There are dozens of leveling and lifting kits on the market. Each type of kit is built for a specific type of vehicle, so if you are looking for the most suitable Tundra lift kit, make certain to buy one from a reputable brand. This is important since there are after-market companies and websites that try to sell strut extensions and torsion keys and encourage you to “Build Your Own Kit!”.
The price might look good, but keep in mind that unless it is a recognized brand that has its reputation on the line with every sale, there won’t be a valid warranty and the quality of the parts in your kit is suspect. [For an interesting read, check out recommendations for ATV rear seats here].
We have listed the brands that we consider to be the best Tundra leveling kits available. Each one has its pros and cons, but all of them are solid picks:
Tundra Leveling Kits – Top Model Compared
9.7
- Kit fits Toyota Tundra 4WD 2007-14.
- Easy to install; direct bolt-on; no modification required.
- Lifetime Warranty
9.5
- Easy, bolt-on installation
- Black powder coated to match the factory suspension
- All parts machined from aircraft aluminum for exceptional durability
9.1
- Increases ground clearance with no loss of ride quality
- KSP part kits CNC machined from aircraft aluminum for strength and durability
- All parts, except for the u-bolts
A Closer Look at 3 Popular Options
1. OUR TOP PICK: Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit for Toyota Tundra 4WD 2007-14 – Includes Front Ride Height Adjustable Shocks
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Summary
The Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit is designed for the 2007 to 2014 models of the Toyota Tundra 4WD. This option has ride height adjustable shock absorbers designed for use on the Tundra and other coilover style pickup and SUV front suspension systems.
Contents of the 5100 Kit include the shocks, TP14 spacers that correct drivers side lean, and front coil springs. Options that you can choose with this kit include variations on TAC-DR-05 front differential drop kit, depending on the Tundra model and owner preference, allowing for a customized appearance.
Every Tundra owner needs to measure the ride height of their truck before and after installing the leveling kit.
This is the easiest and most effective method to ensure purchasing the largest wheels and tires that can fit the increased height without rubbing or scraping the wheel wells while driving. Benefits of the Bilstein include using multiple snap ring grooves that position the spring seat at a range of heights from 0.5” to 2.5”.
All parts of the kits are CNC machined from aircraft aluminum. Spacers are covered with an anodized, black powder coating to match factory appearance of the suspension system.
Bilstein recommends matching their 5100 Series Shock Kit with their 5100 Series Rear Shock Absorbers for the best results. The two items are built to work together for peak driving and ride performance in every truck or SUV they are installed.
PROS
- Easy to install
- All parts of the kits are CNC machined from aircraft aluminum
- Benefits of the Bilstein include using multiple snap ring grooves that position the spring seat at a range of heights from 0.5” to 2.5”
CONS
- some one reported as scam
2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Supreme Suspensions – Toyota Tundra – 2″ Front Lift Aircraft Billet Strut Spacers
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Summary
The Supreme Suspensions choice is designed to raise Toyota Tundra production models (2WD and 4WD) from 2007 to 2019. It lifts the front end to 2 inches using strut spacers CNC machined from aircraft billet aluminum.
This same kit works for the 2WD and 4WD Toyota Sequoia production models from the same range of years.
Contents of the Supreme Suspensions kit include two aircraft aluminum, front strut spacers, the Supreme Suspensions Pro Pack, all installation hardware, and step-by-step, installation instructions.
Owners and professional installers can use the factory stock shocks to maintain the original ride quality the Tundra had as it rolled off the assembly line.
Designed for an easy, bolt-on installation which takes one to two hours. No special tools are required, and the original, factory shocks can be used with the leveling kit without compromising the ride quality for the driver and passengers. All parts are machined from aircraft aluminum for exceptional strength and durability. Each item is black powder coated to match the factory appearance of the suspension.
The thickness of the spacers in the Supreme Suspensions kit is not a 1:1 ratio to the amount of height each one lifts the front end. Because of this, it is recommended that the owner has a professional garage at least measure the ride height of their Tundra before and after installing the kit to ensure buying new, larger rims and tires that match the lifted level of the front end.
The company recommends having an alignment done to ensure proper installation.
PROS
- Black powder coated to match the factory suspension
- All parts machined from aircraft aluminum for exceptional durability
- Original, factory shocks can be used without compromising the ride quality
- Easy, bolt-on installation which takes only one to two hours with no special tools
CONS
- Spacer thickness is not a 1:1 ratio to the increased height
- Alignment needed after installation
3. BEST VALUE: KSP Front Leveling and Rear Lift Kit for Toyota Tundra 2WD 2X2 4WD 4X4 2007-2019
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Summary
For the Toyota Tundra 2WD 2X2 and 4WD 4X4 trucks, there is also the KSP Front Leveling and Rear Lift Kit. It covers production model years 2007 through 2019, but it is not for use on the Rock Warrior Edition.
