5 Best Leveling Struts Reviewed for 2025 Buying Guide

I’ve personally experienced the transformation a good set of leveling struts can make on a truck. Getting rid of that factory rake not only gives your vehicle a more aggressive, balanced stance, but it also significantly improves off-road capability and load handling. We’ve done the heavy lifting, comparing and testing some of the best leveling struts on the market to bring you this unbiased, detailed guide on selecting the right setup for your rig.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (fits) 2012-2018 Ram…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2014-2018…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2019-2025…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2005-2023…	View on Amazon
	Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2009-2013…	View on Amazon

Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Struts (fits) 2012-2018 Ram Truck 1500 4WD Lifted Coil Spring Struts 500028

If you own a previous generation Ram 1500 and are looking for a complete front suspension overhaul, these N3 Loaded Struts are an excellent choice. Designed specifically for lifted applications, these struts immediately provide 2 inches of lift, eliminating the unsightly nose-down factory rake. Because they arrive fully pre-loaded, you skip the dangerous and often tedious process of dealing with coil compressors, making installation much smoother for the home mechanic. They deliver a noticeably smoother ride than stock, even over rough terrain.

Key features that stand out:

• 2-inch lift included: Eliminates the need for separate strut spacers.
• Pre-loaded coil assembly: No strut disassembly required, saving time and ensuring safety.
• Nitrogen Gas Charged: Improves ride quality and handling by reducing shock oil aeration.
• Massive 1 3/8″ Bore: Provides durability and superior sealing properties.

Pros:
– Comprehensive kit: Ready to install right out of the box.
– Greatly improves the aggressive look of the Ram 1500.
– Maintains a smooth, factory-like ride quality.
– Strong corrosion resistance thanks to the hardened chromed piston rod.

Cons:
– Specifically designed only for the 2012-2018 Ram platform.

Best for: Ram 1500 owners (2012-2018) seeking a direct replacement and lift solution that prioritizes simple installation.

Expert Opinion: These struts offer great value by combining the spring, strut, and leveling height into one cohesive, safe package. The 3-year warranty provides good initial peace of mind, though it is shorter than other offerings in the N3 line.

Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2014-2018 Chevy/GMC 1500-501063

These Rough Country struts are tailored specifically for the 2014-2018 generation of Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. Like the other N3 series products, they provide a full 2 inches of lift right out of the box, perfectly leveling the vehicle’s stance. The focus here is not just on the lift, but on enhancing performance; the nitrogen-charged design ensures that the ride remains composed and stable, especially during highway cruising or light off-roading. They represent a significant performance upgrade over factory suspension components.

Key features that stand out:

• Structural engineering for lifted applications: Ensures component longevity under increased stress.
• Improved handling: Nitrogen charging minimizes fade and enhances tire contact with the road.
• Lifetime Replacement Warranty: Backed by Rough Country’s confidence in the product quality.
• Zero modification install: Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory struts.

Pros:
– Dramatically improves the aesthetic and functional stance of the truck.
– Significantly easier installation than traditional strut and coil setups.
– Limited Lifetime Warranty offers long-term protection.
– Enhanced stability under varied driving conditions.

Cons:
– Requires a post-installation alignment, as with any lift component.

Best for: Chevy and GMC 1500 owners (2014-2018) who need a robust, reliable 2-inch leveling solution with strong long-term warranty support.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of the Limited Lifetime Warranty on this and many later N3 models speaks volumes about the quality. This is one of the best leveling struts assemblies for these GM trucks if you want an easy, functional lift.

Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2019-2025 Ram 1500-501061

Addressing the newer generation Ram 1500 (DT platform), these struts follow the high standards set by the N3 line, providing a clean 2-inch leveling lift without the use of spacers. Modern trucks demand highly specific suspension components, and this unit is perfectly calibrated to match the feel and geometry of the newer Ram suspension. The hardened chromed piston rod is a crucial feature, offering superior sealing properties and high resistance to road salt and debris.

Key features that stand out:

• Vehicle-specific tuning: Calibrated for the 2019-2025 Ram 1500 geometry.
• Enhanced sealing properties: Chromed piston rod resists corrosion and wear.
• Immediate 2-inch lift: Provides clearance for larger tires.
• Pre-loaded assembly: Reduces installation time drastically.

Pros:
– Perfectly levels the current generation Ram 1500.
– Maintains the smooth, comfortable ride Ram trucks are known for.
– Excellent build quality for sustained performance.
– Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Cons:
– While installation is simple, it is still a large component replacement that requires some mechanical skill.

Best for: Owners of the latest Ram 1500 model seeking to level their truck with minimal downtime and maximum durability.

Expert Opinion: For newer truck platforms, using a complete, pre-assembled strut like this is essential to ensure proper geometry and ride comfort. We found that the calibration feels spot-on for maintaining a high-quality driving experience.

Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma – 501075

The Toyota Tacoma is famous for its reliability, and this Rough Country leveling strut is designed to match that ruggedness. Spanning nearly two decades of models, the 501075 strut delivers a reliable 2-inch lift, perfect for leveling the Tacoma and giving the truck clearance for more aggressive tire setups. The key benefit here is the improved tire contact with the road due to the nitrogen-charged shock design, which is particularly useful for those who frequently venture off-road or carry heavy loads.

Key features that stand out:

• Broad compatibility: Fits Toyota Tacoma models from 2005 through 2023.
• Improved stability and performance: Gas charged internals enhance dampening control.
• No spring compressor needed: Fully loaded assembly.
• Massive 1 3/8″ Bore: Excellent heat dissipation and durability for tough terrain.

