For many truck enthusiasts, the decision to own a lifted truck starts with the same question: should you build your own custom lifted truck or buy one from a dealership upfitter like Lifted Trucks? At first glance, building may seem like the more affordable or creative option. But when you dig into the numbers — parts, labor, time, and risk — the hidden costs of building often outweigh the value of buying a professionally finished lifted truck.
At Lifted Trucks, we’ve spent nearly 30 years perfecting the process of delivering turnkey lifted trucks that are ready to drive home the same day. Here’s a real-world breakdown of what you need to know before making your decision.
The True Cost of Building a Lifted Truck Yourself
On the surface, buying a base truck and customizing it sounds straightforward. But once you begin, the expenses quickly add up. Consider the following common costs:
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Truck Purchase Price: Whether new or used, the cost of a base truck is your first major expense. The higher the trim, the more expensive your starting point.
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Lift Kit & Suspension: Depending on the height and brand, lift kits range from $2,000 to $10,000 before installation. High-performance coilover systems or long-travel kits cost even more.
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Wheels & Tires: Aggressive wheel and tire packages can run $3,000 to $6,000, with beadlocks and oversized off-road tires costing significantly more.
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Installation Labor: Shops charge $100–$200 per hour for custom labor, and lifts can take 20+ hours. Add in extra time for re-gearing, aligning suspension, and fabricating parts.
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Upgrades & Accessories: Bumpers, lighting, chase racks, and performance mods can easily add another $5,000–$15,000 depending on preferences.
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Downtime: Many shops quote weeks to months for project completion, meaning your truck is out of service while waiting on parts, backorders, or shop availability.
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Warranty Risks: Most custom shops don’t offer a true warranty on the entire truck. If a part fails, you may be left arguing between the parts manufacturer and installer.
In total, building your own premium lifted truck often costs $20,000–$40,000 above the base price once everything is factored in. And that’s if there are no mistakes, poor-quality parts, or unexpected complications along the way.
The Value of Buying a Lifted Truck from Lifted Trucks
Now compare that to buying from Lifted Trucks. Every truck on our lot is:
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Professionally Built: Our technicians handle every detail — from lift kit installation to wheel/tire fitment to suspension tuning — using only trusted parts.
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Ready to Drive Today: No waiting on parts, no shop delays, no downtime. The truck you see is the truck you take home.
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Dealership-Backed Warranty: Customers get peace of mind knowing their investment is covered by both manufacturer warranties and dealership support.
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Curated Inventory: We source only high-quality base vehicles before performing our upgrades, so you never inherit someone else’s problems.
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Cost Transparency: Instead of juggling separate bills from shops and suppliers, you get one price upfront with financing options available.
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Resale Value: Professionally built dealership trucks hold their value better because buyers trust certified builds over private projects.
When you compare building to buying, the difference is clear. At Lifted Trucks, the upgrades are already done, perfected, and tested — which means you save not only money but also months of uncertainty.
The Risk Factor: What Building Doesn’t Tell You
Many DIY builds and small custom shops don’t advertise the hidden risks:
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Cutting corners on parts or installation to save money.
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Lack of accountability if issues arise.
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Limited experience with modern truck electronics and safety systems.
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Questionable resale value if buyers doubt the quality of the work.
A lifted truck is more than just looks — it’s a complex machine that requires expertise. With Lifted Trucks, you know your build is done right the first time.
The Bottom Line
Building a lifted truck yourself may feel like a way to save money or add personal flair, but in reality, the hidden costs, delays, and risks often far outweigh the benefits. Buying from Lifted Trucks gives you a professionally finished, road-ready truck backed by a dealership you can trust.
Conclusion: Invest in Confidence
At the end of the day, a lifted truck is more than a vehicle — it’s a lifestyle statement. The question is whether you want to spend months stressing over builds, parts, and shops, or if you’d rather drive away today in a truck that’s been curated, customized, and certified by industry leaders.
Lifted Trucks Nashville, along with our 12 other locations nationwide, offers one of the largest selections of lifted trucks and SUVs in the country. Every truck is built with precision, passion, and quality that stands the test of time.
Don’t let hidden costs derail your dream build. Come experience the Lifted Trucks difference, and find the truck that’s ready to take you further — today.
Check out our inventory and discover why more customers nationwide choose Lifted Trucks for their lifted truck journey.
