Leveling a vehicle refers to the process of adjusting its suspension system to ensure that the vehicle’s body is balanced and sits evenly across all four wheels. This procedure is commonly undertaken to rectify issues arising from uneven weight distribution or modifications that lead to an imbalance in the vehicle’s stance.
Leveling is typically performed on trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles where the front or rear end may sit lower due to factors like heavy equipment, towing, or modifications. There are two primary methods for achieving vehicle leveling:
- Coil Spring Spacers: In vehicles equipped with coil spring suspension systems, leveling can be achieved by adding coil spring spacers. These are placed on top of the existing coil springs to lift the front or rear of the vehicle, restoring a balanced height. Coil spring spacers come in various thicknesses to provide different levels of lift.
- Leaf Spring Blocks or Add-a-Leaf Kits: Trucks and SUVs with leaf spring suspension systems can be leveled by adding leaf spring blocks or using add-a-leaf kits. Leaf spring blocks are placed between the axle and leaf springs, raising the rear of the vehicle. Add-a-leaf kits involve installing extra leaf springs to increase the spring rate and raise the vehicle’s height.
It’s essential to note that leveling modifications can impact the vehicle’s handling characteristics, ride quality, and alignment settings. After leveling, it’s advisable to perform a professional wheel alignment to ensure that the vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned with the correct camber, caster, and toe settings. This helps maintain steering responsiveness, tire wear, and overall vehicle stability.
Leveling a vehicle should be carried out with caution, considering factors like load-carrying capacity, suspension geometry, and safety implications. Improper leveling can lead to adverse effects on handling, braking, and suspension performance. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with automotive professionals and adhere to manufacturer guidelines when leveling a vehicle to achieve a balanced stance without compromising its overall safety and performance.