If you are the owner of a Jeep Wrangler, you may have more than a few questions about lifting it. The fact is, there are certain things you need to think about before starting this project.
You also need to get to know the different types of lift kits that are available.
You may not realize that lifting your Jeep may not be as simple as bolting the lift kit on and driving away. Keep reading for the ultimate guide on how to lift a Jeep Wrangler. This will help ensure you do it the right way.
Reasons to Lift Your Jeep Wrangler
There are more than a few reasons you may want to lift your Jeep Wrangler. Some do this for aesthetics, while others do for performance enhancements.
If you want to improve your off-road performance, a lift kit is one of the many Jeep Accessories to consider.
To create an off-roading monster and conquer the trails all the time, it is a good idea to consider a lift, too. Even if you just want to increase your Jeep’s “cool factor,” a lift kit will help you do this.
Consider Your Driving Habits
You need to consider how you will use your Jeep carefully. For example, is it your daily driver to commute to work and take your kids to sports practice?
While your stock Jeep is capable of off-roading, having a lifted Jeep can dramatically improve its abilities. The additional height will improve the vehicle’s articulation, ground clearance, and approach angles to go over extreme terrain and climb large obstacles.
Think About Your Budget
How much can you spend on the lift kit for your Jeep? You can find options from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, this only accounts for the lift kit itself.
You may find that you need or want other features, too. This includes things like auxiliary lighting, a winch, higher-quality steering components, better axles, bigger tires, and more.
IN some cases, spending $500 to $1,000 will be sufficient; however, this isn’t always the case. Make sure your expectations and budget align.
Tire Size Considerations
All the lift kit types you will find below will let you install bigger tires. Lifting your Jeep just to make space for slightly larger tires is an affordable and simple process.
However, if you want to lift your Jeep to use off-road or for more dramatic tire size increases, the job will be more expensive.
Unlike SUVs and light trucks, there are other options for fitting bigger tires on your Jeep without having to add an entire suspension kit. Some options include adding aftermarket high clearance, fender trimming, or adding coil spring spacers.
Selecting the Right Jeep Lift Kit
You have several options to choose from when it comes to lifting your Jeep. You can find countless accessories and parts for your Wrangler, which also means that there are several aftermarket lift kits to buy.
Selecting the right Jeep kit depends on your budget and driving habits. Some of the most common options are found here.
Body Lift
One of the most inexpensive and easy ways to lift your Jeep Wrangler is with a body lift. With this, more space is added between the frame and body of your vehicle.
Usually, you can gain one to three inches of lift, all while keeping the wheels and suspension stock. If you want to lift your Jeep for looks, this is a good option. That’s because it will not enhance your off-road abilities.
Long Arm Lift Kit
With a long arm lift kit, you are using long control arms that are mounted further back on the Jeep frame. The goal is to provide improved suspension angles.
The long arm lift will provide superior articulation and improved crawling ability for your Jeep.
The potential downside is that long arms may get caught on rocks. Also, this is one of the most expensive options.
To install this kit, fabrication and welding are required, which means it may not be a DIY project for all Jeep owners. Unless you have a specific reason for installing this type of lift kit, it may be best to choose one of the others.
Short Arm Lift Kit
With a short arm lift kit, you have longer rear and front arms, shocks, and larger sway bar links. This kit is extremely common because of how effective it is.
When installed, you gain two to six inches of lift. You also have improved off-road capabilities and more wheel travel and ground clearance.
Since this kit is basically a full suspension setup, it is often recommended if you are an avid off-roader.
Budget Boost and Coil Spring Spaces
This lift is made with coil spacers that are put on top of the coil springs on your Jeep. It provides between one and a half and two inches of lift.
Many Jeep owners like this lift kit because it doesn’t require very many modifications to the suspension. Also, the factory ride quality is kept intact.
Like the body lift mentioned above, this modification is a smart option if you want to add bigger tires to your Jeep.
Coil Lifts
If you install this lift kit, you are adding longer coil springs to the vehicle. When installed, it adds two to three and a half inches of total suspension lift.
Additionally, the bigger the coil spring you use, the more articulation you will achieve. This type of lift is a great option for anyone who is serious about off-roading.
Additional Steps when Installing a Lift Kit
Along with having the lift kit installed, there are a few other factors to consider, too. After all, if you want to ensure optimal performance for your Jeep, you have to complete the job.
Increase in Ride Height
Remember that ride height increases listed on lift kits are always approximate. These are going to vary based on the specifications of your vehicle.
Usually, coil spring spacers can be used for compensating for the additional weight from aftermarket accessories and parts.
Gear Changing
It may be necessary to change the axle gears. If you wonder why consider this.
If your Jeep was created for the size that came with it from the factory, consider what would happen if you installed larger tires. The larger tires can cover more “ground” than the smaller ones.
If you don’t change the axle gears, then everything inside will slow down. This is going to impact performance and fuel economy.
The good news is, restoring proper function is easier than it may seem. Change the axle gears to match the other accessories and components on your Jeep.
Correcting the Speedometer
Re-gearing axles and increasing tire size also mean you need to let the computer know what is going on. You can buy a programmer to do this yourself or take it to a mechanic who will likely have the needed equipment on hand.
Installing Your New Jeep Wrangler Lift Kit
Once you decide what type of Jeep Wrangler lift kit you want to install, you can begin the process. In most cases, you will require specific tools.
If you don’t have these, you should know acquiring them can add a few hundred dollars to the project total.
Another option is to hire professionals to handle this installation for you. They will have everything needed on hand to ensure that the job is done properly and that you get the desired results.
When you hire professionals, they are also going to provide a guarantee for the work they do. This means if any issues arise, they will fix them at no additional cost to you.
Keep in mind that you need to find the right mechanic or service provider to handle the work that needs to be done. If you don’t take time to do this, you may not be happy with the results.
Now You Know How to Lift a Jeep Wrangler
If you have wondered how to lift a Jeep Wrangler, the information above should explain a few things. This includes what you need to consider and how to choose the lift kit that best suits your needs.
Remember, the type of lift kit you install will impact the results that you achieve. Be sure to keep this in mind.
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