For Ram truck owners looking to eliminate the factory rake and achieve a more aggressive, level stance, a quality leveling kit is a popular upgrade. These kits are designed to raise the front of your truck to match the height of the rear, allowing for larger tires and an improved aesthetic. In our evaluation, we researched and compared numerous options, analyzing manufacturer specifications, material quality, and aggregated owner feedback to identify the best leveling kits available.
Our comprehensive guide breaks down the performance, durability, and ease of installation for each top pick. We focused on kits that offer a balance of lift height, ride quality preservation, and long-term reliability, ensuring our recommendations are grounded in extensive data and real-world user experiences.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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ReadyLift 66-1520 2.5-inch Front Leveling Kit Top Pick: Premium Performance 2.5-inch front lift, billet aluminum spacers |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Bilstein 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Shocks Runner-Up: Integrated Solution Monotube design, multiple snap-ring grooves for lift adjustment |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Rough Country 30100 2-inch Front Leveling Kit Best Value 2-inch front lift, durable powder-coated steel spacers |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Rancho RS9000XL QuickLift Loaded Struts Adjustable Comfort 9-position adjustable damping, pre-assembled coilover design |
7.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MotoFab Lifts CH-2F-2R 2-inch Front and Rear Leveling Kit Front and Rear Lift 2-inch front and 2-inch rear lift, powder-coated steel spacers |
7.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Supreme Suspensions 2-inch Front Leveling Kit Budget Friendly 2-inch front lift, high-strength steel or billet aluminum options |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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TeraFlex 1952100 2-inch Front Leveling Kit Specialty Choice 2-inch front lift, powder-coated steel spacers, shock extensions included |
7.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. ReadyLift 66-1520 2.5-inch Front Leveling Kit: Top Pick: Premium Performance
While the ReadyLift 66-1520 is a highly regarded option, its primary limitation is the initial investment. Based on owner feedback and the spec sheets, the premium materials and precise engineering contribute to a higher price point than many budget-focused alternatives. For some owners, this may represent a significant hurdle, especially if they are looking for the absolute most economical way to achieve a level stance.
This kit is best suited for Ram owners who prioritize long-term durability, precise fitment, and a commitment to maintaining near-factory ride characteristics. Those on a strict budget or seeking only a temporary aesthetic change might find more value in less expensive, though potentially less robust, leveling solutions.
- Provides a true 2.5-inch front lift, effectively leveling most Ram 1500 models.
- Constructed from high-quality CNC machined billet aluminum for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
- Designed to maintain factory ride quality and alignment specifications, minimizing wear on suspension components.
Pros: Excellent build quality and material integrity.; Reported straightforward installation process.; Maintains a comfortable ride consistent with OEM standards.
Cons: Higher investment compared to other spacer kits.; May require professional alignment after installation.
2. Bilstein 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Shocks: Runner-Up: Integrated Solution
The main drawback of the Bilstein 5100 Series is the complexity and labor involved in installation. In our evaluation, unlike simple top-mount spacers, these shocks require disassembling the entire front strut assembly to replace the factory shock, which can be a time-consuming and challenging task for the average home mechanic without specialized tools like a spring compressor. This often translates to higher professional installation costs.
Ram owners who are not comfortable with extensive suspension work or who do not have access to the necessary tools and expertise should strongly consider professional installation or opt for a simpler spacer-based leveling kit. This option is best for those prioritizing improved ride dynamics and adjustable lift, and who are prepared for the more involved installation process.
- Offers ride height adjustment from 0 to 2.75 inches, allowing for precise leveling.
- Features a monotube design with a digressive valving system for superior handling and control.
- Significantly improves damping performance over stock shocks, beneficial for both on-road and light off-road use.
Pros: Adjustable lift height for customized leveling.; Enhances overall ride quality and vehicle control.; Durable, corrosion-resistant finish for longevity.
Cons: Installation is more complex than simple spacer kits.; Requires disassembling the strut assembly.
3. Rough Country 30100 2-inch Front Leveling Kit: Best Value
Based on owner feedback and our research, a common concern with the Rough Country 30100 kit is the potential for a slightly firmer ride compared to the factory setup, and in some instances, a risk of minor coil bind at full suspension droop. While not universally reported, these issues can arise due to the spacer’s design and how it alters the spring pre-load and suspension travel. It’s important to note that these are generally minor, but worth considering.
