Is it a good idea to put a leveling kit on a truck?

A leveling kit can be a good idea for some trucks and owners, but it’s not universally beneficial. It can improve stance and tire fitment for certain goals while introducing trade-offs in ride quality, warranty, and handling. Weighing these factors against how you use the vehicle is essential.

Leveling kits raise the front end of a pickup or SUV to achieve a more level stance relative to the rear. They are popular for aesthetic reasons, to gain ground clearance for off-road use, and to accommodate larger tires. The right choice depends on your truck model, intended use (daily driving, towing, or off-roading), and how much height you want to gain.

What a leveling kit does and how it works

Leveling kits come in several forms, each designed to address the same goal—lifting the front end to reduce the factory rake. Here are the common types you’ll encounter:

• Spacer kits that fit above coils or shocks to push the front higher. These are usually the simplest and most affordable option.


• Shock/strut extensions or full shock replacement with taller units to restore ride quality while gaining height.


• Torsion-bar keys or other mechanism changes that adjust front suspension geometry on applicable models.

In all cases, the objective is to even out the truck’s stance and often to provide enough clearance for larger tires. The exact behavior depends on the kit and the vehicle’s suspension design, so compatibility with your make, model, and year matters a lot.

Benefits and drawbacks

The following list outlines common reasons owners choose a leveling kit and the potential downsides to consider before buying.

• Benefits:
  
  
  
  • Improved front-to-rear stance for a more balanced look.
  
  
  • Ability to fit larger tires without rubbing, especially on aftermarket wheels.
  
  
  • Better approach and departure angles for light off-roading.
  
  
  • Some clearance for suspension components or undercarriage protection when navigating rough terrain.
  
  
  
  


• Drawbacks:
  
  
  
  • Ride quality can change, often becoming firmer or less refined, especially with spacer-only kits.
  
  
  • Front-end alignment and CV joint angles may be altered, increasing wear if not properly installed or maintained.
  
  
  • Potential impact on warranty or insurance coverage, depending on the vehicle and dealer policies.
  
  
  • Altered steering feel and possible bump steer if components aren’t matched to the vehicle’s geometry.
  
  
  • Not a substitute for a complete suspension lift if you plan serious off-roading or heavy towing.
  
  
  
  

In short, you gain aesthetics and clearance with a leveling kit, but you may trade ride quality and long-term reliability if the setup isn’t well-matched to your truck and usage.

Important considerations before installing

Before committing, consider these practical factors to avoid surprises and ensure you get the right outcome for your truck and budget:

1. Vehicle compatibility: Check that the kit supports your exact make, model, and year, and note the amount of lift offered (commonly 1–3 inches).


2. Tire clearance and wheel fitment: Ensure the chosen tire size works with your wheels and that there’s no rubbing at full steering lock or during suspension travel.


3. Alignment requirements: A professional alignment is essential after installation to prevent uneven tire wear and handling issues.


4. Riding quality and handling: Consider whether you’re willing to trade some ride comfort for the visual and clearance benefits.


5. Warranty and insurance: Verify whether the modification affects factory warranty or insurance terms, and whether reputable installers provide coverage for their work.


6. Drivetrain and geometry: Be aware that changes in front-end geometry can affect CV joints, steering geometry, and braking behavior over time.


7. Maintenance and longevity: Plan for potential earlier wear on front-end components and more frequent inspections of suspension parts.


8. Resale value: Some buyers prefer stock height; a leveling kit can either help or hinder resale depending on buyer preferences and market.

Careful planning and professional installation reduce the risk of alignment drift, drivetrain wear, or poor ride quality after the kit is installed.

Cost and maintenance

Budgeting for a leveling kit involves the kit itself, installation, and follow-up maintenance. Typical ranges and considerations include:

• Kit cost: Spacer-only kits are usually affordable (roughly $50–$250). More advanced kits that include taller shocks or complete struts can range from $300–$1,200 or more, depending on brand and model.


• Installation: Professional installation can cost about $150–$500, depending on vehicle complexity and local labor rates.


• Alignment: A post-install alignment is essential and commonly costs around $75–$150.


• Maintenance considerations: Expect potential wear on front-end components, and plan for periodic checks of CV joints, ball joints, and tie-rod ends. Re-alignment may be needed after additional suspension work or tire changes.

Prices vary by vehicle, brand, and region, and higher-end kits with adjustable components often command premium pricing. Always include installation and alignment in your overall cost estimate.

Bottom line

A leveling kit can be a sensible upgrade if your goals include a level stance, better front clearance for larger tires, or modest off-road capability, and you’re willing to accept some changes in ride quality and potential warranty considerations. To maximize safety and satisfaction, choose a kit that matches your specific truck and intended use, have it installed by a qualified technician, and get a proper alignment afterward.

