Best Lift Kit for Jeep Wrangler TJ

All of us know that a lifted Jeep Wrangler TJ looks pretty aggressive. But we shouldn’t forget that lifts offer other benefits besides hardcore looks. Enhanced articulation, increased ground clearance are just two of the many advantages of installing a lift kit on your Wrangler TJ.

At the same time, the wrong lift kit can drastically lower your Jeep’s handling. That’s why you need to decide the purpose which you want the lift to fulfill. Will it be installed on a dual-purpose vehicle, driving both on-road or off-road? Or will it be spending the lion’s share of its time on the highway?

Based on our observation, we can say that more than half of Jeep drivers want their lift kits to provide the best of both on- and off-road worlds. This means they need a kit that can allow a weekly trip to rough terrains, while on the weekends, it must let them air-down their tires to take the kids fishing.

> Best tires for Jeep Wrangler

Best Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler TJ

Currie Enterprises CE-9131RH2P 4" Lift Kit

Currie Enterprises CE-9131RH2P 4" Lift Kit

Provided you came here in search of the Cadillac of Jeep lifts, the Currie 4’’ lift kit will serve you well. These springs provide a dual rate of 79lbs and offer a free length of up to 17.75 inches. Their gloss black powder coating keeps rust at bay and enhances the road life of these springs.

You can use these springs in combination to address vehicle lean issues. These issues mostly occur with no mistake of the driver, as it’s the factory build of the TJ that is responsible for them. That means you can count on this kit to resolve the stock issues of your vehicle.

Its ease of installation is a highly underrated feature of this kit. Drivers with minimal prior experience of installing lift kits would be able to attach it to their vehicle’s underbody in a matter of hours. The installation time will be even less for those of you who have a little more experience.

The fact that this lift kit contains nothing but springs means you should be ready to spend extra on the necessary gear. That includes adjustable control arms, tools to change the pinion angle, and other similar modifications. So you should be ready to spend above and beyond its asking price.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Provides heavy-duty lift
  • Boasts gloss back powder coated finish

Cons

  • Requires modifications

Rough Country 907S Suspension Lift Kit

Rough Country 907S 4" Suspension Lift Kit

Provided you’re a Jeep owner who wants to give all out and give your vehicle a massive 4-inch lift to create the necessary clearance for bigger tires, there’s little to suggest that you can go wrong with the Rough Country 907S Suspension Lift Kit.

Despite being a 4-inch lift kit, this product is quite affordable. It comes with everything you need to lift your vehicle beyond your wildest imaginations. The package of this product also includes lower tubular control arms for the front and the rear, lifted coil springs, and 4x premium N3 shocks.

The fact that it comes with shock absorbers of its own means you can count on this kit to do something which most others don’t. It will absorb on- and off-road vibrations without relying on the factory shocks of your Jeep. That is what enables this model to enhance your vehicle’s ride quality.

Since it offers easy bolt-on installation, you shouldn’t have to deal with many complications during its installation. However, as you’d have to fit many parts and components in place, the installation would take you more than a few hours. So you should clear your schedule beforehand.

Pros

  • Enhances on- and off-road performance
  • Better than stock ride quality
  • Looks great when installed

Cons

  • Installation takes a few hours

Currie CE-9132FP Lift Kit

Currie CE-9132FP Lift Kit

Are there any differences between this lift kit and the CE-9131FP reviewed above? This question might arise in your mind owing to the almost similar lift (4’’) provided by both these kits. But as common sense tells us, Currie isn’t marketing the same product with two different names.

Need proof to believe in this claim? The first significant difference between both these lift kits is the area on your vehicle’s underbody where they attach. While the CE-9131FP lifts the rear of your TJ, this one only concerns itself with lifting its front.

This one difference further distinguishes this kit from its cousin mentioned above. It lifts the bumpers and heavy winches of TJ to provide it with a few extra inches of ground clearance, which are crucial for the safety of two-door if you’re planning to ride it in harsh terrains.

However, there are a few similarities between these models as well. Both are given a black powder-coated finish to help them withstand rust, corrosion, and other environmental irritants. Also, despite their different function, both kits are available at an affordable price.

Pros

  • Competitively priced
  • Helps get rid of rake
  • Compensates for bumpers

Cons

  • Requires alteration to the Jeep’s underbody

Supreme Suspensions Wrangler Lift Kit

Supreme Suspensions Wrangler Lift Kit

In search of a Jeep leveling kit? Maybe you could do with this lift kit from Supreme Suspensions. This kit doesn’t let its super low price deprive you of enjoying a bevy of spring spacers. Also provided in its ultra-affordable price is a transfer drop as well as a leveling kit Pro pack.

