What is the point of a leveling kit?
Leveling kits are a popular modification among truck and SUV owners, but many people wonder what their purpose is and whether they are worth the investment. As an experienced auto service provider, I’ve seen firsthand how leveling kits can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of a vehicle. In this article, I’ll break down what a leveling kit does, why you might consider installing one, and the benefits it offers.
What Does a Leveling Kit Do?
A leveling kit is designed to raise the front of a truck or SUV to match the height of the rear. Most trucks come from the factory with a slight "rake," meaning the rear sits higher than the front. This is intentional, as it allows the vehicle to handle heavy loads in the bed or on a trailer without sagging excessively. However, for drivers who don’t frequently haul heavy loads, this rake can be unnecessary and even undesirable.
By installing a leveling kit, you can eliminate this rake and achieve a more balanced, level stance. This is accomplished by adding spacers, torsion keys, or coil spring adjustments to the front suspension, depending on the vehicle's make and model.
Why Install a Leveling Kit?
There are several reasons why vehicle owners choose to install a leveling kit. Here are the most common:
- Improved Aesthetics: A level stance often looks more appealing, especially for those who want a sleek, aggressive appearance.
- Increased Tire Clearance: Leveling kits allow for the installation of larger tires, which can improve off-road performance and enhance the vehicle's overall look.
- Better Handling: For some drivers, leveling the vehicle can improve handling and stability, particularly when driving off-road or on uneven terrain.
- Enhanced Lighting Performance: A level vehicle ensures that headlights are properly aligned, improving visibility and safety during nighttime driving.
Benefits of a Leveling Kit
Beyond the reasons for installation, leveling kits offer several practical benefits:
- Cost-Effective Modification: Compared to full suspension lifts, leveling kits are relatively affordable and easier to install.
- Preservation of Ride Quality: Unlike some suspension modifications, a leveling kit typically doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s ride quality.
- Versatility: Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or simply want a better-looking truck, a leveling kit can meet a variety of needs.
Is a Leveling Kit Right for You?
Deciding whether to install a leveling kit depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking to improve your vehicle’s appearance, accommodate larger tires, or enhance off-road capabilities, a leveling kit is a great option. However, if you frequently haul heavy loads, you may want to stick with the factory rake to maintain optimal performance under load.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve helped countless customers choose and install the right leveling kits for their vehicles. If you’re considering this modification, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and professional installation services. A leveling kit might just be the upgrade your truck or SUV needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do leveling kits affect rides?
A leveling kit is a suspension modification designed to equalize the front and back height of a vehicle. It does this by altering the tension on the springs and shock absorbers, which in turn affects the ride quality of the truck or SUV.
What are the cons of a leveling kit?
Increased chance of uncontrolled steering oscillation. Decrease in driver visibility for high-lift jobs. Increased wear on ball joints as well as general front-end wear. Installing a lift or leveling kit may cause warranty issues, so it's a good idea to ask your dealer for specifics about your vehicle's warranty.
Will a 2 inch leveling kit affect ride quality?
One of the biggest advantages of a 2-inch leveling kit is that it maintains the factory ride quality. Unlike more aggressive lifts, which can alter the suspension geometry significantly, a 2-inch lift offers a more moderate change.
Why are trucks not level from the factory?
They are not level because they are designed to carry a payload and/or tow stuff. The only reason to have them level and/or lowered - looks. Adding a complex air suspension to every truck for ``looks'' would drive up the cost of the truck unnecessarily (for most buyers).
Will a 3 inch lift level my truck?
On the other hand, a 3” Kit will bring the front to 38”, but with only a 1” block spacer in the rear, the truck is going to sit level at 38” front to back. So ultimately the answer here is YES, a lift kit will level out your truck.
Is a 3 inch lift the same as a leveling kit?
Instead of just raising the front end like leveling kits, a lift kit raises both the front and rear of the truck. The lift kit can include taller springs, coil spacers, shocks and struts, and new control and trailing arms.
Is it better to lift or level a truck?
Both lift the vehicle, improving wheel and ground clearance. But with a leveling kit, you get most of the aesthetics and function of a full-blown lift kit, without the expense and hours of work replacing every suspension component on your truck.
What are the benefits of a leveling kit?
Leveling kits are cheaper and simpler than lifting kits, and they can raise a vehicle's ride height by one to two inches. A leveling kit is a great choice for the driver who wants larger tires or more ground clearance for their day-to-day.
Do leveling kits make a difference?
These components help raise the front of the vehicle to match the height of the rear, achieving a more balanced appearance. Impact: Leveling kits generally have a minimal impact on ride quality and handling since their primary goal is to level the vehicle rather than significantly alter its overall height.
Is it better to level or lift a truck?
Lift kits tend to be more complex than leveling kits, which means installation is a much more involved, and expensive, process. The end result is more noticeable than a leveling kit, with greater changes to ground clearance, more room for larger wheels, and significant impact on handling and maneuverability.
