Best Jeep Lift Kits: Clear More Obstacles With Extra Height
Give your off-road SUV a bit of a boost with higher clearance and a new set of springs and shocks.
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Looking to raise your Jeep’s ground clearance? Well, it’s not hard to do when you’re working with a standard Wrangler, Cherokee, or any other stock model from the Jeep lineup as there are plenty of lift kits available. With one of the best Jeep lift kits installed, you can swap out your standard springs and shocks, give your SUV a lift, and make it even more capable off the beaten (or paved) path. And these kits can give you anywhere from an extra inch to as much as four or five extra inches. With so many different lift options to choose from, it’s easy to find an option that perfectly balances daily driving and off-road stability and flexibility all in one.
Teraflex 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit
- Smooth, even ride
- Works with tires up to 35 inches
- Offers 2 to 3 inches of height
- Lengthy install process
- Instructions aren’t the clearest
Rough Country 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit
- Affordable
- Simple, quick installation process
- Great for beginners to install at home
- Some bolts may arrive rusted
Jeep 2 Inch Lift Kit with Fox Shocks
- Creates 0 to 3.5 inches of clearance
- Created with Jeep expertise
- Tested for performance, durability, and corrosion
- Expensive price
Summary List
- Best Overall: Teraflex 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit
- Best Value: Rough Country 3.75” Suspension Lift Kit
- Best Honorable Mention: Jeep 2 Inch Lift Kit with Fox Shocks
- Best for Older Jeeps: Skyjacker 3.75” Sport Series Suspension Lift Kit
- Best for 4-Doors: Superlift 2.5" Lift Kit with Front & Rear Coil Spacers
Our Methodology
To choose the best Jeep lift kits, I took a look at the different types of lift kits available for a wide variety of different models, including two-door and four-door SUVs. I sought out kits that were specific to popular Jeep models, like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, along with those that could offer varying increases in clearance and lifts anywhere from 1.5 to 3.75 inches. Those lift kits made by reputable brands and positively reviewed by those who’ve purchased, installed, and driven with them were the standouts, and I took a look at users’ experiences with these kits to assess how they performed on roads and while off-roading.
Best Jeep Lift Kits: Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Manufacturer: Teraflex
- Lift Height Range: 2 to 3 in.
- Made For: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models
If you’re looking for a solid amount of added clearance and a safe, reliable kit, the Teraflex 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit is a perfect pick. This kit, which is made to suit Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited models made between 2007 and 2018, is a suspension lift kit that offers extra height along with improved balance for your new setup. While it’s designed for 2.5 inches of clearance, you can adjust the kit between two and three inches to your liking as it’s installed. Compatible with tires up to 35 inches, this kit includes front and rear 9550 VSS shocks as well as the other equipment you’ll need to achieve an even, lifted ride, like bump stops, brake line brackets, sway bar links, and coil springs.
However, you might want to pass the installation off to a professional. Getting this lift kit installed on your Jeep takes about eight hours (a full day’s work), and the instructions aren’t very clear or straightforward.
Pros
Affordable with an array of parts
Durable, reliable hardware
Works with tires up to 35 in.
Smooth, even ride
Cons
Instructions aren’t the clearest
Install does take a full day or longer
Specs
- Manufacturer: Rough Country
- Lift Height Range: 2.5 in.
- Made For: Jeep Wrangler YJ models
You don’t have to spend a lot to get plenty of clearance; that’s exactly what makes the Rough Country 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit such a great value. Made to fit Jeep Wrangler YJ models, this kit provides you with an impressive lift range of up to five inches total, allowing your SUV to ride on up to 33-inch tires and work with wheel backspacing of up to 2.5 inches. You’ll be able to tackle sizable obstacles while off-roading with that extra height, and you can trust that the components used to raise your Jeep are sturdy. In the kit, you’ll get leaf springs for smooth rides on paved highways and balance off the beaten path. Application-tuned components help keep your suspension strong and flexible, and the load is distributed evenly for added strength and balance.
