Best Lift Kit for Jeep Wrangler JK 2 & 4 door

You may ask why one would bother lifting their vehicles? Several reasons make such a modification worthwhile. The increased ground clearance lets you traverse rough terrain with ease. Larger wheels and the aftermarket suspension improve handling and comfort. Not to mention adding an aggressive edge to the looks of your beloved ride.

Now you may have looked at your neighbors’ Jeeps or heard your friends talk about their newly upgraded ride. Finally, you’ve decided to buy a lift kit yourself. But you should not rush when making such a necessary purchase. Picking out the proper lift kit requires you to settle on precisely what you expect from this and know the ins and outs of each product.

Such thorough research is easier said than done. So we have done that for you and compiled a list of the best 2.5 lift kits for Jeep JK that you can buy right now!

Overview

These days, aftermarket modifications for cars and jeeps are becoming very popular as more people want to pimp out their new rides. Among all these, lifting one’s vehicle is one of the simplest mods while still significantly boosting performance. Therefore, such upgrades are well suited for beginners without much hands-on experience.

Not every kit you come across will be suitable for your personal needs. We listed the notable qualities and drawbacks of the products we featured. Take a look and make your own decisions. You won’t be disappointed!

Best Lift Kit for Jeep Wrangler JK 2 & 4 door

We gathered products from various manufacturers at different price ranges and put them through stringent quality tests. Here are the models that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

1. Rough Country 2.5″ Series II Lift Kit- My Best Choice

Rough Country 2.5" Series II Lift Kit

Key Features

  • 100% bolt-on smooth installation process
  • 2.5-inch front and 2-inch rear spacers ensure level stance
  • Rear-axle is kept centered by the included track bar bracket
  • Unique spring retention design keeps coil springs in their optimum position, even during heavy articulation.

Rough Country 2.5″ series lift kit gives you a perfect balance of form, functionality, and affordability in one package. It is one of the best 2.5-inch lifts for JK.

The extended sway bar links are more durable than the stock ones. You even get better handling and stability in bumpy and uneven terrain. This lift kit also includes high-grade shocks that extend wheel travel and improve articulation.

As a result of the vehicle sitting higher on the ground, you can go over rocks and other obstacles with relative ease. The spring retention design keeps the coil springs in position. This means minor wear and more longevity.

Pros

  • True 2.5″ of additional height from the ground
  • Extra clearance for up to 35″ of tire installation
  • Maintains factory riding characteristics
  • Gets rid of factory raking

Cons

  • 35″ tire may come into contact with control arm during heavy turns and cause wear

My Opinion

Rough Country 2.5″ series lift kit is a solid product for those on a tight budget. The pristine build quality will surely satisfy you.

Jeep Wrangler Rough Country 2.5″ Lift Kit without Shocks (2007-2018 JK) Review & Install

2. MotoFab Lifts 2.5-inch Full Lift Kit- My Second Best Choice

MotoFab Lifts 2.5-inch Full Lift Kit

Key Features

  • 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 4WD
    2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK 4WD
  • CMC machined parts have fewer defects and last longer
  • Black powder coat protects the components from rust and corrosion
  • All hardware required for installation comes with the kit
  • Includes quality shock extender for not only the front but also the rear

You can always rely on MotoFab Lifts to deliver top-quality products that last a long time. This kit, without a doubt, delivers on that expectation.

One of the main reasons for the exceptional durability of this kit is that all the parts were machined from steel. After which, they were coated with a protective layer of black paint.

With 2″ extra clearance, you can kit out your vehicle with up to 35″ tires. Extra-large tires offer more traction and improve performance off-road.

Another great selling point of MotoFab lift kits is that they include all the necessary hardware for the installation. This saves you from a trip to the local store.

Pros

  • Smooth and easy installation
  • The black powder coat finish matches well with the rest of the suspension.
  • Compatible with a wide variety of Jeeps.
  • Gives enough clearance for 35″ aftermarket wheels

Cons

  • Customers complained that the instructions were obtuse and vague

My Opinion

With rugged and top-of-the-line build quality, the MotoFab Lifts kit is a must-have. It is undoubtedly the best 2.5-inch lift kit Jeep JK in the market.

3. Bylot 635 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit- My Next Best Choice

Bylot 635 2.5" Suspension Lift Kit

Key Features

  • Both front and rear spring spacers are included
  • 2″ of extra ground clearance
  • Coil spacers are solid metal for added durability
  • Level the front with the rear of the vehicle

Bylot’s 635 2.5″ suspension lift kit is a good budget product with decent build quality and is easy to install.

