The amount of lift a leveling kit provides is typically dictated by the vehicle model that is being leveled. Different vehicle models have different amounts of rake in the stance. Some 4x4s require slightly more lift than others to get a level stance. Most leveling kits provide 1-2.5 inches of lift.
How Big Of A Tire Can I Fit With A Leveling Kit?
With most leveling kits only offering 1-2.5 inches of lift, your tire size options are limited. Generally, you should be able to fit a tire that is one to two sizes larger than stock. Some applications may allow a tire that is up to three or four sizes larger than stock. How you use the vehicle, the amount of tire rub you can live with, and the fender trimming you are willing to make will dictate the largest tire size possible. For example, a street driven 4×4 may never see tire rub with a leveling kit and given tire size. That same set up could have mind-numbing tire rub off-road when the sway bars are disconnected and the suspension is articulated. Most leveling kit manufacturers offer tire size guidelines and some even provide wheel backspacing recommendations.
Do I Need New Shocks?
Not all leveling kits require new shocks. The least expensive kits often retain the factory shocks. However, if your original shocks have 20,000 or more miles on them, you plan to take the vehicle off-road, or if you drive aggressively, you should consider new shocks mandatory with the installation of a suspension leveling kit. Some high-end leveling kits include performance shocks, which will help control the heavier, larger diameter tires over rough surfaces. Leveling kits for some applications may require bump stop relocation to keep the stock shocks from bottoming out and damaging themselves. This is a common problem with the use of spacers on the factory front struts on some Toyota 4x4s.
Can I Use Shock Extenders With My Leveling Kit?
If your factory shocks are not worn and you plan to spend most of your time on the street, or your vehicle already has better than stock shocks, you may be able to retain them with the use of shock extenders. Shock extenders are not available for all applications, but they can be used to save a bit of coin if you are on a tight budget. Some low-cost leveling kits include shock extenders and are available with optional shocks. If you choose to go with the extenders, you can always upgrade to better shocks down the road as your budget permits.
Will My 4×4 Need An Alignment After Installation Of A Leveling Kit?
Yes, your 4×4 will need an alignment after the installation of a leveling kit. All IFS 4x4s will need a full alignment, while solid-axle 4x4s can typically get by with centering the steering wheel via the draglink adjustment. Some solid-axle 4x4s will also require caster adjustment for proper handling and road manners. Many leveling kits include the components to do this. Failing to perform a proper alignment will cause poor handling characteristics and lead to premature wear of the tires.
Do I Need To Lift The Rear Too?
More advanced leveling kits do come with components to alter the rear suspension for improved performance, but most do not. Lifting the rear suspension would sort of defeat the purpose of a leveling kit. Leveling kits that are designed to improve off-road performance will typically come with high-quality front and rear shocks. These shocks may have reservoirs to help dissipate heat and may even come with external adjustment knobs so that they can be tuned to your preferred ride, regardless of the terrain.
Can I Install A Leveling Kit At Home?
Of all the types of lift kits available, a leveling kit would typically be one of the simplest to install at home. The ability to install a leveling kit in your own driveway will ultimately depend on your wrenching abilities. Some 4x4s with independent front suspension can require more complex installations. Many only utilize a simple spacer between the front suspension struts and vehicle frame. In this case, installing a leveling kit on an IFS 4×4 wouldn’t be much different than performing the same job on a much simpler solid axle front suspension. Most leveling kit installations will require a variety of common hand tools, a good floor jack, and sturdy jack stands. Don’t forget to make an appointment at the alignment shop when you’re done.
How Will A Lift or Leveling Kit Affect My New Vehicle Warranty?
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), an organization that works on behalf of automotive aftermarket manufacturers, has a complete list of your rights regarding warranties and aftermarket equipment. In order to refuse a warranty claim, the dealership must be able to prove that aftermarket parts caused the issue.
How Will A Lift Kit Affect Vehicle Stability?
The general rule is that lifting a vehicle increases its center of gravity, although it is not unusual for moderately lifted vehicles, with moderately taller and wider tires/wheels, to be more stable than their stock counterparts; go “wide” as you go “tall”. Always drive responsibly. Take time to learn your modified vehicle’s new capabilities and limitations. Most newer model vehicles are factory-equipped with an Electronic Stability Control Program.
What Is The Difference between A Lift Kit And A Leveling Kit?
The stock rear of your truck sits higher, so a leveling kit will lift the front of your truck in order to make it level with the rear. On the other hand, a lift kit will lift both the front and the rear of the vehicle. Lift kits will allow you to lift your truck up to 3 inches or higher where a leveling kit will only allow you get about 3 or less inches of lift in the front.
Can I remove my lift and go back to stock?
The short answer is Yes. That Yes depends on if you removed or damaged anything that is required for the stock components to be reinstalled after the lift and leveling components are removed. In most cases it is as simple as removing the lift or leveling components and putting the stock ones back in.
Can I Lift An Older Vehicle?
Yes. Just keep in mind that older vehicles have more wear on their suspension components and may require replacement. Always expect to potentially replace a lot of wear components when lifting a truck older than 10 years. The most common parts that will require attention include ball joints, wheel bearings, and tie rods. However, once those potential parts have been addressed, you will have smooth sailing in the miles to come!
Why Should I Lift My Ride?
The main reasons many people lift their rides include the look or style, larger tire fitment, better offroad performance, and higher clearance.
What Are The Two Main Types of Lift Kits?
A Body Lift Kit will raise your vehicle’s ride height between 1-3 inches, without altering the original suspension geometry of your vehicle; this is accomplished by lifting the body of the vehicle and installing blocks or spacers between the body and frame.
A Suspension Lift Kit is designed to increase a vehicle’s ground clearance and articulation. There are a few different types of Suspension Lift Kits, each one with varying benefits to best suit your vehicle’s needs. Spring Over Axle Suspension, Torsion Keys, Shackle Reverse, Suspension Lift Kits, Shackle Suspension Lift Kits and Lifted Spring Suspension Kits.
Here at Truxxx they do Suspension Lifts. They don’t recommend Body Lifts in most cases.
Will Adding a Lift or Leveling Kit Affect My Ride Quality?
In most cases yes, they will affect your ride, sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it makes you second guess how high you really want to go. For instance, Some Suspension Lifts will provide your vehicle with better articulation, traction, and more camber. However, the higher you lift your vehicle the higher its center of gravity gets. A higher center of gravity increases your vehicle’s chance of body roll and could cause loss of traction during turns.
A Leveling Kit can improve ride quality/ comfort and can give your vehicle excellent articulation.
Are Your Products High Quality?
Truxxx manufactures our entire product in the USA using precision laser cut US Steel & OEM drawings. By doing this, they are able to manufacture precise perfect fitting products each and every time with 95% of their product being made in house using only the finest steel, springs & hardware they can find!