The Difference Between Lift Kits and Leveling Kits

The Difference Between Lift Kits and Leveling Kits

Are you looking to give your truck an elevated look, or do you want to enhance its off-roading capabilities? If so, you may be considering installing either a lift or leveling kit. While both options can raise the height of your vehicle, they serve different purposes and have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. There are numerous differences between lift kits and leveling kits, and when you understand them, you can make the right choice for your ride.

Height Increase

Lift kits increase the overall height of your vehicle, typically by at least two inches. You might even get more height from the kit, depending on your vehicle model. Increased height allows for larger tires and improved ground clearance, making your car better for off-roading adventures. You’ll gain the ability to traverse rocky terrains, deep ruts, and steep inclines with ease. With a lift kit, you’ll also enjoy greater visibility from a higher vantage point. A lift kit also boosts the look of your truck, giving it a more aggressive and rugged feel that you’ll love.

Leveling Focus

Leveling kits only raise the front of your truck to create a more even stance with the rear. They typically provide a less obvious lift than lift kits and are ideal for correcting uneven weight distribution or adding extra clearance for larger tires in the front. Leveling kits are especially useful for trucks that sag in the front due to heavy front-end accessories like winches or snowplows.

Installation Complexity

Installing a lift kit requires more extensive modifications to your car’s suspension system compared to a leveling kit. This process can involve replacing shocks, struts, and other components in addition to installing new springs or spacers. With a lift kit, you’ll also need to re-align the vehicle geometry with things like driveshaft adjustments and brake line extensions. As a result, it requires specialized tools and expertise, making it an involved and time-consuming process.

Simpler Option

Leveling kits, on the other hand, are simpler to install than lift kits and usually involve adding spacer blocks, strut extensions, or torsion keys to raise the front of the vehicle. Because of this simplicity, you can complete the installation yourself within a few hours! Just gather all your tools for a DIY installation made easy.

Both lift kits and leveling kits have their pros and cons, depending on your needs. To find the one that’s right for you, you need to understand their differences. Whether you’re aiming for a rugged off-road look or want to level out your car’s stance, it’s important to weigh these factors before making a decision. If you have a hard time choosing, let Norcal Diesel Performance help. With our selection of parts, like our 2011-2016 Duramax steering upgrades, you can turn your truck into whatever you want it to be!

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