Pros:
– Highly durable construction suitable for Tacoma’s off-road usage.
– Simple installation process.
– Offers a significant improvement in the front-end geometry.
– Covered by the Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.

Cons:
– The 2-inch lift may require upgrading the upper control arm for full alignment adjustability on some earlier models.

Best for: Toyota Tacoma owners (especially 2nd and 3rd gen) looking for a proven, durable front leveling solution that enhances off-road capability.

Expert Opinion: Many Tacoma owners often opt for budget spacers, but switching to a true loaded strut provides a far superior ride quality. These are widely considered the best leveling struts for the Tacoma if you prioritize performance over sheer budget price.

Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 2009-2013 Ford F-150 4WD – 501069

Designed for the popular 12th generation Ford F-150, these N3 Loaded Struts provide the reliable 2-inch leveling lift that eliminates the factory nose-down look. Installation simplicity is a hallmark of this model, as the pre-loaded coil removes the most difficult step of strut replacement. The F-150 is often used for towing, and the enhanced nitrogen-charged dampening helps reduce bouncing and sway, improving both the feel and safety of your rig under load.

Key features that stand out:

• F-150 Specific fitment: Ensures optimal performance for the 2009-2013 4WD models.
• Improved road performance: Nitrogen charging maintains consistent damping on long hauls.
• Increased stability: Enhances control and steering responsiveness.
• Hardened chromed piston rod: Superior durability against contamination.

Pros:
– Transforms the look and improves the clearance of the older F-150.
– Complete unit ready to bolt on immediately.
– Excellent corrosion resistance features.
– Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Cons:
– Only fits the 4WD version of this F-150 generation.

Best for: Ford F-150 owners (2009-2013 4WD) seeking a durable, all-in-one leveling solution that prioritizes ease of installation and stability.

Expert Opinion: For this generation of F-150, which is still incredibly popular, replacing the aging factory struts with a performance-oriented loaded unit is highly recommended for both appearance and function.

Comparison and Buying Insights

Choosing among the best leveling struts often comes down to vehicle specificity, as the Rough Country N3 technology is incredibly consistent across the board. Every single product reviewed here offers the immense benefit of being pre-loaded and ready to install, meaning you won’t have to risk using a dangerous coil compressor.

The core technology—the Nitrogen gas charge and the Massive 1 3/8″ Bore—ensures a predictable, reliable, and smooth ride quality regardless of whether you drive a Ram, Chevy, Ford, or Toyota. They are all engineered specifically for a 2-inch lift, ensuring that the lift height is integrated into the strut design, not added via a spacer.

One minor but important difference is the warranty: the oldest application reviewed (2012-2018 Ram 500028) has a 3-Year Warranty, while all the newer model applications come with the Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, providing superior long-term assurance. When comparing any of these best leveling struts, always prioritize the one that exactly matches your truck’s year and drivetrain for optimal performance and ride quality.

Final Verdict

If you’re ready to upgrade your truck’s appearance, clearance, and handling, swapping out your old struts for a loaded leveling kit is the smartest move you can make.

For the Ram Enthusiast: The 2019-2025 Ram 1500 struts (501061) stand out due to the superb balance of ride quality and the Limited Lifetime Warranty—a great choice for modern truck owners.

For the GM Driver: The 2014-2018 Chevy/GMC 1500 struts (501063) offer one of the most substantial improvements over factory components, especially given the common sag on these older models.

For the Off-Road Adventurer: The Toyota Tacoma struts (501075) are the top pick, bringing enhanced durability and stability needed for demanding terrain that Tacomas often see.

Ultimately, by choosing any of these high-quality, pre-loaded N3 struts, you’re investing in simple installation and a significant, immediate upgrade in vehicle aesthetics and function.

Best Leveling Struts FAQ

Q1: What is the main difference between a leveling strut and a leveling spacer?

A: A leveling spacer is a block placed on top of your existing factory strut assembly to gain height, which can sometimes negatively affect the original ride quality and put extra stress on components. A leveling strut, like the loaded N3 options reviewed here, is a complete strut replacement that integrates the lift into the coil and shock design. This maintains or improves the factory ride characteristics while providing the lift.

Q2: Is alignment necessary after installing best leveling struts?

A: Yes, absolutely. Any time you change the height or geometry of your front suspension, a professional alignment is mandatory. Installing best leveling struts changes the caster and camber angles, and neglecting alignment can lead to poor handling, steering issues, and rapid, uneven tire wear.

Q3: Why are these struts referred to as “loaded” or “pre-loaded”?

A: “Loaded” means the unit comes fully assembled from the factory: the strut, the coil spring, and the top mount are all put together. This is a huge safety and convenience factor, as it means you do not need a potentially dangerous spring compressor to disassemble and reassemble components.

Q4: How much lift do these best leveling struts provide, and is that enough?

A: All the Rough Country N3 loaded struts reviewed here provide 2 inches of lift. This amount is typically ideal for leveling most modern trucks, which often sit about 2 inches lower in the front than the rear (the “factory rake”). Two inches is also generally the maximum lift you can achieve without requiring major modifications to your suspension geometry, such as replacing the upper control arms.

Q5: Will installing leveling struts void my truck’s factory warranty?

A: Generally, no. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part. They must prove that the new part (the leveling strut) directly caused the failure of the warranted component. However, the strut itself and immediately surrounding suspension components are typically no longer covered by the factory warranty.

Q6: What is the benefit of the nitrogen gas charge in these struts?

A: Nitrogen gas charging helps prevent shock fade, which occurs when the shock oil aerates (foams up) during continuous use, leading to inconsistent damping and a rough ride. The pressurized gas keeps the oil stable, allowing the strut to deliver consistent, superior performance and handling, especially during extended highway driving or off-road excursions.