As one of the most customizable vehicles on the road, the Jeep Wrangler JK beckons for you to add your own personal touch. And while you can upgrade a variety of features of the Wrangler JK, a lift kit is perhaps the best one-two punch you can buy. With enhanced aesthetics and better off-roading, lift kits offer the best of both worlds.
Before you buy, just make sure you know how to choose the best lift kit and discover the best kits available for your Jeep Wrangler JK.
Comparison of the Best Lift Kit for Jeep Wrangler JK
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Choosing the Right Lift Kit for Your Jeep Wrangler JK
The Jeep Wrangler JK has plenty of options in terms of lift kits because of its body style and off-roading capabilities. However, the sheer number of options can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time selecting a kit. So rather than going blindly into your purchase, take the following factors into consideration.
Where Do You Want to Drive?
The first question you need to ask yourself is where you want to drive. Is your Jeep Wrangler JK an everyday vehicle that you drive on the highway? Do you keep your Wrangler garaged until the weekend and then hit the off-road? Or is your usage somewhere in between?
Answering these questions will help you determine just what lift kit you need. If you’re a commuter, something lower to the ground will provide a smoother and more stable ride. If you’re tackling treacherous off-road conditions or you love rock crawling, a higher lift kit should do the trick. It’s all about knowing where you want to go. Once you have that figured out, choosing the right lift kit becomes second nature.
Body Lift vs Suspension Lift
Another consideration when choosing the right lift kit for your Jeep Wrangler JK is deciding whether you want a body lift kit or a suspension lift kit.
A body lift kit, as the name implies, simply raises the body of the Wrangler away from the frame. It won’t give you more ground clearance, but it will give you the ability to accommodate larger tires and provide an eye-catching appearance that many Wrangler JK owners crave.
If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, a suspension kit is the better option. Suspension lift kits extend the suspension of the Wrangler JK while also raising the body itself, or at least from an aesthetics viewpoint. Typically, you can get a bit more height from a suspension lift kit than a body lift kit. However, suspension lifts come with a higher price tag because you’ll need other components like adjustable control arms, etc.
If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, a suspension kit is the better option. Suspension lift kits extend the suspension of the Wrangler JK while also raising the body itself, or at least from an aesthetics viewpoint. Typically, you can get a bit more height from a suspension lift kit than a body lift kit. However, suspension lifts come with a higher price tag.
If you’re looking purely for looks without superior off-roading ability or you just want to sit a bit higher in your Jeep Wrangler JK, body lift kits are the better option. But if you want to blaze new trails out in the wilderness, a suspension lift kit is probably the superior choice.
Ease of Installation
The installation also plays a pivotal role in which lift kit you choose, especially if you want to do the installation yourself. That said, first-time DIYers may find installing a lift kit somewhat difficult, especially if they opt for kits that require at least a moderate knowledge of suspensions and other components of the Wrangler JK.
Furthermore, many things can go wrong if you install a lift kit improperly, and as a last resort, you can always take your vehicle to a qualified installation shop. But if you want to do all the work yourself, make sure you find something that’s geared toward the novice installer.
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Review of the Best Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler JK
The best lift kits for the Jeep Wrangler JK come in a variety of heights, prices, and styles. Yet with a seemingly endless number of options, choosing the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Regardless of your reasoning behind the lift kit, check out these top choices from some of the most reputable manufacturers in the industry.
Best Overall
TeraFlex 1155200 1.5″ Leveling Kit
Specifications
Height: 2 inches to front, 1 inch to the rear
Maximum Tire Size: 33 inches
Type: Spacer lift kit
Time Required for Installation: 3 hours
Shocks Included: No
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Review
The TeraFlex 1.5-inch leveling kit provides a more aggressive stance to your Jeep Wrangler without breaching the line between tasteful and too much. With easy installation and a smooth ride upon completion, this kit is exactly what you need for the sake of subtlety and overall improvement in appearance.
Bottom Line
Although some buyers describe the spacers of this kit as flimsy, this seems to be a rarity. And while this kit isn’t meant for extreme off-roading, Wrangler JK owners that just want a touch of style without the headaches of a full-on lift kit will love the balance struck by the TeraFlex 1.5-inch leveling kit.
Pros
Simple installation
Superb vehicle stability
Provides an aggressive stance with minimal lift
Works with existing shocks; no need to buy new shocks
Works with both two-door and four-door Wrangler models.
Cons
Warranty is optional
Spacers can break even after highway-only driving
Doesn’t work with some of the original hardware of the Wrangler JK
Runner-up
MOTOFAB 3″ Full Lift Kit
Specifications
Height: 3 inches in both front and rear
Maximum Tire Size: 35 inches
Type: Spacer lift kit with shock extenders
Time Required for Installation: 4 to 6 hours
Shocks Included: No
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Review
If you’re nervous about installing a lift kit on your own, the MOTOFAB 3” Full Lift Kit should put your worries to rest. With high-quality parts, detailed instructions, and shock extenders included, installing this lift kit is a cinch. And when you’re done, you’ll notice a superior ride compared to other lift kits that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars more.
