Your Guide to Jeep Lift Kits
Are you looking to increase the ground clearance of your Jeep to make room for bigger tires? A lift kit can boost that rugged appeal and give you the extra space to clear rough terrain. Curious about your options? Find out what you need to know when shopping for a Jeep lift kit in our guide.
Choosing a Lift Kit for Your Jeep: What You Need to Know First
When it comes to Jeep lift kits, there are two different types: body lift kits and suspension lift kits. A body lift is usually a more affordable option when it comes to raising your Jeep up, and it increases the height between the frame and the body.
As its name suggests, a suspension kit modifies the Jeep’s suspension to provide more space between the frame and the axles. If you’re wondering if you need a lift kit and what to look for, we’ve highlighted some points to consider for choosing the right kit:
Do You Need a Lift Kit?
Depending on the amount of lift you’re looking for and the use of your vehicle, you might need a body lift, a suspension lift, or a combination of both. If you’re looking to drive your vehicle over heavy terrain or add off-road tires, installing a lift can be the way to go. Typically, you have a range of height measurements available with lift kits, so that’s a factor to consider.
Lift Kits vs. Leveling Kits
Lift and leveling kits both raise the height of your vehicle, but leveling kits only raise the front end to match the rear height. Leveling kits are most often used on pickup trucks since these vehicles are designed from the factory with added lift at the rear to prevent sagging while the vehicle is towing. Lift kits raise the entire vehicle by modifying the suspension.
Jeep Lift Kit Sizes
Lift kits come in many sizes and price ranges, from one-inch lifts to extreme suspension lifts that add more than six inches of height. Smaller lifts add a slightly taller wheel/tire package, while the bigger suspension lifts are for serious off-roading. When looking at specific brands of lift kits, MOPAR offers factory-designed two- and four-inch lifts for the Wrangler, while aftermarket kits provide more options for lifting the Jeep.
What to Look for in a Jeep Lift Kit
Essentially, you want a kit that gives you the clearance you need with as much stability as possible and can handle heavy-duty driving. While many drivers might steer toward OEM kits, some aftermarket options can also offer what you need and still give you a durable product. To help you review Jeep lift kits, we’ve put together a list of top picks that can offer high-quality, affordable options.
Best Jeep Lift Kit #1: Rough Country 2.5-Inch Lift Kit
The Rough Country 2.5-inch lift kit fits the 1997-2006 Wrangler and features:
- Rating of 4.8 out of five stars
- Limited lifetime replacement warranty
- Straightforward installation
The Rough Country lift kit for older Wranglers gives your Jeep an extra 2.5 inches of clearance and includes factory-tuned rear and front coil springs and N3 shock absorbers. This kit is perfect for anyone looking to add a couple of inches to a vintage Wrangler for larger tires and added style.
Best Jeep Lift Kit #2: MotoFab 3-Inch Full Lift Kit
The MotoFab full-suspension lift kit comes with all you need to extend the clearance of your Jeep. This kit fits 2007-2018 Wranglers and features:
- A 4.7-star rating
- High-grade alloy steel
- Lifetime warranty
This kit is perfect for clearing up to 35-inch tires and comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. Straightforward bolt-on construction makes this kit easy to install.
Best Jeep Lift Kit #3: KSP 3-Inch Full-Suspension Lift Kit
The KSP Performance lift kit fits 2007-2018 Wranglers and contains everything you need to install your full-suspension lift. Here are several product highlights:
- Rating of 4.5 out of five stars
- Heavy-duty carbon steel
- One-year warranty
KSP offers a warranty with your purchase, and the kit is easy to install with a bolt-on construction. With a 3-inch lift, this kit gives you the clearance you need to fit tires up to 33 inches.
Our Methodology
We review and evaluate vehicles, accessories, and automotive parts, including Jeep lift kits, to make shopping easier for you. We provide our top Jeep lift kit recommendations based on the following criteria:
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Durability and performance
- Safety and quality standards
To determine which lift kits made our list of top car products, we reviewed lift kits based on real customers’ Amazon reviews, comparative prices, and quality and performance ratings. However, it’s important to choose a lift kit that’s fit for your Jeep and to speak with a qualified technician to determine if your kit should be professionally installed.
Jeep Lift Kit FAQ
Will lifting my Jeep cause issues?
Adding a lift kit to your Jeep shouldn’t cause issues unless it is installed incorrectly or not properly maintained. Installing a lift kit takes time, and if you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need the proper tools. Otherwise, make sure the technician you choose to install your kit is experienced and qualified to do so. Lifting your vehicle can also affect the ride quality and handling, and you’ll need to perform regular maintenance to make sure the parts are in good condition.
How hard is it to install a lift kit?
Installation complexity depends on the type of lift kit you choose. A body lift or minor suspension lift is generally an easy upgrade even for beginner DIYers, but bigger lifts can require additional suspension modifications for maximum usefulness and safety. Since lift kits are usually installed to accommodate larger wheels and tires, keep in mind that you will need to upgrade your axles and gearing once you start planning to step up to extreme tire sizes.
Will a lift kit void my Jeep warranty?
Aftermarket lift kits can void your powertrain warranty, but certain OEM kits might not. Depending on the kit you choose, you may still have coverage under your Jeep warranty if you install MOPAR kits with heights up to 4 inches. This allowance can vary with other OEM kits, though, so it’s important to research your warranty stipulations and speak with a certified technician about options that won’t waive your coverage.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
