A 6-inch Lift Raises Your Truck's Frame and Suspension Together

A 6-inch Rough Country suspension lift raises your truck's entire frame 6 inches off the ground by replacing the factory springs, shocks, and sometimes control arms with longer components. This is different from a body lift, which only raises the cab and bed while leaving the frame in place. With a suspension lift, your frame, engine, and axles all move up together.

Rough Country is one of the largest aftermarket suspension manufacturers in the United States. Their 6-inch kits come in different versions depending on your truck model—some use coil springs, others use leaf springs, and some use a combination. The kit includes new shocks, extended brake lines, and sometimes new control arms or track bars to keep the geometry correct at the new height.

The main reason people install a 6-inch lift is to fit larger tires. A stock truck might clear 33-inch tires with a 2-inch lift; a 6-inch lift typically allows 35-inch or even 37-inch tires without rubbing. The extra ground clearance also helps if you drive on rough terrain, tow heavy loads, or want the truck to sit higher for appearance.

Key Takeaways

  • A 6-inch Rough Country lift raises your frame, engine, and axles as one unit by replacing springs and shocks with longer components.
  • Installation typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 in labor, plus the kit price, and takes a shop 8 to 16 hours depending on truck model.
  • You will need a wheel alignment and brake line inspection after installation, and your speedometer may read slightly high if you fit larger tires.
  • A 6-inch lift changes how your truck handles—it raises the center of gravity, increases body roll in corners, and may require new shocks sooner than stock.
  • Rough Country kits vary by truck model; confirm your specific year, make, and model before ordering because a kit for a 2019 Silverado will not fit a 2014.

What Changes When You Install a 6-Inch Lift

Your truck's ride quality will feel different. The factory suspension is tuned for the truck's weight and the road surfaces most drivers encounter. A lift kit changes the spring rates and shock valving, so bumps may feel sharper at low speeds, and the truck may bounce more on the highway if the shocks are not matched to your driving. Rough Country kits come with shocks designed for the lift height, but they are usually a middle ground—not as soft as factory, not as stiff as a performance shock.

Handling also changes. Lifting the truck raises the center of gravity, which means more body roll (leaning) in corners. If you drive on highways regularly, you may notice the truck sways more in crosswinds. Towing capacity may decrease slightly because the higher center of gravity affects stability, though Rough Country publishes the rated capacity for each kit. Off-road, the extra suspension travel and ground clearance are advantages—you can approach steeper angles and clear obstacles you could not before.

Wear on suspension components accelerates. Shocks wear faster because they work through a longer range of motion. Ball joints, tie rods, and bushings experience different angles and loads. Most owners report needing new shocks between 50,000 and 80,000 miles after a lift, compared to 100,000 or more for factory shocks. Tire wear also increases if the alignment is not set correctly after installation.

Installation, Cost, and What Happens Next

Installation requires a lift on a hoist and takes most shops 8 to 16 hours depending on whether your truck has coil springs or leaf springs, and whether the kit requires new control arms. Shops in rural areas may charge $1,500 to $2,000 in labor; shops in cities or areas with high demand may charge $2,500 to $3,500. Add the kit cost itself, which ranges from $800 to $2,000 depending on the model and whether you choose a basic coil-spring kit or a more complex setup with adjustable shocks.

After installation, you must get a four-wheel alignment. The lift changes the angles of your wheels relative to the frame, and if the alignment is not corrected, your tires will wear unevenly and the truck will pull to one side. This costs $150 to $300 at most shops. Some shops include alignment in their lift installation price; ask before you book.

You should also have the brake lines inspected. The lift extends the distance between the frame and the axles, so the brake lines may be stretched. Rough Country kits include extended lines, but a shop should verify they are routed correctly and not pinched or rubbing on anything. If your truck has electronic brake proportioning or stability control, the shop may need to recalibrate sensors after the lift.

Tire Size and Speedometer Accuracy

A 6-inch lift typically allows you to fit tires 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter than your truck came with. If your truck came with 31-inch tires, you might fit 33-inch or 35-inch tires after the lift. Larger tires change your speedometer reading because the speedometer is calibrated to your factory tire size. A 35-inch tire is about 12 percent larger in diameter than a 31-inch tire, so your speedometer will read about 12 percent low—if you are going 60 miles per hour, your speedometer might show 53.