The leveling and lift kit raises the front end up to 3 inches and the rear end up to two inches. Properly installed, the KSP leveling and lift kit provides increased ground clearance and maintains a factory-quality ride.
Contents of the KSP Kit include two front lift spacers CNC machined from aircraft billet aluminum. The spacers are covered with an anodized black powder coating for resistance to the effects of dirt and weather.
The color matches the factory coating on the Tundra’s suspension system. The fabricated, steel tapered, rear-lift blocks are also black powder coated. The four u-bolts included to secure everything in place are high-strength, zinc-plated, Grade 10.9 manufactured for a 160,000 PSI yield. The spacers and other parts of the Supreme Suspensions kit are CNC machined from aircraft aluminum for strength and durability.
All kit parts except for the u-bolts, are covered with an anodized black powder coating for resistance to the effects of dirt and weather and to match the factory coating on the Tundra’s suspension system.
The four u-bolts included to secure everything in place are high-strength, Grade 10.9 manufactured for a 160,000 PSI yield, and zinc-plated for protection against the elements.
The thickness of each KSP spacer is not a 1:1 ratio with the increase in height each one provides for the Toyota Tundra front, and rear ends. For 100% accuracy, owners must have the ride height measured before and after installation by a professional service technician to ensure purchasing the correct size rims and tires.
PROS
- Increases ground clearance with no loss of ride quality
- KSP part kits CNC machined from aircraft aluminum for strength and durability
- The four u-bolts are high-strength, Grade 10.9 and zinc-plated to resist the elements
- All parts, except for the u-bolts, are black powder coated for weather and soil resistance the factory suspension
CONS
- KSP spacer thickness not a 1:1 ratio with the increase in height
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
As you can see, every leveling kit is a little different, so consider what you need before purchasing one for a Tundra Crewmax or other truck. Here are a few points to keep in mind before you pull a kit off the shelf or add it to your cart on Amazon or another website.
If all you want is to put bigger tires on your truck for showing off, any after-market kit will do the job. You might want to consider purchasing a lift kit instead of a leveling kit since it will give you more height for bigger wheels. If you are taking your truck into the mud, but want a vehicle that handles properly and looks like it belongs on city streets rather than a monster truck rally, you need the best choice for your Tundra.
Look over the best Tundra leveling kit reviews at websites like Amazon and the fan websites for 4x4s and off-roading. These are the people who use and install the kits. Their opinions are based on experience and not because their truck looks cool.
Get the Correct Sized Kit
You can’t walk into a store or find the first choice from this list on an after-market website and click to buy it. Besides the year and model of your Tundra, you need a few more pieces of information. That means determining the new tire diameter and width and figuring out the wheel rim offset. If that term is unfamiliar, it is the amount of rim that sticks out past the tire.
All of that data is important so that after you level out your Tundra, the new tires you install do not rub against the wheel well. For exact measurements, it is better to have a professional garage measure down to the last millimeter. This way, you can get the biggest tires possible for your Tundra.
The same is true if you decide to purchase a lift kit to raise the entire vehicle. Follow the recommendations, and do not think you can fill in the wheel well with steel-belted rubber. There is a reason for that extra space, and you don’t want to figure it out after you’ve blown a tire and bent up the fender around it.
Prepare to Change How you Drive
Raising the front end of your Tundra to level it with the back end means that you are changing the center of gravity of your truck. Every inch that you raise the front end increases the sway of your truck while driving, and as you maneuver through simple corners. That means you increased the chance of a rollover with each turn. Take the time to learn to make safe turns.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KITS?
OK, if you have read through all of the products, you may have one burning question: What’s the difference between lift kits vs. leveling kits? The difference between them is how it raises your Tundra or other truck.
The rear of the truck is normally 2-3 inches higher than its front end, depending on the model. This raises the front of the truck to match the stock or factory height of the rear. A lift kit raises both ends of the truck higher off the ground.
A lift kit is more expensive and requires a lot more time and effort to build a new suspension for the truck. Both allow you to drive, work, and tow your truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a leveling kit if I use a lift kit to raise my Tundra (or other truck)?
Answer: For private trucks and SUVs, it is rarely needed if you lift both ends unless you installed heavy duty rear springs to handle large boats or trailers that exceed the capability of the factory installed originals.
Do I need to have my alignment checked after installing a leveling or lift kit?
Answer: Yes! New Tundras and other trucks need an alignment after making changes to the suspension and older trucks with a solid axle can benefit.
Are there restrictions on leveling my truck?
Answer: Check with your local DMV for any restrictions on installing leveling or lift kits in the first place. Many states have no restrictions, some allow leveling only, and a few do not allow either.
Final Thoughts
When you make the final choice for your Tundra leveling kit, take into account everything mentioned. Get all product information, reviews, and answered FAQs possible. If the kit meets your requirements for raising the front end high enough and it does not break your budget, there is no reason you can’t have a final product that looks good and appears straight.