When you think of a lifted truck, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a Silverado with loud exhaust and the infamous Carolina Lean, where the back half of the truck is significantly lower than the front. Or perhaps it’s your brother's Wrangler, stuck in the mud after an off-road adventure gone wrong. Wherever the thought of lifted trucks takes you, it really begs the question: when did lifted trucks become a thing—and why?
(Image: A U.S. Army Wills MA Jeep at the Desert Training Center, Indio, California (USA), in June 1942 - Wikipedia)
The Early Days: Function Over Form
Whether you err on the side of lift kits being practical or nonsensical, many are unaware that the act of lifting a vehicle originated from war time. During World War II, the military lifted vehicles out of necessity for transporting supplies and equipment to the most remote areas. The first vehicles didn’t even have shock absorbers, so you can imagine that sending the average vehicle of the time into rough terrain would not bode well for transporting, nor a comfortable ride for the driver.
Initially designed for military use, lifted vehicles gradually made their way into civilian life after the war. Manufacturers like Land Rover, Jeep and International Harvester recognized their utility for tasks such as logging, construction, and navigating muddy or snow-covered terrain. Civilians quickly embraced these rugged vehicles for both work and exploration.
(Image: Dodge Power Wagon J.B. Auto Co. 24 Hour Service, Boston Public Library - Wikipedia)
Post-War Culture and the Mainstream
By the 1970s, the lifted truck scene boomed with enthusiast clubs popping up all over the states. Many of the vehicles that defined this era were early models of the Dodge Power Wagon, Jeep CJ and Land Rover. As the popularity of these vehicles rose, so did aftermarket lift kits and off-road clubs.
One such enthusiast named Bob Chandler decided to lift his 1974 F-250 with some reinforced axles and larger tires. The truck would later inherit the name “Bigfoot,” after Bob’s reputation amongst friends for pushing the truck to its limits. This truck would later become an icon and inspiration for the rise of monster truck shows in the 1980s.
(Image: Bigfoot #3 in St. Louis, January 1984 - Wikipedia)
From there, aftermarket shops offering lift kits opened all over the country to support this growing niche. Many innovations in lift technology came along with it, such as body lifts and larger tires. The aftermarket parts and kits market grew exponentially from military purposes to enthusiasts lining up to emulate their heroes at the stadium shows and music videos. This shift in perception brought lifted vehicles up from workhorse to a lifestyle vehicle while still holding onto its roots as a symbol of freedom.
The 90’s Goes Custom
The 1990s and 2000s saw a boom in the aftermarket industry, with companies pushing the limits of lift kits and performance. Innovations in materials like high-grade steel and reinforced polyurethane made trucks more durable, while advanced shocks improved handling on and off road.
Companies like Fox Factory, for example, introduced performance shocks with technologies like remote reservoirs and adjustable damping. The aftermarket industry also saw advancements in lift height with the ability to lift the truck 6-12 inches (or more) while still being able to drive harsh off-road conditions. Along with this, engineers developed suspension technology, such as control arms, longer leaf springs and coilover systems, to correct alignment and tire wear issues created from installing the lift kit.
Through the rise of media, online forums and trade shows like SEMA, extreme builds were showcased, molding the minds of enthusiasts on what was possible. With popular magazines and social media, lifted-truck fans were able to share builds, tips and inspiration that push builders to create even more extreme truck builds even in the current day. These advancements not only pushed boundaries but also gave enthusiasts more tools to customize their trucks’ functionality and look.
Modern Lifted Trucks
The demand for lifted trucks and custom builds continues to surge, with both factory-upfitted and enthusiast builds shaping the market. Turnkey lifted trucks, like the options from Black Widow and Rocky Ridge, make an undeniable impact, offering customers a hassle-free way to own a fully built, off-road capable truck straight from the dealership. These pre-built custom trucks come with factory-backed warranties, easy financing options, and the immediate satisfaction of driving of the lot with a custom build without the wait.
For those who prefer to take the build into their own hands, brands like BDS Suspension, Zone Offroad, and JKS Manufacturing provide limitless customization opportunities. Whether it’s dialing in the perfect stance, upgrading to high-performance suspension, or crafting a one-of-a-kind off-road machine, DIY enthusiasts get to create something unique that reflects their vision.
Recent advancements in suspension technology, like Fox Live Valve systems, have revolutionized ride quality. These intelligent shocks adjust stiffness in real time, softening for smooth highway cruising and stiffening for aggressive off-road terrain. This technology gives both turnkey and custom-built trucks a new level of performance and versatility.
(Image retrieved from Rivian.com newsroom press kit - Rivian R1T)
The eco-conscious market and EV trucks have even begun to dip their toes in the water when it comes to lift kits and off-road. The Rivian R1T is ready for adventure right out of the gate with adjustable air suspension with 14.5 inches of ground clearance. This gives the pilot the ability to go off-road adventuring straight from the factory in a similar way to a lifted truck would be, but with the EV level of efficiency. However, it may not be reliable on long off-roading trips due to the nature of periodically charging these vehicles.
Cultural Significance and Challenges
Since their origins in wartime, lifted trucks have become symbols of freedom, individuality and self-expression. They’re often a personal statement of the truck owner’s tastes and preferences, as well as a symbol of pride and hard work. For others, it may represent good times with friends and family, sitting around the campfire after a long day of off-roading. Whatever the case may be, this is a strong, devoted community that is driven by passion.
Economics often plays a role in how far an enthusiast can go with customization. While top-of-the-line parts are available for those with deep pockets, rising costs for labor and parts have made DIY modifications less affordable than they once were. For many, though, the love of building far outweighs the price tag.
As with most automotive enthusiast communities, they’re often met with the tug back and forth with the law and state regulations of what’s legal and safe on the road. This is why it’s always important to pay attention to any state regulations on lift height, headlight alignment and type, RGB rock lights and bumper height laws.
Reflection
From the military front lines to off-road enthusiast culture and today’s high-tech builds, lifted trucks have come a long way. For many lifted truck owners, they represent a passion passed down through generations that continues to shape the future of the aftermarket industry.
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