The leveling kits are normally installed at the top of the truck’s shock strut. They are used to level up the front end with the rear end of a truck. However, the leveling kits won’t give you a performance upgrade. Rather, it’s more like a cosmetic upgrade.
However, that doesn’t mean the kitwon’t give you any extra features at all. Most of the leveling kits will give your truck’s front about 2 to 2.5 inches increased lift, Most popular being 2.5 inches. But the thing is to get this lift you will have to do heady modifications.
Now then, if you were wondering will a 2.5 leveling kit hurt my truck! We have the most authentic answer for you.
Overview
A leveling kit is definitely a good addition for your truck. Even so it’s always better to analyze the risk factor before buying and installing the kits. In this article we have gathered some key factors like whether the kit hurts your vehicle , or if it’s actually bad for the overall health of your car. Let’s discuss the whole answer in detail.
Will a 2.5 Leveling Kit Hurt My Truck (The Truth)
Stock trucks don’t have any leveling kits installed in them. On top of that, the manufacturers often suggest against the idea of installing one. Now, you must be wondering why they would suggest against it? There must be a reason, right? So, 2.5″ are leveling kits bad for your truck? Let’s find out-
The truth about leveling kits: As we stated earlier, the truck leveling kits are a cosmetic upgrade to your truck rather than a performance upgrade.
Your truck can work well enough even without them. But if you want an even look for your truck then you can go with the leveling kit. However, installing them in your truck contains certain risks. For example, the leveling kit can wear out your truck’s suspension faster.
Apart from that certain damage can be done to many parts of your truck. Also, it can affect your ride quality ( Though rarely happened).
So, it’s up to you if you’re willing to take those risks and can deal with the truck leveling kit problems. Keeping in mind the risks, if you’ve already decided to install a leveling kit, we suggest consulting a specialist. At least you can reduce the risk factors to a bare minimum in that way.
Are Leveling Kits Bad for Trucks?
Modifying your truck’s suspension with a leveling kit carries a number of risks. The good news here is that It’s possible to avoid any permanent harm to your truck by installing a quality leveling kit with the help of an expert.
However, to some people, a truck with leveled suspension simply looks better than one that isn’t. Some of the reasons you may want to level your truck include accommodating wider tires, boosting ground clearance, or supporting a snowplow.
Even with all these great features, the leveling kits are not without any drawbacks. Sometimes they can be severely harmful to your truck and its performance. Before installing a leveling kit, you should at least take all these risks into consideration. Here are they-
Fuel Efficiency
A leveled truck consumes more fuel than an unleveled truck when towing a trailer, especially while driving on two wheels. A hefty weight in the truck bed is expected to level the truck’s suspension, thus the back of the truck is elevated.
However, a leveled truck’s front will be a bit higher than the rear when carrying a hefty load. As an aftermath of the elevated front, the truck will have more wind resistance. Thus, the fuel efficiency will be decreased.
Maintenance
Adding a leveling kit to a truck increases the risk of suspension wearout. The suspension parts will stop working sooner than you expect it to . The manufacturer designed it to perform in a certain way. So, changing anything in your car might increase the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle.
Changing the front suspension can put a lot of strain on the Ball and CV joints. Needless to say, these parts will exhaust more quickly if you change the suspension height too often. However, your truck can handle smaller alterations like 2 or less than 2 inches. You can go for the safer option in this case.
Now one question may arise here, will a 2” leveling kit damage my truck in any way? To be frank, yes, it will do some damage to some extent. But not as much as the 2.5 or 3-inch one.
Warranty
Another drawback of installing a leveling kit is that it may void your car’s warranty. The dealer or manufacturer might be reluctant to provide warranty repairs if you’ve altered the stock suspension on a newer model. However, this isn’t an issue if your truck is already out of warranty.
For example, if you install a lift kit or a leveling kit on your Ford, the warranty may still be valid. However, Ford will not pay for any damage that occurs after the vehicle leaves the company’s care. Ford parts that fail as a result of later-installed parts are included in this category.
