This Lifts & Leveling Kits article originally appeared in June 2026 issue of THE SHOP. Part II appeared in the September 2026 issue.
Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series highlighting the latest trends in the lift & leveling kits market. Part II, featuring insights from a new batch of industry suppliers, will appear in the September 2026 issue of THE SHOP.
There’s a lot for shops to like when it comes to offering lifts and leveling kits. It starts with strong demand from a variety of truck, van and SUV owners—everyone from off-roaders and overlanders to those simply looking for appearance upgrades with larger wheels and tires.
The fertile market has attracted a high number of manufacturers and system options, however, meaning a little education goes a long way when seeking out the perfect setup for each application.
Suppliers are here with answers to the big questions facing salespeople and installers, from market trends and common misconceptions to hot new products. Add it all up and your shop can become the local expert vehicle owners turn to when they’re looking to elevate their 4×4 experience.
Are aftermarket lift and leveling kits only for off-roading and overlanding customers?
NO
Demand for these components continues to grow as more truck and SUV owners use their vehicles for towing, hauling and recreation, says Cody Wolgamott, product marketing manager for Air Lift Company.
“Customers expect their vehicles to handle a wide range of uses, creating opportunity for shops to offer solutions that improve safety, stability and overall performance under load,” he explains. While attractive, modern leveling kits also provide real benefits such as towing and hauling stability, front-end sag reduction and improved stance without compromising daily drivability, says Justin Coulter, director of sales for SuperSprings International.
“Pickup trucks still dominate the automotive aftermarket, accounting for roughly 75% of U.S. aftermarket spending,” he explains. “Leveling kits provide a high-volume, repeatable service that appeals to owners of both new and aging trucks. For shops, they deliver strong margins and easy add-on revenue through alignment services, tire upsells and shock upgrades (if not included in the leveling kit), and they present a low warranty risk when done correctly.”
Do the upgrades make sense outside of traditional truck/SUV applications?
YES
Part of the attraction of offering a variety of lift and leveling systems and components is that they are attractive to a wide range of consumers.
“With camper vans and RVs, the factory suspension is sagging due to all the added weight of the conversion,” notes Andy Knox, general manager for Van Compass. “It’s a perfect upgrade that makes the van much more enjoyable to drive, even if we’re leveling the opposite end (rear) versus a usual truck/SUV leveling kit.”
It’s no surprise the components appeal to drivers who like to go outside.
“People have been enjoying the outdoors longer than we have had vehicles,” says Sean Fox, product manager for KYB. “As technology in vehicles and ride control products continue to evolve, what was once just a dream becomes reality. Lift and leveling kits aren’t just about style; they are about lifestyle.”
Even enthusiasts seeking only minor adjustments see value in the products.
“More vehicle owners are moving beyond stock setups and looking to upgrade their OE components with larger aftermarket wheels and tires,” says Ryan Osborne, project manager for TrailFX. “To properly accommodate those upgrades, lifts and leveling kits often become a necessary first step.”
The common theme is a desire to get away from a stock vehicle appearance.
“The goal is to increase wheel and tire size and gain ground clearance with an aggressive look,” says Dan Walker, director of business development for Fabtech Suspension.
With so much going for them, the products remain popular.
“The customization market continues to thrive and while maybe not as sharp of an increase as was seen a few years ago, it shows no sign of slowing,” says Scott Adcock, marketing and creative services manager for Specialty Products Company.
Do the products serve as a gateway to further vehicle customization?
YES
The lift and leveling kit market remains a strong growth opportunity for shops, driven by the continued dominance of trucks and SUVs and a rising demand for vehicle personalization, says Jesse Brown, vice president of operations for RSO Suspension.
“These upgrades offer an accessible, high-impact entry point for customers while creating natural upsell opportunities for wheels, tires and related components,” he notes.
They are often needed to complete, and supplement, larger wheel-and-tire swaps and other customizations, says Dave Schlossberg, CEO and owner of Synergy Mfg.
“Our leveling kits are high-margin (well above the industry standard) and quick and easy to install,” he says. “This ensures big profit for shops, which helps offset typically lower-margin items like wheels and tires.”
Osborne views the systems as a positive first step for shops looking to sell and install complementary components that complete the build.
