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Do you need longer shocks with a body lift?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 15, 2026

Suspension lift kits that raise your truck higher than 3 inches will usually require a new shock absorber to take up the difference in distance between the top and bottom mounting points of the shock.

Do you need new shocks with body lift?

Pros of Body Lift Kits

Because the shocks are not touched during the lift, new shocks are not required for lift kits. For people who like to go “off road,” lift kits will give your tires more clearance while still retaining the factory suspension geometry and alignment.

Do you need to change shocks for a 2 inch lift?

Yes, they do their job well, but for serious off-road enthusiasts, a genuine lift kit is a must. Additionally, a 2” leveling kit will help increase ground clearance and approach angles. We always recommend getting new shocks when adding a 2” leveling kit unless opting for the spacers and have a strict budget.

Do you need longer shocks for leveling kit?

The least expensive kits often retain the factory shocks. However, if your original shocks have 20,000 or more miles on them, you plan to take the vehicle off-road, or if you drive aggressively, you should consider new shocks mandatory with the installation of a suspension leveling kit.

Do I need longer shocks with add a leaf?

A common question is, "If I install a set of GoWesty lifting springs, do I need a longer shock absorber to go with them?" The answer is NO. In fact, it would be unwise to install a longer shock absorber without making other necessary changes to the suspension design.

16 related questions found

Do I need new shocks with a 3 inch lift?

Suspension lift kits that raise your truck higher than 3 inches will usually require a new shock absorber to take up the difference in distance between the top and bottom mounting points of the shock. To simplify the shopping experience, the majority of brands we carry will include new shock absorbers in these cases.

What happens if your shocks are too short?

If the extended length of the shock absorber is too short it will “top-out” and reduce the extended travel. “Topping out” is the term used when the piston inside the shock absorber collides with the cylinder head.

What length shocks do I need?

Notes

  • We recommended that you:
  • Add 1 inch to the extended length, and. Subtract 1 inch from the collapsed length.
  • This will you give you some additional shock travel.
  • The added travel will:
  • Prevent damage to the shock, and. Allow for compression of the bump stop.

What's the difference between a suspension lift and a body lift?

A suspension lift allows you to give your vehicle much more height than a body lift. The maximum lift for a body lift is only 3 to 5 inches, while a suspension lift can lift you 2 to 9 inches. If you are trying to maximize your lift, you need to go with a suspension lift kit.

Do you need new shocks with a 2.5 inch lift?

Next up is a 2” or 2.5” lift, typically consisting of spacer and add-a-leaf kits. At this point, you'll also usually need new shock absorbers with longer tubes. You'll also notice a difference in handling with a medium-height lift kit like this.

How long do shocks last on a lifted truck?

“As a general rule of thumb, OEM hydraulic twin-tube shocks only last about 15,000 to 20,000 miles when used in a work truck environment (towing, hauling heavier loads, off-road/off-pavement use),” says Shane Casad, Bilstein of America, who specializes in pickup suspension setups.

Is a body lift worth it?

If you continue to keep a stable weight and exercise regularly, your body lift will keep you looking youthful and slim for many years. It will take a while for the incision scars to fade and you will be in some discomfort for a few days, but the results will be worth it!

Can you tow with a body lift?

A body lift does not affect towing since it's only the body of your vehicle that's being raised; the stock suspension and wheels remain at their original height.

Does body lift affect ride quality?

A body lift kit raises the body of your vehicle up a few inches while leaving the suspension and wheels at their original height. This is done by adding spacers over the vehicles' original body mount bushings. This type of lift shouldn't affect your ride quality or handling in any way.

How do I choose shocks?

The most important consideration for finding the best shocks is what YOU use your vehicle for. If your truck sees more starlight than stoplights, you need a stronger shock than the soft squishy factory dampers.

How much travel should a shock have?

On straight axle suspension systems, there is a 1 to 1 ratio between the movement of your shock and your wheel. That means if your wheel moves one inch, your shock extends or compresses one inch. In these applications 2.5 inches of shock travel in both directions (compression and extension) should generally be enough.

What do off road shocks do?

Technically speaking, shocks convert kinetic energy into thermal energy. Shock absorber are also referred to as "dampers" because they dampen the energy of the spring. By creating resistance to up and down motion, the dampers turn motion energy into heat, and then dissipate the heat to the atmosphere.

Are longer shocks better?

That is the only place you will benefit from them although, longer shocks also have more surface area so they provide slightly more cooling, and you have to be aware of bump stop length during compression and not loosing your coils during extension. As always, it's a tradeoff. "Don't take life too seriously.

Does shock absorber affect height?

Bad shocks affect ride and handling, but they won't change the ride height of the car.

What causes shocks to bottom out?

Bottoming out can result from a compressed spring and can result in damage to your undercarriage. Often, the first sign of a suspension issue is a change in the quality of your vehicle's ride. You may immediately notice bumpiness and jostling when you drive, even when you're navigating a fairly even and level road.

Does a 3 inch lift make a difference?

The same is true when you level or lift a truck. With that being said, don't be surprised to see a more significant difference between a stock truck and a truck lifted higher than 3 inches, as the hardware required to do so weighs more and adds more drag to the vehicle.

Does a body lift include a tummy tuck?

One of the main areas that a lower body lift procedure tackles is the abdominal area. It is a tummy tuck that encircles the entire waist, also known as a 360 tummy tuck. Pregnancy or obesity can leave patients struggling with loose or wrinkled skin in their lower abdomen area.

How long is recovery from full body lift?

Most patients will be able to resume their normal routine or go back to their workplace in about 10 to 14 days after body lift. However, the exact period will vary according to the extent of surgery performed. The surgeon will instruct them to avoid strenuous exercises and activities for the first three to four weeks.

How painful is a lower body lift?

Recovery from a lower body lift

You will have some discomfort, however, this is expected and typically easily controlled with pain medications. Discomfort will dissipate over a week or two after the surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for you to take after you return home.