Summary

- Leveling kits raise the front end to achieve a level stance and accommodate larger tires. - Benefits include improved appearance and better entry angles for light off-roading; drawbacks include potential changes to ride quality, drivetrain angles, and warranty impact. - Before buying, confirm vehicle compatibility, plan for alignment, and budget for installation and potential maintenance. - For best results, pair the kit with appropriate shocks or struts and have the setup installed by a professional. - Assess your priorities (Aesthetics vs. ride comfort vs. resale value) to decide if a leveling kit is right for your truck.

How much will a 2 inch leveling kit raise my truck?

Attention: Will Raise your truck 2" in the front. Due to suspension geometry, the ratio between lift height and kit thickness is not 1:1. But it truly lifts the front of your vehical by 2.5 inches post-installation.

Is a level better than a lift?

Generally, level kits are much easier to install than lift kits, and they're also less expensive. However, level kits don't offer the same performance or aesthetic benefits as a lift kit.

Is it worth getting a leveling kit?

A leveling kit can be worth it for those who want to improve a truck's appearance by eliminating the front-end "rake" and gaining the ability to fit larger tires. It is a cost-effective modification that is relatively easy to install and is less intrusive than a full lift kit, while often retaining a similar factory ride quality. However, it may reduce fuel economy and towing capacity, and isn't ideal if you need significant ground clearance for serious off-roading.
 
This video explains the pros and cons of leveling kits compared to lift kits: 1mTCcustomsYouTube · Mar 22, 2021
Benefits of a leveling kit

• Improved Aesthetics: It creates a more balanced and aggressive look by making the front of the truck level with the rear. 
• Larger Tires: It provides enough clearance to install larger tires, which can improve off-road performance and appearance. 
• Cost-Effective: Leveling kits are significantly cheaper than lift kits, both in terms of the parts and installation. 
• DIY Friendly: Many kits are straightforward enough for a do-it-yourself installation, saving on labor costs. 
• Retains Ride Quality: A properly installed kit often has a minimal impact on the factory ride quality for everyday driving. 

Potential drawbacks

• Towing Capacity: Leveling the vehicle can cause it to squat more when towing, potentially decreasing the towing or weight capacity. 
• Fuel Economy: A more level stance can increase wind resistance, which may slightly lower fuel efficiency. 
• Limited Off-Roading Capability: It does not provide the same ground clearance as a full lift kit, which may be insufficient for serious off-roading. 
• Additional Costs: You will need to budget for a professional wheel alignment after installation to ensure safety and proper tire wear. 

You can watch this video to see how a leveling kit affects a truck's performance: 27sGatlin Media YouTube · Jul 28, 2025
When to choose a leveling kit

• You want to improve the look of your truck without a major, expensive modification. 
• You plan to install larger tires. 
• You still want to retain a comfortable ride quality for daily driving.
• You don't require significant ground clearance for aggressive off-roading. 
• You frequently tow or haul heavy loads, and are willing to accept a slight decrease in capacity. 

This video demonstrates the process of leveling a truck, which is helpful for understanding the final outcome: 37s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Sep 4, 2024

What are the cons of leveling a truck?

Cons of leveling a truck include decreased gas mileage, reduced towing and weight capacity, and increased wear on suspension components like CV joints and ball joints. Leveling kits can also negatively affect handling, require an alignment, and potentially make the ride stiffer, especially with cheaper kits. 
You can watch this video to learn about the pros and cons of leveling a truck: 1mTCcustomsYouTube · Mar 22, 2021
Performance and capability

• Reduced towing and weight capacity: Lowering the rear of the truck reduces its ability to tow and carry heavy loads. 
• Impact on ride quality: The ride can become stiffer, as the factory suspension geometry is altered. 
• Decreased fuel economy: Lifting the front creates more wind resistance, which can lower gas mileage, especially with larger or more aggressive tires. 

Mechanical and safety

• Increased suspension wear: Leveling kits can put more stress on components like CV joints, ball joints, and other front-end parts, leading to premature wear. 
• Alignment issues: The change in suspension height will require a new wheel alignment. 
• Potential for handling problems: The altered geometry can negatively impact the truck's handling and stability, with larger lifts having a more significant effect. 
• CV axle angle issues: A significant lift can change the angle of the CV (constant velocity) axles, causing them to wear out faster. 
• Visibility changes: Raising the headlights can create more blind spots and make it harder for other drivers to see your truck, while also potentially blinding oncoming traffic. 

This video explains how leveling a truck can increase the wear on CV axles: 58sMile High MisfitsYouTube · May 26, 2024
Other considerations

• Tire and wheel limitations: The ability to fit larger or wider tires and wheels may be limited compared to a full lift kit. 
• Cost of additional modifications: Depending on the height of the lift, you may need to purchase other parts, such as aftermarket control arms or extended brake lines. 
• Aesthetic changes: While many people level a truck for looks, the result can be a truck that appears less capable for heavy-duty work if that's your intended use. 
• Irreversible changes: Some methods, particularly those with body lifts, can be irreversible.