A leveling kit costs around $850 installed at LR Wheels N Lifts in Tampa, with the kit, labor and alignment included, or from $280 for labor alone if you supply your own kit. The kits themselves run $50-$500 depending on brand and truck: Rough Country and MotoFab spacer kits start under $100, while BDS and Kryptonite kits run $200-$500. A leveling kit raises the front of the truck 1-3 inches to remove the factory rake; a full lift kit starts around $1,100 installed.
The breakdown below covers kit prices by type, brand and truck, the other costs to budget for, whether you need a leveling kit or a lift, and what to expect from a DIY versus professional install.
Quick Answer: Tampa Leveling Kit Prices
Around $850 installed -- Kit, labor and alignment included | Labor only from $280 if you supply the kit
How Much Does a Leveling Kit Cost in Tampa?
Most trucks run around $850 installed at our shop with the kit, labor and alignment. The exact price depends on the kit brand and your truck. Here is what the kits themselves cost by type.
| Kit Type | Kit Price |
|---|---|
| Coil Spring Spacers | $50 - $150 |
| Strut Extensions | $150 - $300 |
| Torsion Keys | $100 - $250 |
| Complete Kit (w/ shocks) | $300 - $500 |
Note: Shops around Tampa charge $160 to $250 per hour. Our rate is $179.99 per hour, and we include alignment with every leveling kit install.
How Much Do Leveling Kits Cost by Brand?
Leveling kit prices run from about $50 for a MotoFab or Rough Country spacer kit to $500 for a BDS or Kryptonite heavy-duty kit. Rough Country ($69-$200, lifetime warranty) is the most popular choice at our shop; BDS ($250-$500) is the kit we recommend when ride quality matters most. Parts prices by brand:
| Brand | Parts Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rough Country | $69 - $200 | Best budget option. Lifetime warranty. Most popular choice. |
| MotoFab | $50 - $150 | Easiest DIY install. CNC machined aluminum. Great value. |
| ReadyLIFT | $150 - $400 | Factory ride quality. SST kits popular. Mid-range quality. |
| Kryptonite | $200 - $500 | Heavy-duty. Built for work trucks. Premium quality. |
| Zone Off-Road | $200 - $400 | Off-road focused. Complete kits. Good quality. |
| BDS Suspension | $250 - $500 | Premium brand. Excellent engineering. We recommend. |
What Does a Leveling Kit Cost for Your Truck?
Your truck's make and model affects which kit it takes. Here is what the kit itself costs:
| Vehicle | Kit Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 (2015-2024) | $70 - $300 |
| Ford F-250/F-350 (2017-2024) | $150 - $400 |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | $70 - $250 |
| Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 | $150 - $350 |
| GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500 | $70 - $350 |
| RAM 1500 (2019-2024) | $100 - $300 |
| RAM 2500/3500 | $150 - $400 |
| Toyota Tundra | $100 - $300 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $70 - $250 |
| Jeep Wrangler JL/JK | $100 - $350 |
Tampa Truck Owners: We Specialize in Super Duty Trucks
LR Wheels N Lifts focuses on Ford F-250, F-350, Chevy 2500/3500, and RAM Heavy Duty trucks. We're authorized dealers for BDS, Rough Country, and ReadyLIFT. Call (813) 464-9023 for your exact quote.
What is a Leveling Kit?
A leveling kit raises the front of your truck 1-3 inches to eliminate the factory "rake" -- that nose-down stance trucks come with from the factory. Manufacturers design trucks this way to handle heavy loads in the bed, but most owners prefer a level stance.
What Leveling Kits Include
- Coil spring spacers -- Aluminum or steel spacers installed above the coil spring
- Strut extensions -- Spacers that mount between the strut and frame
- Torsion keys -- For trucks with torsion bar suspension (GM, some Ford)
- Hardware -- New bolts, nuts, and alignment cams
- Complete kits -- May include new shocks, bump stops, and brake lines
Leveling Kit Benefits
- Eliminate factory rake for a level stance
- Fit larger tires (up to 33" on most trucks)
- Improved appearance and more aggressive look
- Better approach angle for light off-roading
- Add a front plow or winch without sagging
- Maintain near-factory ride quality
- Better fuel economy than full lift kits
What Other Costs Should You Budget For?
Beyond the kit and labor, budget for an alignment ($220 on its own, included in our install price) and, optionally, larger tires ($600-$1,500 a set), new wheels ($400-$2,000), replacement shocks ($200-$600) and a speedometer recalibration ($50-$100) if you change tire size:
| Additional Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Alignment | $220 (included with our install) | Required -- We include this |
| Larger Tires (set of 4) | $600 - $1,500 | Optional -- Can fit 1-2 sizes larger |
| New Wheels (set of 4) | $400 - $2,000 | Optional -- For different offset/style |
| New Shocks | $200 - $600 | Recommended for worn shocks |
| CV Axle Inspection | $0 - $50 | We check during install |
| Speedometer Recalibration | $50 - $100 | Only if you change tire size |
Leveling Kit vs Lift Kit: Which Do You Need?