Does that mean it is superior to your Jeep’s stock suspension system? That isn’t what this kit is designed to do. Its sole purpose is to provide your TJ with a few extra inches of ground clearance. It’s up to you whether you exploit the added inches to install larger tires.

You must find it pleasing to know that both the front and the rear spring spacers of this lift kit are made of high-density Delrin – a thermoplastic whose tensile strength is the highest among others of its ilk. That’s what enables it to withstand load without getting compressed underneath it.

It isn’t only the functionality of this lift kit which makes it a must-have – its ease of installation is mouth-watering as well. Supreme Suspensions have equipped this product with ‘bolt-on’ installation, which means you can assemble it without having to resort to any special tools.

Pros

  • Bolt-on installation
  • Enhances the look of your Jeep
  • Has high-density Delrin spring spacers

Cons

  • Requires you to switch some hardware out

JKS 9904 1-1/4" Body Lift System

JKS 9904 Body Lift System

Are you looking for a lift kit that would improve your Jeep’s ride quality on the highway? Won’t mind if it makes your vehicle look taller than it actually is? Will you prefer if it provides the few additional inches of ground clearance that are required for adding larger tires?

The JKS Body Lift System offers all of this and more. It provides 1.25 inches of additional tire clearance without affecting your vehicle’s suspension geometry or spring rate. It also has a minimal effect on your Jeep’s center of gravity because this lift kit raises the vehicle body relative to the chassis.

Since this body lift system has TJ-specific design, it ensures proper fitment and installation. Its Dura-thane poly spacers are covered by ultra-body mounts to allow for ultra-secure installation. The soft grill of the lift kit prevents it from handling stress without giving way.

To further sweeten the deal, this model won’t have any effect on your Jeep’s suspension. It won’t require you to make any modification to your Jeep’s radiator, brakes, air conditioning, or fuel tank. That’s why its users vouch for this kit’s ability to maintain the factory feel of their ride. 

Pros

  • Won’t affect your Jeep’s regular operation
  • Requires very little modification
  • Easy and ultra-secure installation

Cons

  • Instructions aren’t that helpful

Liftcraft 2’’ Front and Rear Lift Kit

Liftcraft 2’’ Front and Rear Lift Kit

Here is another front and rear leveling kit that will make your Jeep Wrangler TJ sit perfectly over bigger tires. Its bolt-on installation lets you install this lift kit without any cutting or drilling. The coating on all the hardware products protects them, and your Jeep’s underbody, from corrosion.

The Delrin construction of all the parts ensures high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. The vehicle-specific design of the entire lift kit means it would work with the factory shocks of your Jeep Wrangler TJ. There is no need for you to make any time-consuming modifications.

To make sure that no doubts creep into your mind about the durability of this lift kit, its manufacturer has saddled it with a lifetime guarantee. That means you can keep on using this lift kit for as long as your Jeep is in your possession. Both will last an equally long time.

Pros

  • Has lifetime guarantee
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • Easy bolt-on installation

Cons

  • Spacers are plastic

Skyjacker (TJ401BPH) 4" Lift Pallet Kit

Skyjacker (TJ401BPH) 4" Lift Pallet Kit

Those of you who have used Skyjacker products before might already be well-versed about its ‘1-pack, 1-box’ package. Skyjacker takes pride in the fact that everything required to assemble its tools is included in their package. You don’t have to purchase anything extra to complete the installation.

Before we turn our attention to the contents of this lift, it would be a disservice to this product if we don’t stop and admire its red finish. True, you won’t be able to notice it as it would be hidden in the vehicle’s underbody. Still, we felt that its classic design deserved mention.

On towards more practical (and noticeable) features, and the twin-tube shock absorbers come into play. They work in tandem with the factory suspension of your vehicle to suss-out on/off-road vibrations. But for its installation – which is hugely time-consuming, we didn’t find any fault with this lift kit.

Pros

  • High-quality Hydro 7000 shocks included
  • Provides excellent value for money
  • Looks great

Cons

  • Installation is time-consuming

Rough Country 2.5" Lift Kit

Rough Country 2.5’’ Suspension Lift Kit

Almost everything you need to increase the ground clearance of your TJ by a few inches is supplied with this lift lit. Its package includes factory-tuned coil spring, premium N3 shocks, brake line, and rear track bar brackets, shock relocation brackets, rear sway bar links, and all the necessary hardware.

