A look at some of the new suspension leveling kit products available for late model trucks
One of the most popular aftermarket products that truck consumers look for are suspension leveling kits. In most cases these kits provide the owner with the ability to raise the front end of their trucks up level with rear height. There are a variety of reasons for this desired modification, some of which include increasing the commanding view of the road, allowing for the installation of slightly larger diameter tires and wheels along with enhancing the ride, braking and towing experience depending on the make and model. Of course it doesn't hurt to mention that they often make a truck look better too!
With the variety of suspension designs found on today's late model trucks, aftermarket suspension manufacturers have had to develop different products for different makes and models. More and more trucks are now produced with a coil-over/strut type front suspension versus the coil spring/torsion bar set ups, although the latter is still quite common on new trucks, particularly with some 4x4 and HD models. This diversity has caused manufacturers to explore different means of achieving the same goal which is to provide the ability to raise the front suspension a maximum of three-inches. One way this is achieved is through replacement torsion bar keys designed to raise the front suspension by rotating the position of the torsion bar without adding excessive tension which would results in a stiffer ride. Many 4x4 and heavy duty model trucks rely on this set up.
Many of the light duty trucks today use a coil over strut-type front suspension which can easily be lifted a few inches with the installation of a spacer that fits in between the top of the strut/coil-over and the frame mount. There are a variety of styles and heights available depending on your needs up to a maximum of three inches of lift. Most trucks will begin to suffer problems with CV joints, tie rods, and control arms beyond three inches of lift. In most cases 2-3 inches is all that is required to level the front to the rear while adding enough clearance for slightly larger diameter tires.
Most manufacturers have leveling kits for all full-size pickups. Some are basic and straight-forward, getting the job done in the simplest of means while a few others have incorporated more technological features to provide some adjustability to the desired height. Overall leveling kits are a very economical way to raise your truck a few inches and allow for those trick new wheels and tires to give the truck a personal look that we all seek. To help you with discovering some of the different companies and product that are available for your truck we have assembled this guide which highlights the generally the newest leveling kits they offer. Pretty much each company caters to most late model full-size trucks.
BILSTEIN
Bilstein Height Adjustable 5100 Series Shocks
Bilstein announces a new offering of height adjustable 5100 Series replacement shocks for coilover design front suspension pickups. These new coilover style shocks utilize the vehicle�s existing stock coil spring, with applications available for 1999-06 Toyota Tundra, 2004-06 Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan.
An extremely simple and affordable alternative to much higher priced systems, these new 5100 Height Adjustable shocks feature multiple snap-ring grooves on the body of the shock to accommodate different spring seat positions, allowing height adjustments from 0� to 2.5�, depending on the application. By raising the spring seat position, you can alter the factory rake to achieve a level front to rear ride height while accommodating up to 33� diameter tires. The shocks feature vehicle specific split digressive valving and Bilstein�s industry leading high gas pressure mono-tube technology.
As with all 5100 series shocks, these new height adjustable shocks provide superior performance characteristics, feature bright Zinc plated bodies and come with a lifetime aftermarket warranty. Bilstein also offers companion rear 5100 shocks with matched valving. Bilstein designs and manufactures shocks for most cars, trucks and SUVs.
CAGE OFF ROAD
Billet leveling spacers for Ford and Dodge heavy duty trucks
Cage Offroad offers a number of leveling kits for trucks and Jeeps. Two of their newest products are the 2005 Ford Super Duty Leveling Lift with 2.5-inch lift for the F250-F550 4x4 trucks. Polished T-6 Billet Aluminum upper coil spacer raises the front of the vehicle 2.5�, increases ride quality by changing the front to back weight ratio, is simple to install and provides years of outstanding good looks. Designed to use factory rubber isolator. Add optional CAGE Nitrogen shocks for superior ride quality and performance. No drilling or welding required.
The other new truck leveling kit is the 2'' Dodge Leveling lift that fits 1994-2001 1500, 1994+ 2500 and 3500 4x4s.Polished T-6 Billet Aluminum upper coil spacer raises the front of the vehicle 2�, retains the factory rubber isolator, increases ride quality by changing the front to back weight ratio, is simple to install with hardened 7/16� studs included. Provides years of outstanding good looks.
