Most factory trucks sit lower in the front than in the back. This is called factory rake, and while it helps with hauling, many truck owners don’t like the uneven look. A truck levelling kit fixes this by raising the front suspension so the truck sits flat. Owing to this, suspension modifications such as the levelling kits are currently enjoying some popularity among everyday drivers and off-road enthusiasts.
The issue of how to install a levelling kit is often looked up by a large number of people because it is one of the simplest yet cost-effective methods of modifying a truck. Front levelling kit enhances a better stance, it lets the truck run slightly larger tyres, and it makes the truck look more aggressive without the expense of a complete lift kit. It is a simple suspension levelling kit, and it should be performed properly.
In aftermarket information released recently, modification of the suspension is one of the most popular truck accessories in the present-day, and the leveling kits are the most popular. Drivers desire increased tyre clearance, higher ride height, and a more presentable appearance without sacrificing the comfort of their truck in its daily use. This need has made the installation of levelling kits a burning issue.
We are going to make it all clear and easy to understand in this guide. You will get to know what a levelling kit is, the functioning of a levelling kit, and how to install a levelling kit. We will also discuss some of the most frequent errors and things to keep in mind before setting out so that your truck is not ruined, out of alignment,t and so that it is road worthy.
What Is a Levelling Kit
A levelling kit is a suspension kit designed to correct the uneven attitude of most factory trucks. The truck often sits in front of the trucks and higher in the rear, which is where it has come out of the factory. This is called factory rake. A levelling kit on a truck elevates the front part to make the vehicle appear level and balanced.
The majority of levelling kits have the effect of raising the front suspension. Depending on the suspension system in the truck, they utilise such parts as front levelling spacers, coil spring spacers, or torsion keys. These elements tend to increase the height by one to two inches, which is sufficient to even out the truck without altering it beyond that.
Suspension levelling kit is not similar to a ift kit. It does not raise the entire truck, but only corrects the height in front. This makes the ride quality close to stock, with still better tyre clearance and the general look.
Levelling kits are liked as they are economical and convenient. They are popular with many truck owners who buy them without understanding how to install a levelling kit because they desire to have a simple upgrade that will enhance the performance and be able to work without significant modifications to the suspension.
Read More: Difference Between Lift and Levelling Kit for Vehicle
How Does It Work?
A levelling kit operates by adjusting the front suspension to have the same height as the rear. In the majority of factory trucks, the front is lower in build, and a levelling kit is used to rectify the situation with the front suspension parts by providing additional space or modifying the back suspension parts. This slight addition raises the front end to the extent of making the truck straight without affecting the whole suspension system.
This operates depending on the suspension design of your truck. Other trucks have coil spring or strut spacers that are mounted over the struts of the front. Others have torsion bar sususpension torsion keys are either adjusted or replaced to lift the front end. In both instances, the aim is the same: to raise the front suspension without altering as many of the other parts.
Although the lift tends to be one or two inches, it alters the suspension geometry. This influences angles in front suspension, steering, and tyres. This is the reason why Wheel alignment is important after installation. Unless the tyres are properly aligned, they may wear unevenly, and the truck will not be able to handle properly.
It is always necessary to know that it is not only about lifting parts before learning how to install a levelling kit. An adequate installation ensures the suspension is well balanced, the ride is comfortable, and the truckis safe to use daily and light off-road.
Also explore: Are Leveling Kits Bad for Trucks or Safe When Installed Correctly?
Benefits of Installing a Levelling Kit on Your Truck
A levelling kit is a simple upgrade that will make your truck look better and drive smarter. It stabilises the factory rake such that the front is not lower than the back. It is cheap and simple to install, thus loved by many drivers. It also enhances tyre clearance and general suspension capability, in addition to style.
1. Improved Tire Clearance
The front levelling kit elevates the front end and provides space to fit slightly larger tyres. This helps in avoiding the wearing away of tyres on the wheels when driving on rough terrain or off-road. There is also better clearance, which helps in the prevention of damage to the suspension components during day-to-day driving. Upgrade your truck with this small feature and get over hurdles with confidence.
