimal vehicle performance when finished with the lift kit installation.
4. Install extended length brake lines if needed, but only do this at the recommendation of a professional auto technician or certified mechanic after thoroughly inspecting the entire suspension system for all other suspension components including shocks and struts.
5. Carefully align each side of your 6-inch lifted truck frame by measuring off both sides for an equal distance; also make sure that axle movement is kept to a minimum through inspection during this process as well.
6. Mount your new coils springs and secure with assigned mounting hardware while keeping axles in their correct positions without added strain on them (try using adjustable shackles or extra bushing blocks if available).
7. Place before mentioned shock absorbers onto mounting blocks/shocks towers located on either side of your 6-inch lift truck; measure accordingly to ensure they’re spaced evenly apart using mounted wires as a guideline if necessary, then tighten all shock mounting bolts/nuts as recommended in manufacturer manual.
8. Assemble remaining scattered pieces together (such as sway bars, track bars, leaf springs or any other additional suspension parts) according to manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup and safety guidelines – afterward take your completed lifted truck out for a test drive on angled surfaces only until you receive certifiable clearance from qualified personnel (at least two days).
Safety Tips for Operating a Truck with a 6-Inch Lift
When operating a truck with a 6-inch lift, it is important to keep some key safety tips in mind. Firstly, you should always check that the suspension has been correctly set up for the extra height of the lift. Incorrect setup or balancing poses a huge risk for poor handling and could cause an accident. When driving, remain aware of your surroundings as your higher vantage point makes it more difficult to spot upcoming obstacles or other vehicles. Take greater caution when making turns, driving over uneven surfaces and passing other vehicles on the road to prevent jostling and potential danger. Always make sure that your tires are well-inflated and in good condition; worn out tires can pose serious problems while accelerating or maintaining speed on the highway. Finally, refrain from overloading your truck with additional cargo—this will put undue stress on its frame and make it much harder to handle on the road. By following these key safety measures, you can help ensure that your truck performs safely as you enjoy its extra height.
Recommended Tires and Wheels for Maximum Performance
For the optimal performance from a truck with a 6 inch lift, larger tires are recommended. The size of the tire should be chosen based on the desired look, handling, and power. When selecting wheel and tire packages for your 6 inch lifted truck, there are several considerations.
First, when choosing tires for off-road use, it is important to consider the particular terrain that will be encountered most often. For deep mud or rock crawling, an aggressive tread pattern and sufficiently sized tire is important. On the other hand if most of wheeling is done on trails and moderate terrain then a more mild tread pattern which reduces rolling resistance may be preferable.
The wheel offset should also be taken into consideration when lifting a truck as it can affect how aggressive of a tire can safely be used. A positive offset wheel will move outwards while a negative offset wheel moves inwards closer to the hub assembly on the axle of your vehicle. If too large of a tire is chosen without properly compensating for wheel offset than rubbing or clearance issues may occur against other vehicle components such as control arms or fender flares. High quality wheels with back spacers can play an important role in ensuring proper fitment and compatibility with larger tires when lifting your truck 6 inches or higher.
By taking all these factors into account you can ensure maximum performance from your lifted truck setup when tackling tricky off-road conditions.
Aftermarket Parts Available to Further Customize Your Lift
For those who own a truck with a 6-inch lift, there are a myriad of aftermarket parts that you can use to further customize and upgrade your ride. These can include higher performance shock absorbers or coil springs, bigger rims and tires, heavy-duty bumpers to protect against off-road obstacles, upgraded lighting systems for greater visibility in dark conditions, and rally spoilers or hood scoops for improved aerodynamic performance. Numerous interior upgrades, such as racing seats and steering wheels, shift knobs and pedals can deliver an even more aggressive look. Other external add-on’s like bull bars, winches and bed liners will also really make your truck stand out from the crowd.
Cost Considerations When Adding a 6-Inch Lift
Adding a 6-inch lift to a truck is an expensive upgrade that is not without cost considerations. Installing a 6-inch lift kit typically requires new shocks, brakes, wheels, tires, drive shafts and onboard electronics such as engine speed sensors. New components can range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Aftermarket parts may also require door trimming or bed modifications to accommodate the larger size of the new equipment. Depending on whether the parts are OEM or aftermarket, a shop or DIY installation job may be required, incurring extra labor costs ranging from $500-$2,500 for professional installation or an entire weekend for just one person’s DIY effort. If regular maintenance and alignment checks are opted out, any additional money saved will likely have to be paid later due to excessive wear-and-tear on the vehicle’s components and suspension system when driving with a 6-inch lift over extended periods of time—effectively negating any savings at all!
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble with your truck with a 6 inch lift, here are some troubleshooting tips that may help:
1. Check the suspension: Inspect the suspension for any cracks or signs of wear and tear, then adjust as necessary. Make sure all rubber bushings are in good condition and securely seated, and check the shock absorbers for proper functioning.
2. Change oil and filter: Consider changing the oil and filter regularly to ensure proper durability and performance of all parts.
3. Inspect tires: Make sure your tires have enough tread depth to safely handle off-road trails. Additionally, ensure they have enough air pressure as lower tire pressure can cause driving difficulties on uneven surfaces.
4. Check brakes: Make sure your brakes are in good condition as this is vital when operating an elevated vehicle like yours. Look for any leakage from the system, inspect brake pads for wear, and replace fluid if needed to prevent any performance issues when braking or cornering at speed.
5. Balance wheels: As a lifted truck is higher off the ground than a standard truck, make sure your wheels are properly balanced to reduce vibrations due to heavy loads caused by additional weight from high rocks or mud ruts during off-roading adventures.
Conclusion
A 6-inch lift on a truck can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can give your truck a one-of-a-kind look, increase its off-roading capabilities and make it stand out from the crowd. With careful planning, selecting the right parts for the lift, completing the installation properly and doing regular maintenance, you can have many years of enjoyable driving with a 6-inch lifted truck. So don’t be intimidated by such a large project; with dedication and perseverance you’ll get to enjoy the results of your hard work.
