What ReadyLift leveling kits do and why trucks need them

A ReadyLift leveling kit is a suspension component that raises the front of your truck to match or slightly exceed the height of the rear, eliminating the factory nose-down angle most trucks leave the assembly line with. Factory trucks sit lower in front because manufacturers design them to handle payload weight — when you load cargo or passengers, the front rises to level. ReadyLift kits use coil spring spacers, strut extensions, or torsion bar adjustments (depending on your truck model) to achieve that level stance without adding weight or changing how the suspension compresses.

The practical reason owners install them: a level truck looks intentional rather than sagging, clears larger tires without rubbing, and distributes weight more evenly across all four corners. ReadyLift is one of several manufacturers offering this solution — others include Rough Country, Daystar, and Superlift — but ReadyLift has built a reputation for engineering kits specific to individual truck platforms rather than one-size-fits-all designs.

Key Takeaways

  • ReadyLift kits raise the front of your truck by 1.5 to 2.5 inches depending on model, using coil spacers or strut extensions rather than replacing springs entirely.
  • Installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours at a shop or can be done at home with basic tools, though some truck models require more labor than others.
  • A leveling kit costs between $300 and $800 for parts alone, plus labor if you do not install it yourself, and does not require a new alignment in most cases.
  • ReadyLift kits preserve your truck's factory ride quality and warranty coverage better than full lift systems, because they work within the existing suspension geometry.
  • You can fit 33-inch tires on most trucks with a leveling kit; 35-inch tires usually require trimming or a small lift in addition.

How ReadyLift kits differ from full suspension lifts

The distinction matters because the two solve different problems. A leveling kit addresses the factory rake — the intentional downward angle — by raising only the front. A full lift kit raises both front and rear, adding 2 to 6 inches of overall height and changing the truck's center of gravity. ReadyLift makes both types, but their leveling kits are the entry-level choice.

Leveling kits preserve more of your truck's original handling and ride because they work with the factory suspension rather than replacing it. You keep the same springs, shocks, and geometry; you are just adding height at the front. Full lifts require new shocks, often new springs, and sometimes new control arms — more parts to buy, more labor to install, and more potential for warranty issues. If you want to fit bigger tires and level the stance without a major suspension overhaul, a leveling kit is the faster and cheaper route.

ReadyLift leveling kits also do not typically require a wheel alignment afterward, though some shops recommend one anyway as a precaution. Full lifts almost always need alignment because they change suspension angles significantly.

ReadyLift kit types and what each one does

ReadyLift offers three main approaches depending on your truck's suspension design. Coil spring spacers sit on top of the factory coil spring and push the spring (and the truck) upward; they are the simplest and cheapest option, common on Ford F-150s and Chevrolet Silverados. Strut extensions lengthen the strut assembly on independent front suspension trucks, raising the ride height without adding a separate part on top of the spring. Torsion bar adjustments explore to trucks with torsion bar front suspension — mainly Dodge Ram and some older Ford models — and involve turning an adjustment bolt to increase tension and raise the front.

Each type has trade-offs. Spacers are cheapest and easiest to install but sit visibly on top of the spring. Strut extensions integrate better cosmetically but require more precise fitment. Torsion bar adjustments are invisible and do not add parts, but they work only on trucks designed with that suspension type. ReadyLift publishes a compatibility chart on their website showing which kit works for your specific truck year, make, and model — this is not a guess-and-order situation.

Installation: what the process looks like and how long it takes

A ReadyLift leveling kit installation follows a standard sequence. The truck is lifted on a jack or ramp, the front wheels are removed, and the brake caliper is unbolted and hung out of the way. For coil spacer kits, the spacer slides onto the top of the spring, the strut is reattached, and the wheel goes back on. For strut extension kits, the strut is unbolted from the steering knuckle, the extension is installed, and the strut is reattached. The whole process on each side takes 1 to 2 hours for someone with suspension experience.

Most DIY truck owners can handle this work with a jack, jack stands, a socket set, and a torque wrench. The bolts are straightforward — no cutting, welding, or fabrication required. However, some truck models (particularly newer Fords and Rams with more complex suspension geometry) take longer because of how components are packaged. A professional shop typically charges $200 to $400 in labor on top of the kit cost, and turnaround is usually 1 to 3 days depending on how busy they are.