2. Enhanced Truck Appearance
The enhanced stance is also one of the primary reasons why people install levelling kits. A flat truck is more symmetrical and front-back balanced. It provides the car with a more aggressive appearance and adventure-ready appearance without being extreme about it. This aesthetic upgrade is all that makes the truck conspicuous on the road.
3. Maintains Ride Quality
A suspension levelling kit does not raise the rear too much as compared to a full lift kit, which raises the front and the rear of the vehicle. This continues to drive, handle, and comfort towards the factory settings. You get a more appealing truck and still get to drive it comfortably daily. It is a convenient modification to trucks that are both on-road and off-road.
4. Cost-Effective Suspension Upgrade
One of the cheapest methods of changing the suspension of a truck is by the use of levelling kits. They have numerous advantages, like lift kits at a fraction of the price. It is simpler to install, and normally fewer modifications are required. This would make it a wise alternative to the tight-budget truck owners who desire a more noticeable upgrade.
Also Explore: How Much Is a Leveling Kit? Cost and Benefits Guide
Things to Know Before You Install a Levelling Kit
There are also a few issues you ought to identify before understanding the procedure of installing a levelling kit in order to make your upgrade as safe and efficient as possible. Though levelling kits are not too challenging compared to full lift kits, they not only change the geometry of the suspension but also have an effect on steering, alignment, and tyre wear. Planning will save time, you will not make any mistakes, and your truck will be driven safely.
- Safety First: It is better to make the installation after considering safety first. You will require jack stands, wheel chocks, and appropriate lifting equipment to hold the truck down. Decadess: Do not rely on a jack only; suspension parts may move in an unpredictable way. A safe working environment will avoid accidents, and the levelling kit will be installed properly.
- Tools and Equipment Required: Installing a levelling kit would only need some simple tools such as wrenches, sockets, torque wrenches, and even spring compressors, depending on the model of your truck. It is also better to have the correct tools in place beforehand to prevent the process from taking any longer and the chances of breaking the suspension components. Go to the instructions in your kit to see whether you are required to have any special tools.
- Do you take into account Alignment and Suspension Effects? Since you have now installed a levelling kit, there has been a minor change in your front suspension geometry of the truck. This influences the alignment of the wheel and may cause abnormal wear of the tyres if not addressed. Professional alignment after installation is planned to ensure the quality of the ride and avoid the early wear of tyres.
- DIY vs Professional Installation: Some drivers are willing to install a levelling kit on their own, but there are some trucks with more complicated suspension systems that can involve professional assistance. When it comes to the use of spring compressors or the concept of torsion bars, it would be better to seek the services of professionals such as Gresham 4 Wheel Drive. Installation is also carried out professionally to make your truck safe and straight.
Explore More: How to Choose Between a Leveling Kit or Suspension Lift
How to Install a Levelling Kit – Step-by-Step Process
The steps required to install a levelling kit can be challenging initially, but with the right equipment and taking close consideration, it is a manageable modification. The process lifts the front suspension even with the rear one, which makes your truck have a flat and even balance. Every step should be undertaken thoroughly to prevent errors that may compromise steering, alignment, or safety. This is a basic manual on how to make it.
Step 1: Prepare Your Truck and Workspace
The first thing to do is to park your truck on a flat and level surface and use the parking brake. Install wheel chocks at the back of the tyres to be more cautious. Lift the front of the truck with a good-quality floor jack and keep it on strong jack stands. Always avoid working under a truck without the use of a jack. The front wheels are easily removed, providing easy access to the suspension parts.
Step 2: Remove Existing Suspension Components
Some vehicles require torsion bars, coil springs, or struts to be removed, depending on your truck. Always use your vehicle service manual with caution, not to break anything. All the bolts and hardware should be kept in order, some of which will be used again. Now, one needs to go at a slow pace and ensure that nothing is overlooked before unscrewing bolts altogether.
