A leveling kit does exactly what the name implies. It levels your vehicle. The factory suspension on most pickup trucks, SUV’s, and Jeeps, come with a rake. This means the front of the vehicle sits down a few inches lower than the rear. The problem is, most of us rarely tow or haul anything in the bed of the truck. This results in the non-level look that can be fixed with a simple leveling kit.
What a leveling kit serves to accomplish is to raise the front of the vehicle two to three inches. This is how we eliminate the factory rake and give a level appearance. Leveling kits keep the factory suspension in place, so there isn’t any change to the ride quality or driving characteristics that come along with a full-blown lift kit. They also allow us to get a larger tire underneath the vehicle, which is what we’re usually after anyway.
Types of Leveling Kits:
Spacers
Spacers are used on top or bottom of the coil spring or strut, in the front suspension system, to raise the seat or mount to level the truck. The coil spring or strut is left the same, so there’s no change to the stiffness or travel distance of the suspension. They are easy to install and, since we’re making no changes to the suspension, just as easy to remove. We’re simply adding a spacer.
Torsion Keys
Torsion keys are used in independent front suspension setups, with torsion bars. Trucks made by General Motors (i.e. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) utilize this setup, and have for a long time. The factory torsion keys are adjustable on these trucks and can be lowered or raised. However, ride quality is effected and will stiffen up the higher you go. The leveling keys are stepped in such a way that the suspension is raised without all the tension that comes with cranking the factory keys, therefore maintaining the suspension travel and mobility that is required for an IFS setup.
Leveling Struts
Leveling struts accomplish the same thing as the spacer lifts – with one exception. Leveling struts are a complete replacement, rather than a spacer stacked on top of the OEM part. Bilstein makes a great leveling strut that is stepped at several intervals, allowing for a more specific and adjustable ride height.
So now that you know the differences between the kits, you’re probably wondering which one you should get. Here are some of our favorites:
- ROUGH COUNTRY
- READYLIFT
- BILSTEIN
- BDS SUSPENSION
What are the benefits of a leveling kit?
On most full-size trucks and SUV’s, a leveling kit will yield you at least a 33 inch tire- with factory or aftermarket wheels. On some, you can even go bigger than that. Trucks like the Ford F250/350, RAM 2500/3500, and GM 2500/3500, you can fit a thirty-five-inch tire with a leveling kit. Especially when retaining the factory wheels. You can even squeeze a thirty-seven-inch tire with a leveling kit and factory wheels on the 2017+ Super Duty and newer RAM 2500/3500 trucks.
Want a leveling kit or have some questions?
If you would like some personal recommendations on which leveling kit is best for you, reach out to someone here at TireSouth. We have multiple locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area and have been helping people customize their rides for off-road use since 2009. We carry all the top brands and have a complete selection of tires, wheels, lifts, lighting, and accessories. We even offer financing and nationwide shipping. Visit one of our tire shops in McDonough, Atlanta, or Covington, or contact us online to order today!