I have a friend who usually drives through the desert area almost on a regular basis on her Jeep Wrangler TJ.
However, with all the bumps she has to drive through so often, she doesn’t install a lift kit to make the bumps less shaky for her jeep.
I gave her some advice!
As an auto repair shop owner, the advice was obviously to use a lift kit to raise the ground clearance of her Jeep Wrangler TJ so she could maneuver her jeep better through such rough terrain.
She hesitated at first!
This is because she didn’t want to spend her money to change up the factory ride quality of her jeep.
So I assured her I would suggest to her the best lift kit for Jeep Wrangler TJ that won’t change the factory ride quality.
After she learned about the lift kits and the benefits they provide, she got the lift and wasn’t disappointed after installation.
What benefits?
These benefits can include better ground clearance, better visibility, smoother ride in tough terrains, bigger tires, and other things you can only get from lifting your jeep.
Today, I’ll suggest the same lift kits I suggested to her, and hopefully, they won’t disappoint you, either.
5 Best Lift Kit For Jeep Wrangler TJ
If you are aware of all the benefits of lifting your Jeep Wrangler TJ, you might already be looking for a good lift kit.
But there are hundreds of options in various stores with different brands of aftermarket lift kits. So it’s really hard finding the right one.
Isn’t it?
I know how tough it can be to find the right lift kit for your Jeep Wrangler TJ from the sea of lift kits, as I see most of my clients struggling with the same issue.
Don’t worry!
I have created this list for people like you who are suffering from such dilemmas. So here we go!
1. Rough Country 2.5″ Lift Kit- Best for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ
The 2.5-inch lift kit from Rough Country is the best lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler TJ, in my opinion.
Why so?
This is because I have suggested this one to many of my clients, and they all have been completely satisfied with the results after installing this lift kit.
And the Rough Country brand is a well-known one. They always deliver high-quality aftermarket components with an affordable price tag.
The 2.5-inch lift kit in question is also very budget-friendly!
It’s a coilover lift kit!
Yes, if you want your jeep to stop shaking too much around bumps and other protrusions on the road and even off-road, you should think about getting a coilover lift kit like this one.
Plus, a coilover lift kit also helps your Jeep Wrangler TJ from rolling and gives you a better chance of handling your jeep.
So if you install the new front and rear coil springs included in this coilover lift kit, you will get a smoother ride compared to installing a suspension lift kit.
And these coil springs will be able to raise your Jeep Wrangler TJ 2.5 inches higher off the ground to increase ground clearance.
N3 shocked absorbers!
The nitrogen-charged N3 shock absorbers this lift kit provides you with are better than other shocks like hydro shocks.
So you can expect them to be at peak performance when soaking up the bumps on both roads and off-road situations.
More on the shocks!
These premium shock absorbers have 10-stage variables in their valving, and the nitrogen gas used in the shocks are high-pressured for the best performance.
And they are very durable because of their shock body of 54 mm with a faster cooling feature and their spring-loaded piston rod of 18 mm.
Compatibility?
This 2.5-inch lift kit is compatible with most Jeep Wrangler TJ models, which are the models from 1997 to 2006.
Moreover, you can easily install this lift kit using bolts. And you can do it all by yourself if you have a little sense of auto mechanics. It will only take you about 2 to 3 hours to install.
My Opinion: As I have firsthand experience with this lift kit, I know how well it performs. So if you are looking for an affordable coilover lift kit, you should definitely buy this one. I highly recommend it.
Jeep Wrangler Rough Country 2.5″ Lift w/ Shocks (1997-2006 TJ w/ 6 Cyl & 4 Cyl) Review & Install
2. Daystar Jeep TJ Wrangler 1.75″ Front or Rear Lift Kit
If you have a really tight budget and all you need is a simple 1.75-inch lift on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, the 1.75-inch lift kit from Daystar is the best option for you.
It’s under $50!
Yes, this lift kit is very affordable, and it’s the cheapest lift kit on the entire list!
