Best Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler JK — Off-Road Essentials

Let’s admit it; lift kits are quite awesome! They are one of the first and most practical steps to prep your vehicle for proper off-roading and rock crawling while exploring new trails, camping, or just roughhousing in the mud. Suspension lifts are mostly done to trucks and off-road capable SUVs to improve their performance away from the tarmac.

They raise your truck’s overall height, letting you avoid obstacles along the trail, such as tree stumps and rocks, thanks to increased approach and departure angles. As a bonus, you can also fit bigger tires, making your Jeep even more capable off the beaten paths.

By design, lift kits are specific to a vehicle. Each needs to be designed and tested according to the model’s specifications to accommodate the onboard safety features and achieve correct suspension geometry. Some kits even come with hard-to-get aftermarket parts aiming to improve a manufacturer’s weakness, especially ride comfort and vibrations.

However, due to the wide range of options available, finding the right one for your truck might be a bit tricky. To help you with that, we have curated and thoroughly reviewed the best Jeep Wrangler lift kits available today.

Let’s dig in!

Jeep Wrangler Lift Kit Reviews

1. Rough Country 2.5″ Lift Kit — Budget Pick

The Rough Country 2.5″ lift kit fits Jeep Wranglers like a glove and works with the JK series from 2007 until the JL series arrived in 2019. This kit will increase your Wrangler’s ride height to comfortably accommodate 33″ and 35″ tires, albeit with a bit of rubbing on extreme articulation.

You can get it either as just a 2.5″ lift, a 2.5″ lift series II, or a 2.5″ lift series II with shocks. The 2.5″ lift is the base option, and every series after that comes with add-ons that improve on it. The base lift kit includes front and rear coil spring spacers, brake line relocation brackets, and shock relocation brackets.

The Series II adds extended sway bar links and a rear track bar relocation bracket to everything included in the base option. It’s also available with optional N3 premium lifted shocks with spring-loaded piston rod seals, 18mm chrome-hardened piston rods, 10 stage variable valves, and hydraulic fluid rated at -40°C.

Rough Country’s lift kit is an inexpensive way to raise your Jeep. It’s also easy to install, with most people installing it in three hours on average. Of course, the time may vary depending on your skill level and the tools available to you.

However, it is essential to note that it may increase steering sensitivity, which can be corrected by installing control arm relocation brackets. You may also have to deal with coils binding a lot quicker than when using other lift kits.

Overall, the Rough Country 2.5″ lift kit is a great and inexpensive way to enter the world of lifted Jeeps. From here, you can gauge what needs to be improved as you build on your off-roading experience.

Highlighted features

• Fits Jeep Wrangler JK Series (2007-2018)
• 2.5″ suspension lift
• Easy DIY installation process
• Lifetime replacement warranty

Pros

• Very easy to install at home
• Works like a charm with 33″ tires
• One of the cheapest Wrangler lifting kits
• High-quality parts

Cons

• Rubbing on extreme articulation with 35″ tires
• Increased steering sensitivity (easily fixed by installing control arm relocation brackets)

2. Rancho Sport Lift System with RS9000XL Shocks — Classic Option

Straight out of the gate, this one looks more like what you’d expect a proper lift kit to be and it’s a direct-fit system made for all Wrangler JK models (2007-2018), including the 2018 2-door Rubicon.

The Rancho Sport lift system is designed to give your Jeep Wrangler a 2″ lift, enough to comfortably fit 33″ tires. That is a good enough lift to suit most off-roading needs unless you plan on going rock crawling or going over extreme obstacle courses.

This kit comes as a complete package, including front and rear variable coil springs, front bump stops, rear brake line relocation brackets, and 9-way adjustable RS9000TMXL shocks. Of course, the main selling point is the Rancho shocks, radically improving your ride comfort both on- and off-road. Bumps become smoother, and the creaks typically associated with Jeeps are vastly eliminated. Your back will thank you enormously!

The kit is quite straightforward to install take between 5 and 7 hours, depending on how experienced you are. The Rancho Sport 2″ lift kit comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and works with the factory Electronic Stability System, a great plus.