Not sure if you need a leveling kit or a full lift? Here's the quick breakdown:
| Factor | Leveling Kit | Lift Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Height Gain | 1-3" (front only) | 2-12" (entire truck) |
| Cost Installed | Around $850 | $1,100 - $3,500 and up |
| Max Tire Size | Up to 33" | 35" - 40"+ |
| Install Time | 2-4 hours | 6-12+ hours |
| Ride Quality | Near factory | Varies by kit |
| Fuel Economy | Minimal impact | 5-15% decrease |
| Off-Road Capability | Light improvement | Major improvement |
Our recommendation: If you want to eliminate rake and fit 33" tires, a leveling kit is perfect. If you want 35"+ tires and serious off-road capability, go with a suspension lift kit.
Should You Install a Leveling Kit Yourself?
Installing a leveling kit yourself saves the $280 labor charge but takes 4-6 hours, needs a spring compressor, jack stands and a torque wrench, and still requires a professional alignment afterward. A shop does the job in 2-3 hours with the alignment included. Here is how the two compare:
DIY Installation
- Pros: Save the labor charge, which starts at $280 at our shop
- Cons: Need tools (spring compressor, jack stands, torque wrench), 4-6 hours of work, still need professional alignment
- Difficulty: Moderate -- Easier than lift kits but requires mechanical skill
Professional Installation
- Pros: Done in 2-3 hours, alignment included, warranty coverage, proper torque specs
- Cons: Adds the labor charge, from $280
- Why we recommend it: Improper installation causes unsafe handling, premature tire wear, and can damage suspension components
Why Tampa Truck Owners Choose LR Wheels N Lifts
We're not a general mechanic shop -- we specialize in lifted trucks. Our techs install leveling and lift kits daily, ensuring your truck is done right the first time. Plus, we're authorized dealers for the top brands, so we can match you with the right kit for your truck. See our leveling kit installation service in Tampa for pricing and to book.
How Long Does Installation Take?
A leveling kit takes 2-4 hours to install depending on the kit type, plus 30-60 minutes for the alignment, so most installs at our Tampa shop are finished the same day. Typical times by kit:
- Coil spring spacers: 2-2.5 hours
- Strut spacers: 2.5-3.5 hours
- Torsion key adjustment: 2-3 hours
- Complete kits with shocks: 3-4 hours
- Alignment: Add 30-60 minutes
Most leveling kit installs at our Tampa shop are completed same-day. Schedule your morning appointment and drive home leveled by lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a leveling kit cost?
A leveling kit runs around $850 installed at LR Wheels N Lifts in Tampa, with the kit, labor and alignment. The exact price depends on the kit brand and your truck. The kit itself costs $50 to $500: budget kits from Rough Country start around $69, while premium kits from ReadyLIFT or Kryptonite run $300 to $500.
How much does it cost to install a leveling kit?
If you supply the kit, installation labor at our shop starts at $280. Our labor rate is $179.99 per hour, and shops around Tampa charge $160 to $250 per hour. Installation typically takes 2-3 hours for spacer kits and 3-4 hours for strut extension kits.
How long does leveling kit installation take?
Leveling kit installation takes 2-4 hours depending on the kit type and vehicle. Coil spring spacers are quickest (2 hours), torsion key adjustments take 2-3 hours, and strut extensions require 3-4 hours. Alignment adds another 30-60 minutes.
Do I need an alignment after a leveling kit?
Yes, you always need an alignment after installing a leveling kit. Lifting the front changes the suspension geometry, affecting tire wear and handling. On its own a leveled-truck alignment is $220 at our shop, and it is included with every leveling kit installation.
Is a leveling kit worth it?
Yes, a leveling kit is worth it if you want to eliminate factory rake, fit slightly larger tires, or improve the appearance of your truck. At around $850 installed, it is the most affordable way to change the stance with minimal impact on ride quality or fuel economy.
What's the difference between a leveling kit and a lift kit?
A leveling kit raises only the front 1-3 inches to match the factory rear height. A lift kit raises the entire vehicle 2-12+ inches. Leveling kits run around $850 installed at our shop, while 3 to 6-inch suspension lifts run $1,100 to $2,800. Leveling kits are simpler and maintain better fuel economy.
Will a leveling kit void my warranty?
A leveling kit does not automatically void your warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the dealer must prove the modification caused the failure. Quality kits from Rough Country, BDS, and ReadyLIFT are designed to work within factory tolerances and rarely cause warranty issues.
What size tires can I fit with a leveling kit?
A 2-2.5 inch leveling kit typically allows 33-inch tires on most trucks without rubbing. Some trucks can fit 33s stock, while others may need minor trimming. For 35-inch tires or larger, you will need a full suspension lift kit.
How long does a leveling kit last?
Quality leveling kits last the lifetime of your truck. Aluminum and steel spacers do not wear out. However, if your shocks were already worn, the added height may accelerate their wear, so consider upgrading shocks at the same time.
Can I install a leveling kit myself?
Yes, leveling kits are DIY-friendly if you have mechanical experience, proper tools (spring compressor, torque wrench, jack stands), and 4-6 hours. You will still need a professional alignment afterward, $220 at our shop. Improper installation can cause unsafe handling.