What do leveling kits do for trucks?

One of the most common modifications when customizing and upgrading a truck is to install a leveling kit. Why do so many owners install a leveling kit? Most pickup trucks are designed with a wedge-shaped appearance, that is, the front of the truck is facing down, to improve fuel economy and help the truck reduce weight when loaded. If the owner wants to improve the body posture and make the front and rear of the vehicle have the same general height, then you need to use leveling lift kits to raise the front of the truck.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about leveling kits, from their purpose and function to costs and things to consider when deciding to lift or level your truck.

What is a leveling kit?

Most trucks come from the factory with a slight forward tilt. The front end of the truck tends to be a few inches lower than the rear, giving the vehicle a forward-leaning appearance. This is intentional because when you add weight to the bed of your truck, it can cause the vehicle to sag or bottom out. By lifting the rear of the vehicle, you reduce sag and prevent the extra stress from damaging the suspension.

A leveling kit is a suspension modification that raises the front of the truck a few inches so that the front is at the same height as the rear, keeping the vehicle stable from front to back while giving the vehicle a more aesthetically pleasing stance. It can also help balance out the extra weight of a winch at the front end. In addition, the height that a leveling kit adds to the front of your vehicle gives you extra ground clearance, allowing you to install slightly larger tires without rubbing against the fenders.

Leveling kits are available for a variety of truck models, including the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra, and more. Truck owners seeking a balanced look can benefit from adding a leveling kit to their vehicle. Not only will you maintain the factory ride, but you'll also get a smooth ride.

The functions of the leveling kit

While the most obvious function of a leveling kit is to raise the front of the truck, its benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Having already mentioned its functions above, here are some details on the different functions of a leveling kit:

Improved aesthetics

Many truck owners prefer a balanced, level look for their vehicles. By raising the front of the truck to match the rear, a leveling kit can make the truck look more aggressive and proportional. This modification can also enhance the visual appeal when paired with larger tires and custom rims, creating a stronger, more imposing presence on the road.

Larger tire fitment

Truck owners can install a leveling kit to make room for larger tires. Trucks with factory rake often have limited clearance in the front wheel wells, which limits the size of tires that can be installed. Leveling kits increase the space available for larger tires, making it easier to fit a truck with off-road or all-terrain tires and preventing rubbing or other clearance issues from arising.

Enhanced off-road capability

If you are an owner who loves off-road driving, the leveling kit can provide additional ground clearance to improve performance. The extra height at the front helps prevent the chassis from scraping obstacles such as rocks or debris during off-road adventures. Give you better traction and better handling on rough terrain.

Balanced handling and load distribution

Some truck owners rarely use their vehicles for towing or hauling. For these drivers, a forward-leaning posture can lead to uneven weight distribution and negatively affect handling. A leveling kit allows for more even load distribution throughout the truck, resulting in smoother handling and greater stability, even when you're driving over rough, uneven surfaces.

What is included in a leveling kit?

Most leveling kits usually include:

Strut extensions or spacers

One way to level the front of a truck is to install strut extensions or spacers. They are installed between the truck chassis and the upper spring seat. Spacers come in different sizes, usually ranging from 1 to 3 inches. Strut spacers are popular, they are relatively easy to install, and they do not require extensive modifications to the suspension.

Torsion keys

In trucks equipped with a torsion bar suspension system, leveling is achieved by adjusting the torsion bar using aftermarket torsion keys. These torsion keys replace the factory keys, allowing for more adjustment of the front-end height. Torsion keys provide an easy and effective way to level the truck without the need for additional components.

Coil spring spacers

For trucks equipped with a coil spring suspension system, coil spring spacers are placed on top of or underneath the front coil springs to raise the front end. This method is commonly used on trucks such as the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500.

How much is a leveling kit?

The cost of a leveling kit varies widely depending on the brand, the types of components included, and the vehicle it's for. They are relatively inexpensive compared to lift kits. Here's a general breakdown of the costs associated with a leveling kit:

Basic leveling kits

Basic leveling kits include strut spacers or torque keys and can range in price from $100 to $300. These kits are simple to install and are ideal for truck owners who want to achieve a slight lift (1-2 inches) without extensive modifications.

Advanced leveling kits

More advanced leveling kits include coil spring spacers, control arms, and shock absorbers, and cost between $300 and $600. These kits provide more lift and better performance. Because of the extra components involved, professional installation is required.

Should I lift or level my truck?

If you are new to truck modification and you want to raise the front of your truck, you will want to know the difference between a leveling kit and a lift kit.

We need to know what the difference is between the two kits. A leveling kit generally only provides 1 to 3 inches of ground clearance. It cannot significantly raise or lower your truck body. It is affordable and easy to install. Lift kits are a bit more complicated and are divided into suspension lifts and body lifts. A body lift puts the truck body onto the frame without changing the suspension. A suspension upgrade requires replacing a large portion of the suspension system to increase ground clearance and allow for taller tires, which can improve off-road performance.

In short, the intended use of the truck determines whether the truck should be lifted or leveled. If you mainly use your truck for daily driving and occasional off-roading, a leveling kit will be enough. However, if you often have off-road riding and drive on rough terrain, you need the suspension system to provide enough ground clearance, then a lift kit is more appropriate. A lift kit raises the front and rear of the truck to provide additional clearance for larger tires and more extreme off-road conditions.

Conclusion

Leveling kits are a popular and cost-effective way to modify a truck's stance, enhance its appearance, and improve performance. By raising the front end to match the rear end, truck owners can achieve a more balanced look and make room for larger tires.