Complete 6-Inch Suspension Lift Kit Parts List: What's Included and Why

When you're shopping for a 6-inch suspension lift kit, it helps to know exactly what's in the box. These kits are designed to raise your truck or SUV by six inches, providing extra ground clearance for larger tires and improving off-road capability. But not all kits are created equal. Some include just the bare essentials, while others come with a full array of components to ensure proper geometry and ride quality. Below is a detailed breakdown of the parts typically included in a complete 6-inch suspension lift kit, along with what each component does and why it matters.

1. Coil Springs or Lift Blocks

Coil Springs (Front)

Most 6-inch kits replace the front coil springs with taller, stiffer units. These springs provide the primary lift in the front and must be matched to the weight of your vehicle and any aftermarket bumpers or winches. Progressive-rate springs are common because they maintain a comfortable ride on pavement while stiffening up under heavier loads off-road.

Lift Blocks or Leaf Springs (Rear)

For the rear, solid-axle vehicles often use lift blocks. These are aluminum or steel spacers that sit between the axle and the leaf spring. Blocks are a cost-effective way to achieve lift, but they can affect axle wrap and stability. Premium kits may include new leaf springs that have added arch (lift) built in, which is a better solution for maintaining suspension performance. Coil-sprung rear suspensions will get taller rear coil springs.

2. Shock Absorbers

Extended Length Shocks

Stock shocks are too short for a 6-inch lift. Kits include longer shocks to match the increased suspension travel. These are often gas-charged, monotube designs for consistent damping. Some kits offer remote-reservoir shocks for better heat dissipation during serious off-roading. The shocks control wheel bounce and keep the tires planted on rough terrain.

Shock Mounts & Bracket Relocation

Sometimes the kit provides new shock mount brackets or relocation plates to properly position the shocks. This ensures the shocks operate within their normal stroke range and don't bottom out or top out prematurely.

3. Control Arms (Traction Bars)

Upper and Lower Control Arms (IFS/Independent Front Suspension)

If your vehicle has independent front suspension (common on half-ton pickups and SUVs), a 6-inch lift will significantly change the control arm angles. Most quality kits include new upper and lower control arms with offset ball joints to correct the front-end geometry. This helps maintain proper camber, caster, and toe settings, preventing tire wear and improving steering response.

Rear Control Arms (Solid Axle)

On solid-axle vehicles, adjustable rear control arms or traction bars are often included. These are crucial to prevent axle wrap and to fine-tune pinion angle after the lift. Poor pinion angle can cause driveline vibration and premature U-joint wear.

4. Track Bars (Panhard Bars)

A track bar (or Panhard bar) keeps the axle centered under the vehicle. When the suspension is lifted, the stock track bar is too short and will pull the axle to one side. A 6-inch lift kit should include an adjustable track bar for both front and rear axles. Adjustability allows you to recenter the axle after the lift, ensuring straight tracking and preventing contact with coils or frame.

5. Sway Bar Links (End Links)

The sway bar (anti-roll bar) connects the left and right sides of the suspension to reduce body roll. With a 6-inch lift, the stock sway bar links become too short and can bind or break. Kits include extended quick-disconnect sway bar links. Quick-disconnects are handy for off-road use—you can disconnect the sway bar for better articulation and reconnect for highway driving.

6. Steering Components

Drag Link & Tie Rod Ends (or Drop Pitman Arm)

A 6-inch lift alters the steering geometry. Many kits include a dropped pitman arm (on solid-axle trucks) to lower the connection point of the drag link, restoring the proper steering angle. For IFS vehicles, high-steer knuckles or relocation brackets may be used. Some kits also supply heavy-duty tie rod ends to handle the larger tires that usually accompany a lift.

Steering Stabilizer

Some kits add a steering stabilizer (or a bracket to relocate the stock one) to reduce bump steer and wheel shimmy on rough roads. This is especially helpful with oversized tires.

7. Brake Line Brackets & Hoses

When you lift the suspension, the brake lines can become too short and tight. A good kit includes relocation brackets that lower the brake line mount, or it may provide extended braided stainless steel brake hoses. This prevents brake line rupture when the suspension is fully drooped.

8. Bump Stop Extensions

Bump stops prevent the suspension from bottoming out harshly. With a 6-inch lift, the factory bump stops may not contact the axle before the tire hits the fender. Kits include extended bump stops (polyurethane or rubber) that bolt onto the original mounts, limiting upward travel to protect fenders and tires.

9. Hardware & Fasteners

All the nuts, bolts, washers, castle nuts, and cotter pins needed for installation should be included. High-grade (Grade 8 or metric equivalent) hardware is standard. Some kits even supply thread-locking compound or anti-seize.

10. Alignment Specifications

A proper kit includes a sheet with recommended alignment specs (camber, caster, toe) for the lifted height. This helps any alignment shop set your truck up correctly, avoiding tire wear and handling issues.

Optional But Common Add-Ons

• Body Lift Components: Some 6-inch kits are a combination of suspension and body lift to achieve the full height. Never accept a kit that relies solely on body lift for 6 inches—that's unsafe. A true 6-inch suspension lift uses tall springs and proper geometry corrections.
• Differential Drop Brackets: On IFS trucks, dropping the differential may be necessary to keep CV joint angles safe. This reduces stress on the half-shafts.
• Skid Plate Relocation: If your kit lifts the drivetrain components, the factory skid plates may need relocation brackets.

What to Look for in a Complete Kit

Not every 6-inch lift kit includes all the above components. Budget kits often skip the new control arms or track bars, which leads to poor ride quality and alignment issues. A complete kit (sometimes called a "full" or "premium" lift) will have most or all of these parts. When comparing kits, look for:

• New coil springs or leaf springs (not just spacers)
• Adjustable front and rear track bars
• Extended brake line brackets or hoses
• Sway bar links and bump stop extensions
• Steering correction components (drop pitman arm or high-steer setup)
• Quality shocks that match the lift

Final Recommendation

For a 6-inch suspension lift, do not cut corners. A budget kit that omits proper control arms, track bars, or steering corrections will make your vehicle unsafe, uncomfortable, and prone to wear. Invest in a complete kit from a reputable manufacturer like BDS, Zone Offroad, Rough Country, or Pro Comp. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a well-engineered system. If you're unsure which parts you need, consult with an accredited suspension shop or experienced off-road installer. A proper 6-inch lift can transform your truck's capability—provided every part in the list is present and correctly installed.