Leveling Kit vs. Lifting Kit

Lifting kits and leveling kits can both increase your truck’s ground clearance and allow for the installation of larger tires, but there are significant differences between these two types of modification. If you’re comparing leveling kits vs. lifting kits for a project of your own in Milwaukee, you should know the following basics right from the start:

• Leveling kits are cheaper and simpler than lifting kits, and they can raise a vehicle’s ride height by one to two inches. 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. You can raise your vehicle’s ride height by two to ten inches—or even higher with a custom build. If you want a completely unique look or you spend most of your time off-road, a lifting kit can be a perfect fit.

Leveling Kit vs. Suspension Lift: Pros & Cons

Who should consider a leveling kit vs. a suspension lift? Although you might simply be looking for a way to equip larger tires, leveling kits are often employed by drivers who are compensating for the heavy weights they need to carry—which can otherwise push a vehicle’s ground clearance below its stock specs. Suspension kits can do the same, but since they require a lot more money and a lot more work, they’re better suited for enthusiasts or hobbyists who don’t necessarily use their vehicle for daily jobs.

With all this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons for Madison and Waukesha drivers:

Leveling Kits Are Much Easier to Install.

Even those without a lot of DIY experience should be able to install a leveling kit at home. By contrast, lift kits often require the installation of new springs, shocks, control arms, and other components. Installing a lift kit is a tough job that’s best left up to a professional.

Leveling Kits Cost Less—by a Significant Margin.

In addition to being easy to install, leveling kits are generally much less expensive than lit kits. That’s doubly true if you opt for professional installation instead of going the DIY route. At the end of the day, a lifting kit can cost between $1,000 and $4,000. Leveling kits are likely to cost less than $250.

Lifting Kits Can Provide a Stronger Stance.

Leveling kits sometimes cause a vehicle’s nose to pitch into the air—and this pitching can be especially pronounced with a full truck bed or an attached trailer.

Lifting Kits Ensure a More Unique Look.

Leveling kits make a vehicle look taller, but your model might still end up looking like something that rolled off the factory floor. A lifting kit will make your vehicle look more unique.

Lifting Kits Can Decrease Your Fuel Economy.

If you’re comparing lift vs. leveling kits as a fleet manager, you should know that equipping a lift kit may have a significant negative impact on your truck’s fuel economy. Lift kits can increase your fuel consumption by up to 20%, so a leveling kit is probably the better choice for the driver who has to cover long distances on the highway in between jobs.

Compare Lift vs. Leveling Kits with an Expert!

If you’re still not sure of whether a lift kit or leveling kit is a better fit for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact our team or read through some of our other guides and FAQs! We’re a preferred resource for drivers across the greater Chicago area, and we offer plenty of ready-to-go new work trucks that you can rely on for just about anything. Whether you’re ready to buy or you just have questions, we can get you the answers you need today.