This lift kit comes with front and rear coil spring spacers that are able to raise your Jeep Wrangler TJ 1.75 inches higher than what the stock settings will allow.
What does that do?
Because of the coil spring spacer lift, your Jeep Wrangler TJ will get better ground clearance. And this will help your jeep perform better in off-road situations.
So this means you can easily drive over any speed bumps on the road or other obstacles you face during driving through tougher terrain.
There’s more!
As the ground clearance increases, the wheel wells of your Jeep Wrangler TJ expand and have more space.
Because of this expansion, the wheel wells have enough space to fit larger-sized tires on them. And larger tires don’t only look good, but they also give your jeep more traction.
This 1.75-inch lift kit is perfect for you if you don’t want to lift your Jeep Wrangler TJ too much. Or if you want to settle for a lesser increase in ground clearance compared to other lift kits.
Amazing material!
Just because this 1.75-inch lift kit is less expensive, it does not mean you are spending your money on some average spacer lift kit.
This is because the material of this coil spring spacer lift kit is high-density and high-quality polyurethane, which makes the spacers durable.
My Opinion: Not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on an aftermarket modification like a lift. If you are someone who wants to lift your Jeep Wrangler TJ for better ground clearance but doesn’t want to spend much, this kit is for you.
3. Rough Country 1.25″ 98 tj Body Lift Kit
If your goal is to get larger tires and you don’t really care for ground clearance, the 1.25-inch body lift kit from Rough Country is the best option for you.
And it’s very affordable!
Yes, I am bringing out a lift kit from Rough Country once again. This is not because I am partial to their products.
It is because their products are actually really good, and you’ll know when you start using this body lift kit.
Body lift kits are not the same as suspension lift kits, as they only raise the body of your jeep from the chassis, which doesn’t add to the ground clearance.
But if your goal is only to get bigger tires, a body lift is perfect for you!
There’s a but!
This body lift kit will increase your Jeep Wrangler TJ’s ground clearance, as installing the bigger tires and rims will increase the ground clearance.
So if you occasionally go on off-road trips and you want to drive through those bumpy terrains easily, you would benefit from installing this lift kit and adding larger tires.
Fiberglass lift pucks!
So if you buy this body lift kit, you do not have to worry about the lift kit being able to withstand any kind of pressure and wear, as it’s really durable.
The reason for this durability is the fact that the body lift puck this lift kit comes with is made out of high-strength fiberglass made from reinforced nylon.
So you will get enough protection for your Jeep Wrangler TJ if you end up installing this 1.25-inch body lift kit just for fitting bigger tires.
My Opinion: If larger tires are what you want and you don’t often drive through rough terrains, which calls for needing better ground clearance, you should think of buying this body lift kit for your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
Jeep Wrangler Rough Country 1.25″ Body Lift Kit w/o Shocks (1997-2006 TJ) Review & Install
4. Supreme Suspensions TJ 3″ Front + 3″ Rear Suspension Lift
Compatibility is important when it comes to lift kits, and the 3-inch front and rear suspension lift kit from Supreme Suspensions is an excellent suspension lift kit.
And this lift kit is completely compatible with a lot of the models of the Jeep Wrangler TJ, which are the models from 1997 to 2006.
When it comes to suspension lift kits, they are usually very expensive. But this 3-inch lift kit is very affordable.
Just under $100!
It comes with four front and rear coil spring lift spacers able to raise your Jeep Wrangler TJ 3 inches off the ground, increasing ground clearance.
And when you increase your jeep’s ground clearance this much, your jeep will look more rugged and cool.
Because of this, your jeep’s wheel wells will also have enough space in them to fit larger-sized tires.
You get a freebie!
Apart from the coil spring spacers, this lift kit gifts you with a freebie can cooler, which is a signature Supreme Suspensions move.
