What is Rake?

Rake refers to the difference in height between the front and rear of your vehicle. Typically, the rear is higher than the front (positive rake) to improve handling and stability, especially when carrying load or towing. This factory Front/Rear height difference is also known as factory rake. 

The impact of a leveling or lift kit on your vehicle’s rake largely depends on how the kit is set up and the type of vehicle you have. Most people aim to reduce the factory rake to achieve a more leveled look. But what’s the ideal setup? Let’s dive into it!

Understanding Rake Configurations

At Mudify, we look at rakes in the following categories: 

This occurs when the front of the vehicle is higher than the rear. Negative rake is less common and is often used for looks only. However, this type of rake is not ideal because it unbalances the vehicle, making it less stable and potentially compromising its handling.

In this setup, the vehicle's rear sits between 0 to 0.5 inches higher than the front, making the difference almost unnoticeable. This minimal rake gives the impression that the vehicle is perfectly level, even with a light load or no passengers in the back.

With a rake of 0.5 to 1 inch, this is how we set up most of our kits. It perfectly balances style and performance, providing a great look while maintaining functionality. This setup ensures good handling and allows you to carry weight in the back without the front appearing higher than the rear.

Typically, the rear is raised 1.5 to 2 inches higher than the front, which is the factory setting for most trucks and SUVs. This configuration ensures the vehicle's rear doesn’t sag under heavy loads, making it ideal for towing and carrying cargo. It also enhances stability and ride comfort, but it’s not the best option for looks.

If you’re looking for our recommendation, we suggest going with the Slight Rake. With a 0.5 to 1-inch difference, this setup offers the best of both worlds—delivering optimal performance while maintaining the looks.