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When we travel with our dear old Jeeps, we really never know where our adventurous spirit will take us. It’s quite possible that we’ll take detours off the main road, and to be able to survive the rough roads we need quality lift kits.
Lift kits basically “lift” the vehicle to an ideal height by using spacers or blocks. The added height allows the Jeep to run easily with bigger wheels and traverse through dirt tracks better. There are many kinds of Jeep lifts these days, all offering almost the same results. We made the selection easier by choosing the best lift kits on the market. You don’t need to look elsewhere because we’ve made it easy. Choose one that is best suited to your Jeep model and lifestyle.
The Best Jeep Lift Kit
1
Rough Country Suspension Lift Kit
One of the best Jeep lift kits, especially for those who simply want to increase the height of their monster ride, is this Rough Country creation, the 635. Lifting your off-roader’s suspension to give you the ability to mount humongous 35-inch tires will surely give you a ride that other folks in the neighborhood will simply be envious of every time you give them a roar. This suspension lift kit comes with virtually everything you need to get the job done, which should be easily completed in about three hours of back-breaking toil.
Unlike other Jeep lift kits, the Rough Country 635 raises your Jeep’s front so that it levels with the rear, giving you improved ground clearance and a more glorious ride.
Fits 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD and JK Unlimited 4WD
With coil spring spacers, brake line brackets, shock relocation brackets
With rear sway bar links, rear track bar bracket, hardware
- BrandRough Country
- Model635
- Weight25.1 lbs
Easy bolt-on installation
Increased ground clearance
Great for tires up to 35 inches
Great value
Ride quality may not be as smooth as expected
Handling may be mediocre especially in unforgiving terrain
2
TrueTwo Jeep Wrangler Suspension Lift Kit
They’re called budget boosts, and it’s easy to see why. This 2.5-inch coil spacer is perfect for those who want to give their Jeeps a more aggressive look without being too aggressive on the wallet. The TrueTwo suspension lift kits are made of premium-quality polyurethane that can be easily used with a Jeep’s stock suspension or even added onto a handful of aftermarket Jeep Wrangler lift kits.
What’s great about this truck lift kit is that it can be easily removed to return your Jeep to its original or stock suspension, just in case you don’t like how it rides. At least you’ll get to experience how it feels to ride higher than other motorists. Besides, it’s not very common that you get to get Jeep Wrangler JK lift kits this inexpensive.
Fits Jeep Wrangler JK and Jeep Cherokees
2.5-inch coil spacer kit – front and rear
Made of lifetime-grade polyurethane
2.5-inch lift with stock isolators; 2 inches if without
- Brand4WS.COM
- ModelBBJK
- Weight7.7 lbs
Easy to install, easy to remove
Good ride quality
Great price
Some issues with the quality of the ride
3
MotoFab Rear Full Jeep Lift Kit
If you are looking to purchase a lift kit that is compatible with your Jeep, then look no further than the MotoFab Lifts Full Lift Kit. Designed and manufactured especially for the Jeep Wrangler, it comes equipped with a 3 inch rear and a 3-inch front full lift kit, complete with shock extenders for both the rear and front.
If you ply your Jeep off-road rather often, this kit guarantees ground clearance of up to 3 inches. What’s more, it has been constructed with high-grade steel and comes with a black powder coat finish that delivers the well-needed durability.
35-inch tire clearance.
100% bolt-on installation.
High-grade steel.
Black powder coat finish.
- BrandMotoFab
- Model07-18JK3F3R
- Weight17.72 pounds
Lifetime guarantee.
Fits Jeep Wrangler models from 2007 to 2018
It comes with shock extensions.
Takes a while to install.
Instructions for set up, not the best.
Alignment needed after installation.
4
Teraflex Jeep Wrangler Suspension Lift
Serious modders will definitely want these Jeep JK lift kits for their project, even if it means shelling out a heftier sum than most. The improvements in the ride quality and responsiveness as you navigate your off-roader on terrain that you would otherwise be too skittish to try will be like night and day. From the lift system to the shocks as well as complete hardware, Teraflex has it covered. It is even throwing a steering stabilizer for you.
These Jeep Wrangler lift kits don’t need any modifications from your off-roader, except perhaps if you want to put an exhaust spacer. Other than that, you should be pretty impressed with what you can do on your Jeep.