Bottom Line
Budget-conscious buyers that want to add height to their Jeep Wrangler JK without breaking the bank will love the MOTOFAB 3” Full Lift Kit. And with easy installation that should only take you about an afternoon, this kit is a bargain that won’t have you throwing wrenches around the garage.
Pros
Excellent quality of parts
Rides great on the highway
Superb value for the money
Installation is simple even for novice DIYers
Cons
May require an adjustable track bar
A few buyers state that the ride is bumpy regardless of the terrain
Some users say that a sway bar is mandatory for off-roading with this lift kit
Best for the Money
4WSCOM BBJK 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit
Specifications
Height: 2 inches without stock insulators; 2.5 inches with stock insulators
Maximum Tire Size: 33 inches
Type: Spacer lift kit
Time Required for Installation: 3 to 5 hours
Shocks Included: No
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For a highly affordable, easy-to-install lift kit, few other options can touch the 4WSCOM TrueTwo 2.5” Suspension Lift Kit. The key to the easy installation is simple high-grade polyurethane spacers that are easy to pop into place. And with no need for a brake line extender or any noticeable change in handling, you’ll be back on the road in no time flat and ready for your next adventure.
Bottom Line
If you’re searching for value in a lift kit, this suspension lift kit is exactly what you’ve been looking for. While you may experience a bit more bumpiness when driving on pavement and some longer shocks if you want to off-road, the low price of this suspension kit gives you plenty of extra money for these upgrades.
Pros
Easy installation
No downgrade in handling
Responsive customer service
No brake line extension necessary
Lifetime-grade polyurethane spacers
Cons
Ride is a bit bumpier
May need to recenter the steering
Longer shocks needed for heavy off-roading
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Best 2.5 Lift Kit Jeep JK
Rough Country 635 2.5″ Lift Kit
Specifications
Height: 2.5 inches
Maximum Tire Size: 35 inches
Type: Full suspension lift kit
Time Required for Installation: 4 to 6 hours
Shocks Included: No
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For a 2.5-inch suspension lift, Rough Country has you covered. The Rough Country 635 2.5” Lift Kit provides clearance for up to 35-inch tires and even comes with shock and brake line relocation brackets to put your mind at ease. With all of the included hardware and bolt-on installation, Rough Country makes it easy to rig your Jeep Wrangler JK up to new heights.
Bottom Line
If you’re searching for a 2.5-inch lift kit that’s ideal for the budget modifier and Jeep enthusiast, the Rough Country 635 2.5” Lift Kit is sure to meet your approval. And although the instructions may be difficult to follow for the novice installer, Rough Country’s responsive customer service and lifetime warranty should be all you need for a little extra peace of mind.
Pros
Easy bolt-on installation
Maintains OEM ride quality
Lifetime replacement warranty
Extremely durable construction
Comes with shock and brake line relocation brackets
Cons
No front track bar relocation bracket
Contributes to touchy, oversensitive steering
Sketchy instructions; more difficult installation than similar lift kits
Best Long Arm Kit For JK
American Automotive 2.5″ Full Lift Kit
Specifications
Height: 2.5 inches in the front; Your choice of 2 inches or 2.5 inches in the rear
Maximum Tire Size: 35 inches
Type: Suspension leveling kit with long arms
Time Required for Installation: 3 hours
Shocks Included: No
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Review
When you want a smooth ride with a lift kit, nothing beats a long arm option. And with 2.5 inches of aggressive-looking height and superb handling and drivability after installation, nothing beats this 2.5-inch full lift kit from American Automotive. Add in a striking red color and high-quality components, and this lift kit checks all the boxes.
Bottom Line
For commuters that want a comfortable ride on pavement, only a long arm lift kit will do. American Automotive has you covered. With a decent price, all the hardware you need, and an installation time of just 3 hours, you’ll have your Wrangler JK all decked out and ready to go as soon as possible, even if you’ve never installed a kit before.
Pros
High-quality parts
Bolt-on installation
All necessary hardware included
Excellent option for first-time installers
Buyers report satisfaction with the appearance of the kit after installation
Cons
Requires sway bar end link replacement
Poor instructions and parts aren’t labeled
Issues with holes drilled in the wrong places
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Types of Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler JK
Lift kits typically come in two options: body lift kits or spacer lift kits and true suspension lift kits. However, it’s important to know the differences between the two so you get the effect you want after installation. So whether you’re looking for aesthetics only or something that provides a bit of extra ground clearance and off-road capability, here is a quick breakdown of the two lift kits.
