by Joshua Thomas
That aggressive look that makes many people want to own a Jeep does not just happen. Also, most Jeeps will not come looking that way from the factory or dealership. The look comes from using the best Jeep lift kit.
A Jeep lift kit contains several components that are designed to either lift the body or suspension. By lifting the body you increase the distances between the frame and the body while a suspension lift will increase the axle and frame distance.
Besides the obvious aesthetics that come with lifting, it is also meant to provide greater articulation, better ground clearance, and improved approach angle all of which improve the overall off-road performance of the Jeep.
Jeep lift kits come in various types and from different manufacturers. In this piece, we highlight the important things you need to know about them and also review 10 top-rated Jeep lift kits to help you pick the perfect one for your vehicle.
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1. 4WS.COM BBJK (Best Overall) |
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2. Rough Country 635 (Best Value Jeep Lift Kit) |
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3. Rough Country 609S (Best Suspension Lift Kit) |
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4. Rough Country 907S (Great Value for a 4-Inch Lift Kit) |
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5. Rough Country 681S (Top Notch Lift Kit by a Reputable Brand) |
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6. Rough Country 66330 (The High End Jeep Lift Kit) |
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7. Rubicon Express RE7143 (High-Quality Lift Kit with the Fewest Parts) |
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8. Skyjacker TJ401BPH (Excellent Off-Road Jeep Lift Kit) |
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9. JKS 9904 (Inexpensive but Effective Body Lift) |
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If you prefer something basic and more affordable, this lift kit will be perfect for you. It comes with two front and rear spacers that will provide up to 2.5 inches of lift.
These spacers are designed to be tough and highly durable thanks to the heavy-duty polyurethane material, and so you can be confident it will be a long time before you need to replace them.
This relatively more affordable suspension lift kit is the cheapest on our Jeep lift kit review, and it makes it easy to return your vehicle to stock condition if you want to.
Although it will not come with the installation instruction, it is still relatively easy to install, and it should only take a few hours to do it.
Also, this is a lightweight lift kit that will create enough room for 35-inch tires, and it is meant for use on the Jeep Wrangler JK.
There are no installation instructions on the package, but this should not be a big deal as watching a few videos online should provide all the information you need to install the kit.
Pros
Cons
If you drive 2007-18 Wrangler JK 4WD or 2007-18 Wrangler Unlimited JK 4WD, this is the best Jeep lift kit for the money for you as it is not only relatively affordable but also provides clearance for up to 35-inch tires.
The kit consists of coil spring spacers, brake line brackets and relocation brackets for front and rear, a rear track bar bracket, rear sway bar links, and all the essential hardware.
The 100% bolt-on installation makes the kit easy to install, and it should only take between 2 and 3 hours to do it.
With this Jeep lift kit, you can be confident of getting more ground clearance, and it also helps to level the front of the Jeep with the rear. And the unique spring retention will help keep the coil spring in place during extreme articulation.
Instructions are also the key shortcoming for this Jeep lift kit. They seem a little vague for anyone that is not mechanically inclined but generally this is also a super easy lift kit to install.
Pros
Cons
With a maximum lift height of 3.5 inches, this Rough Country Jeep lift kit will create enough room for those 37-inch tires that you have always wanted to have on your Jeep.
It uses an easy bolt-on installation and comes with detailed instructions to ensure that anyone can install it. And the installation should only take between 4 and 5 hours.
Being a product from one of the best Jeep lift kit brands, you can also be sure that all the individual components on the kit are top-notch quality and highly durable.
Another thing that makes this one of the best suspension lift kit is that it provides increased ground clearance for excellent off-road performance. And it will also include coil correction plates that will correct the rear coil spring angle by 10 degrees to make them function more efficiently.
Besides the improved off-road performance, this kit also helps to maintain smooth on-road rides. It does not work on 2-wheel models, and exhaust modifications will be necessary for those with 2012 and up models.
Pros
Cons
For the Jeep owners that want to go all out and give their vehicle a massive 4-inch lift to create room for large tires, the Rough Country 907S is a good kit to buy.
And for a 4-inch lift kit, it is also quite affordable. With this kit, you can be confident of getting increased ground clearance and excellent off-road performance.
The kit also comes complete with everything that you need. And this includes lifted coil springs and lower tubular control arms for the front and rear and 4 premium N3 shocks.
Easy bolt-on installation ensures there are no complications during installation. This kit will level the front and rear of your Jeep, and its N3 shocks ensure you get the best on and off-road performance.
This kit has quite many parts and components, which should explain the longer installation time. But, they should still be easy to manage provided you organize them well.
Pros
Cons
Here is another relatively affordable Jeep lift kit from Rough Country that will provide a 4-inch lift. It is meant for lifting the 2007-18 Wrangler Unlimited JK 4WD only, and it comes as an all-inclusive kit.
Like many other Rough Country Jeep lift kits, it uses the easy bolt-on installation to simplify the process. It will also increase ground clearance and make it a good Jeep Wrangler Unlimited lift kit as it delivers better off-road performance.
