How to Install a Leveling Kit
Thursday, May 11, 2023
How to Install a Leveling Kit
Compared to lift kits, leveling kits are more affordable and easier to install. There's also a marked difference between the two. Leveling kits are designed to raise the front end of your truck or SUV to move the body away from the axles. This gives you more ground clearance, which can allow for installing larger tires or a snowplow.
On the other hand, lift kits raise either your vehicle's body or suspension. Only suspension lifts increase your ground clearance. These kits are more complicated to install and require the replacement of many suspension parts.
Before you install a truck leveling kit, it's important to get the right one for your vehicle. It's better to avoid universal ones. Enthuze sells the following leveling kits:
- F150 leveling kit
- F250 leveling kit
- F350 leveling kit
- Ram 1500 leveling kit
- Ram 2500 leveling kit
- Ram 3500 leveling kit
- Jeep Wrangler JL leveling kit
- Silverado/Sierra leveling kit
- Canyon/Colorado leveling kit
Always make sure to verify the exact year and model of your truck or SUV before buying. If the installation looks too difficult for your skill level or kit, you can come to any Action Trucks location in Canada for professional installation.
Tools You'll Need
You won't have to replace a ton of parts to install a leveling kit, but you will need to disassemble some parts of your current suspension before installing the leveling kit. The following are some tools to have on hand:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Torque wrench
- Wrench set (various sizes)
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Ratchet
- PB Blaster
- Extra screws, nuts, and bolts in case you lose any
Getting Started
Most leveling kits are similar and have similar installation instructions. However, you should always carefully read the guide included with your kit and defer to it whenever possible.
Step 1 - Open your leveling kit and ensure all parts are present
Step 2 - Read your instructions carefully (make notes if necessary)
Step 3 - Block off your tires and make sure your vehicle is in gear or in park with the emergency brake set
Step 4 - Find and record torque specifications for your vehicle
Step 5 - Always have the mindset of safety first. It's better to have an assistant during this installation as well.
Detailed instructions for Enthuze leveling kits can also be found on every product page and can also be downloaded in case you lose yours.
Coil Spring Spacer Basic Installation
The first step is to jack up your vehicle and place it on jack stands. Once your vehicle is safely on the stands, you'll need to remove your tires and then raise your suspension by using your floor jack on the axle. This compresses the spring and allows for easier removal. Install a spring compressor next, then remove the following parts:
- Spring retaining clip
- Shocks
- Sway bar link
- Bump stop
Once these things are removed, lower the axle housing on the jack to easily remove the coil. After making sure all fasteners are tightened to spec, put the coil spring spacer in the spring seat over the bump stop.
With the spring compressor still intact, replace the spring and attach the spring retaining clip. Use the jack to put your wheel back up where it was when you initially compressed the spring. Remove the compressors once it's secure.
Reinstall the bump stop, sway bar link and shocks. Repeat the same procedure on the other side.
Strut Extensions
Some leveling kits use strut extensions and/or torsion bar keys along with spacers. This typically varies depending on the type of vehicle you have. The product page will show what is included.
After placing your vehicle on jack stands and removing the tires, the first step is usually to affix the six studs from your kit onto the strut extenders. Then, disassemble the sway bar link and remove the tie rod end fastener.
Loosen the ball joint and remove the lower strut bolt. While supporting the lower control arm with the jack, use a pry bar to remove the ball joint. Loosen the top three strut fasteners, then carefully lower the jack so you can remove the full assembly.
Attach the strut extension to the top of your strut and then reassemble everything--making sure to tighten everything to spec.
Torsion Bar Keys
As usual, start with your vehicle safely supported on jack stands. The next step is to use a G clamp or torsion bar removal tool to take the pressure off the torsion and suspension bars. Remove the retaining plates next, then remove your clamp or torsion bar tool.
The original torsion bar key might simply fall out at this point, otherwise, you may need a hammer to loosen it. From there, you simply work backward to install the new key and reassemble everything. The new key will have a different angle, which is how you get the lift.
Remember that any change to your vehicle's suspension also changes its alignment. It's highly recommended to get your vehicle aligned after installing a leveling kit. When in doubt, it's better to let a professional complete the installation at any Action Trucks location in Canada.
Rely on Enthuze for quality leveling kits for your truck or SUV. All kits are rigorously tested for durability and reliability before using the Enthuze name. We also make a wide variety of other aftermarket parts for Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs, including custom wheels, mud guards, fender flares, and much more.
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