Pros and Cons of lifted trucks

dank78 · 11-16-2006, 06:29 AM

This is a question for those of you who have lifted your trucks. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of doing it? I'm interested in lifting my truck, but not sure if there are any sort of serious drawbacks that would make me regret it. Thanks for any info...

Tyltan · 11-16-2006, 10:44 AM

Con: Gas mileage. $$$
Pro: Look down other people car

bigjimbo · 11-16-2006, 10:58 AM

gas mileage sucks, noise depending on tires, truck is slower.

I love lifted trucks, youre on top of the world almost.

bigblue06 · 11-16-2006, 11:49 AM

I have a Pro Comp 6" lift and I love it. But you lose some of your turning radius, which is fixable by grinding the turn stops but if you grind to much your tires could/will rub when you turn dependind on wheels and tire setup. When I put the 35"s on I did notice thetake off to be a little slower. But the truck still has plenty of power. OF course it does burn the fuel a little more now but it is all worth it in my opinion. Also the front CV boots are a little more prone to wearing out faster due to the angle of the shafts after you lift a vehicle, but that goes for any Truck

John Harden · 11-16-2006, 12:29 PM

I lifted mine for offroading to increase the ground clearance under the sides of the truck (rocker panels). I went with the Rancho, 4" lift (really closer to 5.5") and it does not affect the stock turning radius at all like some others do. Gas mileage will change, etc., but that doesn't bother me. I routinely get about 11 mpg anyway with my heavy foot.

One downside is some dealers (and Nissan should they choose) may claim that any problems you then have with CV boots, axel's, drive shaft, differential, etc. could be caused by or influenced by your lift and bigger tires and deny you warranty coverage.

I've heard (but can't confirm) that Toyota is notorious for this. Lift your truck and have nearly ANY problems with suspension, etc., and they'll say your lift was either the direct cause or a contributing factor and refuse to make repairs under warranty.

You can print out and give them copies of the Moss act and argue your points all day long but if they stand firm, your only choice is legal action, which even if it goes to an arbiter will still take a lot of time.

In the meantime, your truck sits and you continue making payments on it.

My rear diff blew up a few weeks ago. First thing the service manager said was that it was a good thing I was a good customer since their service technicians told them my lift and other mods could have been a contributing factor. In the end, they covered it under warranty with no other comments.

Not trying to scare you off of it, since after all, I lifted my truck, put on replacement upper A arms, changed rear shocks, put on traction bars, etc. With all the front end work I've done, if I was to have a failure up there, I'd likely have a tough time of it with the dealer.

Nissan seems to be pretty easygoing on these things, but if the repair is expensive and there is some question as to your mods being a factor, you may be in for some trouble.

Just go in with your eyes open and do exactly what you're doing by asking people about what are the ups and downs.

Also, look at the bright side. Unlike other trucks, we really don't need to be messing with the engine on ours. We have plenty of power already so those expensive mods that other guys do to their Fords, etc. are not something we need to do. Sure, more power is welcome, but not really needed in our case. Ford guys who install a programmer, supercharger, nitrous kit, etc., on their truck and burn up the motor or transmission will likely be paying for repairs themselves and rightly so.

Regards,

John

Chris93Si · 11-16-2006, 03:32 PM

I've had mine lifted for maybe 10k miles now and absolutely no regrets. I have the PC 6" lift w/ DR coils up front and Bilsteins in the rear. The truck handles the rough stuff a lot better and I love the looks. Didn't notice much of a power loss going to 35" tires and I still get 13-15mpg. Really no downside as far as I'm concerned.

Do your research and decide exactly what you want before buying anything (it sucks buying stuff twice) and I think you'll be happy w/ your lifted Titan.

Aquaholic · 11-16-2006, 05:30 PM

Pros:
Gives you a better view of the road.
Less door dings.
More clearance.
Looks way better.
Car goes under truck in accident.
My truck with the CST kit seems like it has a better turning radius.

Cons:
Little less power
Less gas mileage

mberlin74 · 11-16-2006, 05:46 PM

Hey Aqua what up? Didnt know your lift was a CST. i'm almost ready to lift and I was torn between CST and PC. Any pearls of wisdom?

TitanZX · 11-16-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaholic

Pros:
My truck with the CST kit seems like it has a better turning radius.

I swear up and down the same thing. I feel better now that I know there is someone out there that thinks the same thing

John Harden · 11-16-2006, 08:11 PM

Regarding which lift, that's been discussed here many times with various experts weighing in. I'm not an expert, but from memory the CST consistently get's the highest marks. It's also the highest of the three (Rancho, PC, CST) at 7" on a 4X$. CST is also an innovator in suspensions and makes excellent products.

Just saw a Titan tonight at the gas station and talked to the owner. Very nice CST lift on his 4X4 with 37" tires.

i<3mytitan · 11-16-2006, 09:12 PM

Pro: Titans look way better lifted
With the rightt shocks, the ride is better than stock
" " " " , it soaks up bumps

Cons: Not being able to fit inside of certain parking garages
Decreased MPG
decreased acceleration, moreso if you don't have the BT or OR package

Howie Kaluha · 11-16-2006, 09:15 PM

I'm lifted and would have to agree with pretty much everything the above have mentioned.

The only real "cons" you'll have with lifting is decreased gas mileage and slight loss of power. For those of us who are lifted, these "negatives" are easily overlooked.. It's just an amazing thing having our gorgeous, lifted Titans

**Nissan Mike** · 11-16-2006, 09:22 PM

Pro-see more boobies,and on hot days alot of girls drive with their skirts pulled way up,I mean REALLY WAY UP!!!!
Con-Does it really matter???

Hayn Titan · 11-16-2006, 10:06 PM

Pros: Looks great, You get to check out the chicks next to you, You get to grope your girl if you don't have steps and chicks love lifted trucks.
Cons: gas mileage and it can't fit in my garage. Oh well i guess i have to go higher!

**Nissan Mike** · 11-16-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayn Titan

Pros: Looks great, You get to check out the chicks next to you, You get to grope your girl if you don't have steps and chicks love lifted trucks.
Cons: gas mileage and it can't fit in my garage. Oh well i guess i have to go higher!

Hey what's up Hayn?