Installation
Installation of a leveling kit is not that hard. Basic instructions are usually included in most kits. You have the option of doing the installation yourself or hiring a reputable mechanic to do it for you. But we suggest getting an expert’s help. Installing a leveling kit by a mechanic can cost a little more. Don’t get offended, we know you can install it yourself. But the fact is, even a little misstep during the installation process might damage your whole truck.
So, are leveling kits bad for your suspension? Well, it depends on how precisely you can install it. It doesn’t matter if you buy a top-of-the-line suspension system, If you don’t install it correctly as your entire vehicle’s weight rests on the suspension.
Is a Leveling Kit Bad for Towing?
When used in isolation, a leveling kit has no effect on your vehicle’s towing capacity. Your vehicle’s suspension may be able to move more freely with the help of a leveling kit. However, increasing the size of your vehicle’s tires can reduce the vehicle’s ability to tow perfectly.
Many people use Silverado trucks for towing purposes. They often ask are leveling kits bad for Silverado? Well, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The Silverado is a beast in this regard. If you’re one of those people who use their Silverado for towing and wish to upgrade to a leveling kit, don’t panic! A kit will have no effect on the truck’s towing capacity whatsoever.
Pros and Cons of Leveling Kits
The front end of stock automobiles is almost always lowered by manufacturers. Using a front-end leveling kit, you may raise the front of your car and bring it into alignment with the rest of the vehicle.
However, there’re several drawbacks to this low-cost kit, but no modification is completely risk-free, right? When considering a front-end leveling kit, you should consider these advantages and disadvantages.
Now then, let’s talk about the pros and cons of leveling kits-
Pros:
Increased Ground Clearance: Most vehicles have more rear clearance than the front. Therefore, clearance is usually only as high as the front end. However, a leveling kit will raise your front end 1 to 3 inches, increasing your ground clearance.
Furthermore, the leveling kit moves the truck’s body farther from the axles. So, you can install larger tires. With the leveling kit installed, the tires won’t hit the bumper when turning.
Off-roading and Towing: A leveling kit is ideal for improving off-road capability. Mud, dirt, pebbles, sand, and other terrains require more ground clearance and larger tires. And the leveling kit can provide that ground clearance. Also, it will protect the front bumper from pebbles and debris.
Furthermore, a leveling kit will raise the vehicle’s front end back to its appropriate height, improving the vehicle’s overall performance.
Cons:
Decreased Fuel Economy: The front suspension is purposefully lowered by the vast majority of automobile manufacturers. Reduced wind resistance and improved fuel economy are the results of this design.
However, installing a leveling kit will heighten up the front end and the wind resistance will increase. More wind resistance will cause a heavier aerodynamic drag and the fuel consumption will be higher. This is especially true if you’re transporting a large amount of weight after installing a leveling kit.
Increased Wear on Suspension: The suspension system will be subjected to more stress and strain as a result of installing a leveling kit.
But the good news is that skilled installation and routine maintenance can help you avoid these issues. Because the suspension carries the vehicle’s whole weight, improper installation will result in premature wear and tear. Shocks and an alignment need to be installed in addition to the leveling kit.
Are leveling kits bad for Tacomas?
The overall performance of a Tacoma will not be affected by installing a leveling kit. However, the body roll may increase and steering may become a little less precise as the vehicle rises in height.
Will a 3 leveling kit hurt my truck?
Well, no matter which sizes of leveling kit you use, it will eventually wear off the suspension. However, the more your truck’s height is the faster it’ll wear off the suspension. So, yes, a 3-inch leveling kit can hurt your truck. In fact, a lot quicker than a 2-inch one.
Are leveling kits bad for jeeps?
Lift kits can damage Jeeps if not installed properly. Even a well-installed raise kit can degrade ride quality. Lifts will also need regular maintenance to avoid damaging the car.
