It’s Interesting, indeed. After more than a decade (and probably approaching 2 decades) since the advent of modern Leveling Kits, how little things have actually changed. It’s also interesting, that most modern Leveling Kits don’t actually ‘level’ a vehicle at all (aside from maybe torsion suspension vehicles utilizing adjustable keys, levers, pork chops, or whatever else you may call them).
How can this be, you ask?
Many manufacturers are still referring to their MacPherson Strut and Coil Spring products as “Leveling” Kits, when in fact, ‘Leveling’ a vehicle may never come to fruition when using common leveling kit designs.
Please allow me to explain my ‘stance’ (pun totally intended). Let’s put it this way; if your front left fender is two inches lower than your rear left fender, and your front right fender is two and ½ inches lower than your rear right fender, and you buy a 2” leveling kit, can you ‘level’ the vehicle? Uh, no. Not possible. Do the math. I guess maybe you could MacGyver your kit and weld a little sumpin’-sumpin’ additional on the ‘low side’, and maybe achieve what you set out to accomplish in the first place. But, then, is it really worth the time & energy?
Here’s another common theme, and a fun screen shot, if I do say so myself (I’ll leave the manufacturer name & part number out of this, to protect the guilty):
Hmmmm, did you notice what was advertised as the sales note under the product? I went ahead and took the liberty of highlighting it, if it wasn’t obvious enough:
Note: Some models may not be level after install
WEIRD! The fact is, that every manufacturer of leveling kits should be required to add a caveat like this to their advertising or be slapped with a False Advertising law suit. Even more accurate, the footnote should instead read:
Note: ALL MODELS WILL NOT BE LEVEL AFTER INSTALL
So, now we’ve established that even (some) manufacturers are admitting to the adherent flaws of common technology (I like to call them ‘fixed level kits’), yet the issue is not being addressed.
Or is it?
THE BOTTOM LINE IS, IF YOU CAN’T CONTROL OR MANIPULATE THE AMOUNT OF RIDE HEIGHT CHANGE, YOU CAN’T LEVEL A VEHICLE.
Bold statement? Indeed, but think about it. It’s the only way you can truly level a vehicle.
Adjustability.
To be totally transparent, Yes, I did invent the adjustable leveling kit for MacPherson Strut & Coil Spring suspensions. To be totally transparent, Yes, I am partial. To be totally transparent, Yes, my patented products did win the SEMA Best New Off-Road/4×4 Product of the Year award.
Hope you will take the opportunity to do a little comparative analysis of your own.