However, If you plan to use your Jeep for overlanding and plan to load a lot of gear, you might need to replace the rear shocks with better load-bearing ones. This system does not do well with a heavy winch at the front, and you may notice a squat with a certain amount of weight in the rear. It’s designed for true off-roading in mind; not really to haul heavy stuff.

(If you do need a lift kit that can support heavier loads without flinching, we’ve got better ones below.)

Highlighted features

• Fits Jeep Wrangler JK Series (2007-2018)
• 2″ suspension lift
• Direct fit system
• Adjustable shocks included in the package
• Lifetime warranty

Pros

• Excellent ride quality on uneven surfaces
• The adjustable shocks give more options to enthusiasts
• It works with the factory stability system
• Fairly easy to fit (5-7 hours)

Cons

• Not enough lift for 35″ tires
• The rear suspension squats under heavier loads

Read more: 7 Best Jeep Winches Reviewed [2021]

3. TeraFlex 1251000 2.5″ Lift Kit

The Teraflex 2.5″ lift kit allows you to run 35″ tires on your Jeep Wrangler 4 door. The manufacturer also sells a 2-door specific lift kit, offering similar quality and improvements. And interestingly, this model works in unison with Jeep’s onboard stability system, meaning you won’t sacrifice safety while off-roading.

The kit includes 5″ lift coil springs, a rear track bar bracket, bump stop extensions, rear sway bar links, and all other necessary hardware to perform a complete installation. It also comes with a set of four nitrogen-charged TeraFlex 9550 VSS shocks with proprietary velocity valves, specifically designed to improve the Jeep Wrangler’s performance off-road while keeping your everyday commute somewhat tolerable.

Meanwhile, the new coil springs are longer than the factory ones and are also stiffer with a higher bounce rate. This gives you room to make other modifications that would add weight to your Jeep, like a winch, a front push bar, and a matching larger spare tire.

The Teraflex 2.5″ lift kit should take between 4 and 5 hours to install with the right equipment, and you should notice the difference in both appearance and ride immediately. It is important to remember to move and extend the brake lines at the same time to reduce the chances of having them snap during off-roading. Moreover, if you own a JK built after 2012, you may need to modify the exhaust line and make sure it clears the driveshaft.  

Of course, this model is a bit more expensive than the previous ones but the build quality and possibility of installing 35″ tires more than make up for the slight premium.

Highlighted features

• Fits Jeep Wrangler JK Series (2007-2018)
• 2.5″ suspension lift
• Four TeraFlex 9550 VSS shocks included

Pros

• Works with 35″ tires
• Excellent material and build quality
• Easy to install — takes only 4-5 hours
• Very good on-road and off-road performance
• Works great under heavy loads — great for campers and overlanders

Cons

• On the expensive side
• Exhaust modification required on newer-than-2012 Wrangler JK models

4. Rugged Ridge 2.5-3.5″ ORV Suspension Lift Kit with Shocks

This Rugged Ridge suspension lift kit works with all Jeep Wranglers JK models and offers the 4-door version a 2.5″ lift, while the 2-door version gets a 3.5″ boost.

The kit comes with four ductile powder-coated lift springs, shot-peened to add strength and reduce stress, allowing them to take on more load while off-roading. It also considerably reduces premature wear and increases the effective lifespan. Furthermore, the track bar brackets boost the performance of the coil springs and provide better alignment of the rear differential.  

These ORV nitrogen-charged shocks make for a comfortable ride off-road, whether trail bashing or just taking a leisurely country drive, but also work well on the tarmac. Notably, the shocks combine well with the rest of the suspension and the polyurethane bushings to significantly reduce road vibrations, especially on older Wranglers (pre-2014).

However, it’s important to mention that the installation can be a bit tricky for first-timers and may require mechanical expertise on your part or the help of a professional mechanic. Improper installation may result in suspension issues, including the dreaded death wobble. When in doubt, it’s always better to ask for help.

The lift kit comes with a 5-year warranty on purchase, and Rugged Ridge even throws in an off-road organizer for your glove box.

