What’s The Difference Between A Leveling Kit And A Lift Kit?

When you want to give your off-road or custom vehicle a new look, changing its wheels and tyres is a great way to do it. Along with a wheel and tyre package, a lift or leveling kit can change a vehicle’s appearance. In this guide, we’ll discuss the differences between these kits and the applications for each.

The Basics Of Leveling Kits

We’ll begin by explaining what leveling kits are. Most people use the terms “lift kit” and “leveling kit” interchangeably, but they’re much different. Manufacturers make trucks with the rear sitting higher than the front, simply because most people use trucks for towing and hauling. Leveling kits lift only the front end of a vehicle, to bring it more in line with the rear.If you’re thinking of installing a leveling kit, you’ll even things out. The height difference is referred to as rake, and a leveling kit typically puts blocks atop the factory struts, so the front-end height is increased. This gives a slightly lifted, but not over-the-top look. While these kits offer no performance advantages, it’s important to keep in mind that adding a leveling kit will cause the rear end to sit heavy on your Ford Ranger wheels when the vehicle is loaded.

Lift Kits

Where lift kits are concerned, the addition affects the rear and front ends of the vehicle. Therefore, the purchase and installation of a 6” lift kit will bring both ends six inches higher off the ground. Like leveling kits, some of today’s lift kits utilize strut spacers, while other options replace the struts for optimal performance.

In a truck’s rear end, it’s likely that a 6-inch lift kit may only have four-inch spacers. This allows the installer to compensate for the factory rake and provide a more even stance. Some lift kits, like BDS systems for ¾ ton vehicles, give users the choice to use four- or five-inch spacers to preserve rake and allow for levelness under load.

The Wrap Up

Like wheels and tyres, each of the suspension kits described above serves a unique purpose. If you only want a slight bit of lift, a modern leveling kit is a great, cost-effective option. However, if you’re planning to do a great deal of off-roading, or if you simply want a little more performance or an aggressive stance, consider a lift kit.

Whether you’re adding tyres, Fuel rims, a lift kit, a leveling kit, or any other accessories to your vehicle, we want to help you find what you’re looking for. Visit your local dealer online to browse their selection or give them a call today to speak to a fitment expert.