Also, it uses coil correction plates to correct the rear coil spring angle by 10 degrees so that these springs can function more efficiently.
Installation should take between 4 and 5 hours, which is quite good compared to many others on our review of Jeep lift kits and the market.
However, this kit will also not work for 2-wheel models, and exhaust modifications might be necessary when installing it on some models.
For some Jeep models, you might need to do some exhaust modification. But the good news is that it is just a small and easy modification that most Jeep owners should be able to do on their own.
Pros
Cons
The high price tag of the Rough Country 66330 long arm lift kit is a great indication of its high-quality.
It is one of the best Jeep Wrangler suspension kits out there, and it is designed to provide a 4-inch lift that will accommodate larger tires, and it comes complete with all the components and hardware.
Some of the key highlights of the lift kit include the 4 high-performance shocks, strong and highly durable track bars and the fully rebuildable and greaseable design.
The high clearance design of the lower control arms and extreme travel long arms are also great additions to the kit. These long arms provide optimum alignment and also give optimum articulation.
Like most other long arm lift kits, the installation can be a little complicated, and it will take longer as there are numerous parts to install, but it will be worth it in the end.
Pros
Cons
Short arm lift kits like the Rubicon Express RE7143 are relatively easier to install than the long arm lift kit types.
However, the RE7143 is also the priciest item on our Jeep lift kit review, but you always get what you pay for, so you can be confident this kit will work well for you.
The relatively fewer parts also mean less worry about and the installation is less likely to lead to any complications.
This lift kit is designed for both on and off-road performance, and it features adjustable upper control arms and fixed lower ones and with serviceable ball joints.
With this kit, you can get a lift of up to 3.5 inches, which should be more than enough to fit your large tires. And although it is a little pricier, you can be confident that it will give you value for every buck.
Pros
Cons
The 4-inch lift you get from this Jeep lift kit should be enough for your large tires and ensure great off-road performance.
This mid-price range Jeep lift kit comes with all the necessary components that you will need for the lift, and the best thing about it is that everything is boxed at the factory, so you will hardly find a missing component.
Because there are only a few components that require installation, this should be a straightforward and fast Jeep lift kit to install.
You will also get decent ground clearance with this kit for your off-road excursions and an aggressive look that will improve the overall appearance of your Jeep.
While this lift kit might not be perfect for on-road rides, when it comes to off-road use, you will hardly get anything better.
Pros
Cons
Body lifts are generally more affordable than suspension lifts, but the best thing about them is that they do not affect the suspension's geometry or the spring rate. And so, with a body lift like the JKS 9904 you can still maintain a safe and smooth on-road ride.
This body lift kit will raise the body by 1.25 inches on the chassis to provide additional tire clearance and with minimal effect on the center of gravity.
The easy to install kit will come with all the necessary parts and hardware, and like with most other body lift kits, installation is a simple and straightforward process.
And you will not need to modify your fuel tank, radiator, air conditioning, or brakes like with other Jeep lift kits.
There is no increase in ground clearance with this Jeep lift kit, but given that it is a body lift, this should be expected.
Pros
Cons
Now that you have decided to lift your Jeep, the first thing should be to decide the type of kit to use as there are different options.
Doing this from the onset helps avoid disappointments or unintentional damage to your vehicle and ensure that you get the look you desire. Here are some of the most common Jeep lift kits.
Photo: rocky-road.com
Sometimes all you just want is a little more room for your 31-inch tires or some extra clearance under the transfer case. When this is the case, the smaller Wrangler lift kits are your best option.
Typically, these Jeep lift kits will provide between 1 and 2 inches of lift, and they consist of some space coilers for lifting the front height and long shackles for the rear. But, if you have some strong and new springs, you can also go with blocks for the rear.
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Cons:
Photo: youtube.com
If you are just looking for the best lift kit for Jeep Wrangler or one that will give your vehicle that aggressive look, you have always desired, a big lift kit is the way to go.
The bigger wrangler lifts are designed to provide a lift that is upwards of 2 inches, and so they will always leave your vehicle with a more aggressive look. Also, the greater clearance leads to top-notch off-road performances while still maintaining smooth and stable on-road rides.
Because of the higher lift that these kits are meant to provide, they will come with more parts than the smaller lift kits, and so it is important to make sure that you know what you are doing.
Also, these lift kits can be quite expensive, and this is more so if they also include coil-overs. But, they make it possible to run 35-inch tires with excellent results.
Pros:
Cons:
Photo: bdsliftkits.ca
Body lifts provide a more affordable method of lifting your Jeep. With these lifts, you can get anywhere between 1 and 3 inches of lift without replacing the shocks.
However, it is important to note that body lifts that go beyond 1.5 inches can reduce ride quality if you do not install new shocks. And if your lift goes further to between 2 and 3 inches, you can also start experiencing major suspension issues.