Highlighted features

• Fits Jeep Wrangler JK Series (2007-2018)
• Front and rear ORV shocks included in the package
• 2.5″ lift on 4-door Wranglers
• 3.5″ lift on 2-door Wranglers
• Direct fit system
• 5-year warranty

Pros

• Supports 33″ and 35″ tires
• Works very well under heavy loads
• Very good off-road and on-road ride quality
• Stable on tarmac

Cons

• Works better with 33-inch tires, especially in terms of ride quality
• Complex installation process

5. Skyjacker 3.5 Inch Softride Lift Kit with Black MAX Shocks — Editor’s Pick

Skyjacker is a reputable brand for off-roading modification parts, with over 45 years of developing and refining their craft. It has been the supplier for different Hollywood projects, including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and the popular TV show Duck Dynasty.

The Skyjacker 3.5″ Softride lift kit is designed to give your Jeep the comfort of driving on the tarmac even when you are far out in a trail. The kit includes front and rear coil springs, an adjustable front track bar, front and rear cam bolts, a rear track bar bracket and braces, bumpstop relocation, rear extended links, and four Black Max 7000 shocks. It will lift your Jeep Wrangler 3.5″ higher so you can comfortably use 35″ tires for that rugged look.

Worth mentioning, the Black Max shocks are not nitrogen-charged, but other upgrades make sure they can handle the rigors of taking your Jeep off-road. For instance, they are made from high-quality, lightweight hot-wound 5160 material and Skyjacker’s foam cell technology help dissipate heat during hard use, reducing wear and ensuring a longer lifespan. Meanwhile, the larger diameter also accommodates more hydraulic fluid, offering better ride comfort when driving over rugged terrain. Finally, the DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing also ensures your shocks will not split in two under heavy use on the trail—what’s not to like?

This Softride lift kit has been extensively tested and is certified as compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards’ mandate 126. This means that it has been independently tested and proven to work with Jeep’s onboard Electronic Stability Control. This lift kit is designed for all Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door versions only and comes with Skyjacker’s limited lifetime warranty.

You just can’t go wrong with Skyjacker…

Highlighted features

• Fits Wrangler JK Series 2 door (2007-2018)
• 3.5″ lift
• Front and rear Black Max 7000 shocks
• Made from hot-rolled 5160 alloy
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Softride coils for a smoother ride
• Supports 35″ tires

Pros

• The tough construction ensures durability in extreme conditions
• 3.5″ lift for attacking some extreme terrains
• Very smooth ride quality
• Works like a charm with 35″ tires

Cons

• On the expensive side

6. ARB Old Man Emu 2-2.25 Inch Lift Kit (Heavy Load)

The Old Man Emu heavy load 2.5″ lift kit is designed to turn your hardtop 4-door Jeep into a load-carrying monster. It is built by the renowned Australian company ARB and underwent rigorous testing in the harsh Australian outback to ensure it could handle rough outdoor abuse—and Aussies know a thing or two about off-roading.

Once installed, you’ll notice a substantial improvement in handling right away and it works especially great if you plan to add heavy off-roading accessories to your Jeep. Indeed, you can comfortably install a front push bar, additional light bar, a winch, a rooftop tent or kayak rack, a bike rack, and other aftermarket accessories without worrying about your suspension sagging under the extra weight.

This kit uses front and rear coil springs and a set of NitroCharger sport heavy-duty shocks for comfort both on and off the road. Worth mentioning, it does not come with a front track bar but uses an extension that fits with the stock one instead. Still, the 2.5″ lift allows you to comfortably run 33″ tires, good enough for a lot of outdoor driving. Your Jeep can still run 35″ tires, but be prepared for some rubbing and bumping along the most challenging trails.

Regardless, you’ll need significant experience to install the Old Man Emu lift kit or the help of a professional mechanic. The job should take about 6 hours with the right equipment and it’s not for the faint-hearted. It is important to note that without adding any weight to the Jeep, the ride might be firmer than the kit intends it to be. This is why you are encouraged to install this model only on a proper off-roading Wrangler—it’s tough and will allow your Jeep to go much farther than it could with a stock suspension, but your daily commute may get a little rougher.