Fits 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler JK 4-Door
Comes with Teraflex steering stabilizer
Lift comes complete with shocks and hardware
- BrandTeraflex
- Model1251000/1513001
- Weight30.4 lbs
Complete kit; unless you need the exhaust spacer
No modifications required
Smoother ride quality
Great for installing larger tires up to 35 inches
Installation can be time-consuming
Quite pricey
5
Supreme Suspensions Wrangler Lift Kit
Need a Jeep leveling kit? Maybe you need the Jeep lift kits from Supreme Suspensions. For a super low price, you are already getting a bevy of spring spacers and a transfer case drop plus the leveling kit Pro pack from Supreme Suspensions. It may not be superior to replacing your suspension system, but it sure can provide you with the results you need to increase your ground clearance and even mount larger tires. The installation is pretty neat, too, requiring no specialty tools whatsoever. Just be ready to get your hands dirty and soon after you’ll be riding in the coolest-looking Jeep in town.
For 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 2WD and 4WD
1 transfer case drop
4 Pro-performance DELRIN spring spacers
2-inch lift for both front and rear
- BrandSupreme Suspensions
- ModelAZM 183.2(477) Pro
- Weight4.3 lbs
Increased ground clearance
Easy to install
Good ride quality
Original shocks can be reused
Friendly price
Some issues with incorrect sizes of hardware
6
Skyjacker TJ401BPH Lift Pallet Kit
This 4-inch lift kit from Skyjacker can definitely give you the sensation of riding above the clouds, although you’re still maintaining optimum contact with the ground. It may be priced more than half a grand, but at least it already comes with ‘almost’ everything that you need to give your Jeep that awesome look it deserves and an even more impressive performance on the roughest and toughest terrain. You may want to get a long arm kit if you really want to ensure a more comfy ride, though.
Still, the Skyjacker Jeep Wrangler lift kits are perfect for those who want to improve the appearance of an off-roader while giving it the tools necessary to conquer life’s weekend adventurers off the asphalt.
Fits 1997-2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4WD
Includes front and rear lower links, Pitman arm, rear track bar bracket
With transfer case lowering kit, and extended end links (front and rear)
With Hydro 7000 shocks
- BrandSkyjacker
- ModelTJ401BPH
- Weight126.1 lbs
Easy to install
Increased ground clearance
Great value for money
May require long arm kit for a more comfortable ride
Time-consuming installation
7
Rough Country 653.20 Suspension Lift System
With premium-quality N3 shock absorbers and uniquely-engineered progressive rate coil springs, this Rough Country creation is one of the best Jeep lift kits you can get, especially if you are not going to go for tires larger than 31 inches. These truck lift kits still come with Rough Country’s patented and easy bolt-on installation, although it fits trucks and off-roaders with 6-cylinder engines only.
Nevertheless, you’ll love the ride quality this suspension lift system will give you, allowing you to feel more confident with every track you want to conquer. The progressive rate coil springs are what give you the confidence every time you take your Jeep for a spin. You’ve got an elevated ride but with a stable and secure platform. It’s smooth whether you’re on potholed city streets or rock-laden dirt tracks.
For 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ 4WD; 2004-2006 Wrangler Unlimited LJ 4WD
Premium N3 shocks
Front and rear progressive rate coil springs
- BrandRough Country
- Model653.20
- Weight48.6 lbs
Clears up to 31-inch tires
Easy to install
Increased ground clearance
Good ride quality
Fits Wranglers with 6-cylinder engines only
May require transfer case drop kit or slip yoke eliminator purchased and installed separately
8
Liftcraft 3-Inch Spring Spacers Lift Kit
They’re not only very easy to install, but these Liftcraft spring spacers also give your ride the kind of height it needs to tackle any obstacle on your path without making any painstaking modifications to your vehicle. It won’t hurt your wallet either. These DELRIN-engineered spacers are sure to last as long as your vehicle, perhaps even longer, while still affording some form of dimensional stability.
The 3-inch Jeep lift kits are perfect for cash-strapped modders who simply want their ride to look a lot more awesome than it already is by allowing them to mount the largest possible tires that can fit into their lifted Jeeps. It’s a simple and cost-efficient way to pimp your Jeep without sacrificing ride quality.
For 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ 2WD and 4WD
3-inch lift for both front and rear
DELRIN-engineered construction
High-crystalline spring spacers
- BrandBig Brawns
- ModelBB 183.3-WranglerTJ
- Weight4 lbs
Easy to install
Requires no modification
Affordable
Good-quality ride
Issues with reliability
9
JKS 9904 1.25-Inch Body Lift System
Featuring Dura-Thane poly spacers, these truck lift kits from JKS will elevate the body of your Jeep about 1.25 inches from its frame to allow you to mount bigger tires that will make for a powerful-looking ride. It already comes with grill supports and the way the components are designed allows for ease of bolt-on installation. The increased tire clearance won’t have any adverse impact on your suspension geometry or even on your spring rate.
At least, you don’t need to worry about these anymore. Your Jeep’s center of gravity is maintained while giving you the luxury of putting the tires of your dreams. Unlike suspension lift kits, this body lift system is perfect for an instant lift without really hurting your pocket.
