There are many reasons to lift your Jeep and a lot of ways to do it. To help weed out the options, expert has put together this extensive guide to Jeep Lift Kits.
This kit provides a modest 2-inch lift and factory ride quality while incorporating Fox shocks with a lifetime warranty. It also includes sway bar end links and relocation brackets for the track bar and brake lines.
A suspension lift manipulates the stock suspension framework, resulting in more ground clearance and an improved shock-absorbing capacity. It also makes the vehicle more adaptable to rough, rocky terrain. If you’re an avid off-roader, this is a great option to consider. However, this kit is not suitable for everyday driving, as it can cause your Jeep to bottom out over speed bumps and potholes.
When looking for a suspension lift, it’s important to find one that’s suited for your particular Jeep model and tire size. The different kits have their own specific features and requirements that you’ll need to take into account. For instance, a four-door kit may need thicker springs than a two-door kit. Also, some kits may require modified drive shafts to maintain proper universal joint angles.
While you can install the lift on your own, we recommend getting professional help to avoid future problems and expensive repairs. Having a qualified mechanic handle the installation process will also ensure that everything is done correctly and that you don’t run into any issues once you start driving your new lifted Jeep.
The Fabtech JK Suspension Kit is a good option for those wanting to add a little more height to their vehicle while still maintaining the ride quality and functionality they’re used to. This kit is compatible with a variety of tires and comes with front and rear 9550 VSS shocks to make sure you’re fully equipped for any off-road adventure. The kit also includes an adjustable track bar and sway bar links. At Viper Motorsports, we won’t install a lift kit over 4 inches without providing rear adjustable track bars to keep the factory rear axle position.
Another option is the TeraFlex 1.25″ Body Lift Kit, which offers a more modest 2-inch lift height to allow larger tires while keeping the center of gravity low. This kit is also compatible with a wide variety of tires and comes in a handy wooden crate for storage!
Finally, there’s the ZR2 Body Kit by Rubicon Express. This is a high-quality kit that’s perfect for those wanting to increase their ground clearance and add a more aggressive look to their Jeep. It also works well with a variety of tires and includes the necessary hardware to mount them.
Body Lift
If you are looking for a way to get your Jeep off-road ready without breaking the bank, then a body lift may be the way to go. These kits provide a way to raise your vehicle’s frame and clear larger tires. They do not affect the suspension, so you will not notice any changes in the ride quality. In addition, they can be installed in a matter of hours with minimal tools.
Body lifts are a popular choice for Jeep enthusiasts who want to increase the ground clearance of their vehicle. They are available in a variety of heights, and they can be combined with suspension lifts for the ultimate off-road experience. Some of the best kits on the market are from Rough Country, which offers a wide range of body lifts. They have options ranging from 1 to 3 inches, so you will find the perfect one for your vehicle.
These kits include spacers that are installed between the factory body mounts and the chassis of your truck or Jeep. The spacers are made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon, so they are very durable and can withstand the punishment of off-road driving. The spacers also feature a unique concave design, which allows them to stack on top of the factory rubber body bump stop pads. This allows you to achieve a lift while keeping the factory ride quality. In addition, most complete kits include bumper relocation brackets to realign the bumpers with the raised body.
Another advantage of a body lift is that it is more affordable than a suspension lift. This is because the kit only consists of front and rear coil spacers, as opposed to the additional parts that are included in a full suspension lift. Some kits are even labeled as “economy” or “budget” lifts, so you can get the added ground clearance at an affordable price.
Whether you are new to off-roading or an experienced Jeeper, there is no doubt that a lift kit will improve your off-roading abilities. They can give you room for larger off-road tires and allow you to traverse all kinds of terrain. However, it is important to understand the difference between suspension lifts and body lifts so that you can choose the right one for your vehicle.
Spacer Lift
Adding a spacer lift to your vehicle is one of the most economical ways to fit larger tires and improve ground clearance. Spacers simply add preload to factory coil springs to achieve a small amount of lift height. This type of kit has become increasingly popular in recent years because it eliminates the need to replace factory coils and shocks with different ones.
The simplest spacer kits consist of a set of polyurethane coil spacers that mount over the existing coils and allow for a larger tire size. Using this method, you’re able to get a few more inches of lift on your Jeep with minimal effort and a relatively affordable price tag.
Another benefit of a spacer lift is that it preserves the factory ride quality of your Jeep. Manufacturers spend a lot of time and money fine-tuning the spring and shock rates of their vehicles to provide an excellent ride and handling experience. Spacer lifts allow you to keep the original suspension configuration, which means retaining the great ride quality and handling you’ve come to know and love.
A downside of a spacer lift is that it doesn’t give you as much lift as a full suspension lift. With a spacer lift, you can only get about 1″ to 2.75″ of additional lift, which may not be enough for some people. However, if you’re just looking to put some bigger tires on your Jeep for looks and performance, this is a great option.
Another drawback of a spacer lift is that it can cause some issues with your traction control system and your CV angles. This is because it increases the surface area for wind resistance, which can negatively affect your fuel economy. Adding the extra height of a spacer lift can also result in your axles hitting things they shouldn’t at droop, which will damage your CV boots and potentially your driveshaft.
With all that being said, the spacer lift is still a good choice for many Jeep owners who want to add some more clearance and better handling without spending too much cash. Just keep in mind that the added height of a spacer lift will have some negative effects on your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy, so make sure to choose the right kit for your specific needs.
long arm lift
A long-arm lift is a good option for those who want a more aggressive look for their Jeep or who are planning on using it in more rocky offroading environments. These kits replace the factory control arms with longer ones that can accommodate larger tires without rubbing or bottoming out. They also increase suspension travel and articulation, which makes them an excellent choice for off-roading.
Long-arm lifts are usually more expensive than short-arm kits, and they require a more extensive installation process. They involve removing the stock control brackets and welding on new ones, as well as replacing several driveline and suspension components. As a result, it’s recommended to have a qualified Jeep expert from a specialized 4×4 shop take care of this work.
Whether you go with a short or long arm kit, it’s a good idea to invest in some bump stops. These are gas-filled shocks that compress when you hit a big bump or rock, and they help to keep your vehicle’s suspension in place over rough terrain. The dampening rate of these shocks is variable, so it’s important to read the product descriptions carefully when shopping for one.
When choosing the right lift for your Jeep, it’s always a good idea to do some research and test-drive a few different options before making a purchase. There are a lot of options on the market, and it’s up to you to decide which ones will best suit your needs and budget.
The easiest way to tell if your Jeep is lifted or not is to grab a tape measure and check the height of your front and rear springs. Stock TJ Wranglers have 12-inch springs in the front and 8-inch springs in the back, so if yours are taller than that, you’re running a suspension lift.
Another easy way to check is to look at the front of your Jeep and see if the front stock driveshaft is hitting the exhaust cross-over pipe. If it is, that’s a sign you have a leveling kit installed, which levels the natural rake of the front of the Jeep by pushing the front end down and rearward. This keeps the front of the Jeep closer to the ground and prevents the driveshaft from rubbing against the exhaust and causing damage.
