What are the tangible benefits of a leveling kit. Sorry if it seems like a dumb question but I am curious. Is it anything other than cosmetic?

 

More ground clearance/Tire clearance for bigger tires

 

No benefits other than looks and clearance. Less suspension travel and worse angles on your ball joints.

I guess you could consider a higher angle of approach a benefit, but if you off road that much, you don't want a leveling kit.

 

Thanks.

That is kind of what I thought. I don't off road and bigger tires are not in the future.

 

Ok I will Bit. How is there less suspension travel?

 

There is less suspension travel with all of the leveling kits. Think about it ... The balljoints, UCAs, and LCAs are all "preloaded" at an angle. When the shock is fully compressed the UCAs and LCAs both have been done with their "stroke" much sooner than the shock since they basically started further along in the suspension travel.

 

Thanks Thumper

 

Adjustable shock's may be a better choice, such as Bilstein or Rancho.

 

Does anyone know exactly how much suspension travel you give up?

Seems like I was reading an blurb for a kit that said that a 1.5" (or 1.75"; I can't remember) spacer gave you 2" or 2.5" lift on the front end.

So... do you loose 1.75" of suspension travel or 2.5"?????

and... ah... wouldn't you have more suspension travel for upward moving tire travel and less suspension travel for downward moving tire travel? ... or no?

I used to have a boss who'd say "tell it to me like a letter to an idiot"...

 

The lift is not linear. A 1 5/8" spacer gives you 2" and a 1 3/4" spacer gives you 2.5".