Best Leveling Kits For Ram 1500 – 2021 Review

If you’ve ever glanced at your Ram 1500, you may have noticed the front end rides a bit lower than the back. While this may not be a problem for commuters and pavement drivers, off-roaders or those with a keen eye for symmetry may find the height difference off-putting.

And that’s why you might set your sights on a leveling kit. By lifting the front end, you can get the desired aesthetic and clearance you need.

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Comparison of the Best Leveling Kits For Ram 1500

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What Size Leveling Kit Do I Need? 

Leveling kits come in a variety of sizes, starting at 1 inch and increasing by half-inch increments until 3 inches. But unlike lift kits, leveling kits are just to even out the front end and rear end. For this reason, you’re not thinking about aesthetics. Instead, you want to make accurate measurements so your truck sits level.

To find the appropriately sized lift kit, follow this process:

  1. Park your Ram 1500 on a level surface.

  2. Use a measuring tape to measure from the center of the front axle to the top of the wheel well.

  3. Repeat that measurement on the rear end.

  4. Subtract the rear end measurement from the front end measurement, and that’s the size of the leveling kit you need.

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How Do I Choose a Leveling Kit For a Ram 1500? 

So once you’ve found the size of the leveling kit you require, next is to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect lift kit for your Ram 1500.

Rake or no Rake

A leveling kit is intended to level the truck, but that doesn’t mean you have to make it even. In some cases, a slightly higher front end will improve winching power or accommodate a plow. Conversely, a truck that’s higher in the rear will have a slight increase in towing power. So if you still want a bit of rake, that’s something that will factor into your decision.

Best Leveling Kits For Ram 1500

Types of Leveling Kits

If you have a Ram 1500 made after 2006, your truck has struts instead of shocks. So you’ll need to make your decision on a leveling kit based on this change to the underpinnings of the vehicle. Therefore, you have the option of either strut extension leveling kits or coil spring spacer leveling kits. The difference is typically just based on budgetary constraints.

Driving Style

Depending on your driving style, you may want to keep the truck level, but at the maximum height possible. Raising the front end so it doesn’t match the rear end can allow you to put on larger tires, but you may want more clearance to tackle bouldering or rocky terrain.

Review of the Best Leveling Kits For Ram 1500 

With options for all types of tastes and budgets, you can find the ideal leveling kit for your Ram 1500. Here are some of the best products available as rated by fellow Ram 1500 drivers.

Best Overall:Supreme Suspensions Front Kit

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PROS

  • Simple bolt-on installation
  • Provides a more aggressive profile
  • Maintains the factory ride of the Ram 1500
  • Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability
  • Comes with installation instructions for the newbie mechanic

CONS

  • Problems with fitment issues
  • Customer service is unresponsive

What Recent Buyers Report

A vast majority of buyers report that the Supreme Suspensions Front Kit is a high-quality leveling kit that gives them the look and rides they want. Installation is a breeze thanks to detailed instructions, and most report that the smoothness of the ride is equal to or better than the original. However, some customers report fitment issues and unresponsive or rude customer service to resolve any issues.

Why it Stands Out to Us

For the price, this leveling kit has few competitors in terms of ride, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal. If subtlety of the lift is what you desire, you won’t find a better value buy on the market.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Supreme Suspensions Front Kit is one of the best out there. With few bad reviews and a simple installation process geared to novices, this is a bargain purchase with little downside.

Runner-up:Dynofit Raise Rear Kit

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PROS

  • Two-year warranty
  • Responsive customer service
  • Smooth ride that’s similar to original
  • Comes with hardware and step-by-step instructions
  • One of the larger leveling kits for a head-turning profile

CONS

  • Difficult to install if you also have an air suspension
  • Some buyers report squeaking front struts/shocks after installation

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers report that the Dynofit Raise Rear Kit is an excellent choice for raising the Ram 1500. It doesn’t change the profile of the vehicle too much, which is ideal for Ram 1500 owners that don’t off-road or drive off the pavement. However, some buyers also report that the kit—because it comes with both front and rear spacers—isn’t a true leveling kit. Installing both the front and the back components simply makes this a mini-lift kit. But that said, many buyers simply put on the front-end components for the desired effect.

