A leveling kit is an aftermarket suspension modification that adds height to a vehicle, typically by adding spacers to the springs. The main purpose of a leveling kit is to level out the playing field between different truck makes and models, as some trucks sit higher than others from the factory. In terms of how it affects mileage, a leveling kit will not affect your mpg in any significant way.
You may see a very small decrease in fuel efficiency due to the added weight of the spacers, but this decrease will be so minimal that it likely won’t even be noticeable.
If you’re looking to improve your truck’s mileage, a leveling kit may not be the best way to go. In fact, it could actually end up hurting your gas mileage. Here’s what you need to know about how a leveling kit can affect your mpg.
A leveling kit is basically just a suspension lift that levels out your truck. This can be done by either raising the front end or the rear end (or both), depending on what kind of look you’re going for. And while it might not seem like it would have much of an effect on fuel economy, it actually can.
The main reason why is because a lifted truck has more aerodynamic drag. That means that it has to work harder to push through the air, which in turn uses more gas. So if you’re worried about saving money at the pump, you might want to steer clear of lifting your truck with a leveling kit.
Of course, there are other factors that contribute to fuel economy as well, so don’t write off a leveling kit entirely. If you think it will give your truck the look you want and you’re willing to sacrifice some mpg, then go for it! Just be aware that it could have an impact on your wallet down the road.
Do Leveling Kits Wear Out Ball Joints
A leveling kit is designed to raise the body of a vehicle by a few inches, level out the suspension, and allow for larger tires. Many people choose to install leveling kits on their trucks or SUVs for both aesthetic and functional reasons. While a leveling kit can improve the look of your vehicle and give you some extra ground clearance, it’s important to be aware that they can also cause accelerated wear on your ball joints.
The main reason for this is that when you install a leveling kit, the angles of your suspension components change. This means that your ball joints are now working at angles that they weren’t designed for, which puts additional stress on them. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and even failure of the ball joint.
If you have a leveling kit installed on your vehicle, it’s important to keep an eye on your ball joints and have them inspected regularly. If you start to notice any unusual noise or vibration from your suspension, or if you see any signs of leaking grease from your ball joints, it’s time to have them checked out by a professional.
In most cases, installing a set of aftermarket shocks along with your leveling kit will help reduce the amount of wear on your ball joints.
Shocks with stiffer valving will do a better job of controlling the movement of the suspension components, which will take some of the stress off of the ball joints.
If you’re thinking about installing a leveling kit on your vehicle, just be sure to factor in the potential increased wear on your ball joints and plan accordingly.
Credit: mechanicboss.com
What are the Cons of a Leveling Kit?
Most people who install a leveling kit do so with the intention of improving the look of their truck or SUV. While a leveling kit can certainly give your vehicle a more aggressive stance, there are some potential downsides to consider before making the decision to level your ride.
One of the most common complaints about leveled trucks is that they can experience more body roll when cornering.
This is due to the fact that leveling kits raise the center of gravity on your vehicle, which can make it more prone to tipping over in sharp turns. If you do a lot of off-roading in your leveled truck, be aware that you may find yourself bottoming out more often than usual. This is because most leveling kits only provide an additional 2 inches or so of clearance, which isn’t always enough to navigate rough terrain without damaging your suspension components.
Another thing to keep in mind is that installing a leveling kit will void any factory warranty you have on your suspension components. So, if something does go wrong after you’ve installed a kit, you’ll be responsible for footing the bill for repairs. Finally, it’s important to note that not all vehicles are well-suited for installation of a leveling kit.
In some cases, doing so can actually negatively affect the handling and performance of your vehicle. Before making any decisions, be sure to consult with an experienced automotive technician who can advise you on whether or not a leveling kit is right for your particular make and model.
Will a 2 Inch Lift Affect Mpg?
A 2 inch lift will not significantly affect your mpg. You may see a slight decrease in fuel efficiency due to the increased drag from the taller, larger tires; however, this would be offset by the fact that you are now able to clear obstacles that were previously in your way. If you are looking for ways to improve your mpg, consider other modifications such as aero kits or suspension tuning before lifting your vehicle.
How Much Does a Lift Kit Decrease Mpg?
If you’re wondering how much a lift kit decreases mpg, the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. It all depends on a number of factors, including the type of vehicle you have, the size of the lift kit, and how you drive.
For example, if you have a small SUV with a 2-inch lift kit, you might see a decrease in mpg by 1-2%.
However, if you have a larger SUV or truck with a 6-inch lift kit, your mpg could drop by 3-5%. And finally, if you tend to drive aggressively (i.e. high speeds and quick acceleration), your mpg will likely take an even bigger hit.
So there’s no definitive answer to the question at hand.
However, it’s safe to say that if you install a lift kit on your vehicle, you can expect to see some sort of decrease in fuel efficiency.
Does a Leveling Kit Affect Driving?
A leveling kit is an aftermarket suspension modification that alters the ride height of a vehicle. Most kits raise the front end of a truck or SUV higher than the rear, giving it a level, or “leveled,” appearance. While some drivers believe this improves the look of their vehicle, others do so for functional reasons.
Some people use leveling kits to make room for larger tires, while others want to improve the off-road capability of their 4×4. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know that installing a leveling kit can have an effect on driving.
Most notably, a leveled vehicle will have a different center of gravity than one with stock suspension.
This can affect handling characteristics and might make your truck or SUV feel less stable on the road. In addition, raising one end of your vehicle can throw off your wheel alignment and cause premature tire wear. For these reasons, it’s important to consult with a professional before installing a leveling kit on your own.
They can help you choose the right kit for your vehicle and make sure it’s installed properly so you don’t run into any problems down the road.
5 reasons why YOU SHOULD level your truck…. the right way
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get a little more ground clearance out of your truck or SUV, a leveling kit is one way to do it. But you might be wondering if there’s any downside to installing one. Namely, will it affect your fuel economy?
The short answer is: maybe. It depends on a few factors. First, how much taller are you making your vehicle with the leveling kit?
If you’re only adding an inch or two, it’s not likely to have much of an impact on your mpg. But if you’re going for a more significant lift, say 3-4 inches, then you could see a slight decrease in fuel economy.
The reason has to do with aerodynamics.
The taller your vehicle is, the more wind resistance it will encounter when driving down the road. That resistance translates into higher fuel consumption.
So if you’re looking to save money at the pump, keeping your leveling kit modest in size is probably the way to go.