Step 3: Install the Levelling Kit Components
Install the new spacers, torsion keys, or coil spring spacers on the suspension as reflected in the instructions provided in your kit. Make sure that all parts are in place and fit the design of the vehicle. Install bolts and other hardware to the recommended torque levels of the manufacturer. Installation in this case can result in incorrect ride height or stress on suspension parts.
Step 4: Reassemble and Check Everything
Once the leveling kitis installed, reconnect the struts, springs, or torsion bars and install the wheels again. Get the truck down the jack stands slowly. It is best to ensure that the bolts are tight and nothing is loose even before driving. Lastly, book a professional wheel alignment to correct the angles of the suspension to avoid unequal wear of tyres, and to provide safety on the road.
This process will continue in a series of steps, making the installation quite easy, risk-free, and efficient, whether you are doing it personally or arranging to have the professionals at Gresham 4 Wheel Drive do the same.
Common Mistakes People Make When Installing a Levelling Kit
Although levelling kits are among the simplest modifications of the suspension, errors in the installation process are widespread. Many of the owners of the trucks will install the systems on their own without a full understanding of how the suspension geometry operates, and as a result, this results in uneven ride height, bad handling, or damaged components. Being able to know these errors beforehand will save time, money, and stress, and your truck will be safe.
- Skipping Proper Wheel Alignment: This is one of the most common mistakes that people make during the installation process, as they do not carry out a wheel alignment. Lifting the front suspension will adjust the wheel angles, and unless there is an adjustment of the alignment, tyres may wear out unevenly, and steering may not feel right. Alwaysorganisee a professional harmony to stay in correct operation and prolong tyre life.
- Using Cheap or Incorrect Parts: Levelling kits are not all created equally. Other low-cost kits are either incompatible or do not hold the correct torque, and therefore destroy the suspension in the long run. An incorrect kit for the type of truck you have will also lead to ride quality or tyre clearance problems. Always prefer a good kit that is fitted in your car.
- Over-Tightening or Under-Tightening Bolts: Another mistake is incorrect torque. Excessive tightening of bolts may strip threads, overstrain suspension components, and excessively loosened bolts may result in movement or displacement of components during operation. A safe and stable installation is achieved by the use of a torque wrench, according to the specifications suggested by the manufacturer.
- Ignoring Safety and Tools: There are installers who do not use jack stands or spring compressors, and it is quite dangerous. Hiking under a truck with the help of a jack only or trying to squeeze springs in the wrong way are all potentially dangerous. Any installation of a levelling kit requires the correct tools and safety measures.
These are the mistakes that you can avoid in order to make sure that your levelling kit has all the desired performance, and your truck will be both safe and straight, as well as have a wonderful appearance. Gresham 4 Wheel drive professionals will be able to assist in avoiding these mistakes for those who want the installation to be done by professionals.
Conclusion
Installing a leveling kit is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your truck’s stance, the clearance of your tires, and also its look is by installing a leveling kit. With proper learning of how to install a levelling kit, you are sure your vehicle is safe, it is also handled correctly, and there are no usual troubles, such as uneven wear or damaged suspension. With the knowledge of a levelling kit and the step-by-step process of its installation, the preparations and maintenance are the keys to success.
Although a DIY installation can be done by many drivers, it is important to make sure you use the correct tools, apply the torque requirements, and have a professional wheel alignment after the installation. Even the simplest errors, such as not aligning, selecting low-quality parts, or neglecting safety, may save on both time and money over time.
A levelling kit is also a relatively inexpensive upgrade over full lift kits, as it maintains ride quality near OEM specifications with the added benefit of providing your truck with a more tidy but aggressive appearance. The advantages are felt and applied in both everyday driving and casual off-road driving.
Gresham 4 Wheel Drive offers high-quality leveling kit installation and best alignment services to those who require the peace of mind and professional results. With the appropriate knowledge, tools, and information, you can have a safer and more attractive truck and achieve maximum performance and a long life.