Why it Stands Out to Us

With a two-year warranty and an easy installation, this leveling kit provides Ram 1500 owners with the aesthetic appeal they want at a bargain price.

Bottom Line

If you’re searching for an affordable way to level your truck without the hassle of a lift kit or the expense of a mechanic, the Dynofit Raise Rear Kit should get the job done. And with spacers for both the front and rear of the truck, you have the option for the perfect adjustment.

Best for the Money:KSP Strut Spacers Front Kit

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PROS

  • Lifetime warranty
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Powder-coated for excellent corrosion resistance
  • Made from aircraft-grade aluminum for improved longevity
  • Excellent overall choice for off-road enthusiasts who don’t want a lift kit

CONS

  • Some buyers report that this kit isn’t compatible with heavy towing
  • Can cause upper ball joints and other components to wear out prematurely

What Recent Buyers Report

Thrifty buyers report that the KSP Strut Spacers Front Kit is perhaps the best value buy on the market. With detailed instructions, most novice mechanics were able to install them in a few hours, and a majority were satisfied with their ride. Conversely, some buyers report that this leveling kit doesn’t stand up to heavy towing, causing the front end to aim upwards, although this can happen with many other types of leveling kits.

Why it Stands Out to Us

KSP stands by its products with a lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee—two aspects you won’t find with other manufacturers. Plus, it’s made from durable materials with added anti-corrosion, making it able to stand up to off-road conditions or inclement weather.

Bottom Line

With a low, low price and offering many of the perks of more expensive leveling kits, the KSP Strut Spacers Front Kit gets the job done without breaking the bank.

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Best Ram 1500 2WD Leveling Kit:Dynofit Raise Front Kit

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PROS

  • Two-year warranty
  • Easy installation, even for one person
  • Comes with all necessary hardware, saving you time and hassle
  • Responsive customer service to guide you through any installation problems
  • High-quality aluminum construction won’t bend or warp, even with full towing or winching load

CONS

  • Included bolts can bend or wear out quickly
  • Some buyers report squeaking even with upgraded bolts

What Recent Buyers Report

The Dynofit Raise Front Kit is another highly affordable front leveling kit that most buyers are satisfied with. Despite some users being unhappy with the quality of the included hardware, the truck still rides smoothly and eliminates the raking effect.

Why it Stands Out to Us

With high-quality construction, a two-year warranty, and responsive customer service, this leveling kit hits all the major checkpoints for most Ram 1500 owners.

Bottom Line

While the Dynofit Raise Front Kit gets knocked for low-quality hardware, many everyday drivers report that it does the job without any problem. If you’re off-roading, you may want to look in another direction.

Best Leveling Kit for Dodge Ram 1500 4WD:Daystar Dodge Ram 1500 Kit KC09113BK

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PROS

  • Made in the USA
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Made from T6-grade aluminum for excellent durability
  • Uses polyurethane material to eliminate noises and vibrations
  • High-quality hardware eliminates any chance of bending under weight

CONS

  • Installation instructions leave much to be desired
  • Some users report durability issues compared to leveling kits that use stronger aluminum

What Recent Buyers Report

One of the greatest aspects reported by buyers is that the Daystar Dodge Ram 1500 Kit works excellently with a factory air ride suspension, making it a rarity in the leveling kit market. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for off-roaders, as many report satisfaction with the height levels without losing a smooth ride, even on tough terrain. However, newbies may have some trouble with installation, as the directions aren’t as detailed as some other brands.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you’re looking to take your Ram 1500 into the great outdoors, this kit will get the job done without the expense or the hassle of a lift kit. And with a polyurethane material added, you won’t get the squeaks and vibrations associated with some other types of leveling kits.

Bottom Line

Off-roaders, rejoice! The Daystar Dodge Ram 1500 Kit works just as advertised, offering an excellent ride on all types of terrain. And while it’s a bit more expensive than other options, buyers will know just where their money went.

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Leveling Kit vs Lift Kit – Comparison Overview 

Leveling kits and lifting kits are different in many ways. However, they both have a similar function: raising the body of the truck to accommodate larger tires and increase ground clearance.

