So You Want To Lift Your Jeep®

Jeep® stands for many things to many people, but for us, it is a lifestyle.  Picking the right suspension kit is just one of the many fun and exciting parts of that lifestyle.  For those who do not know me, I am Mike at JeepHut Offroad in Jasper, Georgia.  JeepHut has been servicing the Jeep community for almost 18 years. Personally, I’ve been dealing in Jeeps and aftermarket parts for over 30 years.  I’ve driven, owned, and ridden shot gun in almost every variety of Jeep equipped with almost every brand name lift we offer. I have gained a unique perspective about the positives and negatives of each brand from my time at JeepHut and its nationwide website.

I was recently asked the simple (HAHA!) question, “What is the best lift kit?” I immediately jumped at the opportunity to educate our off-road community. The easiest place to start is with the Jeeps currently in our shop.

Folks, suspension matters. We can’t talk lift until we talk suspension.
 ▪️Chaos JT runs a JT 4.5 inch Alpine RT4 Long arm  with front coil overs and 40’s.
  ▪️Hurricane JT is currently running a Rock Krawler. 4.5” Silverback kit with coil overs, Rock Krawler 2.5 ton steering, Currie front Antirock, Teraflex rear Antirock, Reid knuckles, and 40’s.
  ▪️P’Nut JK is running a Clayton Offroad 4.5 full Overland Kit with 37’s.
▪️Ghost Pepper JKU is about to be running a 4.5” Teraflex short arm kit with Currie Antirocks, Rock Krawler 2.5 ton steering, and 37’s.

Brands we carry: AccuAir, Clayton Offroad, Metalcloak, Rancho, Rock Krawler, Rusty’s Offroad, Rough Country, Superlift, Skyjacker, Teraflex, & Zone Offroad.

(This is clearly not all inclusive and if another brand is better for your application, we tell you.)

Let’s talk about factors to determine which lift kits. (Y’all thought this was the end lol!)

 Just like when you chose the Jeep you are driving, there are pros and cons. While it might seem like a good idea to just go down a list and review each lift, I want you actually drive your Jeep before it becomes an antique so we won’t do that.

We run different brands on our rigs - with each chosen for a specific reason. There isn’t a one size fits all.  Lift kit selection, performance, and longevity rely on a multitude of factors. Consider the factors listed below for a great start to your perfect build.

• Determining factors are dependent upon the Jeep owner’s goals. (Not to toot our horn, but this is where we shine! When you visit our shop our staff will be asking a variety of questions to determine the best kit for your needs.
  • Budget: What is the budget and is it realistic for the desired outcome? There’s nothing wrong with going all in from the start. It is also OKAY to choose a base lift kit that can be fully built as a budget allows.
  • Engine size: The brand and kit you select can depend on what engine is in your Jeep. For example, some brands do not offer a lift for a diesel JL/JT.
  • Maintenance: Are you going to maintain the Jeep yourself, or have maintenance done at a local shop? Are you determined to service the suspension every trip? Or are you going to do-it-yourself and install the lift kit and just hope for the best? Lift kits use a variety of joint styles which each have their own benefits and require maintenance.
  • Payload: Does your Jeep haul one person every day, or four people with three months of overland supplies, pulling a trailer and traveling across the country with Grandma on the hood? How your vehicle is loaded will affect which springs would work best for you.
  • Ride quality: Who doesn’t want a factory ride - or better - on 42’s?
  • Stages of building: Are you building your rig all at once including your tires, axles, steering, gears, etc., or are you building it in stages?
    • Terrain: Mud, sand, dirt, big rocks, etc.
    • Tire size: This will help determine what lift height is best for your rig.
    • Usage: Whether you are driving around town, wheeling the hardest trails in the nation, going on a cross-country overland expedition, or pulling a trailer - there will be a lift kit that is perfect for your application! No need to settle.
    • Year/Model: Year & model will make a difference in the brand you select. CJ, YJ, TJ, LJ, MJ, XJ, ZJ, JK, JL, JT etc.? Just because a particular brand is awesome for an XJ does not mean it is the right fit for a JL.

Feel like an expert? Know which lift to purchase? Relax! Lift kits are designed to do one major thing - lift your Jeep. By lifting it, you’re allowing room for larger tires as well as more articulation and ultimately better performance. Most reputable brands offer a good selection of great products. I’m not saying one is better than another, but there are some caveats to consider before making your decision.

Drum roll please - how to select the best kit for your Jeep and your expectations.

First, not all kits are created equally. Each brand offers various levels of lift kits - some have more components than others. This is a very important factor to consider. For example, a leveling kit will never ride or function like a full suspension lift kit. You need a kit that is as complete as possible, or you need to have a plan to upgrade the parts it does not come with it at a later date.  

Second, do your own research. Making a Facebook post asking for the best lift kit is not the best approach and you’ll receive 1,000 answers – each sure they are correct and the only answer. You’ll be as lost as last year’s Easter egg! Everyone has their own opinion and experience, but, at the end of the day, it will come down to what you feel is the best fit for your Jeep and what you wish to accomplish.

So instead, visit a professional offroad shop - preferably more than one(although, we prefer you include us in this visit or call).  For the record though, this does not include a tire dealer or general mechanic, although, there are good ones out there, most are not offroad fanatics. Go to shops that specialize in modifying offroad vehicles. Talk to the salespeople. Tell them your goals and get their opinion. These professionals design and build Jeeps daily, so they should be able to build a Jeep to your expectations (if not, see JeepHut). If you don’t feel they are listening, or are not comfortable with the advice given, then move on to the next shop until you find one you like (JeepHut). Once you have picked out a lift kit, do a bit more research and then pull the trigger. Take it to your chosen shop and have it installed. Keep in mind, though, once you start with a shop you should finish with that shop. Why wouldn’t you?  Can you hear that in the back?! The installer that started your build knows your ultimate goals and has your needs in mind. Jumping around to multiple shops for a part here and there just increases the chances of diluting your final build and could result in you not getting what you want or need.  If down the road your needs or goals change then reevaluate what you have and make any adjustments as necessary. 

 Hope this clarified a little for you.  Got questions?  Give us a call!