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Lifted trucks are growing in popularity not just for their appearance but for their excellent performance, too. Apart from looking imposing, lifted trucks provide several advantages, including:

• Better visibility

Lifted trucks are elevated so you can see the road better, enhancing your ability to avoid hazards.

• Better vehicle control

Lifted trucks use larger tires, which improves traction, allowing you to handle bumps and curbs better.

• Better towing ability

If you have other vehicles, such as a boat or a trailer, the improved suspension of lifted trucks helps you tow these loads better.

All of these make lifted trucks perfect for recreational off-road use. But buying a lifted diesel truck for sale isn’t a matter of just picking a model that suits your style. Below, we help you identify the things you need to look for when buying a used lifted truck.

1. Inspect the suspension

The process of lifting a diesel truck affects the vehicle’s suspension, affecting your control of the vehicle. So regardless of the type of suspension used—spacer, coil spring, air suspension, or others—make sure to inspect the suspension component of the lifted truck you’re interested in.

In some cases, the new angle created from the lift will put too much wear and tear on the driveshaft and the rear transmission shaft’s steel. Checking the suspension system helps you ensure that they are still in good condition.

2. Check the tires

The tires used in used lifted trucks are important indicators of their quality. For one, check the tread wear on the tires; too much wear on the inside or outside of a tire can signal alignment problems.

In addition, check the fit of the tires too. Bigger tires are better suited to lifted trucks since they handle rougher terrains and balance the truck’s center of gravity. Ill-fitting or smaller tires also wear down faster.

3. Look at the fluids

A lifted truck’s diesel engines use two major fluids: oil and coolant. For used lifted trucks, the color and consistency of these liquids can tell you a lot about the vehicle’s health. Streaky coolant with plenty of gunk and oil with a milky texture both indicate problems with the truck’s engine.

4. Inspect the brakes

Since lifted diesel trucks have bigger tires, they take longer to respond to brakes, especially when you’re driving at high speeds. This can overwhelm your brake system and result in overheating.

One solution to this is to get brake kits designed for bigger tires. These will give you larger brake pads for better contact with the tires.

In addition, the brake caliper and rotor size should match the vehicle load. Brake kits will have calipers that suit your tires and give your brakes better clamping force.

5. Ask for a history report

A history report is an essential document, detailing everything a used lifted truck has been through. This includes information on repairs, accidents, and floods, as well as the past owners of the vehicle. These pieces of information will be important if you discover something irreparable about your truck.

Get The Best Used Lifted Trucks in AZ

Interested in getting your own lifted truck? Canyon State Trucks and SUVs carries a wide selection of pre-owned lifted trucks, diesel trucks, 4x4s, and more. Choose from your favorite brands like Ford and Chevy and take it on a drive around Arizona.

Browse our used lifted truck listings now.