Are you looking to upgrade the looks and performance of your Honda Ridgeline? A Leveling Kit is a great option if you want improved handling and a greater stance.
This guide will help you choose the right leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline, ensuring that you have the ride quality, performance, and look that you desire. You’ll be ready to hit the road in no time!
Before beginning the process of selecting a leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline, it is important to understand the basics of what a leveling kit is and what it can do for your vehicle.
Leveling kits are designed to raise the front suspension and frame of light-duty trucks and SUVs, which helps compensate for an uneven stance caused by hauling or towing heavy loads or installing oversized tires or wheels. This can improve overall handling and ride quality as well as provide additional ground clearance for off-roading.
It is essential to note that lifting the entire truck more than two inches in height may void certain warranties, cause damage, or reduce fuel economy. Therefore, a leveling kit opposed to larger lift kits are the best option for most owners of light-duty trucks such as Ford F150s, Chevy Silverados and Honda Ridgelines.
Along with understanding how a OEM style leveling kit system works on your Honda Ridgeline and its importance when making modifications, knowing specifically what type of leveling kit will fit your unique year make model can be daunting. Through this guide we will walk you through how to select the perfect size set up along with explanations of the various styles available on the market today made specifically for your Honda Ridgeline!
Understanding Leveling Kits
Leveling kits provide the perfect solutions for allowing your Honda Ridgeline to look its best, and express its personality. Unlike a full suspension lift, a leveling kit does not change the load height or travel distance of any components but simply “levels” out the front end ride height. It is important to understand how a leveling kit works in order to ensure that you choose the right one.
Leveling kits are designed to increase ride height in the front of your vehicle while leaving the rear untouched. Most kits are comprised of upper strut spacers made of either stainless steel or aluminum which raise the vehicle up on both sides with a slight tilt forward. This allows the truck’s chassis to remain level with no impact on load carrying capabilities, making it perfectly suitable for hauling heavy cargo or trailers. Leveling Kits can also accommodate larger tires offering additional ground clearance when needed.
Leveling kits work by raising your factory suspension in order to balance out any sag created by hauling or off-road activities such as mountain biking, snowboarding and four wheeling. They provide a dramatic visual effect that adds an extra inch or two in overall height without altering stock geometry, providing both performance gains and improved looks without compromising factory alignment settings – something which becomes very important if going off-roading at all.
Definition of leveling kits
Leveling kits are an important upgrade for most Honda Ridgeline owners. Easy to install and relatively inexpensive, they give you the ability to fine-tune your truck’s suspension and ride height. But choosing the right kit can be a challenge, so let’s look at what you need to know.
Leveling kits work by raising the front of the truck to match the rear, creating a more level stance. This is done through a variety of methods, including spacers that are installed between the spring and frame of the truck, taller coil springs that extend the stock coils, or adjustable strut mounts with adjustable shocks. Leveling kits generally increase ride height from 2-4 inches in total depending on which method you use.
For many drivers, leveling kits are all about looks: They want their Honda to stand out and have a unique appearance on the road. For other drivers, leveling kits provide additional benefits such as better handling in sharp turns due to increased ground clearance; improved gas mileage; heavier duty suspension; and increased payload capacity.
When shopping for a leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline there are some key points to consider:
- Quality of kit – While it may be tempting to save money by buying an inexpensive or generic leveling kit from discount outlets or online auction sites, this can prove to be a false economy in terms of quality and performance down the line. Investing in quality components will ensure your new suspension system will retain its performance even after long usage cycles, bad weather conditions or tough off-roading applications.
- Installation skill – Leveling Kits range from very easy do-it-yourself jobs that require only basic tools all way up to complicated systems requiring advanced mechanical skills and special equipment like alignment racks. Be sure you assess your own skill level before making any purchase decisions—leave it up to professionals if necessary!
- Cost – It pays here not just go for cheapest option available as there is more than meets initial eye when it comes analyzing cost of purchasing quality leveling lifts versus cheap brands that typically come cheaper price tag but require additional parts or costs associated with installation labor charges along with expensive maintenance down lines due general lower standards used production process components included which often not measured up again sturdiness build ones provided better known brands name within industry level themselves.
