What is the difference between BDS and Carli leveling and suspension kits?
Which one should you choose when it comes to suspension systems for your truck?
These are common questions that many people have when they are looking into vehicle suspensions.
This article will compare both options in terms of price, performance, durability, installation time, weight capacity, and more.
We will also show you which one offers a better value based on these metrics.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission.
Table of Contents
BDS vs Carli
BDS and Carli are both respected companies that offer high-quality leveling kits and suspension systems.
However, some of the differences between these two options include price, performance, and weight capacity.
Performance – Carli vs BDS
Regarding performance, the difference in results is relatively small between BDS and Carli leveling and suspension kits when professionals are installed correctly by professionals.
It comes down to personal preference when deciding which equipment best suits your specific needs based on their price range, type of driving, weight capacity, etc.
Suppose you already know what type of ride quality will work best for you or how high you might need to raise your truck or SUV once it has been lifted using a leveling kit.
In that case, either choice should provide relevant results as long as it is paired with high-quality aftermarket struts/shocks, springs, and other components.
However, in some forums, users of both brands have preferred Carli suspension over BDS suspension if they drive offroad.
The offroad performance of Carli appears to edge BDS, especially those who drive on washboard roads quite often.
On the other hand, BDS has some unbelievable warranty and has a “Use it and abuse it” mentality.
If you are off-roading and BDS components are damaged or failed, BDS will replace them no questions asked.
“If you are the original purchaser of any BDS lift kit and it breaks, we will give you a new part. Period.” – BDS
Quality & Durability
Both BDS and Carli offer fantastic quality and durability on all of their products.
Their products are premium products in the leveling and suspension kit market.
Suppose you are looking for a kit with better resistance against corrosion and long-term wear.
In that case, BDS may be your best bet since many components have been given an anti-rust coating treatment to withstand damage from moisture and other elements over time.
This includes parts such as spacers, bolts, bushings, brackets, ball joints, etc.
However, in terms of strength ratings between these two companies, there isn’t much difference apart from slight variances in the maximum weights that each one can support.
Both companies offer a limited lifetime warranty, but from what I’ve read in many forums, seen in videos, and from BDS themselves, they do appear to have a no-questions-asked guarantee as long as you are the original purchaser.
Carli also provides a warranty on parts not manufactured by but made to Carli Suspension’s specifications by third-party manufacturers who will carry a warranty through their respective manufacturer.
Such as King Shocks, Bilstein Shocks, Fox Shocks & Deaver Leaf Springs.
Weight Capacity
BDS offers more lift than Carli, meaning that when you purchase a BDS kit, it will bring your truck higher off the ground, which is beneficial if you want to clear larger tires.
This may be important for some people who need additional clearance but don’t want to invest in aftermarket wheels and tires yet.
Carli offers an alternative leveling kit compatible with smaller lift coils, though this option will cost you more than BDS.
Price Difference
BDS offers a cheaper kit than Carli, with their system costing less on average for the same parts as what you would receive from an equivalent Carli kit.
However, that’s not to say BDS is cheap either; they are much more expensive than Rough Country or ReadyLift, For example.
BDS also has more affordable prices on other components such as shocks or struts, which may require installing your new leveling kit.
However, when it comes time to replace worn-out suspension pieces, they will cost compared to Carli’s.
Again, don’t forget that BDS and Carli are both on the higher end of the market; they are in no way seen as a budget option.
Both Carli and BDS have kits starting around $500 and go well over $5K.
Installation
Carli kits are usually easier to install, with their installation process only taking around two hours on average (depending on what you install) for most drivers compared to BDS, which takes about three hours or more depending on your level of experience and if you wish to use upgraded components such as sway bars.
Suppose you have no previous knowledge regarding suspension systems.
In that case, it is recommended that you get a professional installer involved since they will know how best to conduct this type of work safely without any potential damage occurring during the procedure.
You should also be prepared for higher costs, especially when using an independent service shop rather than DIY options like ramps or jacks at home.
That being said, some very experienced people prefer working on their trucks, and if you are one of these people, then BDS may be a better option for your needs since this company offers more components that can support up to 16″ lift heights.
Conclusion: BDS or Carli Leveling & Suspension?
Suppose you are looking for a leveling kit that will provide the most value for your money while still offering exceptional performance.
In that case, we recommend going with BDS since they have more affordable pricing, more substantial weight capacity ratings when using heavy-duty lift blocks, easy to install designs.
In addition, they both have very similar durability ratings, along with being able to support similar maximum heights once installed, depending on whether you are using BDS or Carli kits.
The choice comes down to personal preference since both brands are their strengths and some minor weaknesses.
However, neither one will let you down. Both BDS and Carli provide your vehicle with a great new ride height and added performance.
Disclaimer
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you click them to make a purchase, Auto Buyer Guru Blog will earn a commission. The decision to purchase these links is completely yours and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