Highlighted features

• Fits Wrangler JK Series 4 door (2007-2018)
• 2-2.5″ lift
• Included NitroCharger shocks
• 2-year/24,000-mile warranty
• Fits 33″ and 35″ tires
• Direct fit system

Pros

• Tough and durable build
• Works very well under heavy loads
• Good on-road handling
• Excellent ride quality (on-road and off-road)

Cons

• Expensive for a 2-2.5″ lift
• Professional installation required

7. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit

This is Rough Country’s second entry in the list but for a good reason—it’s kinda different from the previous one and totally worth looking into. With this model, the springs achieve the lift without integrating spacers into the build. The taller springs are also stiffer to accommodate aftermarket off-roading accessories and the additional weight of a larger spare tire.

Another interesting feature of this kit is the set of rear coil spring correction brackets. Four-inch lifts tend to give your rear springs a bow, and these correction brackets straighten that, reducing the chances of premature wear.

A 4″ lift in a Jeep is a lot of additional height, allowing you to run up to 37″ tires. However, 35″ is where you hit the sweet spot between functionality on- and off-road, since 37″ will produce significantly more vibration on the tarmac, while 33″ may not be enough for extreme rock crawling and deep rut mudding. It is also important to note that it takes some more modifications to run bigger, heavier tires on your Jeep, including regearing and adding some heft to your axles.

This Rough Country 4″ lift kit is designed for the 4-door Jeep Wrangler JK and comes with N3 nitro-charged shocks to match the new ride height. These shocks offer up to 36Kn tensile strength and have a faster cooling 54mm body to ensure better efficiency. It also comes with other hardware relevant to the lift, including track bars, shocks, brake relocation brackets, etc. 

Installing a 4″ lift will require considerable mechanical expertise. The suspension geometry will be significantly changed, and you may need to install new control arms to fix any steering issues that might come up.

But if you want something that high, there’s really no way around that.

Highlighted features

• Fits Wrangler JK Series 4 door (2007-2018)
• 4″ lift
• Fits 33″, 35″, and even 37″ tires
• Coil correction plates for efficient operation
• Premium N3 shock absorbers included

Pros

• Extreme 4″ lift kit for serious off-road builds
• The only kit here that fits 37″ tires
• Excellent ride quality on uneven surfaces
• Extra-long wheel travel
• High-quality materials

Cons

• Requires considerable mechanical expertise to install

8. TeraFlex  3” Lift Suspension System with 4 Sport Flexarms, Track Bar, & 9550 VSS Shocks — Premium Pick

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This is another suspension lift kit from TeraFlex, a premium model this time that comfortably runs 35″ tires. The kit includes heavy-duty 3″ lift coil springs, a heavy-duty forged adjustable front track bar, front sway bar disconnects, preset front lower and rear upper sport flex arms, a rear track bar, bump stops, rear sway bar links, and the necessary installation hardware.

Furthermore, you get a set of four TeraFlex 9550 VSS shocks, significantly improving your Jeep’s on-road ride and handling. The shocks are nitrogen-charged, proven to be better than most of the hydro-shocks available in the market today. Besides, they work with the control arms to reduce road noise and vibrations resulting from running larger, heavier tires on the road. And since the system works with Jeep’s Electronic Stability Control, you will not have to sacrifice safety in any way.

The TeraFlex 3″ lift kit fits the 4-door JK Wrangler, and the improvements will allow you to comfortably tackle most terrains. However, you should note that extreme rock crawling may not work with this model since the driveshaft boot may make contact with the exhaust, even with exhaust spacers installed. Hence, you might need to install aftermarket driveshaft mounts or tweak your setup if keeping rock climbing out of the equation is not an option.

Still, installing this lift kit is a complex undertaking and will require significant mechanical experience. To be on the safe side, take your Jeep to a mechanic specializing in off-road vehicles or fitting lift kits. Indeed, when it comes to higher-end lift kits like this one, the investment is not to neglect, and cheaping out on the installation could do more harm than good here.

Highlighted features

• Fits Wrangler JKU Series (2007-2018)
• 3″ lift
• Fits 33″ and 35″ tires
• TeraFlex 9550 VSS shock absorbers included
• Four sport flexarms and track bar

Pros

• High-quality, nitrogen-charged shocks
• Excellent on-road ride and handling
• Great for tackling most terrains

Cons

• Not the best option for rock crawling
• Requires mechanical knowledge for installation

How to Choose the Best Lift Kit for Jeep Wrangler

If this is your first time adding a lift kit to your Jeep, or maybe you are just looking to improve on what you already have, the number of products being marketed as “the best for you” can be overwhelming. Hence, choosing from a wide range of options can be a long and tedious process.

