Leveling -- What's the point?
08-12-2011, 09:13 AM
#11
adding a leveling kit will NOT improve handling. some claim it does. but no way throwing the factory front end geometry is going to net any type of handling improvements.
it is definitly pure cosmetic. looks good too!
it is definitly pure cosmetic. looks good too!
08-12-2011, 10:09 AM
#12
Senior Member
I've been reading around the forums and I keep seeing people say their trucks are "leveled" or they have a "leveling kit." What does leveling do? What's the point? Is it to improve handling or is it primarily cosmetic?
A lot of the leveled truck pics I've seen have big gaping front wheel wells. Is this desirable for some reason? What am I missing?
A lot of the leveled truck pics I've seen have big gaping front wheel wells. Is this desirable for some reason? What am I missing?
Its a pimping thing.
Its in the same category as metal intakes, underbody LEDs and Catback (fart cans).
08-12-2011, 10:39 AM
#13
It is mostly an aesthetic thing but it does help when hitting bumps. Instead of the feel of force coming at you it makes it feel softer and under you.
I am a tower so I would not do this mod because of weight distribution although I have done it to trucks in the past when I was not a tower.
I am a tower so I would not do this mod because of weight distribution although I have done it to trucks in the past when I was not a tower.
08-12-2011, 11:02 AM
#15
Going Big Since 1980
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Disfunction Junction, AZ
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I leveled my truck so I could jump it!! 
and yes it does handle better............................... Offroad
Stock the 4x4s these days look like 2WDs (FX4 and FX2 run the same tire and wheel packages) ... Plus running 33's 34's or 35's shows the ladies your not afraid to spend a little cash at the pump LOL
Of course I am running coilovers... Spacers are for ***s .... J/K lol
and yes it does handle better............................... Offroad
Stock the 4x4s these days look like 2WDs (FX4 and FX2 run the same tire and wheel packages) ... Plus running 33's 34's or 35's shows the ladies your not afraid to spend a little cash at the pump LOL
Of course I am running coilovers... Spacers are for ***s .... J/K lol
08-12-2011, 11:28 AM
#16
I leveled my truck so I could jump it!!
and yes it does handle better............................... Offroad
Stock the 4x4s these days look like 2WDs (FX4 and FX2 run the same tire and wheel packages) ... Plus running 33's 34's or 35's shows the ladies your not afraid to spend a little cash at the pump LOL
Of course I am running coilovers... Spacers are for ***s .... J/K lol
and yes it does handle better............................... Offroad
Stock the 4x4s these days look like 2WDs (FX4 and FX2 run the same tire and wheel packages) ... Plus running 33's 34's or 35's shows the ladies your not afraid to spend a little cash at the pump LOL
Of course I am running coilovers... Spacers are for ***s .... J/K lol
08-12-2011, 11:58 AM
#19
Senior Member
I have to admit, I love the look of a lifted 4wd truck, but that said, I drove a Jeep with 6" of lift and 35" tires for years. I went through the whole thing. Swapped out gears (4.56"), tires & wheels, Lockers, extended brake SS brake lines, alignments, frequent u-joint replacements,slip yoke eliminator and CV-driveshaft, etc.
It was a lot of fun, and a lot of money, but I just don't feel like messing with it and I like my factory stance a lot anyway, so I won't be doing it any time soon, but I do like the look a lot!
It was a lot of fun, and a lot of money, but I just don't feel like messing with it and I like my factory stance a lot anyway, so I won't be doing it any time soon, but I do like the look a lot!
08-12-2011, 12:10 PM
#20
Senior Member
something else to consider is the 'lift laws' in your state.
in Maine, until 4 years (or so) ago, it was illegal to modify the suspension of any vehicle that has ABS (no lifts, no lowering). Now you can do it so long as you use an engineered kit and you must install the entire kit.
As for swapping tires, it also used to be that you could no change tire size on a vehicle with ABS. Now you can go up two sizes from the maximum optional tire size noted on the door jamb...the caveat being that you also MUST have your speedometer recalibrated and you must present paperwork affirming that it has been recalibrated to the shop conducting the inspection.
the laws here are pretty draconian but they are better than they were. I know you can sometimes get away with going beyond what the law allows by finding a shop that will pass you but, if you wreck and they investigate, good luck, your insurance may not pay and you might be fined. definitely not worth the risk in my opinion.
in Maine, until 4 years (or so) ago, it was illegal to modify the suspension of any vehicle that has ABS (no lifts, no lowering). Now you can do it so long as you use an engineered kit and you must install the entire kit.
As for swapping tires, it also used to be that you could no change tire size on a vehicle with ABS. Now you can go up two sizes from the maximum optional tire size noted on the door jamb...the caveat being that you also MUST have your speedometer recalibrated and you must present paperwork affirming that it has been recalibrated to the shop conducting the inspection.
the laws here are pretty draconian but they are better than they were. I know you can sometimes get away with going beyond what the law allows by finding a shop that will pass you but, if you wreck and they investigate, good luck, your insurance may not pay and you might be fined. definitely not worth the risk in my opinion.