And this is not just any can cooler; it’s made out of 3 mm premium neoprene, so you can have a chilled beverage while you install the lift kit to your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
Plus, installing this suspension lift kit is super easy. You can do it all by yourself if you are used to getting your hands dirty.
Only takes about a few hours!
My Opinion: If you want a 3-inch lift for your Jeep Wrangler TJ and have a tight budget, this is the lift kit for you!
5. Rough Country 2″ Lift Kit for 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ
I am about to talk about another Rough Country lift kit. But this time, it is a 2-inch lift kit, which is a coil spring spacer lift kit.
This 2-inch spacer lift kit is also very affordable, which is what you are able to get with most of the products from Rough Country.
What does it include?
And this lift kit comes with two front coil spring spacers and two rear coil spring spacers to lift your Jeep Wrangler TJ 2 inches.
Moreover, you will also get shock relocation brackets with this lift kit!
These shock relocation brackets will relocate the mounting point of your shock absorbers to make the angle of the travel and shock absorbers correct.
This is important because when you will install this 2-inch suspension lift kit, the shock angles will shift.
What about compatibility?
If the lift kit you buy is not compatible with your Jeep Wrangler TJ, you might have to face a lot of problems.
Firstly, the lift kit might not fit your jeep at all. And even if it does, it might damage or wear out the suspension of your jeep.
But you don’t have to worry about compatibility with this lift kit!
This is because this suspension lift kit is perfectly compatible with the Jeep Wrangler TJ versions from 1997 to 2006.
Furthermore, it’s really straightforward to install by yourself!
My Opinion: If you are looking to lift your Jeep Wrangler TJ 2 inches and want a lift kit that is both affordable and of good quality, this Rough Country suspension lift kit is perfect for you. I highly recommend you buy this one or at least add it to your cart.
Jeep Wrangler TJ Rough Country 2″ Suspension Lift Kit w/ Shocks (1997-2006) Review & Install
6. Zone Offroad Jeep Wrangler TJ 4″ Suspension System
Looking for a coilover lift kit with top-tier level performance? Not worried about the cost? Then, the 4-inch suspension Coilover lift kit from Zone Offroad is a great option for you.
However, this is a 4-inch lift kit, so you have to be willing to adjust to the drastic change it will bring to your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
How drastic?
This 4-inch lift kit will completely change the look of your Jeep Wrangler TJ for the better. But that’s not all!
You will get a really heightened ground clearance from your jeep, which will help you steer clear of all the lower obstacles you might have to face on off-road terrains.
And you can install even bigger tires to your Jeep Wrangler TJ, which will grip easier because of the added traction.
And the underbody of your jeep will not have to go through damage like scratches or worse as it will sit higher from the ground.
What are the parts?
This lift kit comes with a set of coil springs for the front and another set of coil springs for the rear of your jeep.
And this is what lifting does!
You will also get two sets of lower control arms, which will help you steer your jeep easier while you are guiding your jeep’s tires up and down with the surface of the road.
So you will get more stability because of these control arms!
Moreover, this kit includes nitro shock absorbers, which are really heavy-duty and perform better than most shocks, as they will also improve your ride’s stability.
There are buts!
This 4-inch suspension lift kit comes with a few cons!
As the geometry of your vehicle changes, the century of your jeep’s gravity will also shift. So you will have to relearn handling your jeep, as it might become harder to maneuver.
And even getting on or off from your Jeep Wrangler TJ might become a bit harder or just different, depending on how you look at it, because of the added ground clearance.
My Opinion: If you are willing to spend the money and you want a fantastic kit that can lift your Jeep Wrangler TJ 4 inches, this lift kit is perfect for you. I suggest you add it to your cart!
7. Rough Country 4″ Suspension Lift Kit
Yes, Rough Country again! You sure must think I’m biased! But you won’t if you try out this 4-inch suspension lift kit from Rough Country, as it’s one of the best for your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
This suspension lift kit is the most expensive one on the list among the other lift kits I have and will mention.
Why, though?