Hopefully, this guide will narrow down what’s available and ease the selection process. Here are the main things to consider before selecting a lift kit:

The Jeep model you are running

Lift kits are made to suit specific vehicle models; for instance, a lift kit that fits a 4-door Wrangler will not work on a 2-door model, at least not without modification that may require engineering expertise. Even then, the ride mechanics may suffer, and your ESC may not work correctly. In addition, some kit manufacturers, like Teraflex, will require additional components to work with late-model JKs (from 2012-2018). It helps to know what works with your vehicle before committing to a purchase.

Why are you doing this?

Another critical factor is what you intend to use your Jeep for. Specifically, if you are a city driver who sticks to highways with a little off-roading sprinkled in your driving, 2″ lifts with 33″ tires should be best for you.

However, if you are an avid off-roader, you might need to consider going 3″ and above, so you can run 35″ and even 37″ tires. Enthusiasts should also look for tougher load kits since they will likely add weight to their vehicles with winches and other off-roading accessories.

Read more: The 7 Best Floor Jacks For Lifted Trucks [2021]

How flexible is your budget?

Lift kits vary in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. As always, your budget will help you narrow down the options to compare. Thus, if you are a bit light on the pocket, you could start with a budget build from a reputable manufacturer, for example, the 2.5″ lift kit from Rough Country. You can then build upon it and add other mods later on.

How easy is it to work with?

Some lift kits are easy to install, and with rudimentary mechanical knowledge, the right equipment, and a repair manual, you can make an afternoon out of it. Other kits will require expertise and experience to install, meaning more money will need to be spent on labor.

You should also consider how often you need to maintain the kit. Depending on the manufacturer, some components may be expensive to replace, especially the shocks and coil springs, which might sway your decision. However, some companies offer warranty replacements on specific parts, which is a bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will a lift kit allow me to run bigger tires?

The short answer is yes. However, how high you go will determine what tire size your Jeep can accommodate. A slight lift (1 to 3 inches) will take 33″ but struggle a little with 35″. A medium-lift (3 to 6 inches) lets you run up to 37″ tires but works best with 35s. If you plan on using tires larger than 37″, your best bet is a lift between 6 and 10 inches.

It is important to note that larger tires and stock suspensions will inevitably increase road noise and suspension wear. Hence, getting a lift kit that comes with a set of shocks and new springs is always a good idea.

Will installing a lift kit affect my ride?

In most cases, adding a suspension lift kit improves your ride when correctly installed. The shocks, springs, bushes, and other hardware are of higher quality than what comes as stock and can absorb road vibrations better. They also offer higher articulation and camber.

Does adding a lift kit void my warranty?

Frankly, the answer to this depends on the manufacturer. You should contact your dealership to make sure you can make suspension or performance upgrades in your current warranty agreement.

Can I install a lift kit by myself?

It really depends on your level of expertise. The rule of thumb is that you can install leveling kits (like a lift kit’s junior cousin) and body kits at home with the right equipment. Nonetheless, suspension lifts are trickier since some may require removing or replacing the driveshaft and lengthening the brake lines. To be safe, make sure you seek the help of an experienced mechanic when fitting your lift kit to avoid steering, braking, and suspension issues. When in doubt, take it to a specialized repair shop.

Verdict

Getting a lift kit opens up a host of opportunities to test your Jeep Wrangler against the world. From scenic travel trails with small climbs to rock crawling and deep rut mudding, you can experience your Wrangler at its best with the right lift kit.

Nonetheless, always remember to take your time when choosing which lift kit would better suit your needs, and although this has been said severally in this guide, make sure it is installed the right way. If this means you have to spend a little extra for the services of a professional, do it. While a lift kit will undeniably make your Jeep look better than ever, you may not feel that proud with a broken shock due to improper installation.

Download your Jeep Wrangler JK owners manual here!