The coil spacers in the front are 2.5 inches, while the one in the rear is 2 inches. This will eliminate the factory raking and level tour ride.

635 2.5″ Suspension lift kit includes all the bits and bobs that could be required during the installation. For example, stabilizer links, brake line extensions, and other nuts or washers that you might need due to the added height.

Pros

  • Relatively cheap
  • Factory riding standards are retained
  • Comes with the necessary hardware included
  • Straightforward bolt-on installation

Cons

  • Instruction is confusing and lacks the necessary details

My Opinion

Bylot 635 2.5″ Suspension lift kit quality is top-notch compared to its competitors at such a low price range.

4. MotoFab Lifts 3 inch Full Lift Kit

MotoFab Lifts 3 inch Full Lift Kit

Key Features

  • CMC machining means components with more consistency and precision
  • Includes front and rear brake line brackets
  • Durable and long-lasting components
  • Parts are manufactured from high-grade steel alloy

MotoFab Lifts 3-inch Full Lift Kit, like its 2″ counterpart, maintains a high degree of quality standards, making it the best 3-inch lift kit for Jeep JK.

This kit allows 3″ of extra height with its front and rear coil spring spacers. Such a substantial addition means you will likely not be able to use the stock brake line and shocks. MotoFab Lifts kit includes them in their package.

Even then, you might need to buy other extra parts to center the body or improve the steering for some vehicles. For instance, adjustable track bar and sway bar links for both front and rear, new drag links, control arm brackets, track bar relocation brackets, and so on.

Having to purchase all these could mean you have to pour a decent amount of extra money into your ride.

Pros

  • Great ground clearance
  • Effortless installation process
  • Allows fitting of large 35s wheels
  • The black coat finish on the parts is aesthetically pleasing.

Cons

  • Might need to spend more money to get extra parts for a stable ride

My Opinion

MotoFab Lifts 3-inch Full Lift Kit may not be the most comprehensive package on the market. But for the price, it serves as a good starting point.

5. American Automotive 3″ JK Lift Kit for 2WD 4WD

Key Features

  • Rugged construction allows heavy-duty usage
  • Does not alter the factory ride
  • Unique black and red finishes make the parts corrosion resistant
  • No spring compressor is required for installation

American Automotive prides itself on its robust and enduring product lineup. The superb build quality of their 3″ kit certainly lends credibility to this.

High-grade heat-treated US steel is laser cut to reduce imperfections. The cut steel is put together with state-of-the-art welding techniques to create components boasting incredible durability.

With the extra clearance and larger wheels, your ride will look that much more prominent and intimidating. You will get better visibility because of sitting higher up.

Pros

  • Superior built quality
  • Enables better form in kitted vehicles and more pleasing looks
  • Allows adoption of giant wheel and rims
  • Increase load capacity

Cons

  • Received Complains about poor package handling leading to damage during shipping.

My Opinion

American Automotive went to great lengths to give their kit exceptional longevity and performance. We can confidently say that this kit will outlast your Jeep while still delivering peak performance.

6. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit for JK 2-Door

Rough Country 4" Lift Kit

Key Features

  • Gives a dizzying 4″ of additional clearance
  • Levels the front of the vehicle in respect to the rear
  • The coil correction plate keeps the spring in its optimum position
  • No alteration to steering geometry and handling

Rough Country is one of the leading brands in the aftermarket modification scene. All the products in their lineup are affordable and give decent performance.

Rough Country 4″ lift kit offers a great combination of functionality and affordability. Driving over off-road terrain is a breeze with so much lift. The wider wheelbase will result in lower ground pressure. So even if the surface is muddy or moist, your Jeep won’t sink in and get stuck.

You need to replace a lot of parts of your suspension. The body needs to be correctly centered and steering realigned. If you cannot install the kit properly, your vehicle will be all over the place when you take it out on a spin. So, make sure to follow instructions and double-check all the nuts and bolts.

Pros

  • Low asking price
  • Significant increase in ground clearance
  • Good handling and visibility
  • Can bit to a large variety of vehicles

Cons

  • It might require additional parts to finish the installation

My Opinion

Rough Country 4″ Lift kit may not be able to match the performance of its pricier competitors. But this product punches way above its weight for how cheap it is.

7. Rough Country 4″ X-Series Lift Kit

Rough Country 4" X-Series Lift Kit

Key Features

  • Includes high-quality N3 shocks
  • Adjustable controls arms allow proper calibration of pinion and caster angles
  • Cleveite rubber bushings reduce vibration and eliminate squeaking
  • Improved driving performance across all types of surfaces

Rough Country X-Series kit will give you more options to tweak and fine-tune your ride. That way, you can recreate the perfect driving experience you always wanted.