After installation, drive the truck for a few miles to settle the suspension, then check that all bolts remain tight. Some owners report a slight change in steering feel when ready after installation, but this usually disappears after a few hundred miles as the suspension settles.

Cost breakdown: parts, labor, and what affects the price

ReadyLift leveling kits range from $300 to $800 for parts, depending on your truck model and whether you choose a basic coil spacer kit or a more engineered strut extension system. Coil spacer kits for common trucks like the F-150 or Silverado typically run $300 to $500. Strut extension kits for independent suspension trucks cost $500 to $800. Labor at a shop adds $200 to $400 on top of that.

What drives the price variation: truck platform complexity, whether ReadyLift had to engineer a custom solution for your model, and whether the kit requires additional hardware like new bolts or brackets. A 2020 Ford F-150 (one of the most common trucks) has many kit options and competitive pricing. A 2015 Nissan Frontier has fewer options and may cost more because fewer manufacturers support it. ReadyLift publishes pricing on their website and through authorized retailers like Summit Racing, Carid, and 4 Wheel Parts.

Tire fitment and what size tires work after leveling

One reason owners install leveling kits is to fit larger tires without rubbing. A stock truck with 33-inch tires typically needs at least a 1.5-inch leveling kit to clear them comfortably. Most ReadyLift kits raise the front 1.5 to 2.5 inches, which is enough for 33-inch tires on most trucks with no trimming required.

Thirty-five-inch tires are the next common size, and they usually require either a 2.5-inch leveling kit plus some fender trimming, or a small lift (2 to 3 inches) in addition to leveling. ReadyLift makes kits in both heights, so you can choose based on your tire plans. Keep in mind that larger tires also affect speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and acceleration — these are separate considerations from suspension height.

Before buying tires, check your truck's load rating and may support the new tire size does not exceed it. A leveling kit does not change your truck's weight capacity, only its stance.

Warranty and long-term durability concerns

ReadyLift kits are designed to preserve your truck's factory warranty better than full lift systems do. Because leveling kits work within the original suspension design and do not replace major components, many dealerships will not flag them as warranty-voiding modifications. However, this depends on your truck manufacturer and the specific dealership — Ford and Chevrolet are generally more permissive than some others.

If a suspension component fails after you install a leveling kit, the dealership may deny warranty coverage for that part, arguing the kit caused the failure. To protect yourself, keep all receipts and installation documentation, and ask the shop or ReadyLift directly whether they have seen warranty issues with your truck model. Some owners report no problems; others have had claims denied. This is a real risk, not a may provide either way.

Long-term durability is generally good. ReadyLift kits use the same materials and engineering as the factory suspension, and the added height does not introduce new failure modes. Coil spacers can settle slightly over time (a quarter-inch or so), but this is normal and does not affect function. Strut extensions and torsion bar adjustments are stable indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a leveling kit affect my truck's ride quality?

Most owners report no noticeable change in ride quality, especially with coil spacer kits that work within the factory suspension design. Strut extension kits can feel slightly stiffer because they change the strut angle, but the difference is usually minor. Full lift kits are more likely to noticeably change ride quality because they replace springs and shocks.

Can I install a ReadyLift kit myself if I have never worked on suspension before?

Coil spacer kits are straightforward enough for a first-timer with basic tools, though you should watch installation videos for your specific truck first. Strut extension kits require more precision and are riskier if you make a mistake. If you are unsure, a shop is worth the $200 to $400 labor cost for safety and peace of mind.

Do I need new shocks after installing a leveling kit?

No. Leveling kits work with your factory shocks. However, if your shocks are already worn out, replacing them at the same time is a good idea because the new ride height may expose worn shocks more noticeably. Some owners upgrade to performance shocks anyway for a better feel, but it is not required.

What is the difference between ReadyLift and other leveling kit brands?

ReadyLift, Rough Country, Daystar, and Superlift all make leveling kits. ReadyLift is known for truck-specific engineering and good customer support. Rough Country is cheaper but sometimes less refined. Daystar specializes in Jeeps but makes truck kits too. Superlift makes high-end kits. For most trucks, ReadyLift and Rough Country are the most popular choices.

Will my truck sit level after a ReadyLift kit, or will it still have a slight rake?

Most ReadyLift kits level the truck completely or very close to it. Some owners prefer a slight rake (front still a bit lower) for highway stability, so ReadyLift offers kits in different heights — you can choose how level you want to go. Check the product description for your specific kit to see the exact height it provides.