This is a coilover lift kit, and coilover lift kits are usually more expensive than normal suspension lift kits. But why wasn’t the other one this expensive?
Well, this is because this coilover suspension lift kit comes with more expensive parts other than just coil springs and shock absorbers.
And even the coil springs and shock absorbers are really high-quality ones.
What parts?
This lift kit comes with rubber bushings for absorbing bumps on the road better, even after the shock absorbers do the job well.
They can even control how much movement there is in the joints, as well as decrease vibration and noise.
And the sway bars this lift kit comes with have a quick disconnect feature where you can detach them easily whenever you need to.
Fantastic control arms!
The control arms this lift kit includes have a lot of great features. They have Clevite rubber bushings, the ones I talked about earlier, and you can easily grease them when using them.
And they even have 20-degree upper joints pivot and 35-degree lower joints pivot for added efficiency with 2.5-inch diameter body and 1.25-inch thread flex joints.
My Opinion: You will enjoy all the benefits of a 4-inch lift kit and more if you install this coilover lift kit to your Jeep Wrangler TJ. So I say buy it if you are willing to spend the money!
8. AJP Wrangler TJ 3″ Front/2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit
If you don’t want all of the extra hassles of installing different parts of a lift kit and want a more budget-friendly leveling lift kit, the 3-inch front and 2-inch rear leveling lift kit is perfect for you.
You get both!
Let’s say you are someone who doesn’t carry a heavy load on the back of your Jeep Wrangler TJ on a regular basis.
If this is the case, you won’t need a front-sagging factory Jeep Wrangler TJ. So you would want to level your jeep.
And if you do drive through tough terrain on a daily basis or more often than not, you might also want to install a lift kit for getting a smoother ride.
Installing this 3-inch front and 2-inch rear leveling lift kit will get you both of these benefits from a single lift kit!
Who wouldn’t want that?
This lift kit uses a set of coil spring spacers to raise the front 1 inch to level the jeep with the back.
The same coil spring spacers add another 2 inches to lift the front of your Jeep Wrangler TJ. And this lift kit also uses two coil spring spacers to lift the rear 2 inches.
You get a 2-inch lift!
This lift kit is compatible with your Jeep Wrangler TJ, and it is really simple to install. You can do it yourself!
My Opinion: If you want to both level and lift your Jeep Wrangler TJ 2 inches off the ground, this leveling lift kit is the best option for you, in my opinion.
9. Daystar Jeep TJ Wrangler 1.75″ Lift Kit
I have got another Daystar lift kit for you, and this is the 1.75-inch lift kit, which is really lightweight.
Why does that matter?
A heavier lift kit can really harm the suspension of your Jeep Wrangler TJ. This is because the heavier the lift kit, the more chances there are that it will wear out your suspensions.
Lift kits can wear out the ball joints of the suspension of your jeep faster than you would want them to.
But lightweight lift kits have a lesser chance of doing that!
What’s more?
A heavier lift kit can have an effect on the fuel efficiency of your Jeep Wrangler TJ. How does that happen?
Well, when you install a heavy lift kit to your jeep, it will increase the overall weight of your Jeep Wrangler TJ, and this will create further aerodynamic drag, which is not good for your jeep.
So this lift kit gives you a better chance at avoiding these disadvantages!
This lift kit raises the front and the rear of your Jeep Wrangler TJ 1.75 inches higher off the ground, giving it better ground clearance.
My Opinion: You might not want to spend too much on lifting your Jeep Wrangler TJ. Instead, you might want an affordable option for a lift like this lift kit. I assure you this is one of the best lift kits for you.
10. Rough Country 3.25″ Lift Kit for 1997-2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Last but not least, the following lift kit is a 3.25-inch lift kit from Rough Country. I have had many customers of mine use this lift kit, and they all were really satisfied with it.
A 3.25-inch lift is not too much of a lift, but it isn’t too less, either. I think it’s a perfectly balanced amount of lift for your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
The parts?