Pros and Cons of using leveling kits
Installing a leveling kit on your Honda Ridgeline can be a great way to enhance the appearance of the vehicle, providing a more lifted and aggressive look. In many cases, it can also make the ride smoother by improving ground clearance and stability thanks to additional wheel space.
However, when it comes to deciding if a leveling kit is right for your Honda Ridgeline, there are some pros and cons that should be taken into consideration.
Pros: -Gives your vehicle an aggressive stance -Enhanced stability and better ground clearance -Increased wheel space for larger tires -Improves overall appearance of vehicle
Cons: -Can cause extensive tire wear due to greater angles in suspension geometry -May require adding additional trim pieces to reduce rubbing issues with 32” tires -You may have to purchase new shocks or struts after installing the kit
III. Factors to Consider when Choosing a Leveling Kit for Your Honda Ridgeline
One of the most important factors you should consider when choosing a leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline is your budget. The cost of the kit will vary depending on the type and brand that you select. In addition to cost, other features to keep in mind include compatibility and lift height.
Compatibility – Make sure that the leveling kit you choose is compatible with your Honda Ridgeline. Knowing your exact model year, make, and model number will allow you to research what kits are available for installation on your vehicle.
Lift Height – Different type of leveling kits offer different levels of lift height capability. This feature is important as it will determine how much extra space can be provided after installation, which allows for mounting larger wheels or tires. If your goal is just to level out the stance without adding too much height, then a smaller lift may work best for you.
Installation Difficulty – It’s also a good idea to look into the difficulty of installing different types and brands of leveling kits for Honda Ridgelines before making a purchase decision. Certain brands can be more difficult or time-consuming to install than others, so be sure to read through any instructions or reviews first before proceeding with Installation or doing it yourself (DIY).
Budget
When selecting a leveling kit, it’s important to consider your budget and choose a kit that fits within your price range. A good budget option that won’t break the bank is the Rough Country 2-inch Honda Ridgeline Leveling Kit. This kit allows for increased ground clearance and improved suspension articulation without costing too much. It also does not require any drilling or modifications for installation, making it an ideal solution for those on a tighter budget.
A mid-budget option is effectively the same as the above but uses higher quality materials and includes additional hardware such as durable rubber spacers rather than steel ones to reduce road noise and vibration. The Fabtech 2-inch Leveling Kit with Coil Springs provides a great balance of features at an affordable price point and is suitable for most Honda Ridgeline owners who are looking to level their truck without spending too much money.
For those who have more expensive tastes, there are many more premium kits available on the market including the Daystar 2-inch Honda Ridgeline Leveling Kit with Bolt-On Spacers and U-Bolts which offers extra shock travel and added styling enhancements thanks to its black powder coated finish, while still being within the reach of most budgets.
Driving Conditions
When it comes to selecting the correct leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline, the driving conditions you will be subjecting your vehicle to should be taken into consideration. Leveling kits improve the look and feel of your Ridgeline, but more importantly, they ensure enhanced off-road performance and handling capabilities. It is important to determine how frequently you’ll take on off-road journeys, that way you can find a suitable kit that will meet the demands of your everyday driving needs as well as your more adventurous outings.
Leveling kits are designed with heavier or lighter components depending on the type of terrain it is expected to traverse. When selecting a kit, pay attention to which material has been used in its construction as it contributes most heavily to whether a kit is engineered for everyday driving or trailblazing journeys in difficult terrain. Specialized rubber coil spacers, for instance are light and durable making them suitable for moderately bumpy terrain while kits with heavy steel springs are coated with high-performance materials making them able to handle heavy loads over extreme terrain and throughout difficult weather conditions like rain or snow.
Installation Process
When selecting the right leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline chassis, proper installation is critical to ensure that your suspension system operates properly. Installing a leveling kit requires the lowering of the front suspension and struts, as well as replacing the front coil springs with appropriate aftermarket versions. In addition, before installing your leveling kit, you should check the height of both sides of your vehicle’s chassis to make sure they match and that any modifications necessary fit within factory specifications.
