Category: Leveling Kits

Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit: What’s the Difference?

June 18, 2024

When it comes to modifying your truck or car, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to install a lift kit or a leveling kit. Both options can significantly change the appearance and performance of your vehicle, but they serve different purposes and come with varying costs. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice that suits your needs and budget.

What is a Lift Kit?

A lift kit raises the entire body of the vehicle higher off the ground. This modification is popular among off-road enthusiasts and those looking to accommodate larger tires. Lift kits come in two main types: body lift kits and suspension lift kits.

  • Body Lift Kits: These kits increase the height of the body from the frame without altering the suspension. They are generally more affordable and easier to install. However, they offer less ground clearance compared to suspension lifts.
  • Suspension Lift Kits: These kits elevate the vehicle by modifying the suspension components. They provide greater ground clearance and improve off-road capability. However, they are more complex to install and can be quite expensive.
  • Cost Estimate: A body lift kit can cost between $200 and $500 for the parts alone, with installation potentially adding $500 to $1,000. Suspension lift kits are more expensive, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with installation costs adding another $1,000 to $3,000.

What is a Leveling Kit?

A leveling kit is designed to level the height of the front of the vehicle with the back. Most trucks and some cars come from the factory with a slight rake, meaning the rear sits higher than the front. Leveling kits correct this imbalance, giving the vehicle a more even stance.

Leveling kits usually consist of spacers that fit on top of the front struts or coil springs, and they do not significantly alter the suspension or ground clearance. This makes them a simpler and more cost-effective option for those looking to achieve a balanced look without the need for extensive modifications.

Cost Estimate: Leveling kits are more affordable than lift kits, typically costing between $50 and $400 for the parts. Installation costs can vary but usually range from $300 to $800.

Can You Put a Leveling Kit on Top of a Suspension Lift?

One common question among truck and car enthusiasts is whether you can install a leveling kit on top of a suspension lift. The answer is generally yes, but with some important caveats. Adding a leveling kit to a vehicle that already has a suspension lift can help fine-tune the stance and ensure the front and rear heights match perfectly.

However, this combination should be approached with caution. Stacking kits can sometimes lead to issues with alignment, handling, and suspension geometry. It is crucial to ensure that the components are compatible, and that the vehicle’s suspension system can handle the additional modifications. Consulting with a professional mechanic or suspension specialist is highly recommended before attempting this combination.

Choosing between a lift kit and a leveling kit depends largely on your goals and budget. If you’re looking to improve off-road capability and fit larger tires, a lift kit might be the better option. On the other hand, if you simply want to level the stance of your vehicle without significant changes, a leveling kit is a cost-effective solution. Remember, when combining modifications such as adding a leveling kit to a suspension lift, always seek professional advice to ensure safety and compatibility.

By understanding the differences and costs associated with each option, you can make an informed decision that best suits your vehicle and driving needs.

Leveling Kits vs. Lift Kits: Which One Is Right for You?

November 18, 2022

Did you know that diesel fuel produces up to 15 percent more energy than gasoline?

There are countless diesel vehicles that have been raised using lift kits, and the majority of these vehicles are still being hauled on a daily basis. Therefore, the question is: Which leveling kit or lift kit is best for you to customize your vehicle with?

To find out what’s best for your customized rides, trust Outlaw and continue reading this post!

Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit What’s The Difference?

Lifts and leveling kits raise the truck body off of the vehicle’s axles. This is so that wider tires can be installed and more ground clearance is available.

Hardware is included in a leveling kit to raise the front of the car just enough to match the stock height of the back. A leveling kit is typically made to lift the front of the vehicle up to a maximum of roughly 2 inches.

Leveling kits are also fairly straightforward, typically simply requiring torsion keys or spring spacers to complete the task.

Through upgraded suspension components, lift kits raise the truck substantially higher into the air. Lift kits can be bought in 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or even 10-inch packages or much taller if the buyer wants to go custom. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Customizing Your Vehicle With Lift Kits

Compared to leveling kits, lift kits are significantly more complete. Often, these kits will include springs, control arms, shocks, and any other components required to maintain the specified height. The higher lift kits are typically fairly complicated, frequently requiring the fabrication of new driveshafts and the bending of brake lines in addition to the suspension components.

Additionally, using larger-than-stock tires can necessitate the use of aftermarket wheels with higher offset.

Benefits of Lifting and Leveling Customized Rides

Using larger-than-stock tires on all four corners is one of the main benefits of lifting and leveling vehicles.

While most pickup trucks have ample space in the back and front, larger tires can occasionally contact the fender or bumper when turning. For this kind of problem, a modest height adjustment is all that is necessary.

Additionally, if a large object is put on the front of the truck, such as a winch or plow, the suspension may droop, resulting in a ride height that is even lower than stock. In this situation, a leveling kit can be applied to restore the front end to the appropriate height.

Leveling kits are affordable and simple to assemble.

Trust Outlaw When It Comes to Leveling Kits vs. Lift Kits

You probably level a lot if you frequently use your truck to tow. A lift kit is more your style if you want to have a high-flying display truck, aren’t frightened of mud or deep water, go hunting in the outback, or prefer off-roading.

