Lift Kit or Leveling Kit: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
The lift kit vs. leveling kit is a classic dilemma, but the answer all depends on a few different factors, such as what you’re looking to do with your truck, how much you’re willing to spend, and how far you’re willing to go with the customization process. Both kits can add a lot of value and utility to your vehicle, but some are better suited for certain tasks and driving excursions. Learn about the difference between lift kits and leveling kits, so you can make the right choice for your vehicle.
Lift Kit
A lift kit is designed to really get the body of your vehicle off the ground, with some kits raising the body anywhere from two to ten inches or more if you really want to go all-out with your customizations. Raising the body that much can be an involved process. You’ll probably need to hire a mechanic to help you install the kit. These kits tend to feature a slew of additional accessories, including new springs, shocks, control arms, and brake line modifications.
Lift kits can vary widely in size and price, but they generally start at around $1,000 and can work their way up to $4,000 or more.
Why Get a Lift Kit?
Raising the body of your vehicle gives you more ground clearance, which really comes in handy if you’re cruising through the vast recesses of nature. The higher your truck is from the ground, the less you have to worry about rocks and dirt hitting the underbelly of your vehicle. This will be a good investment if you enjoy taking your vehicle off-road or on long hiking and camping trips.
That extra height also gives you more room for larger tires, even those as large as 37 inches or more, and the rubber won’t hit the inside of the fender or bumper when turning. Larger tires provide more traction as you take all kinds of terrain like snow, ice, and mud.
Leveling Kit
As the name implies, leveling kits are designed to level the height of your vehicle. They raise the front of the vehicle by one or two inches, so it’s the same height as the back. These kits generally cost less than lift kits, and they’re much easier to install.
You can find a leveling kit for just over $100, and they usually max out at $250, so you don’t have to spend too much money.
Why Get a Leveling Kit?
Just like a lift kit, a leveling kit gives you extra room for larger tires, so you’ll have more traction in the mud and snow. With just a few inches of extra height, you’ll be a little more limited in terms of how large your tires can be than you would with a lift kit.
If you attach a winch or a plow to your vehicle, the front end may sag due to all that extra weight. Leveling your vehicle will bring the front back to its original height.
Choosing the Right Kit for Your Vehicle
Both leveling kits and lift kits can be a great investment for your vehicle, but choosing between the two usually comes down to how you plan on using your vehicle. If you plan on crawling over large rock formations, cruising over dirt mounds, and tackling all kinds of outdoor challenges, you could probably use the extra height that you’d get from a lift kit. While a leveling kit raises the front of your vehicle, it may not provide enough ground clearance when you’re going off-road.
If you’re not a serious mudslinger or going off-road every chance you get, but you’d like a little extra room for larger tires and you’ve been known to do some winching, you’re better off with a leveling kit.
When it comes to style, a lift kit will truly transform the look of your vehicle. You’ll sit up higher, and everyone will quickly notice the change. A leveling kit won’t be as noticeable. If you want the look of a lifted truck, go with a lift kit.
Then, there’s the issue of money. Buying and installing a lift kit is a much more involved process than installing a leveling kit. You may need to invest in a slew of new parts to truly modify your vehicle. If you’re not ready for such an investment or you don’t want to completely alter the look and feel of your vehicle, stick with a leveling kit.
Installing a lift or leveling kit may also affect your vehicle’s warranty, so be sure to double-check this information before you install.
Get Some Advice
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing between a lift kit and a leveling kit. If you have any questions, ask a professional for some advice. Do your research and choose the right kit for your vehicle.