You can correct this with a speedometer recalibration module (sometimes called a "speedo corrector"), which costs $150 to $400 and plugs into your truck's computer. Some newer trucks allow you to adjust the speedometer in the settings menu. Without correction, your speedometer will be inaccurate, which affects fuel economy calculations and may cause you to speed without realizing it.

Larger tires also affect your fuel economy. A 35-inch tire weighs more and has more rolling resistance than a 31-inch tire, so you may see a 5 to 15 percent drop in miles per gallon. The exact loss depends on your driving—highway driving is affected less than city driving.

Rough Country Kit Variations by Truck Model

Rough Country makes different 6-inch kits for different trucks. A kit for a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with coil springs is not the same as a kit for a 2014 Silverado 1500 with leaf springs, and neither will fit a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500. Before you order, confirm your truck's year, make, model, and cab style (regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab), and whether it has a gasoline or diesel engine. Some engines sit lower or higher in the frame, which affects suspension geometry.

Rough Country publishes compatibility charts on their website and on retailer sites like Amazon and Summit Racing. If you are unsure, contact Rough Country's customer service with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they will tell you which kit fits. Ordering the wrong kit wastes time and money because you will have to return it and order the correct one.

Some Rough Country kits are available in different configurations—for example, a basic coil-spring kit versus a kit with adjustable shocks, or a kit with new control arms versus one without. The more features, the higher the price and the longer the installation. A basic kit might cost $800 and take 8 hours; a full kit with adjustable shocks and new control arms might cost $1,800 and take 16 hours.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Long-Term Durability

Rough Country typically warrants their suspension kits for one year or 12,000 miles against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers broken springs, leaking shocks, and bent components, but not wear from normal use. If a shock fails at 40,000 miles, it is not covered under warranty because shocks are wear items. Keep your receipt and any documentation from the shop that installed the kit, because you may need to prove the kit was installed correctly if you file a warranty claim.

After installation, inspect your suspension every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Look for leaking shocks, bent control arms, cracked welds, or loose bolts. Listen for clunking sounds over bumps, which often signal worn bushings or ball joints. Tighten any loose bolts you find—vibration from driving can loosen fasteners over time. If you tow or drive on rough terrain regularly, inspect more often.

Most owners report that a quality Rough Country kit lasts 100,000 to 150,000 miles if maintained. The shocks will need replacement around 50,000 to 80,000 miles, and bushings or ball joints may need replacement around 80,000 to 120,000 miles. These are normal wear items, not defects. Budget for replacement shocks ($400 to $800 for a pair) and occasional bushing or ball joint replacement ($200 to $600 per component) as part of long-term ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 6-inch lift void my truck's warranty?

Your truck's factory warranty is not automatically voided, but the manufacturer can deny warranty claims for components that were damaged by the lift. For example, if your transmission fails, the dealer will not cover it because the lift caused it. If your door handle breaks, the dealer likely will cover it because it is unrelated. Keep documentation showing the lift was installed correctly and that you have maintained the truck. Consult your warranty paperwork or ask your dealer which components are at risk before you install the lift.

Can I install a 6-inch lift myself?

You can if you have a lift, a full set of suspension tools, and experience with suspension work. Most home mechanics do not have the equipment or informed. A mistake during installation can cause the truck to handle dangerously or damage components. The labor cost ($1,500 to $3,500) is worth paying to a shop that has done the work hundreds of times and can may provide the alignment and brake line work.

What is the difference between a Rough Country lift and a more expensive brand?

Rough Country kits are entry-level to mid-range in price and quality. More expensive brands like BDS, Fox, or Icon use higher-quality shocks, adjustable geometry, and tighter tolerances, which results in better ride quality and longer shock life. Rough Country kits work well for most owners and cost less, but if you tow heavy loads or drive on rough terrain frequently, a more expensive kit may be worth the investment.

Do I need new wheels and tires when I install a lift?

Not necessarily. If your current tires fit under the truck after the lift, you can keep them. Most people install a lift specifically to fit larger tires, so they buy new wheels and tires at the same time. If you do not plan to fit larger tires, you can wait and replace your current tires when they wear out. Just confirm with the shop that your current tires clear the suspension at full compression.

How much does fuel economy drop with a 6-inch lift?

Fuel economy drops 5 to 15 percent depending on tire size, driving habits, and whether you are towing. A lift alone has minimal impact; the main factor is fitting larger, heavier tires. If you keep your factory tires, fuel economy will drop only 2 to 5 percent. If you fit 35-inch tires, expect a 10 to 15 percent drop. Highway driving is affected less than city driving.