LIFT KIT VS. LEVELING KIT: WHICH KIT SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit | Outlander Motorsports in Martinez, CA. Image of a Dirt King suspension lift kit installed by Outlander Motorsports. Concept image of 4x4 upgrades or off-road modification.Do you enjoy going where the wild things are in Martinez, CA? If so, you are either already into different 4×4 upgrades or interested in learning more about them. 

In either case, the experts at Outlander Motorsports can help. As the premier installers of off-road accessories and 4×4 upgrades, we help customers understand their options and make the best decisions. 

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is about lift kit vs. leveling kit. Let’s examine these two, their differences, and when to consider each.

What Is a Lift Kit?

A lift kit is an aftermarket 4×4 upgrade designed to modify the body of your Jeep, truck, or off-roading vehicle. 

It raises your vehicle’s ride height and possibly ground clearance. 

  • Ground clearance is the distance between the road and the lowest part of your vehicle.
  • Ride height can be best or easiest explained as the distance from the passenger seat (or center of the wheel hub and the chassis) to the ground. 

Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit | Outlander Motorsports in Martinez, CA. Image of parts of a suspension lift kit. Concept image of 4x4 upgrades or off-road modification.

There are two kinds of lift kits

  • Body lift kit: It will elevate your ride height anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. It doesn’t alter your original suspension geometry. Instead, the body of your 4×4 is lifted, and spacers or blocks are installed between the frame and body.
  • Suspension lift kit: It will increase both the articulation and ground clearance. There are a plethora of different suspension lift kits that can be used based on your goals. 

What Is a Leveling Kit?

A leveling kit is a suspension lift kit for the front of your vehicle designed to fix the rake. 

A rake is when the truck’s rear sits slightly higher than the front. Most trucks come from the factory with a bit of a raked stance. A leveling kit can help fix the rake and prevent the vehicle from bottoming out with heavy loads.

Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit | Outlander Motorsports in Martinez, CA. Image of parts of a leveling kit. Concept image of 4x4 upgrades or off-road modification.A leveling kit can also offset the weight of a heavy plow or winch in the front of your vehicle. 

Like a suspension lift kit, a leveling kit is available in various types, such as coil spacer, strut extension, and leaf spring. 

Should I Choose a Lift Kit or a Leveling Kit?

Both lift and leveling kits can be an excellent investment for your vehicle. Choosing between the two typically depends on how you plan to use your vehicle. 

If you’re looking to tackle outdoor challenges, cruise over dirt mounds, or master large rock formations, you’ll probably need the extra height you’d get from a lift kit. 

A leveling kit elevates the front of your truck, but it may not offer sufficient ground clearance when you venture on the road less traveled.

Contact Outlander Motorsports Today for the Best Off-Road Modifications in Martinez, CA

We get it—choosing the best modifications for your off-road vehicle can be tough. Fortunately, the experts at Outlander Motorsports make things easy for you. We will get to know you, your unique needs, and your budget to guide you to the best solution. 

Ready to learn more? Call us at (925) 839-4144 or fill up this appointment form. You can also stop by our shop at 1424 Shell Ave., Suite D, Martinez, CA 94553.