A body lift provides taller spacers and bolts that go between the Jeep's frame and body. And so, if you prefer larger lifts, you will also need to install new brackets/extensions for components like the shifter, radiator, and fuel filler tube.
But with a body lift, there will be minimal change to the Jeep's center of gravity, no change to driveline angles. You can run larger tires and create more room for high clearance skid plates.
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Cons:
The budget boost is a Jeep lift kit that results in just a small increase of the Jeep's suspension height. This kit will mostly use coil spring spacers for the front and larger shackles for lifting the rear.
Budget boosts are super easy and straightforward to install for any Jeep owner with basic mechanic skills. But, if you do not also install new shocks or extensions, it can cause issues.
Installing a budget boost will allow your Jeep to accommodate larger tires, but if you do it with shocks that have not been extended, you run the risk of bending the shock mounts.
Pros:
Cons:
Short arm or suspension lifts are the most common type of Jeep lift kits. If you are on the hunt for the best Jeep lift kit for Jeep Wrangler, they should be one of your top considerations, thanks to their relatively affordable price and effectiveness.
These lift kits will provide a lift of between 2 and 6 inches. However, anything higher than 2.5 inches will require additional components like a slip yoke eliminator to prevent issues such as driveline vibrations.
If you will be using your Jeep Wrangler mostly for off-roading, 4 to 6-inch lifts provide the best ground clearance and also allow you to use huge tires.
But, this super high lift means your Jeep will be less safe and less comfortable for on-road use due to the higher center of gravity.
Most short arm lifts consist of bigger coil springs, sway bar links, shocks, and a few other components, depending on their size and the manufacturer.
Pros:
Cons:
The long arm lifts are a special type of suspension lift that uses longer control arms, which are also mounted further back than what you get on the short arm lifts. This design helps to keep the suspension angles as close to original as possible.
You will get better ride quality with long arm lift than what you get with short arm lifts thanks to the better suspension angles.
They also provide increased ground clearance and provide better wheel travel and more tire clearance than the short arm lifts.
However, these lifts also have some significant drawbacks with key among them being that they tend to be pricier, and the long control arms are more likely to get caught on rocks when rock crawling. Installation is also more complicated as you will also need to modify the exhaust.
Pros:
Cons:
A Jeep lift kit does more than just aesthetic modification as it will positively or negatively affect your driving experience. What all this means is that you cannot afford to pick the wrong kit.
There are several factors that you need to take into account when choosing the best Jeep lift kit and they include the points below.
The lift height that you want to achieve and the tire size you want to run on your Jeep are the first factors to consider when it comes to picking a lift kit.
It is important to note that different lifts are designed to produce a particular range of lift. For example, the smaller wrangler lifts will in most cases provide a maximum lift of 2 inches and enough room for 31 or 33-inch tires.
Read More: The Best Tires for Jeep Wrangler
If you plan to upgrade your tire size to 35 inches, you will need a kit that can provide a lift of at least 2.5 inches, such as the short arm lifts. And if you want to go all out and increase your tire size to 37 inches, you need a 3.5-inch lift kit.
Different Jeep lift kits will include various components such as shocks and adapters. And before you buy any kit, you should make sure that you understand all the components you need to install.
And this is because some components might require a lot of modifications to install or may necessitate you to spend more on additional parts to install them.
Keep in mind that if you go for an under $200 kit that will require you to buy additional components that cost hundreds of dollars, you will end up spending more on the lift than you would if you bought a more expensive kit with all the necessary components.
Jeep lift kits will come in different price ranges depending on the type, manufacture and the kit component. And so you need to determine how much you are willing to spend on the lift.
It should be obvious that the higher the lift you want to get, the more you will spend. And this is because to get that high ground clearance, you will need the more expensive short arm and long arm lifts.
Budget boosts and body lifts might not provide as much lift as the suspension lifts, but they can still provide a decent lift for your wrangler when on a tight budget.
Installation time matters a lot when it comes to Jeep lift kits, and this is more so when you are doing it yourself as a DIY project.
The easier and faster the installation, the better, but it is important to note that unlike body lifts, suspension lifts take more time as they are more complex to install.
The type of kit, the number and type of components on the kit, and whether you have to do some modifications to your vehicle or not are the key determinants of installation time.
While you might want something that takes the shortest time to install, it is vital to keep in mind that this is something that you should never do in a hurry as you can damage your Jeep or endanger your life and others if you do not do it correctly.
As a Jeep owner, a lift is one of the best aftermarket upgrades you can give your vehicle. Lifting improves its overall aesthetics by giving it a more appealing and aggressive look and also enhances its overall off-road performance.
It is important to choose the best Jeep lift kit from the many options in the market. To be easy, you will need to decide the best type for your Jeep and consider other things like the tires size the lift should accommodate budget and installation time.
And with our reivew of top 10 Jeep lift kits above to give you some high-quality recommendations, finding your perfect kit should now be super easy.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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