Leveling Kits and Lift Kits: What’s the Difference?

No matter what kind of truck or sport utility vehicle you have, lift kit or leveling kit installation is one of the most popular aftermarket additions. Lifted trucks don’t just look good; they also perform better off-road. Whether you want to raise your vehicle or give it a big lift slightly, there are numerous options. What is a lift kit, and what makes it different from a leveling kit? We’ll answer these questions in the sections below.
The Basics of Leveling Kits
If you’re a truck owner, you have likely noticed that your vehicle’s rear end sits a little higher than the front end. As trucks are designed to haul heavy loads in their beds, the extra rear height is included intentionally. However, it’s not the most appealing thing when you’re not hauling a load.
A leveling kit makes it easy to slightly raise a truck’s front end, bringing it in line with the rear end. Some of today’s leveling kits include rear spacers to compensate for the extra weight of an aftermarket bumper or a full-size spare tire. If you have accessories such as a winch or EGR flares, a kit will make up for the added weight.
While leveling kits are typically installed for aesthetic purposes, they provide a bit of extra ground clearance. Most kits only offer a couple of inches of lift, but installing slightly larger tires may be possible depending on your selection. Leveling kits are simpler to install than lift kits, with most simply bolting on.
Lift Kit Essentials
While leveling kits improve a vehicle’s front/rear balance, 4X4 lift kits offer increased height, better off-road performance, and extra ground clearance. Though they’re costlier than leveling kits, they offer more benefits. Ranging from one to several inches, lift kits can significantly increase ride height. With bushings, sway bar links, adjustable control arms, shocks, and more, lift kit installation is more complex than leveling kit usage.
Most kits retain the OEM ride quality and steering while increasing ground clearance, which allows the fitment of larger tires and provides the ability to traverse rough terrain. An important thing to remember is that the higher a vehicle is lifted, the higher its center of gravity is. While lift kits offer many benefits, their high price is a crucial factor to consider.
Lift Kits and Leveling Kits: Which is Better?
If you’re finding it hard to choose between a leveling kit and a lift kit, we can help. Where decision-making is concerned, the choice depends on how you plan to use your vehicle. Are you ready to hit the trail, or do you only haul the occasional load? If you need more ground clearance, a lift kit will suit your requirements. However, if you only want to even out your truck’s stance, a lift kit is an affordable alternative.
Whether you choose a lift kit or a leveling kit, you’ll give your truck a more aggressive look. Once you’ve made a decision, come back to your local 4×4 accessory store and browse their inventory of lift kits, leveling kits, stainless steel snorkels, and other off-roading accessories.