What's the Difference Between Buying a Pre-Lifted Truck and Getting a Custom Lift Kit Installed?

What Is a Pre-Lifted Truck, and What Is a Custom Lift Kit Install?

Before comparing the two, it helps to know exactly what each term means and which lift types you'll run into. If you're new to lifting, Sarasota Ford's guide What Is a Lift Kit? All About Lifting Trucks covers the basics in more depth.

• Pre-lifted truck: A new or used truck that has already been lifted and accessorized before you buy it. You're purchasing a finished, ready-to-drive package.
• Custom lift kit install: You choose the truck and the components, and a shop installs the lift and accessories to your specs.
• Leveling kit: Raises the front of the truck to match the rear, removing the factory rake and making room for slightly larger tires. Learn more about leveling kits for trucks.
• Suspension lift: Raises the entire truck through suspension changes, adding ground clearance and wheel travel for better off-road articulation.
• Body lift: Uses spacers to raise the body away from the frame. It's typically less expensive, but it doesn't deliver the performance benefits of a suspension lift.
• Supporting upgrades: Wheel-and-tire packages, shocks, bumpers, rock sliders, skid plates, and winches often come with either option.

Pre-Lifted Truck vs. Custom Lift Kit Install: How Do They Compare?

Timing: Drive It Home Now or Build It to Order

Timing is the clearest difference. A pre-lifted truck is finished before you ever see it, so the buying process looks much like buying any other truck: pick it out, test-drive it, sign, and go. A custom lift kit install adds steps, including choosing the components, confirming parts availability, and scheduling the build. Sarasota Ford notes that buyers who don't want to wait can choose from pre-lifted trucks already built and sitting on its lot, while buyers with specific height, tire, or accessory preferences can have a truck built to order.

Personalization: Someone Else's Spec or Yours

A pre-lifted truck reflects choices already made about lift height, wheel style, tire tread, and trim. If those choices match what you want, that's a win. If not, a custom build gives you full control. At 707 Performance, a lifted Ford F-150 in Florida can be built with a 2-inch leveling kit, a 3- to 4-inch mid-range lift for 33- to 35-inch tires (its most popular configuration), or a 6-inch lift for 35- to 37-inch tires, with tire size matched to lift height for proper clearance.

Cost and Financing: One Known Price or a Budget You Build

Neither option is automatically cheaper. Price depends on the lift type, suspension components, wheels, tires, and accessories involved. A pre-lifted truck gives you one known price for a finished package, which makes comparing trucks simple. A custom build lets you control where the money goes, such as spending more on suspension quality and less on cosmetic add-ons. At Sarasota Ford, lift packages built by 707 Performance can typically be rolled into the vehicle's purchase financing either way.

Warranty Coverage: What Happens After the Lift

According to the Federal Trade Commission, a warranty stays in effect when aftermarket parts are used, and the manufacturer or dealer must prove an aftermarket part caused the damage before denying coverage. In other words, a lift doesn't void the whole warranty, but a failure caused by the modification may not be covered. Sarasota Ford states that it keeps the factory warranties on its lifted trucks for sale in Florida, and 707 Performance builds are backed by the exclusive 707 Warranty. With any lifted truck, ask for the warranty terms in writing.

Build Quality: Who Designs and Installs the Lift

This is where the two paths can differ the most, and it depends on the builder, not just the kit. A lift changes suspension geometry, and larger tires can affect alignment and speedometer accuracy, so the install needs to be done and checked properly. With a pre-lifted truck from an unknown source, you may not know which parts were used or who installed them. With a custom install, you know exactly what's going on the truck. At Sarasota Ford, both pre-lifted and custom trucks come from the same in-house 707 Performance team, so the build standard is the same whichever path you choose.

Should You Buy a Pre-Lifted Truck or Get a Custom Lift Kit Installed?

Choose a pre-lifted truck if you want your lifted truck soon, like what's already built, and prefer a simple buying process with one clear price. Choose a custom lift kit install if you have a specific lift height, tire size, or look in mind, or you want to match the build to how you actually drive. A beach and boat-ramp truck may be best with a moderate lift that stays comfortable every day, while a heavy-duty build such as a custom-lifted Ford F-250 with a 6-inch suspension lift and 37-inch mud-terrain tires is made for maximum presence. SUV shoppers can take the same approach with a custom-lifted Ford Bronco, choosing from a 2-inch leveling and coil spacer kit, a 3- to 4-inch coil lift, or a 4-inch-plus long-arm build.

707 Performance: Built Different. Built for You.

707 Performance is Sarasota Ford's in-house performance and customization division, built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. With more than 25 years of experience, its team of designers, product specialists, consultants, and Factory Certified Technicians manages every aspect of each build, from concept and customization to delivery and ongoing support. Every 707 Performance vehicle is built in-house and fully customizable, so clients can create a vehicle tailored to their individual style and vision. While Ford remains the specialty, the team's expertise extends to all makes and models, including exotic and vintage vehicles. Here's how a 707 Performance build comes together:

1. Concept: Designers, product specialists, and consultants help you define the build, whether you're choosing a pre-lifted truck or starting from scratch.
2. Customization: Every vehicle is fully customizable, from lift height and wheel-and-tire packages to armor, paint, and performance upgrades.
3. In-house build: Factory Certified Technicians complete the work on-site at Sarasota Ford rather than sending it to an outside shop.
4. Concierge delivery: Concierge-level service includes pickup and delivery, nationwide shipping, and dedicated customer support.
5. Support after the sale: The commitment continues long after delivery with uncompromising support after the sale and the exclusive 707 Warranty.

707 Performance: All custom vehicles are not created equal. Experience the difference.

What Should You Ask Before Choosing a Pre-Lifted Truck or a Custom Lift Kit?

1. Ask who designed and installed the lift, which kit brand was used, and which suspension components are on the truck. For a pre-lifted truck, ask for the full build list.
2. Confirm the exact lift height and tire size, and test-drive or review how it will ride day to day. Also confirm the finished truck meets Florida's bumper-height limits under Section 316.251, Florida Statutes, which apply to vehicles with a net shipping weight of up to 5,000 pounds.
3. Ask how the factory warranty applies after the lift and what coverage comes with the aftermarket parts and labor, and get it in writing.
4. Find out whether the lift package can be rolled into your loan, and compare Ford financing options in Sarasota before you sign.
5. Make sure the Sarasota Ford service department or your shop can handle alignments and ongoing suspension service on a lifted truck.
6. Ask for the out-the-door price, including any dealer fees. Sarasota Ford's No Dealer Fee Promise means the price you see online is the price you see in the showroom, plus only tax, title, and registration.

Frequently Asked Questions