Leveling kits lift the front of your vehicle, since most come stock as nose down. The more aggressive leveling kits will also lift the rear of your vehicle slightly.
What is a Leveling Kits?
A leveling kit is an aftermarket suspension accessory or shock designed to help a truck, SUV, or Jeep achieve a more even stance. These kits address the factory rake (front-to-rear height difference) in most models sold today. Automotive manufacturers incorporate the factory rack mainly to keep the vehicle level when towing or carrying heavy loads. Not all drivers appreciate this nose-down look; it explains why leveling kits are such a popular upgrade.
Types of Leveling Kits
At Jack-it, we offer all types of leveling kits. These kits range from inexpensive kits that include coil or strut spacers to complete suspension systems with replacement coil springs and radius arms or performance coilovers. The kind you need will depend on your vehicle's year, make, and model, the type of driving you do, and your budget. Below are the most common types on the market, separated by suspension type and lift method:
Coilover Suspension
The coil / strut suspension (coilovers) is widespread on 1/2 ton and midsize trucks and SUVs. This is a coil spring mounted over a shock to support and dampen the front suspension. Leveling kit types for these models with this type of suspension are listed below:
- Upper strut/coil spacers: Spacers are made to mount above the factory coilover assembly. They lengthen the factory coilover, which provides the front lift. A drawback to this method is that you lose some suspension travel. The advantages are that the ride quality is usually not affected, and they are very affordable. This is a popular choice for drivers wanting to level the front end but rarely leaving the pavement or off-road.
- Pre-load spacers: Pre-load spacers differ from standard spacers in that they mount between the coil spring and the top of the coilover assembly. By raising the spring rate, they can increase height by a small amount, usually 1 to 1.5 inches. However, coilover disassembly is required, meaning you need access to a spring compressor. Also, these will usually give the firmest ride of any leveling kit for a coilover suspension.
- Snap Ring Shocks: Probably the most popular form of leveling kit for the coilover suspension style is technically a shock. The Bilstein 5100 adjustable height front shocks (Fox 2.0 Snap Ring Shocks are also available) allow you to level the front end while improving suspension performance. These reuse the factory coil springs to fit over the shocks. The Bilstein 5100 features snap ring grooves (usually 3 to 4) in the shock that allow for different lift heights, including a level setting. They offer a great combination of price and performance.
- Adjustable Height Coilovers: For the best improvement in handling and off-road performance in a leveling kit, coilover kits are the gold standard for this type of suspension. These replace the entire coilover assembly with premium components. This includes popular choices from Bilstein (6112 and 8112 Coilovers), Fox (2.0 Performance Series and 2.5 Performance Elite Coilovers) and Icon Vehicle Dynamics (2.5 Series and 3.0 Series Coilovers). These range significantly in price with options like adjustable lift heights, remote reservoirs, adjustable dampening, and bypass valving. If your budget will allow, these are the preferred leveling methods.
A suspension component commonly purchased or included with any of the above coilover suspension-type leveling kits is aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs). These work well to complement leveling and lift kits to improve suspension travel and provide camber and caster adjustments.
Coil Spring Suspension
Leveling kits for this suspension type are primary for the Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 and Ford F250 / F350 trucks. These all use a coil spring style front suspension that allows for various options for leveling. Below are the most commons options:
- Coil Spring Spacers: Coil Spring Spacers: These are an economical and effective method of leveling the front end if your vehicle has front coil springs. They are usually constructed from steel or polyurethane and are mounted above the factory coil spring. Lift sizes generally range from 1 to 2.5 inches. Your ride quality will remain the same with these types of kits.
- Coil Springs: These kits use coil springs that are extended in length to replace the factory coil springs. Many leveling kit manufacturers use dual-rate coil springs that can improve ride quality and handling. This can be a great option if your factory coil springs are worn or sagging or if you want a performance boost.
An adjustable track bar or track bar drop bracket is commonly included with leveling kits fitting the coil spring suspension type. This keeps the axle centered and tracking correctly.
Torsion Bar Suspension
Torsion Bar Suspension: This suspension type uses a long, cylindrical bar made of hardened steel that attaches one end to the lower control arm and the other to the chassis through a torsion bar key. The bar is designed to resist twisting forces, which create a spring-like effect. The resistance can be changed by adjusting the torsion bar key or purchasing reindex torsion bar keys. This change in resistance will can raise or lower the front end. At Jack-it, we offer forged steel reindexed torsion bar keys that lift the front end from 1 to 2 inches.