“Customers investing in larger wheel and tire packages are also interested in suspension upgrades, along with accessories like fender flares and wheel adapters to achieve the right fit and look,” he reveals.
Adcock focuses on specific paired parts.
“Lifting a vehicle is more than just the kit itself and there are many cross-selling products to enhance the driver experience,” he says. “An adjustable upper control arm and lower camber/caster cams should always be part of the complete package—not only will they increase sales, but the customer will be thankful and have a pleasant driving experience, not having suffered through ‘death wobble’ issues, rubbing tires and the like often associated with such modifications.”
Is the performance of all lift and leveling kits the same?
NO
With so many suppliers serving the market, there’s a wide diversity of product offerings, requiring shops to do their homework on which systems to carry.
“Differences in engineering, shock tuning and geometry correction can dramatically change how a vehicle drives both on- and off-road,” Brown says.
Schlossberg suggests closely comparing components to identify the ones that offer the quality off-roaders expect.
“There is a huge difference between kits that consist of low-tech coil spring spacers and shock relocation brackets, compared to kits like Synergy Mfg. offers that consist of replacement coils and longer-travel shocks,” he says.
All systems are not created equal, Coulter agrees.
“Pay close attention to the features of each manufacturer’s kit,” he cautions. “Spacer kits are often just designed for aesthetics and do not improve the ride or handling characteristics as they can increase factory spring preload or alter suspension travel. Many customers will choose a better solution once they understand why it matters.”
Walker also warns against diminished ride quality from poorly built spacer kits and reminds shops to weigh all aspects of installation costs when considering value for the customer.
Do they usually require massive vehicle modifications?
NO
A common misconception is the belief that installing a lift or leveling kit requires major, permanent modifications including cutting or drilling, Osborne from TrailFX notes.
“Shops should reassure their customers that most modern lift and leveling kits are engineered for straightforward, bolt-on installation and do not require permanent alterations,” he says.
Is bigger always better?
NO
Shops will want to match the size of the kit to the vehicle’s planned usage.
“When properly set up and tuned, a premium product with less lift height will outperform a bigger lift with lower quality,” says Fox. “We’ve proved this through extensive testing in the harshest conditions.”
Do you get what you pay for?
YES
In some cases, Knox adds, the components actually exceed a customer’s initial expectations.
“Most associate these kits with being ‘budget’ or that they make the vehicle drive worse,” he explains. “Our kits dramatically increase stability and performance.”
Supplier support can also make a big difference—for shops and consumers.
“Focus on pairing the right product with the right use case and take advantage of programs that drive customer action,” says Wolgamott. “Air Lift’s ProSeries lineup is installer-exclusive, helping shops differentiate their offerings while protecting margins.”
Can there be a technical element to some systems?
YES
Installers may need some experience and product knowledge to fit systems to specific applications and get them aligned properly.
“Many installation shops assume that the manufacturer of the lift kit has accounted for the effect on alignment angles. While most kits have accounted for some alignment angle effect, all will require some additional adjustment to provide the best alignment and driver experience,” says Adcock from Specialty Products Company. “The shop may find that additional adjustments and/or components will be required to be sure the alignment readings are within desired specifications for the vehicle, and these often will differ from the OE recommendations.”
Is driver education required to fully enjoy the products?
YES
Brown from RSO Suspension suggests educating customers on the full transformation of their vehicles and not just the lift itself.
“Showing the consumer the before-and-after benefits in stance, capability and ride quality makes the upgrade easier to justify,” he believes.
Coulter from SuperSprings stresses the importance of schooling customers on the basics—times three.
“Educate, educate, educate,” he recommends. “Match kit types to truck usage and honestly explain any tradeoffs. And don’t forget to compensate for removing the ‘factory rake.’ Removing it without rear support can cause further issues and rear-end sag when loaded. Build higher trust and you will have fewer comebacks, stronger margins and more repeat customers.”
Walker suggests a three-step approach:
- Know the product: Ask your sales representative for specs.
- Focus on the end goal: Consider wheels and tires and the truck’s finished look.
- Upgrade shocks when installing a Fabtech FTL Leveling or 3-inch Sport System.
Highlighting safety aspects can also help customers recognize their value.
