Best Lift Kits for Ford F-150 — Buyer's Guide (12th, 13th & 14th Gen)

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in America — and one of the most lifted half-ton trucks on the road. Whether you're running a 12th gen workhorse or just picked up a 14th gen, the aftermarket has matured significantly around this platform. This guide breaks down the best lift kits by generation, what makes the F-150 unique to lift, and which brands deliver on this platform.

What Makes the F-150 Different to Lift?

The F-150 is a half-ton truck with independent front suspension across all three generations covered here, which means the same CV axle geometry considerations that apply to the Tacoma apply here too. But the F-150 brings additional complexity: it's a work truck for many owners, which means towing and payload capacity matter. It's also available in more drivetrain, cab, and bed configurations than almost any other vehicle on the market — and fitment can vary significantly across those configurations.

A few things make the F-150 lift conversation unique:

Torsion bar vs. coil spring front suspension. Earlier F-150s used a torsion bar front suspension, while newer generations moved to coil springs and coilover struts. The lift approach differs meaningfully between these setups — confirm your front suspension type before purchasing a kit.

Max Tow and payload packages. If your truck is configured for heavy towing or maximum payload, certain lift configurations can affect those ratings. A quality installer will factor this into the build recommendation.

Raptor vs. standard F-150. The Raptor runs a completely different suspension platform — long-travel, wider track, factory Fox shocks. Raptor-specific lift content is beyond the scope of this guide, which focuses on standard F-150 configurations.

What to Look for in an F-150 Lift Kit

Leveling vs. full suspension lift. Many F-150 owners start with a leveling kit — the factory front-to-rear rake is significant on this platform and leveling alone makes a dramatic visual difference. A full suspension lift is the next step for owners who want meaningful ground clearance and larger tires.

Geometry correction at higher lifts. As with any IFS truck, lifts over 3 inches require attention to control arm geometry and CV axle angles. Lift kits that include or are paired with upper control arm upgrades are worth the additional investment.

Rear suspension compatibility. The F-150 uses a leaf spring rear suspension. Rear lift options range from add-a-leaf blocks to full replacement leaf packs. If you're towing regularly, a quality rear leaf upgrade that maintains load capacity matters.

Aluminum body considerations. The 13th and 14th gen F-150s use an aluminum body over a steel frame. This doesn't directly affect lift kit selection but is worth keeping in mind for any drilling, mounting, or body work associated with the build.

Best Lift Kits by Generation

12th Gen F-150 (2009–2014)

The 12th gen is a well-understood platform with strong aftermarket support. It uses a coil spring front suspension and is one of the more straightforward F-150s to lift. Parts availability is excellent and experienced installers know this generation well.

ReadyLIFT — ReadyLIFT's 2.5" leveling kit for the 12th gen is one of the cleanest entry points on this platform. It's a bolt-on solution that corrects the factory rake, allows for a modest tire upgrade, and installs without cutting or modification. For owners who want a cleaner stance and a simple, reliable solution, ReadyLIFT is a strong starting point. Their SST lift kits extend the range to 4" for owners who want more.

BDS Suspension — BDS offers 4" and 6" suspension lift kits for the 12th gen that include geometry correction and quality shock options. Their lift kits are designed to maintain ride quality and handling balance at meaningful lift heights — a strong choice for owners who want to run 35s or larger without compromising daily drivability.

FOX — FOX shocks are a natural pairing with any 12th gen lift. Whether spec'd as part of a BDS kit or added as an upgrade, FOX's 2.0 performance series and remote reservoir options deliver a significant improvement over factory damping on this platform.

13th Gen F-150 (2015–2020)

The 13th gen introduced the aluminum body and a revised suspension geometry. It's the most common F-150 generation on the road today and the aftermarket reflects that — more options, more fitment data, and more installer experience than any other generation.

ReadyLIFT — ReadyLIFT's 13th gen lineup is one of their strongest. Their 3.5" SST lift system is a particularly popular option — it delivers a meaningful stance change, accommodates 33s to 35s depending on configuration, and includes the geometry correction hardware needed at that lift height. For owners who want a clean, capable build without a full suspension overhaul, this is a well-proven package.

BDS Suspension — BDS's 13th gen coilover conversion lift kits are among the most comprehensive options available. Their 4" and 6" lift kits include Fox shocks on upper configurations and are engineered around maintaining the F-150's towing and handling characteristics at elevated ride heights. For owners building a truck that needs to work as hard as it looks, BDS is the conversation to have.

ARB / Old Man Emu — OME's nitrocharger sport shocks and matched spring upgrades for the 13th gen deliver the same balanced, reliable performance they're known for on other platforms. For owners prioritizing long-term durability and a controlled ride across varied terrain, OME is a strong pairing with a quality lift kit.

14th Gen F-150 (2021–Present)

The 14th gen brought significant updates including the available PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, a revised interior, and further suspension refinements. The aftermarket has developed quickly around this generation and fitment options continue to expand.

ReadyLIFT — ReadyLIFT has been among the more active brands in developing 14th gen fitments, with leveling and SST lift kits available for standard and PowerBoost configurations. Their 2.5" leveling kit remains the most popular entry point for this generation — clean, reliable, and reversible.

BDS Suspension — BDS's 14th gen suspension systems extend to 4" and beyond and are designed with the platform's updated geometry in mind. Their lift kits are available in configurations that account for the PowerBoost hybrid system — an important fitment consideration unique to this generation.

FOX — The 14th gen's available 360-degree cameras and Pro Trailer Backup Assist systems mean that any lift needs to be executed cleanly to avoid interference with factory sensors and camera lines. FOX shocks paired with a quality lift kit deliver the performance upgrade without compromising factory technology integrations.

How Much Lift Do You Actually Need?

A Note on Towing

If your F-150 is a regular tow vehicle, lift height and rear suspension selection matter more than on a purely recreational truck. A properly installed lift with a quality rear leaf pack has minimal impact on towing stability for typical use. Aggressive lifts that significantly alter suspension geometry can affect tongue weight distribution and sway behavior — especially at highway speeds with a loaded trailer. Discuss your towing requirements with your installer before committing to a lift height.

Bottom Line

The F-150 is one of the most capable platforms to build on — deep aftermarket support, broad fitment options, and a truck that genuinely benefits from a quality lift. ReadyLIFT is the right entry point for owners who want a clean leveling or modest lift solution. BDS takes it further for owners targeting serious lift heights with maintained drivability. FOX and OME round out the shock and damping options across all three generations.

At OK4WD we carry and install all of the above across all F-150 generations. Stop into our Stewartsville location or give us a call — we'll match you to the right kit for your truck, how you use it, and where you're taking it.

OK4WD has been building trucks and Jeeps since 1979. Browse our F-150 lift kit inventory or schedule a consultation with our service team.