If you want to improve off-roading performance, a lift kit or a leveling kit is a great option, and will allow you to raise your vehicle further from the ground for better clearance. Some of these kits also let you get more space to mount large, knobby tires that handle tough off-road conditions. But what’s the difference between the two, and what’s the right choice for your 4x4? Find out!
What’s A Lift Kit?
A suspension lift kit, or a “lift kit” for short, consists of a variety of different suspension components like shocks, struts, replacement leaf springs, new control arms and trailing arms. The specific parts may vary depending on the truck or SUV, and the height of the lift.
These suspension parts replace your existing suspension, lifting the body of your truck higher from the road. This lets you get more ground clearance to get over debris when off-roading, allows the mounting of bigger tires, and improves overall performance when you take your 4x4 off-road.
What’s A Leveling Kit?
Leveling kits are built for trucks. If you’re a truck owner, you may have noticed that the rear of the truck sits a bit higher than the front. This is intentional – when hauling heavy loads, it ensures that the truck does not sag and the rear stays even in the front.
A leveling kit consists of suspension components that can correct this “nose-down” stance, and provide a few more inches of lift in the front. This includes strut spacers, coil spacers, “add-a-leafs” for the leaf spring, and torsion keys, depending on the model of 4x4 and the leveling kit.
This is mainly for looks, but also can provide a few inches extra ground clearance, letting you mount slightly-larger tires. Leveling kits also are much easier to install compared to lift kits.
Lift Vs. Leveling Kit – Find What’s Right For You
Lift kits and leveling kits have different advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of both modifications to help you determine which style of product might be right for your needs.
Lift Kit Pros
- Lift kits let you level the front and back of your truck while achieving a much higher lift than a leveling kit
- A lift kit provides much more ground clearance compared to a leveling kit for a more aggressive stance and bigger tires
- Lift kits typically include upgraded suspension components built for off-roading, enhancing performance
Lift Kit Cons
- Large lifts can change center of gravity and affect stability on roads
- Lift kits are much more expensive than leveling kits
- DIY installation of a lift kit is much harder, may be impractical unless you’re an experienced mechanic
Leveling Kit Pros
- Simple, bolt-on installation can usually be done on your own
- Usually helps fit larger tires
- Maintains factory ride for comfort
- Very inexpensive and affordable compared to a lift kit
Leveling Kit Cons
- Only gives you a few inches of lift in the front, none in the back
- Won’t change overall appearance of the truck or SUV very much
- Places more stress and strain on stock suspension components, which may wear out faster
Shop For Lift Kits & Leveling Kits At Toytec Lifts
We hope this guide has helped you learn a bit more about lift kits and leveling kits. If you’re ready to shop for your Toyota truck or 4x4, browse our full selection of complete lift kits and suspension components at Toytec Lifts. Got questions or need help? Contact us online or give us a call at 866.254.0076.
