Lift kits sized for the forest roads west of Fort Collins
Height only earns its keep when it matches the dirt under your tires. We choose suspension for the routes off CO-14 and Stove Prairie, and make sure the truck still behaves on pavement afterward.
Why FR 152 and FR 168 call for different suspension
Old Flowers Road (FR 152) leaves Stove Prairie and heads toward the Pingree Park area, climbing through pine and aspen from about 7,400 feet to around 8,600. It carries an easy rating, and in dry weather a stock or lightly raised 4x4 on decent all-terrain tires generally manages it. On a route like that, a modest lift buys margin: a bit more space beneath the rockers, room for a slightly taller tire, and less worry when a rut turns out deeper than it looked through the windshield.
Kelly Flats (FR 168) is a different proposition. It branches north off CO-14 roughly 25 miles west of US-287, and its best-known obstacles go by Heart Attack Hill and The Chutes. The route is graded difficult, meant for high-clearance 4WD vehicles and drivers with experience. There, raw height matters less than what the suspension does when one front tire sits on a ledge and the opposite rear hangs in the air. Articulation, shock length, and bump stops that keep rubber off sheet metal become the real topics.
Burn scars, canyon pavement, and the commute
Large parts of the backcountry west of town burned when the Cameron Peak Fire swept through in 2020, Colorado’s largest recorded wildfire at nearly 209,000 acres. Roads through burned areas can hold fallen timber, newly exposed rock, and ruts that change between seasons. An extra inch of clearance and suspension that absorbs surprises count for more on that ground than a spec sheet suggests.
Then comes the return trip. Leaving Kelly Flats means a long descent on CO-14 through the canyon's curves, and after that, traffic lights on College Avenue or a run on I-25. A lift that is too tall, or paired with poorly matched shocks, feels vague and top-heavy on that pavement.
Colorado regulates suspension alterations under C.R.S. 42-4-233, and headlamp centers must sit no lower than 24 and no higher than 54 inches off the pavement under C.R.S. 42-4-205, so both shape how tall we go. Planning armor to match the new stance? Our Fort Collins bumper page covers that. If the truck only needs its factory rake removed, a leveling kit might be all it takes. Parts and kit details live on the main lift kits page, and directions from Old Town are on our Fort Collins overview.
Suspension work, start to finish
Before you choose a height
How much lift should I run for Kelly Flats compared with Old Flowers Road?
There is no single number. Old Flowers is an easy road where mild lift simply adds cushion. Kelly Flats rewards tire size and articulation far more than height alone, so we base the recommendation on the tire you want, your vehicle, and how much wheel travel it needs. Keep the calendar in mind too: the Kelly Flats gate stays shut from late November into mid-May.
Will a lifted truck feel worse on College Avenue and I-25?
It changes a little, since a taller vehicle leans more and catches crosswinds. Matched shocks, correct geometry and a proper alignment keep the difference small. Choosing only the height your tires require is the best way to protect everyday manners.
My 4x4 is registered and plated. Is an OHV permit required on these routes?
The official motor vehicle use map for the national forest marks roads with three-digit numbers, and plated street-legal vehicles need no CPW permit on those. Routes numbered with four or more digits are trails, where a plated vehicle does need an OHV permit. FR 152 and FR 168 are roads, but confirm on the current map before each season.
What customers say
5.0 from 46 Google reviews
Zach did some suspension work on my truck and it came out great, he was quick and the price was fair. Will definitely be back for more work in the future.
I had some Rubicon takeoff springs installed on my Wrangler JL Sport 2 door. It was awesome to watch Zach work. He took time to torque everything properly and still completed the job in a very timely fashion. It was a great experience!
Zach did a great job on the lift install for my sequoia. Highly recommend!
I recently had a set of Fox 2.0 shocks installed on my daughter's Jeep at Off-Camber 4x4 Garage and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the Zach and Team was knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. They took the time to explain the different shock options, ensuring we chose the best setup for her needs. The installation was done quickly and with great attention to detail. The Jeep now handles better than ever—smoother on the road and more capable off it.
Zack made a great recommendation on the Old Man Emu overland suspension for my 2021 Ford Ranger. Also on the installation. Truck rides and handles great.
I can’t say enough good things about this jeep shop and Zach was super friendly and even looked at something I thought could be an issue. As someone that works in the trades and was hoping for a smooth experience. They exceeded any expectations that I had. My jeep looks a lot better lifted. I had very specific time frames I was hoping to meet and they made it work, answered dozens of questions that I had, and provided tons of information I wanted to know and didn’t think to ask.
Zach and his team are nothing but stellar. They helped me a winch install, new upgraded suspension lift, and off-road lights for my Silverado. I would highly recommend them for any off-road upgrades you are looking to do for your rig.
Great job repairing my rear tire mount.