Conclusion
Most of the trucks have nearly 2-2.5’ height drop in the front end. However, this unevenness can be dealt with by installing a leveling kit. A leveling kit normally gives a 2-2.5” increase in height. But this tool can damage your truck to some extent. Consumers often get confused about installing the tool. So, we get the question : will a 2.5 leveling kit hurt my truck?
Using our comprehensive study on various truck models and manufacturers, we have identified some crucial things to look after while installing a leveling system. We sincerely hope you found the article helpful!
FAQs
Can a leveling kit hurt your truck? ›
The weight of the vehicle rests on the suspension. If a front-end leveling kit is installed incorrectly, it can cause increased wear and tear on the suspension system.
What does a 2.5 inch leveling kit do? ›A 2.5 inch leveling kit will help to correct the rake without having a drastic impact on the overall appearance, keeping your vehicle even. Adding this kit can also allow you to put on larger tires and, because it will only lift the front of your vehicle, your payload will stay the same.
Do leveling kits hurt ball joints? ›However, the increased angle and pressure that lift kits can add to these ball joints can cause them to wear out quickly, and in extreme cases, they can fail, which snaps the wheel sideways, leading you to end up on the side of the road - that's a bad day.
Will a 2 inch leveling kit void warranty? ›Sort Of. Lifting your truck past 2” (or at all for some brands, like Toyota) will void the warranty on parts that are affected or damaged by the lift kit. However, anything not related to or affected by the lift kit will still be covered.
Do I need an alignment after a leveling kit? ›Yes, your 4×4 will need an alignment after the installation of a leveling kit. All IFS 4x4s will need a full alignment, while solid-axle 4x4s can typically get by with centering the steering wheel via the draglink adjustment.
Do I need new shocks with a 2 inch leveling kit? ›In order for a 2-inch leveling kit to work properly, the shocks on your truck must be compatible. Some trucks come with shocks that are already compatible with a 2-inch leveling kit, while others require that you purchase new shocks separately.
What size tires can I put on my truck with a 2.5 inch leveling kit? ›Southern Truck's 2.5-inch leveling kit supports up to 265/65R18 tire and factory wheel combinations for all Ford Ranger trucks. Level the front of your vehicle with the rear using Southern Truck's 2.5-inch kit and instantly increase ground clearance, ride height and the style you're looking for.
Do leveling kits affect handling? ›Adding a body leveling kit has no real impact on the suspension system. However, it can affect handling. It raises the vehicle's center of gravity, making it slightly tippy around corners. A body leveling kit is another relatively inexpensive method for adding needed space for larger wheels and tires.
Is a 2 inch leveling kit the same as a 2 inch lift? ›The Difference Between Leveling Kits & Lift Kits
Leveling kits raise the front-end of a vehicle by a few inches, correcting the nose-down stance and making it level with the height of the back. Lift kits provide much more ground clearance—sometimes up to 10 inches—and provide a smoother ride.
Con: Increased wear on suspension
A leveling kit will change the overall design of the vehicle, which will result in increased wear and tear on the suspension system. The good news is that there is a way to avoid these problems with professional installation and routine maintenance.
Why are trucks not level? ›
Lift versus Level
On any stock truck coming straight from the manufacturer, the rear of the vehicle sits a few inches higher than the front end. This is called a raked stance. Trucks are designed this way intentionally. The higher backend means less risk to the factory rear suspension under a heavy load.
A leveling kit is a great choice for the driver who wants larger tires or more ground clearance for their day-to-day. Lifting kits are significantly more complex and expensive, but they give you the room you'll need to install tires of up to 40 inches in diameter.
Are leveling kits bad for towing? ›Leveling kits do not affect your truck's towing capabilities. Your leveled truck should still be able to tow the same amount of weight as it could when it was stock.
How high can a leveling kit go? ›Most options allow you to raise a vehicle anywhere from 2 to 4-inches. With certain vehicles, there are options that offer up to 6 to 8-inches of lift. A leveling kit is designed to raise the front of a truck so that it's level with the back, eliminating the nose-down look (also known as the factory rake).
