One of the most common questions we get is about “lifting” or “leveling” kits. Most of our clients don’t know the difference. The kinda sorta accomplish the same thing, but one is much more aggressive than the other.
As delivered from the factory, almost all pickup trucks will ride tail high/nose down. This is because the rear suspension is preloaded for the carrying load capabilities of the truck, but trucks rarely drive around with a bed full of stuff.
Leveling Kits are designed to do exactly what it sounds like, to allow the truck to be level instead of bed high/nose down. They are usually pretty simple kits with some spacers and connecting rods to allow the front end to be safely lifted to match the height of the rear. It’s important to note that this raises the front, not lowers the rear, and load carrying is not affected at all.
A lift kit is much more aggressive and literally changes the height of the truck all around. Lifts are available from a mild 2″ to a whopping 12″! Most of the lifts that we do are in the 4″-6″ range, good for a daily driver.
Lifts provide an aggressive big look, provide extra ground clearance and also allow the mounting of larger tires. It typically takes a full day to install a lift. One thing to keep in mind is that the greater the lift, the more parts will be necessary for the truck to work correctly. Sometimes extended suspension components, longer shock absorbers and even driveshaft extensions might be necessary. Larger tires may also require wheel spacers and even minor trimming to fit. A full alignment is always needed after a leveling or lift.
