The Honda Ridgeline is a rugged and reliable compact truck. It may not be as capable as other trucks in its class, it’s still a pretty solid vehicle with lots of potential.
That said, the Ridgeline has a unibody build, which doesn’t lend itself to rough or rocky terrains. Still, by installing a leveling kit, you may get a chance to go on many, exciting off-road adventures.
If you’re not into rock crawling, you’ll definitely add some style and aesthetics to your truck. Not to mention, adding ride height is a great way to add functionality and boost ground clearance.
So, if you’re on the market for the best Ridgeline leveling kit, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn more. Here’s a quick list of our top picks:
The Best Ridgeline Leveling Kit: Your Complete Buying Guide
Are you looking to lift your Honda Ridgeline and don’t know where to start? Are you getting overwhelmed by all the options available on the market?
Don’t worry, what you’re feeling is 100% normal. We’ve been where you are now and we know how stressful it can be to choose the best Ridgeline leveling kit for your truck.
Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of what to look for in a lift. Let’s get started.
Specifications
The Honda Ridgeline is a front-suspension mid-size pickup truck. Adding some lifts can improve overall performance, especially when you’re off-roading. Plus, it can greatly boost the truck’s appearance and handling in general.
To know which leveling kit works best, you have to first understand the truck’s specifications. Check out some of the specs of both the Ridgeline all-wheel-drive (AWD) and two-wheel-drive (2WD) models:
- A solid 25mm front stabilizer bar
- A tubular 26mm rear stabilizer bar
- Standard 18-inch wheels
- 7.87 inches of ground clearance
The four-wheel-drive (4WD) models are slightly bigger. For example, the ground clearance height is well over eight inches.
That’s something to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a leveling kit. Make sure you choose a kit that matches both the year of manufacture and the type of drivetrain powering your truck.
Customization
The most significant benefit of installing a leveling kit is to add bigger wheels to your truck. As with many trucks, including the Ridgeline, that may be difficult to do. It’s why many owners opt to install a leveling kit.
Otherwise, all you’ll end up doing is forcing the wheels to rub against the bumpers and fenders. Not only will it damage your vehicle, but it’s a safety issue as well.
Larger wheels are also a better option if you’re planning on going off-roading. They’re designed to handle gravel and dirt with ease. Plus, they offer better braking power.
Remember that the Ridgeline features a V6 engine. That’s considered pretty modest compared with its competitors’ more formidable V8. So, it wouldn’t hurt giving it a helping hand by adding big wheels and a reliable set of lifts.
Moreover, having that additional ground clearance helps give your ride a sleek, rugged look. To top it off, it makes trekking with larger wheels easier and more seamless.
There are only a handful of ways to personalize your Ridgeline. Setting your truck up with the best leveling kit is one way.
Material
The most common material used in leveling kits is aluminum. There are two main types: 6061-T6 and CNC-machined aircraft-grade billet.
The former is treated to provide maximum durability. It has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It’s a terrific choice if you typically carry extra weight and want to avoid the rear from dropping or snagging.
The latter is crafted as one solid piece via a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine. It produces low-density, high-strength aluminum parts.
CNC-machined aluminum is typically powder-coated. It adds a layer of protection and boosts durability and improves corrosion resistance. So, if you’re into outdoor adventures, a CNC-machined kit can go a long way.
Steel is also another option. It’s long-lasting with excellent heat dissipation properties. Not only that but it’s proven to be both tough and extremely durable.
In addition, some kits are made of polyurethane. They provide a less noisy ride and less friction over the bolts. Yet, they tend to settle in place, which leads to cracks and splits.
Budget
Most kits can reach pretty high prices. This is mainly because they have more parts that have to be installed.
You have to weigh your options and decide how much you want to pay. If you’re looking for a kit to level out the truck’s suspension system, consider opting for a high-priced version.
The high price means better quality, durable materials, and a sturdier build. Together, they guarantee your safety and ensure the kit doesn’t damage your truck in any way.
Ultimately, choosing the best Ridgeline leveling kit is based on what you’re going to use it for. Make sure you align your budget with your riding needs to give you a safe, high-quality performance.
Installation
With a bit of basic mechanic know-how, you can easily install a leveling kit on your vehicle. That said, the Ridgeline uses the MacPherson strut front suspension systems. They’re complex and may require a professional to get them properly installed.
Either way, you’ll need to take your truck in for a complete alignment after installing the lifts. It’s to ensure that the vehicle’s center of gravity is balanced. Plus, getting the truck aligned helps secure your truck’s performance.
A Final Note
Using a leveling kit gives your vehicle a rugged look. It also boosts your car’s ability to travel over rocky or snowy terrain with ease. So, you get better traction and reduce your risk of injuries.
That’s not all! Lifting a truck can provide you with better visibility. Say you’re stuck in traffic. When you’re higher than everyone else gives you an advantage and lets you see what’s causing all commotion.
Whatever your reason for increasing the ride height, the only way to do it is by using the best Ridgeline leveling kit. We hope our buying guide has shed some light on what features to keep an eye out for. This way, you’ll go in knowing exactly what to expect.