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Who this is for
Owners of 2017+ three-quarter and one-ton trucks who want to get rid of the factory nose-down stance, fit a slightly bigger tire, or are deciding whether they need a full lift.
What a leveling kit does
HD trucks leave the factory with the front sitting lower than the rear. That rake leaves room for the rear to squat under a load or a trailer. A leveling kit raises only the front, so the truck sits flat when it is empty.
How it is done depends on the truck. Super Duty and Ram HD trucks use coil springs up front, so kits are coil spacers, like the KSP 2.5" kit for the F-250 and F-350 or the KSP 2" kit for the Ram 2500/3500. Silverado and Sierra HD trucks use torsion bars, so leveling is done with adjustable torsion keys, and 2017-2019 and 2020+ trucks use different keys (2020+ keys).
What a lift kit does
A lift raises both ends. On HD trucks that can be as simple as rear blocks with a leveling kit up front, like the KSP 2" rear lift kit for the Super Duty or the 2" rear kit for the 2500HD. Taller lifts add new springs, control arms, track bar brackets and longer shocks, and they cost a lot more to buy and install.
If you tow or haul
A leveled truck has less room to squat. With a heavy trailer or a camper, the rear drops and the nose points up, which also aims the headlights higher. A weight-distributing hitch or rear helper springs or airbags can bring it back. If you tow heavy most of the time, many owners keep the factory rake or level only part of the way.
Which one to pick
Pick by what you want the truck to do:
- Flat stance, one tire size up: a leveling kit is usually enough.
- More clearance and a bigger tire: a lift kit, or a leveling kit plus rear blocks.
- Off-road trims (Tremor, Power Wagon, Rebel, ZR2, AT4X): check first. Many kits do not list them.
Leveling Kit vs Lift Kit
| Leveling kit | Lift kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Raises | Front only | Front and rear |
| Typical parts | Coil spacers (Ford, Ram) or torsion keys (GM) | Rear blocks, springs, control arms, track bar brackets, shocks |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Install | Basic tools, a few hours | More parts, often a shop job |
| Alignment after | Yes | Yes |
| Towing | Less room for rear squat | Depends on the kit |
Parts to Look At
These are examples for this topic, not rankings. Confirm fitment for your vehicle on each product page.
KSP Performance Mid-Range Pick
2.5" Front Leveling Kit (Steel Coil Spacers)
Part # MT-9K524A
Fits: F-250 Super Duty all cabs/bodies, 2017+, all trims · F-350 Super Duty all cabs/bodies, 2017+, all trims
Fitment source: KSP Performance product listing, checked Oct 20
- Lift 2.5 in front
- Material Carbon steel spring spacers
- Install Bolt-on, no cutting
KSP Performance Mid-Range Pick
1-3" Adjustable Torsion Keys (Front Leveling)
Part # MT-9F925
Fits: Silverado 2500HD all cabs/bodies, 2020+, all trims except ZR2, ZR2 Bison · Silverado 3500HD all cabs/bodies, 2020+, all trims · Sierra 2500HD all cabs/bodies, 2020+, all trims except AT4X, AT4X AEV Edition · Sierra 3500HD all cabs/bodies, 2020+, all trims
Fitment source: KSP Performance product listing, checked Oct 20
- Lift 1-3 in front, adjustable
- Material Forged, heat-treated steel
- Years 2020+ only
KSP Performance Mid-Range Pick
2" Front Leveling Kit with Shock Extenders (4WD)
Part # MT-9F031-20
Fits: Ram 2500 all cabs/bodies, 2017–2022, all trims except Power Wagon, Rebel · Ram 3500 all cabs/bodies, 2017–2022, all trims
Fitment source: KSP Performance product listing, checked Oct 20
- Lift 2 in front (a 3 in version is on the same KSP page)
- Includes Coil spacers, shock extenders
- Drivetrain 4WD only
KSP Performance Mid-Range Pick
2" Rear Lift Kit (Blocks and U-Bolts)
Part # MT-9R225201-20
Fits: F-250 Super Duty all cabs/bodies, 2017+, all trims · F-350 Super Duty all cabs/bodies, 2017+, all trims
Fitment source: KSP Performance product listing, checked Oct 20
- Lift 2 in rear
- Includes Tapered steel blocks, extended U-bolts
- Not for Trucks with overload springs
KSP Performance Mid-Range Pick
2" Rear Lift Kit (Blocks and Square U-Bolts)
Part # MT-9R224301-20
Fits: Silverado 2500HD all cabs/bodies, 2017+, all trims · Sierra 2500HD all cabs/bodies, 2017+, all trims
Fitment source: KSP Performance product listing, checked Oct 20
- Lift 2 in rear
- Includes Tapered steel blocks, square U-bolts
- Install time 2-3 hours (maker's estimate)
Keep reading
- F-250 Super Duty Lift Kits
- F-350 Super Duty Lift Kits
- Silverado 2500HD Lift Kits
- Sierra 2500HD Lift Kits
- Ram 2500 Lift Kits
Gotchas
- Check the years on each kit. Many HD parts differ between generations (2017-2019 vs 2020+ for GM, 2017-2018 vs 2019+ for Ram, 2017-2022 vs 2023+ for Ford).
- Trucks with rear air suspension usually cannot use rear blocks.
- Taller tires may need trimming, and above about 2 inches GM HD trucks often need upper control arms.
- Get an alignment after any leveling or lift kit.
Sources
- Manufacturer fitment and product details from the KSP Performance product listings linked on each part page.
- Vehicle notes on each vehicle page.
Specs and fitment can change. We re-check guides on a schedule and when readers report errors. Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Report an error.
FAQ
Does a leveling kit void my warranty?
Not by itself in the US, but a dealer can deny a claim for parts the kit affected. Ask your dealer before you install.
Do I need an alignment after leveling?
Yes. Raising the front changes the alignment, so plan on one after install.
Can I level a Silverado or Sierra HD by turning the factory torsion keys?
Some owners do, but it gives less height and uses up the factory adjustment. Aftermarket keys give more range. Either way, get an alignment.