Which truck manufacturer is the best for aftermarket modification? Here’s a breakdown of four major brands: GM, Ford, Ram, and Toyota.
Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Ram… How We Ranked them!
While your choice of manufacturer can hinge on towing ability, tech features, or daily driving preferences, we set all of those elements aside in this breakdown. The following three factors each play a significant role in our ranking. The first is available aftermarket options: What is the variety and quality of the aftermarket parts offered by each brand? Next is compatibility: How well can each brand accommodate for custom suspension, wheels & tires, etc.? Finally, ease of installation: We spoke to our technicians about their building experiences, and asked them what you should be aware of before installation.
2026 Ford F-150. View additional photos and aftermarket upgrades!
2026 Ram 1500. View additional photos and aftermarket upgrades!
2026 Toyota Tundra. View additional photos and aftermarket upgrades!
2026 GMC Sierra 1500. View additional photos and aftermarket upgrades!
FORD – A Tier
Ford accommodates a wide variety of aftermarket customization options. With available lifts at 6″, 8″ and even 10″, drivers can completely transform their Ford trucks while still preserving ride comfort. There is also a large variety of customizations available for heavy-duty models such as the F-250 or F-350. Compared to other brands, Fords are not as technically complicated, but systems such as CCD and BlueCruise may still interfere with installation. Load-leveling sensors on heavy-duty models must also be accounted for when adjusting lift height. Also consider your trim level, as certain parts may not be compatible with all Ford trims.
RAM – A Tier
Similarly to Ford, Rams are highly regarded trucks that are known for their wide range of available modifications and easy installation process. Their heavy-duty Cummins engines are also a major selling point. The additional features of the RHO and TRX trims provide extra opportunities to customize parts such as the bumper. While many drivers choose Ram for their four-corner adjustable suspension, it does restrict the amount of aftermarket lift options that are compatible with their trucks. Again, Rams are easy to customize with bolt-on modification options, but certain configurations can interfere with aftermarket parts.
Toyota – B Tier
Although it’s ranked lowest of the four manufacturers, Toyota trucks still live up to their reputation as practically built and reliable vehicles. Some drawbacks include a lack of available lifts at increased heights such as 6″. Other manufacturers offer a larger variety compared to Toyota. In addition, specialized off-road builds may come at a higher cost because of a smaller parts selection. Due to electronic interference, higher-tech Toyota trims are also more difficult to reprogram when installing certain parts . Despite this, Toyotas are still an ideal candidate for mild builds, daily drivers, or upgraded wheels & tires.
GEneral Motors – S Tier
GM comes away as the “winner” of this ranking. GM’s Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado are both highly customizable, and can be outfitted with either factory or aftermarket upgrades. GM is known for their quality stock suspension, including MultiMatic shocks and adaptive lifts. GM vehicles have strong aftermarket support as well, and a broad range of customizable aspects on their trucks. A potential drawback of GM trucks are the upper control arms and ball-joints. Newer models may experience added strain or even failure of these parts when paired with aftermarket lifts. Correct compatibility or replacement will resolve this issue.