“A common misconception is that these upgrades are purely cosmetic. In reality, load support solutions like air springs play a critical role in improving vehicle performance by reducing squat, improving handling and enhancing safety when towing or hauling,” says Wolgamott. “Helping customers understand that functional benefit is key.”
Ultimately, does adding a lift or leveling kit enhance driver enjoyment?
YES
When it comes to the features and benefits associated with lifts and leveling kits, vehicle performance is near the top of the list.
“Quality parts deliver quality results, and quality suspension is something you get to feel every mile you drive,” says Knox from Van Compass.
Benefits include improved ride comfort and better tire clearance for drivers, and higher profit margins on both parts and installation labor for shops, says Schlossberg.
“In addition to the suspension modifications, wheels and tires are often purchased at the same time, along with bumpers, rocker guards/side steps, tonneau covers and performance tuners/speedometer calibration modules,” he notes.
Maybe most importantly, says Fox from KYB, is that the systems allow drivers to do the things they most enjoy.
“Lift kits and leveling units aren’t just for folks who are looking to take their vehicles off-road,” he explains. “These kits can be used to get your customers where they want to go for whatever adventures they love. Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, parasailing or any number of other activities require a way to get there. Properly outfitting their vehicles can help them get to where they want to go.”
LIFTS & LEVELING KITS
HOT PRODUCTS: ProSeries XL 99000 Air Spring Kits
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Designed for installers; enhanced performance for heavier-duty applications; offer increased air spring volume and an internal jounce bumper for added support under load; deliver up to 7,500 pounds of load-leveling capacity; maintain ride quality and stability.
Air Lift Company
Cody Wolgamott
Product Marketing Manager
HOT PRODUCTS: 2023-Up Ford F-250/F-350 and 2014-Up GM 1500 Kits
FEATURES & BENEFITS: FTL leveling and 2.5-inch coil spring systems; can be upgraded to aftermarket radius arms and Dirt Logic 2.25 shocks.
Fabtech Suspension
Dan Walker
Director of Business Development
HOT PRODUCTS: MonoMax 1000 Series
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Front struts feature a spacer design to adjust the spring seat, allowing the strut to be set to stock ride height or adjusted to level the front of the vehicle or, when paired with components in the rear, offer a full lift; 2000 Series takes it to the next level.
KYB
Sean Fox
Product Manager
HOT PRODUCT: 2.5-Inch Stage 3.1 Lift Kit for Wrangler JL/JLU
FEATURES & BENEFITS: A well-rounded, mid-height lift that prioritizes real suspension performance while keeping ride quality usable daily.
RSO Suspension
Jesse Brown
VP of Operations
HOT PRODUCT: SPC 13010 Torsion Key Adjustment Kit
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Provides easy adjustment for front ride height on torsion bar-equipped GM vehicles; hex-key kit includes a stronger-than-OEM forging in a durable e-coat finish; factory ride qualities with up to 3 inches of front-end lift to fine-tune vehicle stance.
Specialty Products Company
Scott Adcock
Marketing/Creative Services Manager
HOT PRODUCT: JBS-301-01 Leveling Kit for Ram 2500 4×4
FEATURES & BENEFITS: True 2-inch front leveling with no spacers; achieves lift through heavy-duty front coil springs; maintains proper suspension geometry and ride quality; front and rear solution maintains level while towing; firmer control under heavy payloads; made in USA.
SuperSprings International
Justin Coulter
Director of Sales
HOT PRODUCTS: Ford and Ram Kits
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Feature frequency-tuned, progressively wound, USA-made coil springs and proprietary valved Fox shocks, along with all needed components required to install the leveling kits correctly (brake line extensions, bump stop extensions, castor sleeves, etc.)
Synergy Mfg.
Dave Schlossberg
CEO/Owner
HOT PRODUCTS: Suspension Pro Mid Lift Kits
FEATURES & BENEFITS: The 3- to 3.5-inch kits are built for serious performance, combining high-strength steel with corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum; premium bushings and pre-installed ball joints deliver long-lasting performance and reduce installation time.
TrailFX
Ryan Osborne
Project Manager
HOT PRODUCT: Stage 4.3 Kit for Sprinter 4×4/AWD
FEATURES & BENEFITS: Four-corner adjustable shocks; rear leaf spring upgrade; front bump stop upgrade.
Van Compass
Andy Knox
General Manager
