One of the most common modifications to start with if you’re driving a new truck or SUV is your suspension. This popular upgrade allows the use of bigger wheels for a more aggressive look, improved ride height and quality, and the ability to install more sophisticated equipment for enhanced off-road capability.
But before you start shopping for suspension kits, let’s talk about the differences between two of the most popular suspension modifications: the leveling kit and the lift kit.
What’s the Difference Between a Lift Kit and a Leveling Kit?
Both types of kits are designed to raise your vehicle’s body and allow it to fit larger tires. Modifying your vehicle’s suspension height with these kits can help enhance your ride’s appearance, improve your off-road capability, and reduce the risk of underbody damage.
To compare leveling kits versus lift kits, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of these modifications to help you decide what’s best for you and your truck.
Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit: Advantages & Disadvantages
When considering whether to install a lift kit or a leveling kit on your vehicle, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. As previously mentioned, these modifications are similar in that they can both enhance your vehicle’s appearance and performance. But they also have distinct differences, making each one unique and potentially better suited to different purposes.
Leveling Kits Are Easier to Install
This is helpful if you don’t have a lot of DIY experience. Lift kits, meanwhile, are best left to a professional due to the need for new components and additional modifications for a safe and proper installation.
Leveling Kits Are Significantly More Affordable
Lift kits can be a considerable investment and will cost you anywhere between a few hundred to several thousand. On the other hand, decent leveling kits typically cost somewhere under $100. Keep in mind, however, that this would still depend on certain factors, such as where you purchase your kit.
Lift Kits Can Give Vehicles a Bold New Look
Basic leveling kits often cause unappealing pitching (where the vehicle’s nose lifts) that can be particularly noticeable when your truck bed is loaded with heavy cargo. Meanwhile, a lift kit can transform your truck or SUV, giving it a bolder stance and enhancing its functionality beyond merely making it a taller version of the stock model.
Lift Kits Offer Enhanced Suspension Flexibility
With a lift kit, the distance between the vehicle body and its axles is more pronounced, allowing the wheels to move more freely and enhancing traction and stability over rocks and other obstacles.
Lift Kits Can Put More Stress on Suspension Components
With higher lifts, stress is added to a vehicle’s suspension due to the altered center of gravity and geometry, as well as the increased weight of larger tires. This can make the vehicle less stable and prone to accelerated wear over time.
What is a Leveling Kit?
So what does a leveling kit do? A leveling kit is a suspension modification that drivers often use to level their vehicle’s stance and improve its appearance for daily driving.
Most trucks and SUVs come from the factory with a “rake,” meaning it has rear springs that allow the back end to sit higher than the front, giving it vertical compression space and preventing it from sagging when the truck is towing a trailer or carrying heavy cargo. A leveling kit corrects this imbalance by raising the front end, resulting in a more balanced and aggressive stance for your vehicle.
Leveling kits typically include spacers or blocks that are installed on the front suspension, adding at least 1 to 2 inches to a vehicle’s ride height. This slight change to the suspension system is a straightforward modification, but it’s enough to increase ground clearance and allow for the use of larger tires.
How Much Does a Leveling Kit Cost?
A basic leveling kit will typically cost you anywhere between under $100 to almost $2,500, with some kits, like the 1.5" Front Leveling Kit by Rough Country, available for as low as $70. Meanwhile, installation is expected to cost an additional $200 to $400, depending on your vehicle and the shop handling your modification.
Overall, leveling kit cost and installation can run you a few hundred dollars to nearly $3,000—although as previously mentioned, prices will vary depending on certain factors, such as where you get your kit.
What Size Leveling Kit Do You Need?
To find out what size leveling kit is suitable for your vehicle, you can measure the difference between the front and rear heights. Start by measuring the center of your front wheel to the very top of the fender, then do the same for the rear. Write down the measurements and subtract the two to find the kit height you’ll need to level out your vehicle.