With an included adjustable control arm, you can iron out alignment issues more efficiently. You can also tweak the pinion yoke and ease the driveshaft angle. Thanks to reduced strain, the driveshaft has more longevity.

The Rough Country X-Series kit also comes with premium N3 shocks. With 10 stages of valving, it can adjust the damping force on the fly. Spring-loaded piston rod means improved articulation and overall, a more comfortable ride.

Pros

  • The control arm reduces stress on the chassis
  • Extended wheel travel
  • Ease in optimizing driving characteristics
  • Larger tires and the suspension combined give unrivaled ground clearance

Cons

  • The corrosion-resistant coating is sub-par in quality, requiring additional spraying to prevent rust.

My Opinion

The Rough Country X-Series kit is undoubtedly a great product with most of the features you might be looking for, making it worth every penny. It is one of the best 4-inch lift kits for Jeep JK.

Buying Guide for The Best Lift Kit For Jeep JK

The lift kits found on the market can have distinctly different features, forms, and functionality combinations. Let us go through the things you need to look out for to find the perfect kit for you.

Build Quality and materials

You must confirm that the kit you are about to buy is manufactured with top-quality materials and has a rugged build.

In off-roads, poor-quality components may not withstand the stress. Not only is that dangerous and may damage your rig, but also you want to get your money’s worth by being able to use it for a long time.

Compatibility

If you decide on purchasing a lift kit, you have to make sure that that is actually compatible with your ride.

Manufacturers can’t possibly make all their products fit under every single vehicle out there. So each kit can only be installed on a particular lineup of Jeeps. Keep in mind your vehicle type and model when looking for any aftermarket kits.

Amount of Lift

Lift amount is a crucial factor that will decide the type of kit you need and the overall process of such a modification. You must ask yourself a few questions to determine how much height you might need.

Do you want to fit large wheels or rims? If so, find out the clearance needed for the wheels you want.

What is your budget? The higher the lift, the more it will cost. So, you will need to plan around that.

Finally, what sort of looks are you aiming for? Because how far your ride sits above the ground directly affects its form.

Type of Lift Kit

The exact type of kit you need depends on the budget, lift amount, or need to improve your Jeep’s specific performance characteristics.

Body Lift Kit

The simplest, cheapest, and most beginner-friendly type of kit out there.

Such a kit usually consists of some pucks or spacers and new bolts, therefore extremely cheap. It works by lifting the body away from the frame, giving 1-3″ of additional height. Installation is straightforward and quick, only taking a few hours.

The only benefit you get from body lifts is the clearance for aftermarket wheels. You don’t get much direct ground clearance as only the body is lifted. So, a 2″ spacer will not give 2″ of clearance.

The only actual lift you will get is due to the larger wheels and tires. Also, too large of a body lift doesn’t look that great.

Budget Boost System

Unlike body lift kits, budget boosts use spacers placed between the upper spring perch and the coil. They can also come with longer sway bar links l, shock and brake line extensions, etc.

Budget boost actually gives you some ground clearance and does not look too unnatural with reasonable height. Such kits are only a smidgen more expensive than body lifts while still being easy to install.

Coil Spring Lift Kit

These kits are similar to budget boost kits. But instead of spacers and stock coil springs, you use longer springs to get the extra height.

You have to get a new coil spring that costs even more than budget boosts. But now, along with all the benefits of a budget boost kit, you get something extra regarding performance as well.

Longer coils give better articulation and more extended wheel travel. Also, proper aftermarket coil springs are more durable than their stock counterparts.

Suspension Lift Kits

A lot of people would say that the correct way to lift a vehicle is a suspension lift. They are, in a sense, quite right. So, if you can afford the extra cost, you should go for such kits.

For suspension kits, you replace parts of your stock suspension like coil springs, driveshafts, sway bar, control bars, and so on. It is a more comprehensive upgrade giving loads of performance benefits.

You can traverse rougher terrains, get better handling with stability, and enjoy a smooth ride on the tarmac.

If you are not that experienced with automobiles and such, it is recommended to get a professional to install such kits. This will add to a suspension lift’s already hefty price tag, but the performance is worth it.

How To Install Jeep JK Lift Kit?

Installing an aftermarket lift kit in a vehicle by yourself can save you some money. However, if the equipment has a lot of parts and you are not that confident, it is recommended to seek a professional.

We have included a simplified guide on installing a run-of-the-mill suspension kit. This is, in no way, a replacement for the instructions that come with the product itself and should only be used to supplement that.