Following these steps will help ensure accurate installation:
- Refill any fluids that may have evaporated during disassembly and remove all exterior trim pieces necessary for further work.
- Mark the original ride height with a permanent marker or tape on both sides of the suspension component so you can refer back to it when completing assembly.
- Use an air wrench or impact driver to lose and remove the nut at the top of each shock absorber location; this is usually on top of either a sheet metal plate or a spring plate where two opposing nuts reside connected by specific-length torsion bars as part of Honda’s Toracon design.
- Cut off torsional plates by using an angle grinder with an appropriate cutting disk while ensuring you cut along previously marked lines between each side mount bracket area; always ensure heavy safety goggles are used when grinding steel components.
- Use a jack stand to carefully lower each side until it reaches its new level, ensuring all threads remain clean during lowering procedure; use an appropriate impact driver/socket set to tighten bolts accordingly when done and replace any trims that may have been removed during procedure for further steps for alignment checks if needed (highly recommended after any lift/drop modifications).
Overview of the installation process
Installing a leveling kit on your Honda Ridgeline is a relatively easy project that can be done in just a few hours. It’s important to note, however, that the installation process differs depending on the type of kit you choose. There are two main types of leveling kits – spacer-style kits and strut-style kits. Each type has its own set of instructions and tools necessary for successful installation.
Spacer-style kits involve the placement of spacers between the top of your Ridgeline’s factory struts and its hood or cab, depending on whether you are performing a front or rear lift. A strut-style lift involves replacing both front and rear struts, along with extended control arms for proper suspension geometry following installation.
No matter which style of leveling kit you choose, aftermarket shocks should also be installed to provide superior dampening performance. For both styles of kits, jack stands should always be used for safety when lifting the car off the ground for proper installation and adjustment. Additionally, special tools may need to be acquired in order to make necessary adjustments such as alignment and camber/castor settings when installing your lift kit.
Tools needed
Before you begin installing a leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline, you must first ensure that you have all the appropriate tools. A basic tool kit should include a variety of sizes of sockets and wrenches, a screwdriver set, and adjustable pliers. You may also need certain specialty tools depending on the specific components included in your leveling kit. Some common additional tools that might be required include:
-Impact wrench
-Torque wrench
-Wire cutters
-Wire crimpers
-Allen key set
-Vacuum pump (for braking system repairs)
It’s important to read the instructions before starting your installation to make sure you have all the right tools and supplies required for the job. Have all the necessary items organized in an easily accessible location before starting any installation project. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly and reduce frustration during installation.
Maintenance and Care of the Leveling Kit
The Maintenance and care of the leveling kit are one of the most important aspects of keeping your Honda Ridgeline looking its best. A properly maintained leveling kit can improve the overall appearance and performance of your vehicle.
To ensure your leveling kit is in top condition, it is recommended to check it periodically for signs of wear or damage. You should inspect all mounting hardware and fasteners to make sure they remain securely fastened and in good condition. Additionally, you should pay close attention to any reinforcement brackets or components, ensuring they remain intact and undamaged. If a component becomes worn or damaged, it should be replaced immediately as doing so may prevent premature failure also leading to costly repairs further down the line.
Regular cleaning is also essential for keeping your Honda Ridgeline looking its best. When using water-based products to clean your vehicle, avoid using high-pressure hoses, as these can cause damage over time by rinsing dirt, sand and grit into crevices where wear may occur leading to corrosion or failure due to fatigue. After each wash cycle, rinse thoroughly with fresh water before drying with a soft cloth. This will help reduce mineral deposits which can cause accelerated degradation over time when left uncleaned on metal surfaces.
By taking these necessary steps you can ensure that your leveling kit remains in optimal working condition while maintaining a showroom worthy look for years to come!
Importance of maintenance and care
In order to keep your Honda Ridgeline in good condition, proper maintenance should be regular and at-length. It is important to remember that all mechanical components of your vehicle will wear down over time due to age and the impact of normal use such as dust, debris, heat, and moisture. In order to ensure that your Honda Ridgeline’s steering, suspension, and chassis are in working order, it is vitally important to maintain them with proper care. This includes regularly inspecting or replacing parts when necessary.