Is a leveling kit noticeable? ›A leveling kit won't be as noticeable. If you want the look of a lifted truck, go with a lift kit.
How much does it cost to level a truck? ›Although the changes are mostly cosmetic, it is possible to use levelling kits to raise the truck's body by 1-2 inches. Cost: Expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a levelling kit, before the cost of labor.
Does a leveling kit raise the back? ›Most stock trucks are designed with a nose-down stance. It creates a wedge look, helps improve fuel economy, and accounts for weight in the bed when carrying a load. A leveling kit is a type of suspension lift kit that raises the front of the vehicle to match the stock height in the rear.
Do you need new shocks with a 2.5 inch lift? ›Suspension lift kits that raise your truck higher than 3 inches will usually require a new shock absorber to take up the difference in distance between the top and bottom mounting points of the shock. To simplify the shopping experience, the majority of brands we carry will include new shock absorbers in these cases.
How much lift do King 2.5 shocks give? ›King 2.5 Extended Travel front coilovers with remote reservoirs and compression adjusters offer the best in off-road driving performance, without sacrificing street drivability. These coilovers are height adjustable, from 0.5″ to 3.5″ of lift, allowing you level or lift your truck as desired.
Do you need new upper control arms with a leveling kit? ›If you're at 2.5" leveling or higher, then it's a good idea to at least consider an aftermarket UCA, but leveling height alone doesn't mean you absolutely, 100% need aftermarket upper control arms.
Can you fit 35s with a 2.5 level? ›
Do you need a level to fit 35 inch tires on a Ford F-150? The most cost effective way to run 35 inch tires on a stock Ford F-150 is to install a 2.5 inch leveling kit. Installing a leveling kit on your truck will prevent the larger 35s from rubbing the front of the wheel well.
How big of tires can you put with a 2.5 inch lift? ›2.5-inches of suspension lift (2- or 4-door)
Fit 35/12.50/17 or 315/70/17 tires. However, this usually requires aftermarket wheels with approximately 4 1/2-inch backspacing to do so.
A good rule of thumb is that if you have a two-inch leveling kit, you can get a tire that is two inches larger and so on. This way you know that it will fit for sure. A lot of times, stock tire sizes are very conservative and you can go bigger than that two inches.
Will 2 inch leveling kit affect ride quality? ›Q: Does a leveling kit affect ride quality? A: Under most circumstances, as long as you get proper installation a leveling kit will not affect your ride quality. However, if you buy a cheap leveling kit and attempt to install at home, it could.
Is there a benefit to leveling your truck? ›Leveling your truck or SUV will give you extra space to fit a larger set of tires. Reducing the rake creates more space between the tire and wheel arch. Adding larger tires will and a leveling kit will make your vehicle sit much higher than it did stock.
How do I know what size leveling kit to get? ›If you're buying the front kit only, just purchase that height (we recommend rounding down if you're in between heights). If you're buying a full kit, you will have to do some more math to find out what you need. For example, if the rear minus the front was 2", then you need a 2" front kit to have your truck sit level.
How thick is a 2 inch leveling kit? ›This kit will raise the front of the truck by 2", but the actual thickness is about 1".
Should trucks be 4 high or low? ›Without an Auto setting, 4WD High is what you'd use in any situation that's low-traction but relatively high-speed—a dirt road or snowy paved road. 4WD Low is strictly for slow off-roading or places where torque multiplication would really help you out (like deep sand).
Are Low trucks better than high trucks? ›High trucks are better for turning as the truck can pivot further as the different geometry allows more movement. Larger wheels can be fitted without wheel bite, 53mm to 58mm, as the axle now sits further away from the deck. You can ride looser trucks as the wheels will have more room to move before hitting the deck.
Can a leveling kit be removed? ›Can I Remove a Leveling Kit? If you own a leveled truck, you can return it to stock easily. You just need to remove the leveling kit, easy peasy. This does not apply to “Level-Lifts” or any other kit which includes drop crossmembers.