Formed Dura-Thane poly spacers
Lifts body by 1.25 inches
With grill supports made of soft urethane
For Jeep TJ
- BrandJKS
- Model9904
- Weight9 lbs
Very easy to install
Requires no modification
Doesn’t affect the normal operation of Jeep
Some issues with missing parts
Some issues with installation requiring modification
10
Liftcraft 2-Inch Spring Spacers Lift Kit
Just like Liftcraft’s 3-inch Spring Spacers Lift Kit, its 2-inch version is perfect for giving you a ride that is as comfortable as you could ever possibly love without necessarily affecting vehicle stability and performance over uneven terrain. The DELRIN suspension spacers give you the kind of assurance that your ride will have the performance it requires to navigate some of the most challenging terrains in the land while still affording you the chance to put the kind of tires that will make your ride stand out from a crowd of Jeeps.
These Jeep lift kits come with a lifetime guarantee which further adds to the security of getting these easy-install truck lift kits into your ride.
For 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ 2WD and 4WD
2-inch lift for both front and rear
High-crystalline spring spacers
DELRIN-engineered construction
- BrandBig Brawns
- ModelBB 183.2-WranglerTJ
- Weight3.05 lbs
Easy to install
Requires no modification
Good-quality ride
Affordable
Risk of decrease in spring travel
11
Mopar Jeep Wrangler Four Door Two Lift Kit
Modifying the height of your jeep is made so much easier with the right kit, and this one comes with coil springs tuned to your car’s weight. This two lift is best for 33 tires, but will also clear most 35 tires as well. The shock is made from brushed aluminum to dissipate heat in a faster way than standard steel, which gives you a riding experience which is nice and smooth. With plenty of positive reviews, this kit has been celebrated for the premium quality of the individual components included. And this is important in maintaining the quality driving experience that you expect of your Jeep Wrangler.
Designed to fit 2012-2016 Jeep Wrangler
Adds two inches of lift to the front and back
- BrandMopar
- Model77070088AC
- Weight145 pounds
Offers fade-free performance
Provides stability and precise handling
Reports of harder riding than initially expected
Best Jeep Lift Kit Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Consider When Buying a Jeep Lift Kit
Buying a Jeep lift kit is not a stroll in the park as some folks claim. Unless you’re a seasoned mechanic who has been working with such systems for many years, you’re in much better hands if you get a professional take a look at your current setup and help you determine the kind of Jeep lift kit that will work best with due consideration on the purpose of the lift and your working budget. Installation is also best done by a professional, although there are Jeep lift kits that can be easily installed if you follow the directions properly and you’ve got an extra pair of hands.
The control arms are one of the features you need to consider when going for a lift kit. If you aim to lift your Jeep at least 3.5 inches, then you need to pick the right lower control arms for your vehicle. If you intend to go even higher at more than 4 inches, longer upper control arms are also a must.
The shocks will also have to be considered, for obvious reasons. The greater the lift, the longer is the length of the shocks.
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Your brake lines will also have to be considered. Remember that in most lift kits you are increasing the distance between your truck’s body and the axles. As such, your front and rear brake lines will also need to be lengthened, if not replaced. Even your emergency brake lines will have to be addressed.
In most cases, the track bar may also need to be replaced, so it should be worthwhile to check if the Jeep lift kit already comes with such an inclusion.
Types of Lifts
Body lifts perfect for those who only want to increase the distance between the body of their Jeep and its chassis or frame without necessarily gaining any noteworthy increase in ground clearance. It is cheap, usually under $200, and allows you to put larger tires without changing the shocks. However, if you lift your Jeep for at least 1.5 inches, it’s often imperative that the shocks will be replaced to ensure a smoother ride. Additionally, any lift greater than 2 inches may already require the addition of extensions or even the installation of new brackets for various components that may be affected by the lift. These can include the steering linkage, radiator, fuel filler tube, shifter, and others.
Budget boosts are even simpler solutions than body lifts. These are nothing more than coil spring spaces that are placed on top of your Jeep’s coil springs. For it to really work, it is important to install extensions or new shocks as well. This type of lift is basically for aesthetic purposes only as the increase in lift is quite minimal.
Suspension lifts are the preferred type of Jeep lift kits because of the value and effectiveness that they provide. However, you should always be careful in choosing the kind of suspension lift kit as anything over 2.5 inches will already require CV driveshaft and slip yoke eliminator. Suspension lift kits should always include bigger shocks, sway bar links, and coil springs. Some manufacturers may even include steering components, extended control arms, and other components that may be needed. Professional off-roaders always go for suspension lifts that are anywhere from 4.5 to 6 inches as these can provide for greater articulation and ground clearance.