Additionally, a leveled suspension is essential for proper car handling and overall performance. When lifted from the factory settings, a level ride height improves clearance for off-roading as well as off-roading performance by providing extra ground clearance for rough terrain travel. For this reason, a leveled suspension adds quite a bit more comfort when driving than factory specs usually offer.
A significant factor in choosing the right leveling kit includes knowing what specific needs one has when purchasing such an item. The various types of kits available alter the specified area raised by varying heights across levels 1-4 (where 1 being the lowest). It is also important that you get an OEM-based product with all components included so that you can have peace of mind knowing your investment was worth every penny with no guesswork required on installation day.
Common problems and how to fix them
When it comes to choosing the right leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline, there are a few common problems that owners often face. This section will provide complete information on what you need to know including a guide to common issues and instructions on how to fix them.
One of the most common problems is finding if your Honda Ridgeline already has a factory-installed lift. If the vehicle does indeed have this type of lift, then it may not need another or different leveling kits because those already installed could be enough in most cases. However, if there are issues with the ride or performance of your vehicle, then an additional kit may be necessary.
When installing any additional levelling kit with your Ridgeline, it’s important to take into consideration its current suspension system and other modifications that may have been made previously such as upgraded bushings, shocks and airbags in order to ensure compatibility with the kit being considered. In some cases, further modifications may be needed in order for the kit to work properly upon installation so make sure you do research prior and plan accordingly.
Finally, when purchasing any additional parts such as shocks and springs for use along with a new levelling kit, make sure they have been engineered specifically for one another in order to ensure maximum performance from all components involved. Also take into account any warranties which may be associated with any aftermarket items purchased as it’s always a good idea to protect your investment by taking advantage these offers when available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right leveling kit for your Honda Ridgeline can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and preparation, you can determine exactly which type of leveling kit will give your truck the perfect look and performance.
If you want your Ridgeline to stand out from the crowd and turn heads, there are many types of aftermarket accessories that can make it happen. Whether you choose an adjustable, coil-spring spacer or a complete air suspension system is up to personal preference and budget. However, with all these options in mind, there’s no doubt that you can find the perfect way to get level and get rolling today!
FAQs
How do I know what size leveling kit to get?
The size of leveling kit needed will depend on the make and model of the vehicle as well as the desired height. It is important to research and consult with a professional to determine the appropriate size.
Can you put a leveling kit on a Honda Ridgeline?
Yes, a leveling kit can be installed on a Honda Ridgeline.
What is the ground clearance of a Ridgeline leveling kit?
The ground clearance of a Ridgeline with a leveling kit will vary depending on the size of the kit installed.
Does a 2 inch leveling kit make a difference?
Yes, a 2 inch leveling kit can make a noticeable difference in the height and appearance of a vehicle.
What size leveler do I need?
The size of leveler needed will depend on the make and model of the vehicle as well as the desired height. It is important to research and consult with a professional to determine the appropriate size.
How do you calculate leveling?
Leveling is calculated by measuring the difference in height between the front and rear of the vehicle and determining the appropriate size of leveling kit needed to achieve a level stance.
Does a leveling kit affect handling?
A leveling kit can potentially affect handling, as it may change the vehicle’s center of gravity and alter the suspension geometry. It is important to research and choose a high-quality kit to minimize any negative effects.
What is better a leveling kit or lift kit?
The choice between a leveling kit and lift kit depends on individual preferences and needs. A leveling kit will raise the front of the vehicle to match the rear, while a lift kit will raise the entire vehicle to a greater height.
Is it worth putting a leveling kit on a truck?
Whether or not a leveling kit is worth installing on a truck depends on individual preferences and needs. A leveling kit can improve the appearance of a truck and provide added clearance for larger tires or off-road use.
What does a 3in leveling kit do?
A 3 inch leveling kit will raise the front of the vehicle by 3 inches to achieve a level stance, improve the appearance of the vehicle, and provide added clearance for larger tires or off-road use.
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