Lift Kits Vs. Leveling Kits: What You Need to Know and Image Gallery

How Much Does a Lift Kit Cost?

Lift kit pricing varies based on the type of kit, the amount of lift, and your vehicle’s make and model. Basic body lift kits start around $300 to $600, while full suspension lift kits typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Labor costs can add another $500 to $1,500, especially for complex installations that require professional alignment.

While not a small investment, lift kits offer maximum payoff in off-road performance, tire clearance, and road presence.

What Is a Leveling Kit?

While lift kits raise the entire vehicle, leveling kits are designed to eliminate the factory rake—that slightly nose-down stance most trucks come with from the factory. A leveling kit creates a more balanced, aggressive profile by lifting the front of the vehicle to match the rear.

Beyond aesthetics, leveling kits offer practical perks. They allow clearance for slightly larger tires up front, improve approach angles, and help offset the front-end sag caused by heavy accessories like winches, plows, or steel bumpers. Most leveling kits use spacers, torsion keys, or upgraded springs and are relatively easy to install compared to full lift kits.

How Much Does a Leveling Kit Cost?

Leveling kits are a budget-friendly way to boost both form and function. Most kits range from $60 to $250, depending on the lift height and components. If you’re installing it yourself, all you’ll need to add is a post-install alignment, which generally costs $75 to $150.

Opting for a professional install adds about $150 to $400 in labor, putting the total investment at roughly $300 to $700. For many truck owners, that’s a small price to pay for a big visual upgrade and added utility.

Lift Kits Vs. Leveling Kits: Which One Is Right for You?

Both lift kits and leveling kits enhance the look and performance of your truck, but they serve different goals—and come with different costs and complexity.

Lift kits raise the front and rear of the vehicle, giving you more ground clearance, the ability to run larger tires, and greater off-road capability. They’re ideal for trail builds, overlanders, and drivers looking for a bold, aggressive stance. However, they’re more involved and typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000-plus with installation.

Leveling kits, on the other hand, are designed to lift just the front of the vehicle, evening out the factory rake and creating a more symmetrical look. They're much more affordable—generally falling between $300 and $700 installed—and are perfect for daily drivers or anyone who wants a subtle upgrade in style and function.

In short, go with a lift kit if you need serious clearance and capability. Choose a leveling kit if you want a quick, budget-friendly improvement to your truck’s stance and front-end clearance.

Lift and Leveling Kit Gallery

Now that you’ve got a handle on what lift and leveling kits do—and how they compare—it’s time to see them in action. Below, we’ve gathered real-world examples of trucks and SUVs that have been leveled or lifted and organized by the manufacturer.

Whether you drive a Ford, Chevy, Toyota, or RAM, these builds will give you a clear idea of how different kits transform a vehicle’s look, profile, and trail readiness.

Scroll through to find your make and get inspired for your own build.

RAM Lift and Leveling Kits  

See how RAM 1500 and 2500 trucks take on a whole new look with these lifts and leveling kits.

Chevy Lift and Leveling Kits  

From Silverados to Colorados, these builds show how a lift or level can drastically change the look and feel of a Chevy truck.

Ford Lift and Leveling Kits  

Whether it's a leveled F-150 or a fully lifted Super Duty, these Ford builds highlight how lift and leveling kits can improve clearance, capability, and curb appeal.

Toyota Lift and Leveling Kits  

See how Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner owners have used lift and leveling kits to enhance off-road capability and looks. 

GMC Lift and Leveling Kits  

Explore how Sierra and Canyon trucks gain both form and function with leveling kits and suspension lifts.

Shop Lift Kits and Leveling Kits for Your Ride

Whether you’re looking to improve off-road performance, gain ground clearance, or just enhance your truck’s stance, lift kits and leveling kits offer solid options to help you build a vehicle that looks as good as it performs.

Leveling kits are a simple, cost-effective way to clean up your front-end rake and clear slightly larger tires. Lift kits offer a more dramatic transformation—perfect for serious off-roaders or anyone chasing that head-turning, lifted look.

Explore RealTruck®’s full selection of lift and leveling kits from top brands like Superlift, ICON, ReadyLIFT, and more to find the right setup for your build.