Unfortunately, there is one common issue that users note with this Jeep lift kit. While installation is simple and there are plenty of components and hardware included, it’s not uncommon to find rusty bolts included in the packaging. Rusted hardware can compromise the stability and durability of your lift kit, so you’ll want to check every component very carefully upon arrival.
Pros
Great value for the the price
Simple, straightforward installation
Includes all the parts and hardware needed
Can be installed by beginners
Cons
Some of the bolts and hardware may arrive rusted
Specs
- Manufacturer: Jeep
- Lift Height Range: 2 in.
- Made For: Jeep Wrangler JL models
Let's say you want OEM factory quality and parts warranty, as well as the best possible ride money can buy. Look no further than this Fox Shocks-equipped package direct from Jeep's catalog. Fox is one of the top names in damper technology, known for ride quality and sturdiness. The lift itself is a modest 2-inch raising that will suit a lot of folks after a more modest look and increase in capability, who don't want to impact daily-ability too much. Finally, it's a very quality package that even comes in an actual wooden crate—talk about a cool keepsake to store your stash of Jeep parts, tools, and memorabilia in!
Pros
One of the best shock absorber options money can buy
Simple, straightforward installation
Includes all the parts and hardware needed
Engineered by the best in the business themselves
Cons
Price
Specs
- Manufacturer: Skyjacker
- Lift Height Range: 3.75 in.
- Made For: Jeep YJ models
Owners of older Jeep models will love the fitment of the Skyjacker 2.5” Sport Series Suspension Lift Kit. Made for Jeep YJs, it’s not for the newest SUVs in the lineup. Able to provide two to three inches of extra clearance, this kit can offer both a lift boost and better load distribution. With its hydro shocks and leaf springs, it can create a smooth ride on- and off-road, and the addition of these components can also improve your suspension travel. The parts of this lift kit are built to last you for years and many miles, with flexing leaf tips, springs that can carry and redistribute weight reliably, and Teflon-coated components that help enhance durability.
The primary drawback to this Jeep lift kit is, unfortunately, missing components. Users note that some packages can arrive without all of the necessary items for installation, so you’ll want to carefully check that all of the parts are present upon arrival.
Pros
Straightforward installation
Smooth, even ride
Well-distributed vehicle load and balance
Improves suspension travel
Cons
Kit can arrive missing parts
Specs
- Manufacturer: Superlift
- Lift Height Range: 2.5 in.
- Made For: Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited models
If you’re the owner of a Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited made in the last few years. Specifically, from 2018 to 2021. This kit for newer model years can give you 2 to 3 inches of extra clearance, and it’s compatible with 35-inch tires on Sport and Sahara models or 37-inch tires for the Rubicon. Compression stop spacers help prevent tire rub, and the extended sway bar links help keep your frame balanced and well-equipped for both paved highways and off-road adventures. Best of all, each one of the components included is tested for flexibility and durability, both for years to come and many off-road miles.
However, you can only use this kit on four-door Jeep Wrangler models. It isn’t a suitable fit for two-door SUVs.
Pros
Easy installation
Compression stop spacers to prevent tire rub
Suitable for 35 to 37 in. tires
Inexpensive
Cons
Not the most comfortable ride
The kit should include more new hardware
Our Verdict on the Best Jeep Lift Kits
The Teraflex 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit is the best overall Jeep lift kit, with a solid amount of added height and great performance on paved roads as well as while off-roading. If you’re looking for a value-rich alternative that works within your budget, the Rough Country 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit is another good option that’s affordable and provides plenty of clearance for its cost.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Does a lift kit hurt your Jeep?
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.
Q: What should I expect to pay for a Jeep lift kit?
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.
Q: How much does it cost to get a lift kit installed on a Jeep?
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.
Q: What are some key features of Jeep lift kits?
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.
Q: What are the different types of lift kits for Jeeps?
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.
Q: Can I install my Jeep lift kit myself?
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.
Q: How long do Jeep lift kits last?
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.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn more