One of the fastest and most economical ways to lift your truck or SUV is by doing a leveling kit. Not only will it level out the factory “stink-bug” look, but it will also give you some additional clearance to fit larger off-road tires. 

ReadyLift is by far one of the most popular leveling kits on the market, and there’s a reason for it—leveling kits are their specialty. They make them all: leveling spacers, leveling torsion keys, and even complete leveling kits that include front and rear lift options.

We recently had the opportunity to try out a ReadyLift leveling kit on a Hummer H3.  This series of Hummer shares the same suspension platform as the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon with independent front suspension (IFS). In order to lift the front suspension, a set of leveling torsion keys is required.

The same holds true for other torsion sprung vehicles, like earlier Ford F-150s, GM 4x4 Trucks & SUVs, Toyota 4x4s, and some Dodges.

WHY LEVELING KEYS?
We know some people simply turn up their factory torsion bars on IFS vehicles without the use of aftermarket leveling torsion keys. The problem with that is they are extremely bouncy, and ride is typically horrible off-road. Sure they get the added lift, but at what price? 
 

The advantage to using leveling torsion keys from ReadyLift is they are specifically designed to provide up to a 2.25-inch lift without affecting the factory ride. They also are built better than the factory torsion keys—they are forged, making them 25 percent stronger.

In addition, ReadyLift has designing their torsion keys to grab the “flat” of the torsion bar for a tighter, sturdier fit. This special design allows for added lift via the torsion bars. 

INSTALLATION

It is recommended that a professional install these ReadyLift torsion keys, especially since the vehicle will require alignment after the desired height is achieved.

We sought the help of Off-Road Warehouse (ORW) to install the ReadyLift Hummer H3 leveling torsion keys. Doug Ebba, who has worked on some of our other off-road vehicles, has done many leveling kits and is well versed in their installation. ORW sells and installs the complete ReadyLift product line.

The following is an overview of what is involved when installing a ReadyLift front leveling kit.

IMPRESSION

Well, the ReadyLift leveling kit does what it says; it certainly leveled the front of the Hummer H3. We lifted it the complete 2.25-inches.

On the road it drives fine, but off-road it is a bit more bouncy. It takes getting used to, but that’s the case with any lifted vehicle, especially one with torsion bars that have been cranked.

The higher you crack the suspension, the bouncier it’s going to get. If you’re more concerned with ride than height, keeping it somewhere between 1.5 and 2-inches is probably the optimal height. We’re planning on backing down on the height to see if we can get a smoother ride.

Overall, we think the ReadyLift leveling kit product is a great option for those looking to level their truck or SUV to fit larger tires or just to get rid of the front rake (a.k.a. “stink bug”). It’s safe, it’s easy and it’s economical.

RESOURCES
ReadyLift Suspension Inc.
877-759-9991
http://www.readylift.com/

Off Road Warehouse
800-341-7757
http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/