Leveling Kits — Affordable Truck Lift along I-35 Corridor
If your truck looks like the front end sits lower than the rear — that’s the factory rake, and it’s standard on most half-ton pickups. A leveling kit is the simplest, most affordable way to fix it. Our shop on the I-35 corridor installs leveling kits on all makes and models, with the alignment equipment to back it up and the experience to do it right the first time.
A leveling kit is often the first modification a truck owner makes — and it’s one of the best values in the off-road world. For a fraction of the cost of a full suspension lift, you get a flat, aggressive stance, the ability to fit slightly larger tires, and improved approach angle on mild trails and graded roads.
What Leveling Kits Do — and Don’t Do
A leveling kit raises the front of the truck to match the rear — typically by 1.5 to 3 inches — using spacers installed above the factory struts or by replacing the front springs with taller units. Here’s the honest breakdown:
What it does:
- Eliminates the factory front-to-rear height difference
- Allows fitment of larger tires (typically up to 33 inches on most half-tons without rubbing)
- Improves the visual stance of the truck dramatically
- Can improve approach angle for light off-road use
- Usually costs significantly less than a full suspension lift
What it doesn’t do:
- Provide the same ground clearance as a full suspension lift
- Allow fitment of truly oversized tires (35s and above usually need a full lift)
- Significantly improve off-road articulation or flex
If you’re not planning serious trail use and you want a cleaner look with slightly bigger tires, a leveling kit is the right call. If you want 35s or plan to run rough terrain, we’ll talk you through a full suspension lift instead.
Our Leveling Kit Installation Process
- Consultation — We confirm which kit is correct for your specific year, make, and model. Not all leveling kits are created equal and fitment varies.
- Inspection — Before we start, we take a quick look at your front struts, ball joints, and tie rods. If anything is worn, it’s smart to address it while the front end is already disassembled.
- Installation — The leveling kit is installed, the front end is reassembled, and torque specs are verified.
- Alignment — This step is non-negotiable. Any time the front suspension is altered, alignment must be reset. We include alignment with every leveling kit we install.
Total time for a straightforward leveling kit installation is typically two to four hours.
Frequently Asked Questions on Leveling Kits
Q: Will a leveling kit affect my truck’s towing capacity?
A: A properly installed leveling kit has minimal effect on towing capacity. It does change the truck’s geometry slightly, which may affect how a trailer sits relative to the hitch. In some cases, a weight distribution hitch may be needed for heavier loads after leveling. We can walk you through this based on how you tow.
Q: Do I need new shocks when I install a leveling kit?
A: With a spacer-style leveling kit on a truck that has relatively new, functioning shocks, you may not need to replace them immediately. However, the extended position the shock runs in after leveling can accelerate wear. Many customers choose to install a set of performance shocks at the same time — we’ll advise you based on the age and condition of your current shocks.
Q: How much bigger of a tire can I fit after a 2-inch level?
A: The answer depends on your specific truck. On most F-150s, Silverados, and Rams, a 2-inch level with minor trimming allows a 33-inch tire. We’ll verify fitment on your exact truck — cab style, wheel offset, and factory tire size all play a role — before recommending a tire size.
Ready for more ground clearance? Check out our lift kit installation for larger lifts, or browse our all-terrain tires and mud terrain tires to complete your build.