Before purchasing, consider whether you need the leveling kit for aesthetics or practical reasons, such as fitting larger tires. If you’re buying a full kit, which also allows you to level the rear, additional calculations may be required. Consult with a professional if you’re unsure about the right size leveling kit you need.
What is a Lift Kit?
A lift kit is designed to lift both the front and rear ends of your vehicle. It can raise your vehicle’s ride height by as much as 2 to 10 inches or higher, providing increased ground clearance and space for tires of up to 40 inches in diameter.
What’s in a Lift Kit?
A lift kit contains various components that work together to increase your ride height and performance, particularly for off-road challenges. It typically includes the following components:
- Suspension Springs
- Shocks or Struts
- Spacers or Blocks
- Control Arms
- Trailing Arms
- Sway Bar Links
- Bushings
- Steering Knuckles
- Track Bars
How Much Does a Lift Kit Cost?
The cost of a lift kit will depend on certain factors—particularly the amount of lift you want for your vehicle. As you might expect, premium kits that offer more lift can be quite expensive (up to $12,000 for performance products from high-end brands, like the Billet UCA Stage 3 Front and Rear Suspension Lift Kit by ICON). However, even with the cheaper kits, you can still expect to pay a few hundred.
Prices of lift kits can also vary depending on other factors such as your car make and model, your preferred look, and intended application. Installation and labor costs are typically added on top of that, especially since lift kits are highly complex and require professional expertise.
Leveling Kit vs. Lift Kit: Which is Right For You?
Choosing whether to go for a leveling kit or a lift kit comes down to how you intend to use your vehicle. If you’re getting ready to hit muddy trails and navigate rocky terrain, consider investing in a lift kit that will help you achieve a better supporting suspension system that ensures improved performance, clearance for bigger wheels, handling, and overall capability. It can also give your vehicle a completely new look while helping it conquer challenging terrain.
For the daily driver, leveling kits offer a practical and cost-effective solution for a balanced look and increased ground clearance for your truck or utility vehicle, without the complexity and cost of a lift kit.
Whichever you choose, it’s important to understand how your modified suspension will affect your other vehicle systems and to keep up with preventative maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a leveling kit void my warranty?
A leveling kit typically won’t void your warranty, although it can affect certain aspects. However, the warranty status can vary depending on your vehicle manufacturer’s policies. Some manufacturers offer their own approved leveling kits, so it is best to ask your dealer for the specifics about your vehicle’s warranty.
Does a lift kit void my warranty?
Installing a lift kit usually won’t void your warranty. However, it can potentially cause warranty issues if your manufacturer or dealer believes it to be the cause of any damage to your vehicle. It is crucial to consult with your vehicle manufacturer to understand the specific terms and conditions that may apply.
Do leveling kits affect ride quality?
A leveling kit is designed to adjust your vehicle’s suspension by balancing out its front and back height. This popular modification specifically alters the tension on the vehicle’s springs and shock absorbers, which can impact the ride quality of your truck.
Do leveling kits affect towing?
Leveling kits can sometimes negatively affect towing performance, depending on how they modify the factory suspension of the vehicle. A leveling kit can reduce support on the vehicle’s rear end, particularly when towing. This can result in a “reverse rake,” wherein the rear portion sags and pitches the nose upward. Doing a proper installation with suitable suspension upgrades should mitigate this issue.
Does a lift kit affect towing?
While lift kits can improve your truck’s off-road performance, they can negatively affect its performance in towing and highway driving. Lifted suspensions have a higher center of gravity, giving the truck less stability when towing, especially when driving at high speeds or on uneven terrain.
How can I tell what size lift kit I have?
You can check any documentation or labels that came with the kit to find out the lift height. Markings on the lift kit components can also reveal the size of the kit that you have. If the kit was professionally installed, ask the installer for the lift size. You can also measure the lift yourself by comparing the distance from the center of the wheels to the top fenders with the stock measurements for your vehicle. Make sure to account for any variations due to tire size changes, as larger tires can affect the perceived lift.