In general, Ram 1500 leveling kits desired purpose is to lift the front end of the truck up by 1 to 3 inches to match the height of the rear end. This is done for a variety of purposes, including off-roading and bigger tires. But oftentimes, it’s simply an aesthetic fix for certain tastes and styles. Leveling kits are far easier to install than lifting kits, and many novice mechanics can probably complete the process without the help of a professional.

Lift kits, on the other hand, lift the entire body of the truck through either a total lift suspension kit or a body lift kit. Again, truck drivers use these kits to fit a particular aesthetic, as well as accommodate oversized tires and improve off-roading.

Body lift kits are almost 100% aesthetic and are specifically designed to keep the same smoothness of the ride. They’re also easier to install than suspension lift kits. That said, suspension lift kits usually require a professional due to the complexities of changing an entire suspension.

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Pros and Cons of Leveling Kits 

Before you set your sights on a particular leveling kit, you should understand that while these kits have their advantages, they also have some disadvantages. Here, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of one of the Ram 1500s most popular aftermarket accessories.

Pros of Leveling Kits

  • Allows for bigger or oversized tires
  • Can improve towing and/or winching power
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Can be used to level the Ram 1500 or raise the Ram 1500 while maintaining stock rake
  • Improves clearance for both off-roading and everyday driving

Cons of Leveling Kits

  • Only a limited amount of lift may not suit some drivers
  • Not as drastic to appearance as lift kits
  • May decrease fuel economy as a leveling kit can affect aerodynamics

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How to Install a Leveling Kit on Ram 1500 4WD

One of the greatest aspects of a leveling kit is that it’s easier to install than a lift kit or other types of aftermarket accessories. So whether you’re a newbie to the installation of aftermarket parts or you just need a quick refresher, here’s a step-by-step guide of how to install a leveling kit on a Ram 1500 4WD (four-wheel drive and excluding mega cab models):

  1. Jack up the truck or put it on a lift.
  2. Remove the tire on the side you’re working on.
  3. Loosen the sway bar/ball joint end link.
  4. Remove the tie rod and brake caliper. You may have to tap the tie rod out with a mallet. (You can also use a hanger to hang the brake caliper on the underside of the vehicle so you don’t have to disconnect the brake line.)
  5. Remove the bolt from the bottom of the strut assembly. This may need some additional hammer tapping.
  6. Remove the bolt from the upper control arm.
  7. Loosen bolts on upper part of upper strut assembly.
  8. Use a pry bar on the lower control arm and pull out the strut assembly.
  9. Install the spacer that comes in the kit over the studs of the strut assembly and secures it onto the strut assembly.
  10. Put the strut assembly back into place with one of the studs of the strut assembly facing your chest.
  11. Tighten back into place.
  12. Put the upper control arm/ball joint part back into place and tighten. Keep in mind you need a pry bar again to put this back in place.
  13. Put the tie rod back in place and tighten, and do the same with the caliper.
  14. Repeat this process on the other side of the front end.
  15. Tighten the sway bar/ball joint end link back in place.
  16. Make sure to get a front alignment to ensure the truck drives smoothly.

Overall, the installation process should take roughly two to three hours for most Ram 1500 4WD owners. And if you’re more of a visual learner, make sure to check out the video listed below:

Level the Playing Field With a High-Quality Leveling Kit

For both aesthetic and driving purposes, nothing beats a high-quality leveling kit. It keeps the subtlety of a stock look without going all out with a lift kit. So whether you want to hit the great outdoors without fear of bottoming out or just improve the overall aesthetic, a leveling kit is just what you need to get the job done.

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People Also Ask

If it’s your first time working with a leveling kit, you might have some additional concerns. Here are some of the most popular questions people also ask.

Do 2 Inch Leveling Kits Require New Shocks?

On a 2-inch leveling kit, you don’t need to replace the shocks. When you’re doing the installation, just remember how to take the shocks or strut assembly out so you can pop them back into place without any problems.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Ram 1500 Leveling Kit?

In general, expect a professional to charge you between $300 to $500 to install a leveling kit on the Ram 1500.

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How Long Does it Take to Do a Leveling Kit?

If you have the proper tools, including a power drill, installing a leveling kit should take two or three hours depending on your expertise and barring any issues that pop up.

Does a Leveling Kit Void Warranty?

In most cases, a leveling kit will not void your warranty. For more information, check out the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

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