DONAHOE RACING ENTERPRISES
2007 Toyota Tundra Coil-Over Suspension System
Donahoe Racing is proud to announce the release of its 2007 Toyota Tundra coil-over shock system. These shocks are applicable on both 2WD and 4WD models and are adjustable from 1 - 3.5� of lift which corresponds with most truck owner's needs for a leveling kit while enhancing the off road and driving experience. The 2.5� Diameter shock improves suspension dampening and handling while enhanc�ing the vehicle performance on and off the road; all while gaining 2� of additional wheel travel. The coil-over system is a direct replacement for the stock coil-over. Some additional features include:
*Nitro-steel shaft will not chip or rust like chrome shafts.
� 200 PSI nitrogen-charged internal reservoir.
� Adjustable ride height from 1� � 3.5�.
� Race shock piston with flutter stack compression valving.
� Chrome-silicon spring.
� 2.5� shock diameter to prevent overheating.
� Completely re-buildable and re-valvable shock.
� 5/8� PTFE-lined spherical bearing.
� Billet aluminum upper mount.
� Cad-plated threaded body.
OFF ROAD UNLIMITED, INC
ORU Levels Out the 2004-07 Ford F150 and 2001-04 GM HD and 1500 Series Trucks
Off Road Unlimited serves the leveling needs of 2004-07 Ford F-150 two and four-wheel drive truck owners with a strut spacer kit capable of lifting the front suspension enough to clear larger tires. The ORU Ford Strut Spacer Kit utilizes a pair of ORU fabricated welded steel spacers, that easily attach to the top of the OE strut assembly to maintain factory ride quality. The kit provides an additional 2� of front lift to clear tires up to 33� diameter. Installation is simple and requires less than 2 hours plus an alignment.
Owners of 2001-04 General Motors HD & 1500 series trucks also have a leveling option from ORU which is a unique combination of new torsion bar cogs and new ORU shocks.
The ORU Chevy/GMC Leveling Kit utilizes a pair of ORU �re-indexed� torsion bar cogs to replace the stock cogs. New to the kits are exclusive ORU extended length shocks. The ORU shocks are sized and valved specifically for the application to ensure optimum fit and ride quality. The kits provide an additional 2� of front lift to clear tires up to 285-75-R16. Installation is simple and requires less than 2 hours plus an alignment.
PRO COMP SUSPENSIONS
Level lifting suspension systems for most late model trucks
Leveling the front of your vehicle is now easy and affordable. The Pro Comp Level Lift kit raises the front of the vehicle 1.5� to 2.5� inches giving your vehicle a proper stance and improved appearance. This increases vehicle ground clearance and allows for the use of larger diameter wheel and tire combinations. Best of all, the Level Lift kit does not change the overall suspension or steering geometry which will allow the vehicle to retain its OEM ride quality. Each kit is powder coated for a long life along with featuring a lifetime warranty. Available for most popular late-model truck and SUV applications that require either a coil spacer, coil-over spacer or re-indexed torsion bar keys.Level Lift kits can be installed in less than 2 hours by a certified mechanic.
RANCHO SUSPENSIONS
QuickLIFT your truck with Rancho's adjustable coil-over replacement
Rancho has once again revolutionized the suspension category by delivering an exclusive technology � new Rancho QuickLIFT � that enables the owners of popular late-model light trucks and SUVs to accommodate larger tire and wheel packages at a fraction of the cost of a traditional suspension lift. While leveling the front suspension of the vehicle and enhancing the ride, Rancho QuickLIFT fixed-seat coil-overs replace OE spring-seat shock absorbers, installing in under two hours without cutting, welding or drilling. Finished in Rancho�s new Liquid Metallic Silver, QuickLIFT provides 1- to 2.5-in. of additional lift, allowing for the use of larger wheel and tire packages plus improved off-road manners. Providing the ultimate in ride control, Rancho QuickLIFT features a nitrogen gas-charged tri-tube patented mono-flow design and myRIDE� tuning system, allowing for remote or manual nine-position adjustability. To adjust remotely, QuickLIFT works with an available in-cab controller (p/n RS99701).