Do you need rear blocks with a leveling kit? ›
Have you installed a leveling kit and decided that you need more rake for towing? Then yes, a rear block is what you need. Do you have a stock truck and just need more rake (rear lift) to help with load capacity handling? Rear blocks will help you.
Does lifting your truck affect gas mileage? ›Lifting the body of a truck increases its aerodynamic drag, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. This means that, although a lifted truck may be able to tackle tougher terrain, it will likely have worse fuel economy than a stock truck.
Do lift kits affect mpg? ›A suspension lift will also add weight to your truck reducing fuel efficiency, therefore, choosing lighter weight kit components will mitigate greater fuel consumption.
Should I put a leveling kit on my f150? ›A lift or leveling kit can really elevate the ride height, handling, and capabilities of your Ford F-150. No matter if you'd like to make purely cosmetic changes with new wheels or you want enhanced off-road performance, there's a lift or leveling kit that will get the job done.
How thick should self leveling be? ›QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer (No. 1249-51) can be installed from 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) thick to a feather edge, although a ¼ inch (6.3 mm) minimum thickness is required for heavy traffic areas.
How much does it cost to lift truck 2 inches? ›Leveling kits can cost as little as $60, but on average, a basic 2-inch leveling kit will cost you around $300.
How thick can you pour self leveling? ›How Thick Can You Pour Self Leveling Concrete? The thickness depends on the product you use. But standard thicknesses are between ⅛ inch and 1 inch. However, there are mixes that can be poured as thin as 1/16 inch and as thick as 5 inches.
Is it better to lift or leveling your truck? ›A leveling kit is a great choice for the driver who wants larger tires or more ground clearance for their day-to-day. Lifting kits are significantly more complex and expensive, but they give you the room you'll need to install tires of up to 40 inches in diameter.
What will a leveling kit do to my truck? ›A leveling kit is a type of suspension lift kit that raises the front of the vehicle to match the stock height in the rear. The leveling kit lifts the front of the trucks a few inches for an improved stance. There may be room for slightly larger tires without rubbing the fender wells.
What happens when you level a truck? ›Leveling your truck or SUV will give you extra space to fit a larger set of tires. Reducing the rake creates more space between the tire and wheel arch. Adding larger tires will and a leveling kit will make your vehicle sit much higher than it did stock.
Does a leveling kit affect ride quality f150? ›
A lift or leveling kit can really elevate the ride height, handling, and capabilities of your Ford F-150. No matter if you'd like to make purely cosmetic changes with new wheels or you want enhanced off-road performance, there's a lift or leveling kit that will get the job done.
Why are pickup trucks not level? ›Lift versus Level
On any stock truck coming straight from the manufacturer, the rear of the vehicle sits a few inches higher than the front end. This is called a raked stance. Trucks are designed this way intentionally. The higher backend means less risk to the factory rear suspension under a heavy load.
For all those curious, the correct leveling kit for your truck will not interfere with any suspension level sensors, adaptive cruise control, 360 cams, lane departure or your heated steering wheel. It's literally a spacer that spaces the top of your strut from the strut mount and that's it.
Does a 2 inch lift make a difference? ›If you ride on really difficult terrain, this gives you the opportunity to upgrade to some more aggressive tires that can handle the rougher stuff easier. Going a little bigger with tires will also raise your ground clearance even more. The bottom line is that a 2″ lift will make a difference.
How many inches should I level my truck? ›Most leveling kits add two inches to the front, so two inches of rake is pretty common, but some vehicles vary in height, so you may need to find a kit that's a little more flexible in terms of raising the suspension.
How much does it take to level a truck? ›Although the changes are mostly cosmetic, it is possible to use levelling kits to raise the truck's body by 1-2 inches. Cost: Expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a levelling kit, before the cost of labor.
Does a 2 leveling kit affect ride quality? ›Q: Does a leveling kit affect ride quality? A: Under most circumstances, as long as you get proper installation a leveling kit will not affect your ride quality. However, if you buy a cheap leveling kit and attempt to install at home, it could.