This coilover lift kit comes with two coil springs to lift the front and two more coil springs to lift the rear end of your jeep.
Apart from that, the shock absorbers this coilover lift kit comes with are absolutely amazing!
Like most Rough Country shock absorbers, the ones from this lift kit are also nitrogen-charged N3 shock absorbers.
And they have a durable spring-loaded piston rod of 18 mm and a faster cooling body of 54 mm for efficiency.
Compatibility?
This lift kit is entirely compatible with your Jeep Wrangler TJ. But what models? Well, this lift kit can fit models of the Jeep Wrangler TJ from 1997 to 2002.
So if your jeep is one of these models and you want your jeep to get a 3.25-inch lift, this lift kit can be perfect for you.
My Opinion: You will not be disappointed with this 3.25-inch Coilover lift kit. So if you are willing to spend enough money on this kit, you should definitely buy it.
11. Daystar Jeep TJ Wrangler 3″ Lift Kit
The 3-inch lift kit I am going to talk about now is from Daystar, and I think it is another best 3 inch lift kit for Jeep TJ.
But how do I know?
This is because I recommended this 3-inch lift kit to a lot of my customers, and everyone who used it loved the results.
And this lift kit can really do wonders for your jeep with the amount of added ground clearance it can provide.
If you want phenomenal efficiency from a lift kit to improve the performance of your Jeep Wrangler TJ, this lift kit is the one for you.
How so?
This lift kit gives your vehicle a 3-inch lift with the help of its components. It uses upper strut plates, helping you with quieting the vibration and noise of your jeep.
And even the sway bar bushings this kit comes with not only separate your sway bars from the body of your jeep but also help decrease the friction and noise some more.
You even get bumps stops with this lift kit!
What do they do?
Well, they help reduce the pressure from your suspension when your jeep faces bumps on the road.
Moreover, this lift kit also comes with shock boots. And these shock boots help your jeep by protecting your vehicle’s shock rod from various kinds of obstacles or debris.
What’s more is that all of these components are made out of high-density and sturdy polyurethane, giving the kit unmatched durability.
My Opinion: If you like the specifications of this 3-inch lift kit, you should buy it. And I don’t think you will be disappointed with your decision if you do end up buying this kit.
12. Rugged Ridge 3 Inch Suspension Body Lift Kit
A client once got turned into a friend because I suggested he use this 3-inch suspension body lift kit from Rugged Ridge, and he loved how it performed.
This 3-inch lift kit is absolutely amazing because of the quality components it comes with and the fact that the entire kit is so affordable.
What does it do?
This suspension body lift kit gives your Jeep Wrangler TJ enough space on the wheel wells of the jeep to let you be able to install bigger tires.
As this is a body lift kit, it will not add much ground clearance to your vehicle. But if you are looking for a lift kit just so you can fit larger tires on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, this is the one for you.
Why is that?
This is because when you install a body lift kit on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, it raises the body of your jeep from the chassis.
Because of this, the wheel wells expand, but the jeep does not get lifted off the ground. So you can add bigger tires, but it won’t add better ground clearance.
And when you do end up using bigger tires on your jeep because of installing this lift kit, your jeep will get a bit of additional ground clearance.
My Opinion: If you want bigger tires and don’t care if the ground clearance of your jeep increases or not, you should buy this suspension body lift kit.
What People Also Ask
What size lift should I get for my Jeep TJ?
It really depends on you as a buyer of a lift kit to decide what size lift kit you want to get for your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
Usually, my customers get lift kits ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches because these are the sizes you can rely on for not changing the factory ride quality of your jeep after lifting it.
You can go for higher lifts, but they will change the way you are used to handling your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
And you can even find some lift kits that not only lift your vehicle but also levels it. If you don’t use your jeep for carrying heavy loads, you should try a leveling lift kit.
How much does it cost to lift a TJ?
A lift kit can cost between 150 dollars to 2,000 dollars. And installing a lift kit can cost you up to 20,000 dollars, including the lift kit buying cost.
