Self proclaimed leveling kits aren't level at all

321GO · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 06:38 PM

I don't understand how a manufacturer can call a product a leveling kit when it actually doesnt make it level. I called a local tire shop to ask for a tire, wheel and leveling kit quote. I am having installed a Tuff Country leveling kit, 285-65-18 BF Goodrich All Terrain KO tires and 18" Chrome Ultra Goliath Wheels. They recommended the Tuff Country leveling kit and I decided to go ahead with them ordering the materials. After doing research I found the their kit only brings the front up 2" which is not levell at all. It's to late to have something else shipped so now i'm stuck with an "almost level" Tundra. Can somebody explain why when a leveling kit is designated as being vehicle specific it actually doesn't level the truck.

ex-chevyguy · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 06:44 PM

A Truxxx kit lifts the front 3" and the rear 1". They look pretty level that way but they do have a slight rake, which most people like because if you put any weight in the bed of a "level" truck, you end up with the nose pointing up and it looks goofy. Try having the shop just put in the front 3" and see how you like it before they put in the rear blocks.

321GO · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 06:48 PM

According to their website it is only a 2" front leveling kit and not 3" front, 1" back. Here is the link. Tundra & Tacoma Leveling Kits - Tuff Country EZ-Ride

dani7 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 06:52 PM

I have the truxxx its pretty darn level. just don't add the block in the rear... or go for some danahoe coil overs and upper UCA. level for sure. but for 200$ level kit pretty cheap way to make truck looks a lot better

ex-chevyguy · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 321GO

According to their website it is only a 2" front leveling kit and not 3" front, 1" back. Here is the link. Tundra & Tacoma Leveling Kits - Tuff Country EZ-Ride

Well you said you got the Truxxx, they are two different lifts from two different companies. So did you get the Tuff Country or the the Truxxx? This is the Truxxx eBay Motors: Toyota Tundra 3" Leveling Lift Kit 2007-2008 (item 260218071658 end time Mar-13-08 21:00:00 PDT)

rockstate45 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:13 PM

If you look at it this way.. it is a leveling kit in the sense that it makes it more level than it was before.

For example, I like a bit of rake but not as much as it is stock. I'd throw a 2/2.4 inch leveling kit on there and then I wouldn't have to add a block in the rear. There are just a bunch of options out there for a bunch of different people.

That's all.

-rockstate

Jumbo Jet · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:34 PM

I went with the Tuff Country 2" lift on mine. Its subtle, buts its definitely a noticeable difference. I left the back alone, so just the front is raised. Heres a couple pics incase youre wondering what the Tuff Country looks like.

Before:

After:

TUNDRA-ID · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 07:37 PM

I have the Readylift 2.4" installed with 2" rear block at the local tire shop last October. The rear end looked too high so I decided to take the rear block off myself a couple weeks ago. I don't know what brand the 2" block is, but man the U bolt that they installed with it got all rusted and what a pain in the @$$ to remove the nut from the rusted U bolt. I went to Freight Harbor to buy a high impact gun. It just caused the thread to strip and the nut never came out. After 3 hours of under the truck I called it quits before the wife complained about the amount of time I've spent in the garage. The next day I drove it to the local tire shop. They stripped the thread also. They then came ask my permission to cut the bolt. I wasted about $100 and a lot of time.

I bought 1" rear block from Toytec. Their U bolts are treated like the OEM one. Excellent customer service, fast shipping (3 days), and good quality. I recomend them. I haven't installed it yet, but I think it will look better IMO.

The 2.4" front leveling kit without the rear blocks still gives a slight rake in the back. I measured 38.75" front and 39.50" rear. So if you want it more level than thay I would suggest the 2.5" Toytec lift kit without the rear block.

321GO · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumbo Jet

I went with the Tuff Country 2" lift on mine. Its subtle, buts its definitely a noticeable difference. I left the back alone, so just the front is raised. Heres a couple pics incase youre wondering what the Tuff Country looks like.

Before:

After:

Thanks for the photos. Its great to actually see what the truck is going to look like. I still find is misleading that the truck doesn't sit level. Maybe they should change the name to "Tuff Country's 2" Almost Leveling Kit". If anybody else has photo's of their leveling kits could you post them as well and who made the kit.

rovin · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 09:45 PM

As someone has already said, different kits for different applications. It pays to reserch what you intend to buy and what you can expect it to do. Not misleading, you just did'nt do your homework.

ballin · #11 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 09:58 PM

readylift 2.4''. rear is almost a inch higher according to tape measure, but perfectly level with the eye.

agswin · #12 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballin

readylift 2.4''. rear is almost a inch higher according to tape measure, but perfectly level with the eye.

Did you install a 1" block or just the levelling kit?

ballin · #13 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agswin

Did you install a 1" block or just the levelling kit?

just the leveling kit, no block

agswin · #14 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dani7

I have the truxxx its pretty darn level. just don't add the block in the rear... or go for some danahoe coil overs and upper UCA. level for sure. but for 200$ level kit pretty cheap way to make truck looks a lot better

Does not putting the rear block in, affect the truck at all?

For instance, if I just put on the readylift 2.4 and no block, will it give a level look to the eye? But what will happen when I go to haul something? Will my front end point way up in the air? Or just a bit?

For the same level look, should I just get the truxxx 3" with 1" block or wait for the readylift 3" with 1" block?

ballin · #15 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 10:20 PM

any time you raise the front end to match the back and you haul alot of weight its going to sag, thats why it comes stock with so much rake. i pull trailers with 4wheelers,mulch,etc. and it has no droopy end look. if you pull alot of weight like tractors,big boats etc. you will need air bags or a helper spring.