Questions about lifted trucks

Hey all, I am looking to upgrade my current truck, from a 1st gen, to a 2nd gen. I am looking at one particular truck that is already lifted, I have never lifted a truck or owned one that was, so I am posting here to ask if there is anything I should look for? I know this question doesn't have a simple answer, but anything key things to look out for would be great.


A bit of info, the truck I am looking at is a 2009 DCSB, sr5, v6, 6speed, 4x4 with a 3" lift and 18" rims. Judging from the photos it doesn't seem to be a body lift (the fame is no more visible then a stock truck), but it also seems to have the stock skid plate in the front, so I'm potentially concerned that the front diff has not been dropped. I've always been a leave it (mostly) stock kind of guy, so I am basically clueless about the dos and don'ts. Thanks!

 

2gens don't benefit as much from a diff drop as it "twists" the differential more than it actually drops it. Some people say they're dangerous.

Look for a 1.5" chunk of metal above the front strut assembly. If you plan to off-road you'll want to swap that out for something else.

 

3" lift is when you start to see premature failure on CV boots, so look for wear there. As stated above, look to see if the lift is obtained by spacers above the front strut assembly or if it's a suspension lift. Spacers can be metal or polymer, so just look for a solid piece between the strut and the "bucket" it bolts to on the frame.

Spacer lifts aren't the end of the world, but they can increase the chance of strut failure.

 

Honestly I would pass on a lifted truck. Especially if it has spacers. There is just no sense in paying hard earned money for someone elses problems. Buy one that is stock, is mechanically sound, and has good maintenance records. Then do ti the way you want it.

 

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