However, the cost of lifting your Jeep Wrangler TJ really depends on the lift kit brand and the quality of the kit.
If you buy a moderately priced lift kit with good-quality components, you might not have to spend much on it. But you will have to spend your money on the installation.
With a highly-priced lift kit, you might get better components that have extra features you might want.
And some lift kits have fewer components than others, making them cheaper.
But if you install the lift kit you bought all by yourself without taking help from a professional, you will be able to cut down on the cost significantly.
Which lift kit is the best for Jeep TJ?
The 2.5-inch lift kit from Rough Country is the best lift kit for your Jeep Wrangler TJ, in my opinion.
It is completely compatible with a Jeep Wrangler TJ in the models between 1997 to 2006. So if your jeep is one of these models, you can use this lift kit.
And it is a coilover lift kit, so it can help your jeep get better ground clearance and make the driving experience much smoother.
As it’s a coilover lift kit, you will not only get a stiffer ride, but you will also get new and improved shock absorbers.
This is why I really like this 2.5-inch lift kit, and I think it is the best one out of the bunch.
Why do I need a 4-inch lift Jeep TJ?
If you want the most ground clearance from installing a lift kit without making any changes to your Jeep Wrangler TJ’s factory ride quality, you should get a 4-inch lift.
A 4-inch lift kit can change up the entire look of your Jeep Wrangler TJ by raising the jeep 4 inches off the ground.
You can use bigger tires up to 37 inches big, which can help you in rough terrains, as bigger tires have better traction.
The underbody of your jeep will stay clear of any damage like scratches or more because it will sit higher than the ground.
Benefits like this are why I think you should consider installing a 4-inch lift kit on your Jeep Wrangler TJ.
Does lifting a Jeep TJ cause problems?
Yes, lifting a Jeep Wrangler TJ can cause a few problems for the jeep. And I will tell you exactly what they are.
Firstly, your suspension components, like the ball joints of your suspension, can easily wear out faster than they should if you install a lift kit.
If you want a higher lift than 2 inches, you might face some issues, like having to relearn how to maneuver your jeep, as the center of your jeep’s gravity will shift.
The fuel economy of your Jeep Wrangler TJ will decrease because your jeep will have better rolling resistance, and your jeep’s overall weight will increase, which makes for a higher aerodynamic drag.
And if you have a good warranty on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, it will become useless. This is because an aftermarket modification like a lift kit voids the warranty of your jeep.
These are the cons of installing a lift kit on your Jeep Wrangler TJ. However, I believe the advantages weigh down the cons.
How much lift do I need for 35-inch tires?
You can fit tires the size of 35 inches if you install a lift kit ranging from 2.5 inches to 3 inches, depending on the lift kit.
A 1.5-inch lift kit will only let you get tires as big as 33 inches. But if you want bigger tires like 37-inch tires, you need to buy lift kits ranging from 3.5 inches to 4 inches.
However, all of this still depends on what kind of lift kit you buy and what components you get in the kit.
What is the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
A body lift kit raises just the body from the chassis, while a suspension lift kit raises both the chassis and the body of your jeep.
With a body lift kit, the ground clearance of your jeep does not increase. It can only increase the wheel wells enough for you to fit larger tires on your vehicle.
On the other hand, the ground clearance of your jeep will increase if you install a suspension lift kit. Plus, you can also install bigger tires!
Final Verdict
If you install a lift kit on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, you will end up increasing the ground clearance of your jeep, making your jeep run smoother on rough terrains.
Even the underbody of your Jeep Wrangler TJ will stay unharmed from various kinds of damage as it will sit higher from the ground.
Plus, larger tires!
I always tell my clients to make sure they know what they want from a light kit and only then decide which type of lift kit is best for them.
Take this advice!
Hopefully, you like the best lift kit for Jeep Wrangler TJ I have suggested to you today, and will make the right choice.
Happy shopping!