Now that you’re aware of how to customize your vehicle with either a leveling kit or a lift kit, you can trust Outlaw to help you create the best customized rides! Click here to get in contact with us so that we can help you build your dream ride.

What Is a Leveling Kit and Why Should I Get One Professionally Installed?

February 8, 2022

A truck leveling kit lifts the front of your truck by increasing the gap between the axle and the truck’s body. Most trucks come off the production line with the front end a little lower than the rear so that the truck has a raked stance.

By lifting the front of the truck, a leveling kit evens out the front and rear heights, giving the truck a level stance. Just because the raked stance is the default for most trucks doesn’t mean you have to settle for it. Like many other truck owners, you may prefer a level stance for several reasons.

1. Lets You Fit Larger Tires on Your Truck

One of the most popular reasons why many truck owners install a leveling kit is it lets them fit larger tires to their trucks. The rear end of most trucks usually has enough clearance to fit large tires. To fit tires of the same size to the front end, you will need to raise it a few inches to achieve the appropriate clearance.

This is where a leveling kit comes in. It lifts your truck’s front end, giving you enough room to fit tires of your preferred size. Larger tires increase the range of tasks that your truck can perform and the type of terrain it can navigate.

2. Lets You Attach Equipment to the Front

You may want to install a plow on the front end of your truck. In that case, you need to raise the front end of your truck to prevent it from sagging too much when you install the plow. Otherwise, the front fender or bumper may push against the front wheels and potentially cause damage. A leveling kit helps you avoid this.

On the other hand, if you plan to use your truck for heavy-duty operations that require even more clearance, then you might want to lift the entire truck. Depending on your truck, loads that exceed certain limits may exert too much stress on your truck and potentially damage it. So, keep loads within your truck’s maximum limit to minimize wear and tear.

3. Improves Your Truck’s Handling

Trucks with high top speeds tend to handle better around corners when their noses are a little higher. If you’re turning corners with the truck fully loaded, you may not notice the improvement in handling. However, the improvement is noticeable when you’re driving with no load. For that reason, a leveling kit provides a better driving experience if you’re not planning to carry loads.

4. Improves Your Truck’s Look

Many truck owners don’t mind the raked stance. Some even love it. Likewise, many truck owners like how their trucks look with a level stance. If you’re among the latter, a leveling kit is just the truck mod you need. Having a leveling kit professionally installed can change your truck’s overall aesthetic to match your preference without spending too much money.

5. Easy Installation and Replacement

Suppose you have a 2-inch leveling kit professionally, but you’re not satisfied with the result. In that case, you can easily have it removed and replaced with one of your preferred size. You can even do it yourself if you have the time, tools and skills. However, many truck owners prefer to have professionals install the leveling kit to ensure the job is done and maximize durability.

Alternatively, you can have the professional install an adjustable leveling kit. This option lets you fine-tune the adjustments to your truck’s front end. A skilled and experienced professional can help you achieve just the right amount of lift for the optimal driving experience.

6. Maintains Your Truck’s Static Weight Balance

A leveling kit is preferable if you’re looking for a relatively straightforward truck mod that doesn’t involve replacing truck parts or installing new ones. As a result, your truck will maintain its static weight balance after the installation of the leveling kit. This is unlike other truck mods, which require additional work to readjust the truck’s static weight balance.

7. Improves Your Truck’s Emergency Braking

When the rear end of the truck is higher than the front, certain handling issues arise when the truck is unloaded. This is especially the case when you need to make an emergency stop. A leveling kit improves the balance by reducing the load on the front suspension and brakes.

Granted, new stress points emerge when you level your truck. But that’s a small price to pay for getting around the issues that come from having a higher bed because leveling your truck improves corner handling and emergency braking.

8. Improves Your Truck’s Off-Road and Towing Capability

Having a leveling kit professionally installed is an effective way of enhancing your truck’s off-road and towing capabilities. It not only increases your truck’s ground clearance but also lets you fit larger tires on the front. Doing so improves the truck’s ability to navigate tricky terrain, such as rocky, sandy or muddy ground.

Additionally, by raising the nose of your truck, a leveling kit minimizes the risk of rocks and debris damaging the front bumper. This is especially beneficial if you plan to add heavy equipment, such as a snow plow or winch, at the front of your truck. Installing the kit prevents potential damage that may occur if the front of the truck sags under the weight of the equipment.

9. Easy on Your Wallet

Leveling kits are among the most affordable truck mods. Of course, depending on the make and model of the truck, the price of leveling kits may vary. Nonetheless, leveling kits tend to be easier on your wallet than other truck mods.

For this reason, you can go for a high-quality leveling kit and maximize the benefits this mod provides. Be sure to buy genuine kits and have them and have them professionally installed for the best results.

Improve Your Truck’s Look, Utility and Drivability with a Leveling Kit

A leveling kit gives your truck an even stance by raising the height on the front end. In addition to improving your truck’s look, a leveling kit increases its utility and your driving experience. Having it professionally installed ensures you get the most of your kit. Contact OUTLAW to learn more.