Best Jeep Lift Kits: Clear More Obstacles With Extra Height

A: Lift kits can be problematic when they’re improperly installed – or when you choose a wrongly-fitted kit for your make, model, and tire size. As long as you use a well-fitted, professionally-installed lift kit, you shouldn’t have any issues with your Jeep.

A: Adding a lift kit to your Jeep isn’t exactly cheap, as even lower-end lift kits will run anywhere from $600 to $800 for a few inches of extra height. However, these kits tend to include all of the hardware and replacement parts you’ll need to do the job properly and thoroughly. Higher-end lift kits tend to run between $900 and $2,000, though the price will vary depending on factors like the height you’re looking for, the exact make and model of your Jeep, and your tire size.

A: The installation price really depends on the size of your lift, the kind of lift kit you’ve purchased, and how much labor is needed to get it set up. In general, you can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 to have a lift kit professionally installed on your Jeep, though some may cost upwards of $1,000.

A: Lift Height: First and foremost, you’ve got to find a Jeep lift kit that delivers just the amount of lift height (or clearance) that you need. You’ll find kits that range from just one to two inches all the way up to five inches, so there’s quite a lot of variability in a kit’s lift. Small lifts are those up to 2.5 inches, while large lifts are those that offer 3.5 inches or more. The higher the lift, the more components your kit will need to appropriately balance and support your Jeep’s frame. Think about the kinds of obstacles you’re looking to handle, and that’ll help you decide how much clearance is necessary. 

Two-Door or Four-Door: Height isn’t the only consideration you’ll need to make to find an appropriate lift kit for your Jeep. You’ll want to find a kit suited for your exact make, model, and model year. And you can’t overlook the number of doors on your vehicle, either. Lift kits typically come in two-door or four-door format, and the differences are noticeable. A four-door kit will need thicker, tougher springs in order to support additional weight. A two-door kit can get away with thinner, lighter-weight springs to offer good balance and stability. 

Components Included: Lastly, don’t forget to take a close look at which components are included in any given Jeep lift kit. While some are streamlined and simple, like coil spacer kits that only feature a few parts, others can be particularly complex. And there’s nothing more frustrating than taking your Jeep to a mechanic (or trying to do the install yourself) and discovering you’re missing necessary parts. While one to two inch kits and budget-priced kits will likely feature just a small selection, make sure you’re getting parts like track bars, sway bar links, control arms, and more when you’re looking for 2-plus inches of clearance.

A: Leveling Kit: A leveling kit is pretty straightforward: It’s an aftermarket kit that levels your Jeep. This kind of kit can be handy for models (like the Wrangler) that have the front end sit lower than the rear, as a leveling kit will bring both ends of your SUV into alignment. They can also be used alongside other modifications that may throw your suspension out of balance, like installing a heavy winch or upgraded bumper. However, a leveling kit won’t provide a whole lot of lift; you’ll get about one to two inches max.

Body Lift Kit: If you’re looking for about one to two inches of lift but don’t necessarily need to level your Jeep, a body lift kit may be the right pick. These kits are similar to leveling kits, but a body lift kit doesn’t always level your vehicle. Rather, they can but only if you choose a leveling and lift kit in one. Otherwise, a body lift kit will give you one to two extra inches of clearance and use rubber spacer pucks to increase the distance between the frame and the suspension. Additionally, you won’t get increased wheel travel with a body lift kit on your Jeep.

Suspension Lift Kit: If you’re looking for a more significant lift and clearance, a suspension lift kit – also known as a short arm lift, to some – is the right choice. These Jeep lift kits are often used on Wranglers, and they can give you anywhere from two to six inches of extra height. A suspension lift kit is a great pick for serious off-roading, as you’ll get good articulation in addition to extra clearances, and you can also swap in larger tires. There are some downsides, though, as all that extra height can reduce driving comfort on paved roads and a changed center of gravity. 

Coil Spacers: Don’t need a whole lot of additional clearance on your Jeep? You might be able to get away with a more simplified lift kit like a set of coil spacers. These more affordable lift kits aren’t very extensive; it’s more like a quick fix to get an extra 1.5 to two inches of height. However, adding a set of coil spacers to your SUV can lift you just enough to ride on larger tires, without committing to a full-body lift. 

A: Technically, you can install your own lift kit. But if you haven’t installed one before, you’re going to want professional help. Having a pro handle installation can prevent issues, improper wear, and safety concerns once you hit the road with your newly-lifted SUV.

A: On average, you can expect your lift kit to last about 50,000 miles. Depending on how hard you drive, and how tough your off-roading adventures are, you may see better longevity or faster wear.