Components

  • 10mm Wrench & Socket
  • 14mm Wrench & Socket
  • 16mm Wrench & Socket
  • 18mm Wrench & Socket
  • 19mm Socket
  • T‑50 Torx socket (For early models)
  • Jack & Jack Stands
  • Prying Bar

Step 01: Remove Trackbar Bolts

Park the vehicle on an even, non-sloped surface and block the rear wheel.

Remove the bolt holding the track bar to the passenger side of the axis and allow the track bar to hang free. Put away the track bar bolt and nut for use later.

Step 02: Raise the front and remove the wheels

Raise the front with a hydraulic jack and place the jack stands under the frame rails to support the vehicle.

Undo the lug nuts and remove the wheels. After properly supporting the front axis, remove the shocks and save the hardware.

Step 03: Disconnect brake line bracket and sway bar links

Disconnect the front brake line brackets from the frame and undo the upper mounting nut for the sway bar links. The sway bar should swing off of its links.

After this, Disconnect the sway bar links from the axle by removing the nut from the bolt. Early models, in this case, may require a T‑50 Torx socket to keep the nut from rotating. Retain the hardware for later use.

Step 04: Remove drag links and front coil springs

Remove the castellated nut and the drag link from the pitman’s arm.

Take out the coil spring retainer clips on the backside of the axle coil seat. Ensure the axle is adequately supported with a jack and remove the lower control arm bolts at the axle.

Lower the axle and also remove the stock coil springs. Put aside the removed hardware, as you will need some of them again later down the process.

Step 05: Install new coil spring

Put in the new coil springs that came with the kit. Ensure that they are sitting correctly on the upper mounts and reinstall the retainers.

Step 06: Reattach the front lower control arm

Reattach the front lower control bar with the stock bolts. But do not tighten the bolts completely. They will be tightened only when the vehicle is on the ground.

Step 07: Install new shocks

Install the new shocks with stock hardware. Also, reattach the drag link to the pitman’s arm with the original castellated nut.

Step 08: Reinstall the wheels

Reattach the factory brake line to the original mount. Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the original specs. After this, gently bring the vehicle to the ground.

Step 09: Connect sway bar and tighten control arms

You can now tighten the nuts holding the lower control arm with the vehicle on the ground. Connect the sway bar link while the suspension holds the Jeep’s weight.

Check all hardware for proper torque and repeat the process for the rear end as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a 2.5 inch lift enough for jeep jk?

It depends on the types of terrain you want to drive on and the size of any aftermarket wheel you might want to install. You also have to consider how much height would actually look good on your vehicle.

Can you fit a 35s on a 2.5-inch jeep jk?

Yes, you should be able to fit 35s tires with a 2.5-inch lift barring some exceptions.

How much is a 2-inch lift kit on a jeep jk?

The price of such lifts can vary due to the type of kit used. But a good budget option would set you back by about 250$. If you want something better, more expensive kits also exist.

Read More: How much does it cost to lift a truck 2 inches

How much is a 3-inch lift kit on a jeep jk?

A reasonable estimate for a 3-inch suspension lift would be $300-$400. Again, you can splurge a bit for higher quality products.

Read More: How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Truck 3 Inches

What is the best size tire for a 3-inch lift?

It usually is recommended to install 35″ tires for a 3-inch lift. Any larger may cause rubbing, but you can go a bit smaller should that suit your tastes better.

Can you fit a 35s on a 3-inch lift?

A 35s tire will comfortably fit in a vehicle with a 3-inch lift.

Which jeep kit is the best?

The best Kit will change depending on the vehicle type, personal tastes, tire size, ride performance, and many other things. We talk about many of these factors and how they affect your choice. Make sure to take a look.

Does a 4-inch lift make a difference?

4-inch is quite a significant amount of lift and may change the driving characteristics of your ride. It is more than sufficient to fit all but the large aftermarket tires or rims.

How tall is a 4-inch lift?

This mainly depends on how large a tire you want to fit. A 35-inch with a 4-inch lift will add a lot of height. Some people who have done it struggle to get their Jeep back into their garage.

How much does a 4-inch lift cost?

A 4-inch lift kit can cost anywhere between 400$ to 4000$.

Conclusion

Lifting your vehicle can significantly improve its performance on and off roads. Not to mention enhancing the overall looks of the ride. The installation process is also straightforward. All of these factors went into making such upgrades very popular.

You might also want to dabble in such modifications and try to pick out the best 4-inch lift kit for Jeep JK for your ride. But the veritable sea of products in the market will quickly overwhelm you if you have no prior knowledge regarding this subject.

The selections here are all top of the line and worth your consideration. Also, we would be happy if we were able to arm you with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision. Soon you too will be showing off your upgrade ride to your friends and neighbors!