Both lift kits and leveling kits are designed to raise a truck or SUV in some form to give it more ground clearance and room for taller tires. However, there's a significant difference between the two.

Leveling kits raise the truck by slightly raising the front end to match the stock height in the rear. This usually provides about two inches of lift.

Leveling kit before and after. Source: Reddit

Lift kits are more complex than leveling kits. There are two types: one for the suspension and one for the body.

Body lifts are less practical in the real world because they don't increase ground clearance. Most people buy suspension lift kits to increase ground clearance for off-roading or taller tires.

Before and after 6.5-inch lift kit. Source: F150 Ecoboost Forum

What is a Leveling Kit?

Trucks and SUVs usually have a factory rake, with the rear being slightly higher than the front. A leveling kit uses hardware to raise the front end to match the rear end. This usually results in a lift of about two inches, which allows you to install taller tires.

If you still want the stock stance, you can lift the rear leaf springs slightly by combining a front-end leveling kit with spacer blocks. Leveling kits are generally very simple to install; you only need spring spacers or torsion keys.

Benefits of a Leveling Kit

The main benefit of a leveling kit is that it allows you to run bigger tires all the way around. Most trucks and SUVs have clearance in the rear, but larger front tires might hit the fender or bumper when turning.

A slight height increase essentially removes this obstacle. Leveling kits are inexpensive, easy to install, and don't mess with your truck's suspension.

If you want to install larger tires, a leveling kit can help prevent tire rub. Source: Reddit

Another benefit is that it improves the truck's overall stance. Most trucks come from the factory with the rear sitting higher than the front. The leveling kit corrects this factory “rake.”

Do You Need a Leveling Kit?

A leveling kit is probably the ideal solution if your truck is mainly used for towing or as a work vehicle.

Leveling kits are for those who want to run slightly larger tires but don't want to spend a lot of money or time redoing the suspension. They are a noninvasive way to add an extra few inches of height to your truck or SUV.

What is a Lift Kit?

Unlike leveling kits, lift kits are designed to raise either the body or suspension well over stock height. They come in a wide range of sizes, from a couple of inches to 10 inches or more.

It's worth noting that suspension lift kits are the only type of lift kit that gives your truck or SUV functional height over stock. These are much more comprehensive than leveling kits and include new springs, shocks, and control arms, among other parts.

The higher the lift, the more modifications you will likely have to make. This is especially true if you plan to run tires that are more than a few inches larger than the stock size. You may need aftermarket wheels with more offset, and you might need to change your gear ratio.

Benefits of a Lift Kit

As with a leveling kit, a lift kit will also allow you to run larger tires. The big difference is that you'll likely be able to get much larger tires on versus only a few inches larger than stock. Many new trucks and SUVs come with features that lower their effective ground clearance.

Bumpers, exhaust parts, and running boards often take away at least a few inches of ground clearance.

A suspension lift keeps these important parts from hitting rocks or obstacles when you go off-road. To sum up, the benefits of a lift kit include more suspension travel, better ground clearance, and room for larger tires.

Do You Need a Lift Kit?

The main drawback of a large lift is reduced fuel economy, which is primarily caused by heavier and wider wheels and tires.

Aerodynamic drag is also a factor and can cause as much as a 20% drop. However, if you go off-road regularly, then a lift kit makes a lot of sense. More ground clearance and bigger tires can make all the difference.

Is a Lift Kit or Leveling Kit Right For You?

If you use your truck or SUV mainly as a utility or tow vehicle, you're probably more likely to need a leveling kit. If you just want slightly larger tires and don't want to mess with your suspension or anything else, then a leveling kit will meet your needs.

Conversely, a lift kit will likely be necessary if you plan to traverse challenging off-road environments, hunt in rural areas, or ford deep water.

Whether you need a lift kit or a leveling kit, Enthuze offers a wide range of choices for each type. You can purchase a quality lift kit or leveling kit at Enthuze and have it installed at any Action Truck and Car Accessories location in Canada.