When you own a truck, it’s automatic; you will need to use a level kit or lift kit. Both kits add a lot of value and utility to your vehicle. Especially for the trucks, they help raise them higher an inch or more and enhances other off-roading performance. Again, these kits also help you get more space when fixing a giant tire that handles harsh off-road conditions. But what’s the difference between a lift kit and leveling kit?
The best way to explain the difference between lift and leveling kits is how they raise the truck. When buying a truck, the front end is usually some inches higher than its front end. The leveling kit levels the front of your truck to match the back’s stock height, lifting the front for around 2 inches. A lift kit raises the truck higher into the air and requires more time and energy to add a new suspension system.
Leveling Kit vs. Lift Kit: What’s their Impact on Ride Quality
A leveling kit allows raising the front of the truck inches to match with the back. Some leveling kits like those of jeep may include a rear spacer that accounts for additional weight from a full-size spare. If, for example, you have your winch on the front end of the truck, the leveling kit helps compensate for extra weight. The lifting gives you more added space for clearance.
Leveling kit has a significant advantage to your truck, allowing you to add larger tires to your wheels. The kits thus help you solve the issue of the rear wheels hitting the fender or bumper’s inside section making it easy to navigate and turn. The leveling kit also gives you a smoother and comfortable ride. When carrying heavyweight that causes the truck to sag, the kit raises the front to its proper height. This equipment is easy to install than a lift kit. Still, the leveling kit is cheaper than a lift kit, with a starting price of $150.
A lift mainly gets the body of your car vehicle off the ground. Some kits can raise the car from 2 to 10 inches or even more. Raising your vehicle’s body is an involving process; you may require a mechanic to install the kit for you. These kits vary in size and price, with a range of $1000- $4000 and more.
The kit comes in handy to give you more ground clearance, especially when driving through the vast recess of nature. With raising your truck higher, you don’t have to worry about hitting rocks or dirt hitting the underside of the vehicle. Lift kit thus helps you enjoy taking your vehicle off-road for long hiking trips.
What’s Better Leveling Kit or a Lift Kit?
Both lift and leveling kit have their pros and cons. Deciding between a leveling kit vs. a lift kit comes down to your style, preferences, and the goal for your truck. Be sure the objectives are clear on what you want to achieve before deciding the kit to choose. If you choose to turn your truck into an off-road warrior or make it sky-high, a lift kit is better for you. But if your goal is to use your truck as a tow rig or utility vehicle, then leveling kit fits your style.
If you are an avid mudslinger or goes off-road sometimes, but you like a little extra room for oversized tires and do some winching, it’s best to choose a leveling kit. In terms of style, a lift kit greatly transforms your vehicle’s look. Lift gives you a lifted truck that’s is noticeable.
However, you require to invest more in a lift kit than a leveling kit. A lift kit is expensive to buy and install. You may also need to buy new parts that will modify your vehicle. If you aren’t ready for such investment, then it’s better to have a leveling kit. Again, you will have to alter the look of your vehicle thoroughly.
Are Leveling Kits Bad for Your Truck?
No, leveling kits aren’t bad for your truck as they have several advantages of using them. Some of the pros include; increase in ground clearance and improving off-roading and towing capability. However, they also have several cons that you may need to consider before using them on your truck.
The cons of using leveling kits include;
- Increased wear on suspension – the kit may change the truck’s overall design, resulting from wearing and tearing on the suspension system.
- Decreased fuel economy- a kit balances the front-end suspension, which leads to increased wind resistance and low fuel economy.
With the pros and cons of a leveling kit, you can overcome the cons by consulting a pro in the field to fix the gear for you. By doing this, you save yourself the cost of repair expenses and the stress of having to use a leveling kit.
Do You Need a Leveling Kit with a Lift Kit?
You may need a leveling kit with a lift kit though manufacturers don’t recommend modifying their products beyond the set limits. But if you need stacking levels and lift kits, you can do it with caution as follows.
- Avoid stacking spacers; instead, replace the one spacer with a longer strut and a smaller spacer. At the back, you can add a leaf depending on the height you want.
- While installing the two, ensure you don’t damage the ball joints and CV axles and use a pro comp upper control arm. The control arm ensures the CV axles remain at a proper angle.
- Ensure you don’t stress out components like brakes, ball joints, CV axles, and more.
Can You have a Leveling Kit and Lift Kit?
Yes, you can have both kits and use them together. A level kit is a great way to lift your vehicle, and some lift kits include components to level the front end and the rear suspension. A better way to raise your truck is to combine level and lift equipment. The combination gives you the benefits of a suspension lift without altering your vehicle and at a friendly price.
Check this too: How To Make A Lifted Truck Ride Smoother
Conclusion
Using lift and level kits on your truck brings several benefits like increased ground clearance, comfortable off-road ride, etc. Both kits have pros and cons, but before choosing, have set objectives of what you want. Choose a kit that meets your needs, but still consider the cost and the alterations to make on your truck.