Understanding Vehicle Rake: Why It's Crucial for Your Build

The term 'rake' may sound unfamiliar to some, but it plays a pivotal role in your vehicle's performance and handling. At Basil's Garage, we consider rake in every build we undertake. But what exactly is rake? And why do we discourage leveling a vehicle? Let's delve into the specifics.

Rake refers to the slope or angle of a vehicle, achieved by raising the rear ride height relative to the front, creating an upward slope from front to rear. Manufacturers often incorporate rake into their vehicle designs, particularly in trucks and SUVs. Rake influences several aspects, including fuel mileage, aerodynamics, ride characteristics, weight distribution, load capacity, and more.

Among these factors, the impact of rake on a vehicle's load-carrying ability holds primary importance to us. When you load a camper in the bed or fill your trunk with camping gear, the rear end tends to squat down. A proper rake accommodates this, ensuring that the vehicle sits level or with a slight rake regardless of the load.

However, when lifting a vehicle, some may be tempted to level it – a practice commonly referred to as "a leveling kit." While this might seem appealing, removing rake from a vehicle compromises its ability to carry a load safely. We've all witnessed trucks hauling trailers down the road with their headlights aimed skyward, a clear sign of improper weight distribution.

When the rear end is lower than the front, the vehicle's weight balance can shift towards the rear. This can lead to lighter steering, reduced front tire grip during acceleration and braking, and inferior ride characteristics, especially when navigating off-road obstacles.

In most cases, rake is beneficial. A vehicle with proper rake will ride better, stop faster, handle better, offer more traction (in 4WD), and perform remarkably better on and off the road. We work closely with our customers to configure the correct spring rate, coilover preload, and airbag pressure to ensure their vehicle sits perfectly for their intended use.

Let Basil's Garage help you get your suspension perfectly dialed in.