Wrangler Tire Sizes and Lift Heights
If you intend to increase your Jeep’s tires to 33 inches, you can almost always use a 1.5-inch Budget Boost that typically comes with spring spacers, shock spacers, brake line extensions, and longer sway bar links.
If you want to mount larger 35-inch tires into your Jeep, then you can start with a 2.5-inch suspension lift which should already include springs, shocks, sway bar links, track bars, brake lines or bake line extensions, and front control arms.
If a 35-incher won’t be enough to conquer the terrain you’re challenging, 37-inch tires should be your go-to. In such cases, you will need a lift system that can give you a minimum of 3.5 inches of lift. The kit should already include springs, shocks, track bars, brake lines, control arms, and sway bar links.
Related Post: Best 10 Ply Truck Tires
Other Mods Needed to Run Larger Tires & Lifts
Lifting your Jeep to considerable levels usually entail changes or modifications in some of its parts or components.
For those wishing to upgrade to 33-inch tires, using the basic Budget Boost lift system will usually entail no modification at all. These are simple spacers that are put on top of stock shocks and springs to increase fender clearance and allow you to put a 33-inch tire without any negative effect on the Jeep’s geometry.
If you are going to install 35-inch tires you will be using a 2.5- to 3.5- inch suspension lift kit. Because of the greater distance between the axle and the body of the Jeep, its geometry will be affected. This can be corrected by replacing the track bars both at the front and rear axle. Additionally, the front axle has to be realigned by making appropriate changes in the lower or upper front control arms.
If the aim is to put 37-inch tires which require suspension lift kits with at least 4 inches of lift, expect that your Jeep’s driveshaft and stock suspension will have to be replaced. The Jeep geometry also needs to be realigned and the track bars elongated.
Related Post: Best Jeep Wrangler Accessories
Best Jeep Lift Kit FAQ:
Q: What is a lift kit?
A: As you may have already guessed, a lift kit is an aftermarket product that is typically added onto your truck or SUV to raise either the body or its suspension. A body lift kit increases the distance between your truck’s body and its frame. A suspension lift kit, on the other hand, increases the distance between your truck’s body and its axles.
Q: Why should I lift my Wrangler?
A: Different folks will have different reasons why they think they need to lift their Jeep Wrangler. However, there are two fundamental reasons why you would want to lift your Wrangle or any truck or SUV for that matter. First, it increases the ground clearance or the space between the lower surface of your truck’s chassis and the surface of the ground. This is the fundamental reason for professional off-roaders as well as those who have to endure the daily grind of traversing over the rocky and uneven terrain.
However, if you’re not really into off-roading and are more into the city-driving type of guy, then lifting your Wrangler will be more for aesthetic reasons. Honestly, rides with humongous wheels look really awesome and powerful. Even if you’re going to drive on asphalt day in and day out for the rest of the week, having larger tires can significantly improve your Jeep’s wow factor.
Q: When do I need a new driveshaft?
A: Manufacturers of truck lift kit systems often base their height improvement estimates on a fully-loaded Jeep or any other truck or SUV. This means the vehicle has steel bumpers both up front and at the rear, hefty underside skid plates, and winch, as well as other accessories that are considered a must-have in an off-roader like the Wrangler. As such, if the product says that it can give your ride a 2.5-inch lift they are almost always saying that this 2.5-inch lift is when your truck or SUV is loaded to the max.
The problem is that most of the Jeeps, trucks, or SUVs are not really fully loaded, but rather come in as stock. So, when you do add the same 2.5-inch lift system you could technically be netting a lift of 4 inches. This can lead to issues with your driveshaft. As a general rule, you should always consider replacing your existing driveshaft with a new one if the net lift afforded by your truck lift kit system is anywhere near the 4-inch mark.
Another issue is the possible contact between extra-large lift kit systems and the front stock drive shaft of your Jeep. This is almost always a concern with Jeeps with automatic transmissions built from 2012 and onwards. In such cases, you may also need to replace the driveshaft of your 2012+ Jeep AT. However, some would rather put an exhaust spacer to give enough clearance for the Jeep’s driveshaft.
Our Top Pick
With its easy bolt-on installation, affordable price, and heavy-duty quality construction of its components, the Rough Country 635 2.5-Inch Suspension Kit is easily our top pick for the best Jeep lift kits. It gives you the ability to use tires as large as 35 inches while ensuring the smoothest ride possible without ever negatively affecting its off-road performance.
Whether it’s to improve your Jeep’s off-road capabilities or to simply enhance its aesthetics, choosing the right lift kit is always a must. The important thing to remember is that the greater the lift you want to achieve, the greater the amount of work you’ll need to put into your project. It’s well worth it, though.
Sources:
- Tips for Buying Your First Lift Kit - Four Wheeler