Leveling Kit vs Lift Kit: Which One Does Your Truck Need?
Most pickups leave the factory sitting lower at the front than the back. That nose-down stance is called rake, and it is there so the truck stays level when you load the bed or hook up a trailer. A leveling kit removes the rake. A lift kit raises the whole truck. This guide covers how they differ, what each one costs on the kits we carry, and what else to plan for before you order.
Want to go straight to the parts? See all lift kits and leveling kits, or jump to your truck: Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Silverado and Sierra, Super Duty, Colorado and Canyon or Jeep.
What a leveling kit does
A leveling kit raises only the front of the truck, usually by about 1.5 to 3 inches, so it sits level with the rear. It is the cheapest way to clear slightly larger tires and get rid of the nose-down look. Common types are strut spacers, torsion keys on older GM trucks, and adjustable leveling coilovers.
Adjustable leveling coilovers replace the front struts with a coilover you can set within a range, instead of a fixed spacer. For example, the Belltech 0-2 inch front leveling coilover kit for the 2015-2020 F-150 or the Belltech 2 inch leveling coilover kit for the 2019+ Silverado 1500 4WD run about $775 to $780 each.
What a lift kit does
A lift kit raises both the front and the rear, typically 3 inches or more. Bigger lifts change more of the suspension: new coilovers or shocks, spacers or blocks at the rear, and often new knuckles or control arms to keep the geometry and travel in a usable range. That is why the price climbs fast with lift height.
Belltech 6-8 inch lift kit with coilovers and shocks for the 2019+ Ram 1500.
On the kits we carry, a coilover-based lift system such as the Eibach Pro-Truck Lift Kit for the 2019-2024 Ram 1500 is around $1,800, and a big lift like the Belltech 6-8 inch Ram 1500 kit is about $3,600. Performance kits such as the Camburg F-150 Performance Lift Kit with Fox 2.0 coilovers sit in between.
Leveling kit vs lift kit at a glance
| Leveling kit | Lift kit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it raises | Front only | Front and rear |
| Typical height | About 1.5 to 3 in | 3 in and up |
| Tire size | Modest increase | Larger increase, depends on height and wheel offset |
| Price on kits we carry | About $775 for leveling coilovers | About $1,500 to $3,600+ |
| Install | Simpler, front only | More parts, more labor |
Which one do you need?
- Choose a leveling kit if you want the truck to sit level, clear a slightly bigger tire, and keep the ride and towing close to stock.
- Choose a lift kit if you want noticeably more ground clearance, much bigger tires or a lifted look, and you accept a higher center of gravity and more cost.
- If you tow or haul often, remember the factory rake exists for that. A leveled truck will sit nose-high under a heavy load unless you add rear support.
What else to plan for
- Alignment. Any change in ride height changes camber and toe. Get an alignment after the install.
- Tires and wheels. Bigger tires change your speedometer reading and can rub. Use our ride height and tire size calculator to check diameter, speedometer change and wheel offset before you buy.
- Angles and parts on bigger lifts. Larger lifts can stress CV axles, driveshafts and brake lines. Check each kit's listing for what is included and what is not.
- Fitment details. Kits are listed by years, cab, bed length, 2WD or 4WD and sometimes trim. Match all of them. If anything is unclear, contact us and we will check with the supplier before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Is a leveling kit the same as a lift kit?
No. A leveling kit raises only the front to remove factory rake. A lift kit raises the whole truck.
How much does a leveling kit raise a truck?
Usually about 1.5 to 3 inches at the front. Adjustable leveling coilovers let you choose a height within a set range.
Do I need an alignment after a leveling kit?
Yes. Raising the front changes the alignment, so have it checked after installing any leveling or lift kit.
Can I fit bigger tires with a leveling kit?
Often a size or so larger, depending on the truck, wheel offset and tire. Check clearance with our tire size calculator before you buy.
Shop all lift kits and leveling kits. Specs, lead times and warranties come from each brand, so check the product page for your truck.