This kit is an excellent choice for Ram owners seeking an economical and effective way to level their truck and fit larger tires, particularly if they are not overly sensitive to slight changes in ride feel. However, those who prioritize maintaining the absolute softest factory ride or frequently articulate their suspension to its limits in off-road scenarios might consider alternatives that offer more nuanced suspension geometry correction.
- Provides a 2-inch front lift to achieve a level stance on most Ram 1500 models.
- Constructed from laser-cut steel with a protective powder coat finish for durability.
- Designed for a relatively straightforward bolt-on installation with common hand tools.
Pros: Cost-effective solution for leveling.; Robust steel construction.; Popular choice with extensive owner feedback.
Cons: Ride quality may be slightly firmer than stock.; Some owners report potential for minor coil bind on full droop.
4. Rancho RS9000XL QuickLift Loaded Struts: Adjustable Comfort
In our evaluation, a recurring point of concern with the Rancho RS9000XL QuickLift Loaded Struts is the potential vulnerability of the damping adjuster knobs to corrosion, especially in regions exposed to road salt or harsh weather conditions. Based on owner feedback, these exposed components can seize over time, making it difficult or impossible to adjust the ride settings without significant effort or replacement. While the shocks themselves remain functional, the key feature of adjustability can be compromised.
This product is ideal for Ram owners who desire the flexibility to fine-tune their ride quality and are willing to perform routine maintenance on the adjuster mechanisms, particularly if they live in areas with mild climates. Those who prefer a ‘set it and forget it’ solution without external moving parts susceptible to environmental factors might find a simpler, non-adjustable leveling kit or fixed-valving shocks more suitable.
- Offers a 2-inch front lift, correcting the factory rake for a level appearance.
- Features 9-position adjustable damping to fine-tune ride comfort and handling for various conditions.
- Comes pre-assembled with coil springs, simplifying installation compared to traditional strut replacements.
Pros: On-the-fly adjustable ride stiffness.; Pre-assembled unit reduces installation complexity.; Enhances vehicle control and reduces body roll.
Cons: Adjuster knobs can be prone to corrosion in harsh climates.; Higher investment than basic spacer kits.
5. MotoFab Lifts CH-2F-2R 2-inch Front and Rear Leveling Kit: Front and Rear Lift
A key limitation of the MotoFab Lifts CH-2F-2R kit is that it provides a 2-inch lift for both the front and rear. While this raises the overall vehicle, it does not fully eliminate the factory rake, meaning the front will still be slightly lower than the rear. Owners seeking a perfectly level stance will find this kit falls short of their primary goal. Additionally, based on owner feedback, some installations have required the purchase of longer rear shocks to accommodate the increased travel, adding an unforeseen cost.
This kit is best suited for Ram owners who want to lift their entire truck slightly for improved ground clearance and to fit larger tires, but are not strictly aiming for a perfectly level appearance. Those whose main objective is to completely remove the factory rake and achieve a truly level profile should consider a front-only leveling kit with a specific lift height designed for that purpose.
- Provides a 2-inch lift for both the front and rear of the truck, maintaining a slight rake.
- Manufactured from high-strength steel, precision welded and powder-coated for durability.
- Designed for easy bolt-on installation without cutting or modifying factory components.
Pros: Lifts both front and rear for a more uniform appearance.; Very budget-friendly option.; Simple installation process for most DIY mechanics.
Cons: Does not fully level the truck, maintains some factory rake.; Reports of needing longer shocks for the rear in some applications.
6. Supreme Suspensions 2-inch Front Leveling Kit: Budget Friendly
Based on our research and aggregated owner feedback, a common challenge with certain Supreme Suspensions 2-inch Front Leveling Kit applications is the potential requirement for minor trimming of the factory strut studs during installation. While not a major modification, it adds an extra step and can be a deterrent for some DIY installers who prefer a completely non-invasive process. Additionally, like many spacer kits, there are reports of a marginally stiffer ride due to the slight increase in spring pre-load.
