The Million-dollar Mod Question: To Lift or to Level?

To lift or level your truck, that’s the question! Your search started by looking for a lifted truck dealer, but you’ve since realized that lifting your truck isn’t your only option. You can also opt for a leveling kit, which further confuses things. So which modification is right for you? After all, don’t both options lift the body of the truck?

Fortunately, your search brought you to the experts here at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford. Rather than spending countless hours researching the differences between lift and leveling kits, we’ve already done the work for you. So, why not put our expertise to good use? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide whether a leveling kit or lift kit is right for your truck.

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

Leveling kits and lift kits share one common purpose—they raise the truck’s body. In doing this, these kits increase the truck’s ground clearance and make it possible to fit larger tires. However, how each kit does this makes a huge difference and will help you determine the best option for your driving needs.

Leveling Kit

Most trucks usually roll off the production line with an uneven stance where the front end is lower than the rear. This stance isn’t an oversight by automakers but is done intentionally for towing purposes. For example, when you add a heavy load to the truck’s bed or hitch up to a trailer, the additional weight lowers the rear of the truck. As this occurs, the nose of the truck lifts. If the front of the truck didn’t sit lower than the rear, the nose would rise upwards and potentially impede your view and affect how the truck handles. Automakers mitigate this risk and optimize handling with a stock truck’s uneven stance.

Leveling kits work precisely as their name implies; they level the front of the truck with the rear. For example, let’s say that your truck has a winch mounted to the front bumper. The additional weight of the winch causes the suspension and front of the truck to sag further down, which positions the truck’s stance lower than its stock height. A leveling kit can fix this sag by bringing the front of the truck to its original height.

So, what’s included in the kit? A leveling kit usually comes with a strut spacer that fits on top of your trucks’ factory-installed front springs, between the chassis and upper spring perch. Installation is straightforward and doesn’t affect the truck’s steering or shocks. However, you’ll need to have an alignment done to optimize handling and extend the life of your tires.

Lift Kit

Leveling kits only add about two inches of lift to a truck, which is another way they dramatically differ from lift kits. While lift kits also raise the truck body, you have more options since they’re available in two-inch increments between two and ten inches (custom kits measure more). Unlike leveling kits that are relatively simple to install, lift kits are more complex and can affect the suspension, requiring new springs, control arms, shocks, and other components that affect the truck’s height. In many cases, lift kits require additional modifications to the brake lines and driveshafts, as well as aftermarket wheels to accommodate the truck’s higher stance.

When to Lift vs. When to Level

Adding a leveling or lift kit to your truck is an excellent option for many drivers. However, there are a few other things to consider before you start shopping. For starters, how much are you willing to spend? What size of tires are you looking to run? And, finally, what’s the best option for your driving needs?

When to Level

Leveling kits are ideal for drivers looking to add a bigger set of tires. Since stock trucks sit lower in the front, the front tires can rub against the bumper or fender during tight turns. By adding a leveling kit, you can prevent this issue and increase clearance without affecting how the truck handles its efficiency or its capability. Additionally, if you’ve added a winch or plow to your truck, a leveling kit can bring the truck’s front end back to its stock height.

Since leveling kits only add about two inches of height to your truck, you won’t see a significant difference in how the truck looks. For many drivers, this isn’t an issue until they add a trailer or heavy load to the bed and the nose of the truck sits higher than anticipated. This issue is easily fixed by adding spacer blocks to the rear leaf springs to add a slight lift to all four corners of the truck. The result is a higher stock stance that’s compatible with larger tires.

So, what size tires can you expect to run, and how much will you spend on a leveling kit? Leveling kits typically give you enough clearance to add 33-inch to 35-inch tires. The kit itself is affordable, with most priced below $250. Because they don’t affect the truck’s suspension, handling, and overall efficiency, leveling kits are suitable for daily driving, light off-roading, and towing.

When to Lift

If you’re looking to do more than raise the nose of your truck, you’ll want to look into a lift kit. Lift kits are ideal for off-roaders, hunters, and other outdoor adventurers who spend a lot of time navigating harsh terrain. Because lift kits come in a variety of heights, they give you further options for customization so that your truck can meet all your driving needs, whether that’s traversing deep water and mud or exploring a technical trail deep in the woods. For the same reason, lift kits are also great for drivers who spend a lot of time navigating deep snow since their higher ground clearance makes heavy snow passable.

Beyond its practical purpose, lift kits are also popular among drivers who want a show truck that’s immediately recognizable. Unlike a leveling kit, a lift kit dramatically transforms the truck’s aesthetic and takes it from stock to bespoke. This custom design is even more apparent when you add bigger tires, which is easy since lift kits can accommodate 35-inch to 40-inch tires. Of course, this dramatic change comes at a cost, with lift kits averaging anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, an investment that’s compounded since lifting a truck typically impacts fuel economy.

Decisions, Decisions

Deciding between a lift kit and a leveling kit depends on personal preference, how much you’re willing to spend, and your driving needs. If you’re looking to make a subtle change to your truck without a considerable investment, a leveling kit is a great place to start. It gives you the freedom to add a larger set of tires and increase your truck’s capability without affecting its efficiency and handling. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a unique style or a higher ground clearance, a lift kit easily fits the bill. While it’s a more significant investment, a lift kit dramatically impacts how your truck looks and can give it a towering stance, especially when you add new tires to complete the aesthetic. Now, the question is, which will you choose?