READYLIFT
The ReadyLift 66-3050 Leveling Kit is a three-way adjustable height suspension leveling kit for the 2007 GMT900 chassis, which is used with the most popular new trucks and SUV�s from Chevrolet and GMC. This Patent Pending kit allows up to 285 series tires (two sizes bigger than the OEM 245 series tire) without affecting the factory ride quality or backspacing. The adjustable height feature is especially important for the new SUV�s, as the installer can dial in the perfect ride height for oversized wheel and tire packages, while avoiding clearance problems caused by the stock ride height. The height range at each setting is approximately +1.00�, +1.25� and +1.50� over stock ride height.
The ReadyLift� Smart Strut Technology ( SST) 66-3090 Top Mount Strut Extension Kit is made from CNC 6061-T6 machined billet aluminum, and installs easily on top of the stock strut. The 66-3090 kit requires no cutting, welding, or spring compression and can be professionally installed in two hours.
ReadyLift� Suspension has also announced the re- release and availability of its ReadyLift� Part # 66-3050 1.5 to 2.5 inch adjustable leveling kit for the front ends for 2000 thru 2007 GM 1500HD-2500HD 2wd and 4wd model 8 lug trucks including the New Body Silverado and Sierra. The ReadyLift� 66-3050 kits consist of a set of re-engineered forged torsion adjustment keys and front shock relocation brackets and specifically designed length torsion bolts. This design levels out the front of all 2000 thru 2006 and newer 2wd and 4wd 1500HD-2500HD GM trucks without compromising the OEM Factory Ride and allows for up to 33� tall tires with wheel combinations up to 9-inches wide.
REVTEK INDUSTRIES
RevTek gives Dodge and Toyota owners the ability to affordably level the suspension
RevTek Industries newest entries to their long list of suspension leveling kits for most makes and models of trucks include two new offerings for Dodge 2002-06 Ram 2500/3500 4WD and 2007 Toyota Tundra trucks. The RevTek Tundra Spacer Kit is a coil-over system for both two and four-wheel drive trucks. The kit features billet aluminum spacers along with a rear suspension block kit to raise the rear one inch to truly level your new Tundra pickup.
The RevTek Dodge Ram Leveling Kit fits '94-06 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4WD trucks Revtek offers a two inch leveling system for improved ride and handling. Like the Tundra kit, the system is a bolt on application with no drilling or cutting. Allows for the installation of up to 35/12.50R17 tires.
ROUGH COUNTRY
Suspension leveling systems for all makes of full size trucks
Rough Country has expanded its line of leveling systems to include a variety of different methods of leveling up to three inches of lift with specially designed products for each type of suspension. This includes both powder coated steel and polyurethane coil-over/strut spacers, strut extensions. The Rough Country GM Leveling Kit features re-indexed torsion bar keys and can ce used with Rough Country lift spindles for some GM applications. Each kit can be upgraded to include Rough Country Nitro shock absorbers. Some kits include a rear lift block to aid in leveling while adding a little more lift to the overall truck. Available for both two and four-wheel drive trucks and each kit is a direct bolt-on application.
SKYJACKER SUSPENSIONS
Skyjacker 2 Inch Aluminum Spacers
The Skyjacker 2'' Aluminum Leveling Kits are an effective, inexpensive, and safe way to gain tire and ground clearance. These aluminum spacers attach to the 'top' of the O.E. coil-over shocks/struts. This top mount design does not require any special tools, a coil spring compressor, or disassembly of the strut for installation like the Polyurethane spacer kits do.
Skyjacker's leveling spacers are CNC machined from high aircraft quality billet aluminum and protected by a black anodized coating. This aluminum is lightweight yet physically strong and withstands the elements for a long life. The likelihood of your truck being thrown out of alignment on harsh terrain is completely eliminated. They also retain the stock rubber coil spring isolator to ensure proper coil setting.
This simple bolt-on installation retains the factory shocks and helps separate you from the masses of stockers. The complete kit includes 2 front spacers, all the necessary hardware, and a tube of thread locking compound. It takes about one and a half (1.5) hours to install.