This kit is a solid option for Ram owners seeking an economical solution to level their truck who are comfortable with the possibility of minor modifications during installation. However, those who prioritize a completely unmodified installation, or who are highly sensitive to even subtle changes in ride comfort, may want to explore other options that explicitly guarantee no trimming or pre-load adjustments.
- Provides a 2-inch front lift to achieve a level stance for Ram trucks.
- Available in high-strength steel or T6 billet aluminum construction, depending on application.
- Engineered for a direct bolt-on fit, utilizing existing factory hardware.
Pros: Very competitive value proposition.; Offers different material options for specific preferences.; Effectively removes the factory rake.
Cons: Some models may require minor trimming of factory studs.; Ride quality may be slightly stiffer due to pre-load.
7. TeraFlex 1952100 2-inch Front Leveling Kit: Specialty Choice
A notable limitation of the TeraFlex 1952100 kit, based on our research and comparison, is its relatively niche presence and availability for Ram applications compared to other mainstream leveling kit manufacturers. While TeraFlex is a highly respected brand in the off-road community, their Ram leveling kit offerings are not as extensively reviewed or as broadly distributed as those from companies primarily focused on Ram suspension. This can sometimes lead to fewer readily available resources or support specific to Ram installations.
This kit is best suited for Ram owners who are specifically looking for a leveling solution that includes shock extensions to ensure optimal suspension travel, and who are comfortable with a potentially more involved installation process. Those who prefer a widely adopted product with extensive community support and simpler installation may find other brands to be a more straightforward choice.
- Delivers a 2-inch front leveling lift for Ram 1500 models, correcting the factory rake.
- Includes front strut spacers and rear shock extensions to maintain proper suspension geometry.
- Constructed from durable powder-coated steel for long-lasting performance.
Pros: Includes shock extensions to prevent over-extension.; Robust steel construction.; Designed to preserve factory ride quality.
Cons: Less widely available for Ram applications compared to other brands.; Installation can be more involved due to shock extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ram leveling kit and why would I need one?
A Ram leveling kit is a suspension modification designed to raise the front of your Ram truck to match the height of the rear. Ram trucks typically come from the factory with a ‘rake,’ meaning the front sits slightly lower than the rear. Owners install leveling kits to achieve a more aggressive, level stance, accommodate larger tires, or improve ground clearance without fully lifting the entire vehicle.
Will a leveling kit affect my Ram's ride quality?
Based on our evaluation, the impact on ride quality can vary depending on the type and quality of the leveling kit. Spacer-style kits generally maintain close to factory ride quality, though some owners report a slightly firmer feel due to altered spring pre-load. Integrated solutions, like adjustable shocks, can actually improve ride quality and handling by offering superior damping over stock components. We researched each product’s design to assess its likely impact on ride.
Can I install a Ram leveling kit myself?
Many basic spacer-style leveling kits are designed for DIY installation by individuals with moderate mechanical skills and common hand tools. However, kits involving strut disassembly or full shock replacement, like the Bilstein 5100 series, require more specialized tools, such as a spring compressor, and a higher level of expertise. We compared the reported ease of installation for each kit to provide guidance.
Do I need an alignment after installing a leveling kit?
Yes, in our research, it is almost universally recommended to get a professional wheel alignment after installing any leveling kit. Adjusting the front suspension height can alter camber, caster, and toe angles, which can lead to premature tire wear and compromised handling if not corrected. This is a critical step to ensure safety and longevity of your tires and steering components.
What is the maximum tire size I can fit with a 2-inch leveling kit on my Ram?
The maximum tire size you can fit with a 2-inch leveling kit on a Ram truck varies significantly based on the specific Ram model, wheel offset, and tire tread pattern. Generally, a 2-inch front leveling kit allows for fitting tires that are 33 to 35 inches in diameter for most Ram 1500 models, often requiring minor trimming of the fender liner. We always advise consulting specific vehicle forums or tire fitment guides for your exact truck year and model.
Our Verdict
In our comprehensive evaluation of Ram leveling kits, the ReadyLift 66-1520 2.5-inch Front Leveling Kit emerged as our Top Pick for its premium build quality, precise fitment, and ability to maintain excellent ride characteristics. For those seeking an integrated solution that enhances ride performance, the Bilstein 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Shocks stands out as a strong Runner-Up, offering adjustable lift and superior damping.
