Have you ever considered adding some height to your truck's body to create more distance from the ground? If so, you've probably gone through the tough decision of choosing between a lift kit of leveling kit to get the job done. Maybe you might not even be aware of the differences between them. That's okay. Let us help you distinguish between the two and determine what will best suit your goal.

Leveling Kits

Vehicles that come straight from the factory have what's called a "factory rake". Essentially, this is just a term used to describe the nose-down look that stock trucks are equipped with. Its purpose is to accommodate for any weight added to the back of your truck when it's loaded. When you tow or haul things, it will keep the back from dragging. Many pickup truck drivers prefer the leveled look for their truck however. Purchasing a leveling kit will correct the nose-down look, raising the truck's front to level with the rear. A typical leveling kit will usually lift around 2 to 2.5" and are based on the style of the vehicle's front suspension. You've got many leveling kit options to choose from: torsion keys, lifted springs, coil spacers, add-a-leafs, and strut spacers.

Lift Kits

A lift kit literally does what its name implies; it lifts the truck off the ground with the use of modified suspension parts. Lift kits come in various shapes and sizes. You'll typically see lift kits in 2", 4", 6", 8" or even 10"+, depending on how high the driver wants it. Lift kits are much more complex than leveling kits because springs, shocks, control arms, and other parts are now introduced into the modification. In some cases, new driveshafts must be made, and brake lines must be bent in addition to the suspension pieces. If you plan to use larger tires, you may need to increase the offset (the distance the wheel sits from the hub).

Why Leveling Kits?

It can get really confusing when there are many different truck components on the market today, especially when leveling kits are no less intricate than other truck parts. Leveling kits will provide additional lift for either the front or the rear end; mainly to balance vehicles with an uneven stance. Imbalance can affect your vehicle in many ways; from restrictive handling and/or tire and suspension wear. These situations can easily be remedied with a leveling kit. They're simple and effective in the way that they work, and are relatively easy to install.

Understanding Leveling Kits

Leveling kits may seem similar to suspension lift kits, but the application is distinctly different. Lift kits give drivers a variety of different options and styles of kits for them to lift their ride, however leveling kits are strictly vehicle-specific - there is no universal leveling kit that will work for any vehicle. Knowing this, it is crucial to understand what type of leveling kit you need.

Advantages of Lifting and Leveling

One of the sole reasons why many drivers seek to level their truck is because it allows them to install over-sized tires on all four corners of their vehicle. Most pickups have enough clearance in the rear, but sometimes larger tires in the front will hit the fender or bumper during turns. Increasing the height is a suitable remedy for this situation.

In addition, if you add extra weight to the front of the vehicle such as a plow or winch, the added weight will shift the front suspension down. A leveling kit can be used in this instance to bring back the front end to a more composed height. Leveling kits are justifiably more cost-efficient in the long run.

Types of Leveling Kits

There are three primary types of standard leveling kits. Each type has its own application and benefits. Do not confuse these with air leveling kits, which have an entirely different purpose and should be considered as an alternative to true truck leveling kits.

Strut Extensions:

Strut Extension lifts are mainly for late-model half ton trucks and SUVs that utilize a coilover strut for the front suspension.

This type of leveling kit works by applying a spacer on top of a factory strut. Installing this kit poses the benefit of not having to modify anything to your vehicle. This method is inexpensive and removing the strut extension is a breeze.

Torsion Keys:

Torsion keys replace factory pieces, giving you the capability to create lift by altering your vehicle's torsion bar. Aftermarket torsion keys are often stronger and sturdier than the factory unit to ensure achieving lift is safe and effective. Many people who level with torsion keys tend to purchase a torsion key adjustor tool for future modifications.

Consider checking out Rancho's Level-IT Torsion Keys and Shocks for your leveling fix.

Coil Spacers:

Coil spacer leveling kits are pretty similar to strut extensions - the only difference is that the spacer is added to the top of the factory spring buckets. Enjoy the benefits of leveling your truck while maintaining a factory stance and OEM quality ride.

Some coil spacer applications will need shock extensions in order to compensate for any additional lift. These are usually included with the leveling kits. We recommend getting the Rancho Coil Spring Set.

Block Kits

Block kits are the preferred method of altering your rear section's height. This is optimal for those who are looking for that rear-high stance or those who plan on hauling or towing.

ReadyLift's Suspension Block & U-Bolt Kit is a good choice.

What's Right For You?

Leveling may be right for you if you use your truck predominantly to tow or haul. If you want a raised truck for off-roading, diving into deep water, or just for the look of it, a lift kit may be what you want. Regardless of which kit you choose, a lift or leveling kit is one of the ways to add style and value to your vehicle. Need a lift? We've got what you need.