The Complete Guide to Truck Leveling Kits

If you’re a truck or SUV owner looking to give your vehicle a more aggressive, off-road look, leveling kits might be the answer you’re looking for. Leveling kits are aftermarket suspension components designed to raise the front or rear of a vehicle to make it level with the opposite end. Go with KSP Performance. This article will examine leveling kits, how they work, and their benefits. 

What is a leveling kit?

A leveling kit is an aftermarket suspension component that raises the front or rear of a vehicle. They are designed to correct the factory rake often present in trucks and SUVs. The rake is the difference in height between the front and rear of the truck, with the rear being higher. Leveling kits come in various types, including strut spacers, coil spring spacers, and block kits.

How do leveling kits work?

For example, strut spacers are installed on top of the factory strut assembly, which raises the front of the vehicle. Coil spring spacers are installed between the factory coil spring and strut assembly, which also raises the front of the car. Block kits are installed between the rear axle and leaf springs, which increases the rear of the vehicle.

What are the benefits of leveling kits?

1. Improved off-road capability: Leveling kits provide additional ground clearance, allowing you to tackle more challenging off-road terrain.
2. Enhanced aesthetics: Leveling kits give your vehicle a more aggressive and leveled look, which enhances its overall aesthetics.
3. Increased hauling capacity: Leveling kits can improve your vehicle’s hauling capacity by providing additional clearance for towing or heavy loads.
4. Improved handling: Leveling kits can improve your vehicle’s handling and stability by reducing body roll and improving suspension travel.

Things to consider when installing a leveling kit

1. Compatibility: Ensure that your purchase leveling kit is compatible with your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
2. Quality: Choose a leveling kit made from high-quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving.
3. Professional installation: We recommend installing your leveling kit by a professional mechanic with experience working with suspension components.

How to install leveling kits

1. Gather the necessary tools and equipment. This will vary depending on the type of leveling kit you have and your specific vehicle, but you’ll likely need a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, a torque wrench, and a spring compressor (if using a coil spring spacer kit).
2. Park your ride on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Use the jack to lift the front or rear of the car, depending on the kit you’re installing. Place jack stands under the frame or axle for added safety.
3. Remove the wheels and tires from the side of the vehicle you’re working on.
4. If you’re installing a strut or coil spring spacer kit, use a spring compressor to compress the factory spring. Remove the top strut mount bolts and lift the strut assembly out of the vehicle.
5. Install the spacer on top of the factory strut assembly or between the coil spring and strut assembly.
6. Reinstall the strut assembly and tighten the top mount bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. If using a coil spring spacer kit, use the torque wrench to tighten the strut rod nut to the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. If you’re installing a block kit, remove the factory U-bolts and lower the rear axle. Install the block between the axle and leaf spring and reattach the U-bolts.
8. Repeat the installation steps for the other side of the vehicle.
9. Install the wheels and tires and lower the vehicle to the ground.
10. Test the vehicle on a level surface to ensure its level and check the alignment if necessary.

Keep in mind that this is a general overview of how to install leveling kits, and the installation process may vary relying on your specific vehicle and the type of kit you’re using. Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and torque specifications and follow proper safety procedures when working on your vehicle.

Do leveling kits cause vibration?

Leveling kits can cause vibrations, but it’s not always the case. The likelihood of experiencing palpitations depends on various factors, including the type of leveling kit, the vehicle’s suspension design, and the quality of the installation.

One common cause of vibrations is when the leveling kit needs to be installed correctly or is compatible with the vehicle’s suspension design. For example, if the equipment is not aligned perfectly or at the correct height, it can cause vibrations. Similarly, if the kit is incompatible with the suspension system, it can cause problems.

Another factor contributing to vibrations is the type of leveling kit used. Coil spring and strut spacers are less likely to cause vibrations than block kits, which can cause axle wrap and lead to vibrations.

Leveling kits can cause vibrations sometimes, but it’s not a guarantee. To minimize the risk of vibrations, it’s essential to choose a high-quality kit that is compatible with your vehicle’s suspension system and have it installed by a professional mechanic with experience working on suspension components. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help detect any issues early and prevent potential problems.

Do leveling kits cause gas mileage?

Leveling kits can affect gas mileage, but the impact is minimal. Leveling kits, by design, raise the front or rear of the vehicle to make it level, which can change the car’s aerodynamics slightly. This can result in increased wind resistance, which can, in turn, decrease gas mileage slightly.

However, the impact on gas mileage is typically small, and many vehicle owners do not notice any significant changes in their gas mileage after installing a leveling kit. Additionally, any changes in gas mileage may be offset by improved performance and handling, which can result in more efficient driving.

It’s worth noting to know other factors, such as driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and tire pressure, have a much more significant impact on gas mileage than a leveling kit. Therefore, it’s important to maintain good driving habits and keep up with regular vehicle maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.

While leveling kits can potentially affect gas mileage, the impact is minimal. Other factors, such as driving habits and vehicle maintenance, significantly affect fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Leveling kits are an excellent way to improve your truck or SUV’s aesthetics and off-road capability. They provide additional ground clearance, enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics, and increase its hauling capacity. However, it’s crucial to consider compatibility, quality, and professional installation when purchasing and installing a leveling kit. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of a leveled vehicle and confidently take on more challenging terrain.

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