This is the buying guide to know and understand completely about leveling kits and what makes the best Tundra leveling kit for you. Before you go and buy a kit, you need to know some basics and some necessary properties of a good leveling kit. There are different types of leveling kits; which one is for you?
Coil Spring Spacer Leveling Kit
A coil spring spacer kit is as the name suggests. It works with coil springs. So, if your vehicle has coil springs, then this is suitable for you.
These leveling kits are supposed to be placed on the lower or upper spring seats. By adding the spacers, you raise the level of your vehicle’s body. You might need to use shock extensions with this type.
They are similar to the strut extension leveling kits. The difference between them is the placing of the spacer. With some coil springs, you’ll have to detach and re-attach the springs for the spacer to fit in perfectly.
Torsion Key Leveling Kit
The second type of leveling kit is the torsion key leveling kit. It looks like a key, which is where it gets its name from. And the fact that it works with a torsion bar suspension system gives it the name torsion leveling kit. If your vehicle has a torsion bar, then this will work.
Your torsion bar already has stock keys in place. You just need to replace those keys with this torsion key, and they’ll automatically raise your vehicle’s suspensions. These keys are better than stock keys from the factory in every way.
A good torsion key has to be forged and should come with a powder coating. So, when you try to lift the vehicle, it won’t damage the keys.
Strut Extension Leveling Kit
If your vehicle’s suspension system incorporates a coilover strut at the front, then this 3rd type of leveling kit is suitable for you. Most of the half-ton and mid-size SUVs and trucks fall in this category. So, your Tundra should fall right around here.
Using a strut extension kit is simple. Just place it on the upper or lower side of your factory strut, and it’ll automatically raise the suspension of the vehicle. With a strut extension kit, you don’t replace the original stock struts, unlike the torsion key kits.
The strut spaces are usually made with steel, aluminum, or PPA plastic. All of them should be chemical, heat, and corrosion-resistant.
If you want to have height adjustability options, you can consider the adjustable strut extension kits. After installing the kit, you can change its height however you prefer.
Kit Size
Before buying a leveling kit, first, determine the size of the kit you need. Leveling kits are used to increase the front wheels to either level both front and rear, or they raise the wheels more than the rear.
Either way, you will need to measure the existing or your preferred difference between the front and rear wheels and buy a kit accordingly.
With an adjustable type of leveling kit, you don’t need to measure. Also, if you take it to a professional, they can do everything for you.
So, you see, there are many variables before buying a kit. Don’t rush; take time to examine your needs and choices.