Body Lift Kits
Body lift kits typically use spacers that fit above the coil springs to raise your Jeep Wrangler JK a bit higher without any extra parts. The advantage of these lift kits is that they’re inexpensive, provide clearance for larger tires, are simple to install, and yet still mostly maintain the factory ride. However, the maximum height you can usually get with these lift kits is around 4 to 5 inches, which may not be enough for certain Wrangler JK owners.
True Suspension Lift Kits
True suspension lift kits, or full lift kits, actually extend the suspension with longer springs while also raising the height of the vehicle from an aesthetic view.
While these kits are more expensive, difficult to install, and may reduce handling, you can get more clearance and more height overall than you would with just a body lift kit. So if you’re looking to become king of the off-road, a true suspension lift kit is the optimal selection.
Top-Rated Lift Kit Manufacturers
As with any other type of aftermarket parts, manufacturers seem to pop up everywhere on the internet. But not all are created equal. To add to the confusion of options, a lesser-known brand doesn’t always translate to lower quality. As such, you’ll want to keep an eye out for these top-rated manufacturers that combine quality, affordability, and more.
MotoFab
Founded in 2009, MotoFab has just 15 employees and a single 26,000-square-foot factory and headquarters. But the company is also proof that you don’t need massive operations to forge a high-quality lift kit.
Fitting the boutique lift kit mold, MotoFab uses CNC machines and state-of-the-art equipment to provide high-quality lift kits at the best price possible. And with easy installation, a lifetime warranty, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed, the New York-based manufacturer provides a number of lift kit solutions for all types of Wrangler enthusiasts.
Rough Country
Started in Dyersburg, Tennessee, in 1986, Rough Country has become one of the top brands in the industry for aftermarket suspension upgrades. Along with shocks and struts, the company’s lift kits have also garnered praise for their ease of installation and overall durability. And with a lifetime warranty on their lift kits and leveling kits, Rough Country stands by their products.
TeraFlex
If you want a product that’s engineered specifically for the Jeep Wrangler, Teraflex is your best bet. That’s right. They only produce aftermarket components for the Jeep Wrangler, making them a unique company with the engineering and design to back it up.
Founded in 1996, the Utah-based company tests many of its products, including lift kits, right out in the harsh desert and rocky environments found throughout the state. With such rigorous testing and loads of top reviews, TeraFlex is a top choice for Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts that put a premium on quality lift kits.
Price Points of Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler JK
Lift kits for the Jeep Wrangler JK come in a wide range of price points, giving every buyer the opportunity to make their Jeep look its best. So whether you have a shoestring budget or an endless supply of capital, here’s what you can expect to get at each price level.
$100 to $300
Lift kits for under $100 aren’t common. If you find one, run in the other direction. However, the $100 to $300 range can offer excellent value for the money. While you won’t find true suspension kits here, you can still hone in on some spacer kits of decent quality.
$300 to $600
The mid-grade tier of lift kits provides more options, especially with respect to the quality of accompanying shocks. While this may not seem like a huge deal, especially with the improved quality of spacers in recent memory, these shocks can help boost your Wrangler JK to heights of five inches or more without a noticeable difference in factory ride. If you have a bit of extra cash, it’s well-spent in this range.
$600 and Over
For the driver that treats the Wrangler like their one true love, lift kits at $600 or more will be the answer to all of your lift kit needs. More specifically, the increase in the quality of parts is noticeable, not only when you install them, but also in the types of warranties offered by manufacturers. Furthermore, more expensive lift kits have an aggressive allure, come with upgraded monotube shocks, and provide superior handling both off-road and on the pavement.
Get an Alluring Look and Better Off-Road Performance With the Best Lift Kits for the Jeep Wrangler JK
What’s the point in having a Jeep Wrangler JK if you don’t have a lift kit? That’s the question that true Wrangler enthusiasts ask. So if it’s time for you to enter the pantheon of bonafide Wrangler owners, just make sure to choose one of the best lift kits for your vehicle. It might be more expensive than cheap Chinese-made options, but you’ll know your money was well-spent.
People Also Ask
Before you purchase your next lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler JK, you may have some questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common questions that people also ask about lift kits and leveling kits.
No. Lifting your Jeep doesn’t void the warranty unless the lift kit itself damages other vehicle components covered by Jeep’s warranty.
You can definitely install a Jeep lift kit by yourself, but it’s not recommended for those with little mechanical knowledge. More specifically, installing body lift kits or spacers is a fairly simple process. True suspension lift kits require a bit more know-how, and if you install one of these incorrectly, you can potentially damage your ride. Tread lightly if you’re a newbie to lift kits and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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