4-Inch vs. 6-Inch: Which F-150 Lift Kit Fits Your Garage and Lifestyle?
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A leveling kit is fine for 33s. But you don't want 33s. You want 35s or even 37s. You want your 2015–2020 F-150 to tower over traffic.
You need a Suspension Lift Kit.
Once you decide to go big, the question immediately becomes: 4-Inch or 6-Inch?
They usually cost the same. They both require cutting your subframe. They both use drop crossmembers and new steering knuckles.
So, why choose the smaller one? A 4-inch lift offers a lower center of gravity, better handling, and—crucially—it usually fits in a standard 7-foot garage door. A 6-inch lift offers the undeniable "monster truck" look and clears 35s with zero rubbing, but it makes loading the bed a workout.
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each height, discuss the "CV Angle" benefits of a full drop kit, and explain why you probably need new wheels to make it all fit.
Compare Lift Types
Spacer Lift or Full Suspension?
|
Lift Height |
Components |
Difficulty |
Best For |
|
3-Inch (Bolt-On) |
UCAs + Spacers. |
Medium. No cutting. |
The Limit. Max height without cutting frame; stiff CV angles. |
|
4-Inch System |
Crossmembers + Knuckles. |
Expert. Requires cutting frame. |
Daily/Utility. Good clearance but easier to park than a 6". |
|
6-Inch System |
Crossmembers + Knuckles. |
Expert. Requires cutting frame. |
The Standard. The look everyone wants; clears 35s perfectly. |
|
Coilover Upgrade |
Fox/King Shocks. |
Add-On. Replaces lift struts. |
Performance. Adds race-level damping to your lifted truck. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Lift Kits)
Can I run factory wheels with a 6-inch lift?
Usually No. The new, heavy-duty steering knuckles included in the lift kit are much larger than stock. They often hit the inner barrel of factory 17" or 18" wheels. Most manufacturers recommend aftermarket 20-inch wheels with negative offset to provide clearance. Wheel spacers can sometimes fix this, but aftermarket wheels are safer.
Will a 6-inch lift void my warranty?
Partially. Ford will likely void the warranty on your suspension components (ball joints, CV axles, control arms) because you have modified the geometry. However, they cannot void the warranty on your engine or radio unless they prove the lift caused the failure. BDS Suspension offers a "Factory Protection Plus" warranty that covers what the dealer won't.
Do I need to re-gear my axles?
Highly Recommended. If you move to 35-inch or 37-inch tires, your effective gear ratio drops. Your 10-speed transmission will hunt for gears, and the truck will feel sluggish. Re-gearing to 4.10 or 4.56 gears will restore your factory acceleration and towing power.
Build the ultimate F-150.
Get the clearance for 35s and the suspension travel to back it up. Shop our verified collection of 2015–2020 F-150 Suspension Lift Kits.