I see a lot of leveling kits being installed. I understand the purpose, I just don't understand the why. My '09 had a leveling kit (guess I got caught up in the fever) but when it was all said and done not sure I had any gain other than: 'ya thats my truck over there, you know the level one'

????

 

I know with my half ton, the angle of approach was not far off from the 2wd, and was almost unusable around the land. A 2" level and an inch taller tire made a huge difference in getting places, and was much cheaper than a lift, not to mention I didn't have to cut on my truck. Aesthetics are nice too. Fwiw, most lift kits level out the truck as well, but in a higher position.

 

Since I tend to use my truck, I have zero use for a "leveling kit".
Throw some weight in the back or hook up the car hauler and the lights point at the sky and the truck goes down the road with its nose in the air.
I hope to level my truck with two elk very soon.

 

Side Note: Wouldn't it be nice if Ford would put a remote adjustable headlight control into the trucks. Even none leveled trucks could use this. I know Toyota was doing this (maybe still are) with their tundra and never understood why other truck companies don't add it. I know this wouldn't be used that often but would be a nice option to have.

I thought about making my own out of a small window motor and arduino board.

Now back on topic:
I like the look of a semi-leveled truck and the functionality. I don't want fully leveled but the extra ground clearance is huge when you are getting into some interesting places to camp and off road with the rzr. I ripped the front air damn off of my old truck getting into these types of places. I thought about going with a higher lift but then the whole towing thing gets messed up even more with these new trucks. A level gets you as much ground clearance as possible without having huge modifications to your trailers/campers.

 

Consider this scenario: you level a truck, adjust the lights back to factory spec, load the bed with XXXXlb and the bed drops 3". You have another truck beside it with a factory suspension. The rear springs obviously are the same for this leveled truck or a factory truck. Now, since they are the same rear suspension, the bed drop the same amount for both. The drop in the rear causes the headlight angle change, so won't the headlight angles between a leveled and factory truck end up being the same angle?

 

I think they just look better level as opposed to all jacked up in the back like an old '70s muscle car.

 

And that's exactly why I like the rake look. Muscle cars

 

Well kinda confirmed my thinking, it changes the looks and not much else. Like others mine always seems to level out when I load it, which is often.

Thanks to all who replied...

 

Chiming in late. Most customers go with a leveling kit so they can at a very low cost upsize the wheel and tire package. You can get to a much more aggressive look with just a leveling kit as the rear already has the room needed for a bigger tire and you don't have to turn the wheel back there (obviously).
You would assume guys/gals buy a truck to use it. Most now a days do not. It is for looks and the occasional thing in the bed or to pull a trailer/boat. That said many claim a leveled truck with a empty bed rides better than one that is not. The rear suspension is so stiff to carry the massive payload ratings, that when empty ride somewhat harsh. Loaded is fine.
The draw back of a leveling kit is for someone like yourself that uses the truck as a truck on a regular basis. Is that leveled in the front loaded in the rear will cause sag, which can be fixed by air bags, helper springs.
Long response to say it is always a personal preference and depends on what you need/want your truck to do. Or how you want it to look.
I am in between, I like just a slight rake to the front and level when loaded. Which is the safer way to travel.

 

I'm sorry, but the "leveled" trucks look like they are sagging even with no weight in them.

 

Makes sense. Most of my life as a practing engineer I was driven and I mean DRIVEN by functionality. If you do 'this' then not only does it have to be of benefit. If I do that and it costs x much can I justify it. And yes looks count!

 

Not if it is leveled. LOL Some buy a leveling kit that pick up the front too much. Always measure from center hub to fender to get the distance. Get a level kit with the correct height to cover the difference of height front to rear.

 

Agreed, I'm in the same boat. The joke "that sticker added 5 horsepower" is my take. Don't add it if there is no benefit or function. Looks should be a bonus of the upgrades. Even though many things to make a vehicle better you will never see.

 

I couldn't imagine not having one, the easiest reason larger tires improve ground clearance. I've noticed now that the 2016 require 3 1/2 inch level up front and considering I already have two extra leaf Springs in my back and a 5 inch block it's slightly taller in the back and with well over 2300 pounds of ceramic the truck is just about level still a little taller in the back especially after the 5-inch block install. One other important reason I like leveling the front end always putting a plow on the truck helps keep the front up especially with 1200 pounds hanging off it take care

 

I think there is no right or wrong, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If we all liked the exact same thing, color, size, etc.. sure would be boring with a street full of clone trucks! :-)