Skyjacker's Aluminum Spacers are not exactly 2 inches in height, but because of the suspension geometry, you do gain a true 2 inches of lift. Going any higher with a taller spacer or without making changes with additional bracketry will put additional strain and interference on the O.E. parts - tie rods, ball joints, etc.
SUSPENSION MAXX
Taking truck suspension leveling to the MAXX
Suspension MAXX introduces a new line of suspension leveling systems for Ford, Dodge, GM and Toyota trucks. At the center of their line of produces are the MAXX CAM 2 Leveling Kit, RAMM CAM AND FX CAM torsion bar kits. These torsion bar leveling key kits are adjustable and can be re calibrated amount of degree to fit your trucks 4x4 torsion bar. If you are looking to level or lower your ride height 2 inches or more these keys are the answer. The leveling kits are engineered to maintain your ride quality and not over lift your front suspension ride height like fixed green cogs or Ford keys . As your torsion bars sag or become fatigued our Adjustable Leveling Cams can be indexed up to 3 inches. If you're interested in a level suspension and not an expensive 4x4 lift kit Suspension MAXX cam leveling kit is just what your truck needs.
For trucks that don't use torsion bar keys, the Suspension MAXX Coil Spring Leveling Kits are strut and coil spring spacers for both two and four-wheel drive trucks. These spacers provide for up to two inches of lift while in most cases allowing for up to a 33 inch tall tire. Spacers for rear coil spring applications are also available which are ideal for towing and hauling.
SWAY-A-WAY
Coil over lifting for the Toyota FJ Cruiser
Sway-A-Way is widely know for their off road suspension prowess. Their suspension systems can be found on a wide range of off road vehicles ranging from the consumer level all the way to full blown race vehicles. Sway-A-Way has used their technology to design a line of mild lift systems particularly for coil-over/strut vehicles. An example of this is the Sway-A-Way FJ Cruiser Leveling Kit for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The kit is a replacement coil over consisting of a two-inch diameter, internal reservoir performance shock is mated with a taller coil spring to raise the FJ 2.5-inches higher than stock which provides a leveling lift to increase ground clearance and afford the FJ owner the ability to install larger off road tires.
TRAILMASTER SUSPENSION
New leveling kits for the 2008 Ford Super Duty and 2007 Toyota Tundra
Trailmaster Suspension is widely known for their suspension lift systems. Realizing that not everyone wants a big lift kit, Trailmaster has developed a line of leveling systems designed specifically for those truck owners who just want to lift their truck a little bit. New to their line up is the Trailmaster Ford Super Duty Leveling Kit which is a two-inch leveling kit for the 2008 Ford Super Duty F250/350 applications. CNC machined billet aluminum spacers provide two-inches of leveling lift along with shock relocation brackets.
In addition to the Super Duty, the Trailmaster Toyota Leveling Kit features a 2.5-inch front ride height for the 2007 Toyota Tundra. Using the same CNC machined billet aluminum design, this kit will bring the nose up on the new Tundras while providing for the ability to install larger tires for a more aggressive look and increased ground clearance. Both kits are easily installed in 3-4 hours.
TUFF COUNTRY
The EZ-RIDE leveling solution from Tuff Country
Need more tire clearance for off roading or just looking to have the distinct "lifted" look? Then the Tuff Country EZ-Ride leveling kit is for you. For those consumers that do not like the "nose down" look, Tuff Country EZ-Ride Suspension's leveling kit are designed to easily and safely level the front of your truck. Using coil spring / strut spacers that are mounted above the factory coil / struts this kit maintains a near factory ride by not adding any additional pre-load on the struts. Will also allow for slighty larger tires. Most of the Tuff Country EZ-RIDE leveling kits provide for two-inches of lift for a level stance. Spacers are made from polyurethane and billet aluminum depending the model and includes all necessary hardware for a quick and easy installation. The EZ-RIDE leveling kits are available for Ford, Dodge, GM and Toyota full-size applications and provide for the increased tires sizes up to 33-inches in diameter.
