If You're Searching for Shock Absorbers...
When you like the factory ride of your vehicle but still want some lift, whether for performance, looks or both, we can help to provide you with the Lift Kit you need.
Leveling kits may not get as much attention as complete suspension lift kits. However, truck leveling kits are important pieces of equipment for a variety of reasons. Typically, leveling kits are the unsung heroes of vehicle performance: a finished painting that is complete in every way, but hangs on your wall slightly crooked. This is where truck leveling kits step in to do their part. The issue is that leveling kits are relatively 'unsung'. Most people understand the general purpose of a leveling kit and premise behind them, but rarely does someone know about the various types or appropriate application of truck leveling kits so we'll attempt to cover as much as we can to help familiarize you with truck leveling kits, and hopefully help you to pick the leveling kit you need.
Why A Leveling Kit?
It's not hard to get confused when it comes to the many different kinds of truck parts out there, and leveling kits are no less intricate than some other pieces of truck hardware. Basically, a leveling kit functions similarly to a body lift kit, but with a slightly different purpose. A body lift is meant to produce an even lift of a vehicle, leveling kits will provide additional lift for either the front or rear end. This makes leveling kits particularly useful on vehicles where weight distribution causes a vehicle to have an uneven stance. As an example, a modified truck with a heavy duty winch and front bumper mount is heavier on the front end due to the added weight of the extra hardware, and so may dip unevenly towards the front causing an imbalance in your suspension. Aside from being unsightly, this imbalance can affect a variety of other factors, including handling or tire and suspension wear. A leveling kit is just what you would need to even out the stance of your truck. Leveling kits serve other purposes as well, including some extra clearance for larger tires and wheels or better rear wheel performance in towing or hauling situations. Leveling kits are simple and effective in the way they operate, and are relatively easy to install.
Understanding Leveling Kits?
While the name and purpose sounds similar to suspension lift kits, a leveling kit is decidedly different in it's application. Suspension lift kits offer a number of different options and styles of kits for you to lift your ride, leveling kits are entirely vehicle-specific, and there is no universal kit that will work for every rig. For this reason, it's even more important to know the type of leveling kit that will fit your vehicle. Also, for a fast and easy way to determine what type of truck leveling kit you need.
Types of Leveling Kits
Strut Extensions:
Strut Extension lifts are for vehicles that utilize a coilover strut for the front suspension, which typically include late-model half ton trucks and SUVs. These leveling kits operate off of the simple premise of applying a spacer on top of a factory strut. In this way, modifying your rig requires no modifications of factory parts, and therefore costs less. Plus, strut extensions are easily removed if need be.
Torsion Keys:
Torsion keys replace factory pieces, allowing you to produce lift by manipulating a vehicle's torsion bar. Usually, aftermarket torsion keys are built stronger and sturdier than factory units to ensure that this is a safe and effective method of achieving lift. It is usually a wise decision to purchase a torsion key adjustor tool along with the leveling kit for future modification.
Coil Spacers:
Coil spacer leveling kits are similar to strut extensions, only the spacer is added to the top of factory spring buckets. This allows you to enjoy all the benefits of truck leveling kits while maintaining a factory stance and OEM ride quality. In order to compensate for the additional lift, some coil spacer applications will require the installation of shock extensions, which are usually included with these leveling kits.
Block Kits:
Not to be confused with standard leveling kits, block kits are the preferred method of altering the ride height of the rear end of a vehicle, whether you're looking for a rear-high stance, or just want to put the rake back into your truck for hauling or towing.