Most notable among the paraphernalia listed above are the N3 shocks. They boast a 10-stage variable valving to give you the comfort you need. Their chrome-hardened 18mm piston rod withstands road bumps, and the spring-loaded piston road seal takes care of off-road vibrations.

Since these coil springs are factory tuned to the OE spring rate, you can count on them to provide factory-like ride quality. They level the front of your Jeep with its rear to resolve the issue of rake. The entire kit is warrantied for life, whereas the shocks/struts come with a 3-year warranty.

Pros

  • Includes premium N3 shock absorbers
  • Levels the front with the rear
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Relatively pricey

Liftcraft 3’’ Front and Rear Lift Kit

Liftcraft 3’’ Front and Rear Lift Kit

Despite the fact that they aren’t easy to install, these spring spacers from Liftcraft give your Jeep the kind of clearance it needs to overcome any obstacle on its path. They also come as a full package to save you from making any time-consuming modifications to your Jeep.

Since it is made of Delrin, you can’t have any doubts about this lift kit’s sturdiness. Delrin is known the world over for its high stiffness, low friction and excellent ability to handle compression. Its dimensional stability plays an equally important part in making Delrin spacers long-lasting.

All in all, these 3-inch spacers are perfect for cash-strapped drivers who want their Jeep to look awesome. It enhances the looks of your vehicle and gives it an aggressive appeal by allowing you to mount the largest possible tires that can fit underneath lifted Jeeps.

Pros

  • Requires no modification
  • Delrin spacers are heavy-duty
  • Offers good quality ride

Cons

  • Isn’t very easy to install

Pro Comp K3055 2" Lift Kit

Pro Comp K3055 2" Lift Kit

Prepared to give one of the lesser-known lift kits a go? The Pro Comp lift kit isn’t as famous as some of the other models in this review. Its anonymity, however, has no bearing on this product’s quality. Neither has it encouraged its manufacturer to offer this lift kit at a throwaway price.

That tells you everything you need to know about this product’s quality. Its package includes shock absorbers that work alongside your stock shocks to provide a smooth and compliant ride. You won’t have to deal with any bump-steer with this product as well.

Lastly, since it levels the front of your Jeep with the rear, you can trust this product to reduce axle wrap and improve load capacity. Though it is only made for those models of TJ, which were released between 1997 and 2006.

Pros

  • Provides a smooth, compliant ride
  • Doesn’t result in bump-steer
  • Improves load capacity

Cons

  • Limited compatibility

Best Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler TJ – Buying Guide

Best Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler TJ – Buying Guide

Here’s what you should consider when searching for the best Jeep lift kit for Jeep Wrangler TJ:

Type of lift kit

Following are some of the most common Jeep lift kits:

Body Lift Kit

The body lift kits do precisely what their name implies – they raise the body of your Jeep Wrangler TJ to create enough room for you to add bigger tires, which will be the ones lifting your vehicle. This lift does its job through either rubber or polyurethane spacers.

All Jeep Wrangler models have a ‘body on frame’ construction, meaning that the frame to which the suspension is connected sits on the body. This lift kit places the spacers in certain areas which are lying unoccupied between the frame and the body.

Lastly, while body lift kits are offered in 1 – 3 inches size range, most people don’t go above 2 inches. Anything above might stress your Jeep’s mounts – which is dangerous – or might require you to perform modifications – which is costly.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Won’t change driveline angles
  • Helps install larger tires

Cons

  • Won’t increase ground clearance

Budget Boost System

The budget boost systems provide the best of both worlds. On the one end, they will provide your TJ with the aggressive looks which most Jeep drivers love. On the other end, it will make your vehicle capable of handling mild-to-moderate off-roading.

What is more, budget boost systems aren’t as expensive as suspension lifts and don’t require you to make modifications to your vehicle’s suspension. That means you won’t have to regear your TJ, extend its brake lines, or replace its driveshaft. And you’d still be able to install larger tires, typically up to 31’’.

You can count on these systems to give your Jeep between 0.75 to 2.5 inches of lift. They will either install polyurethane coil spacers on the stock coil springs of your jeep or will add them to the shackles. Some of them come with spacers that eliminate your Jeep’s factory rake by lifting its front more than its rear.

Pros

  • Caters recreational off-roaders
  • Lets you install up to 31’’ of tires
  • Doesn’t require modification to the Jeep’s suspension

Cons

  • Can’t rival suspension lift kits in terms of strength

Suspension Lift Kits

Provided you can afford to pay their asking price, you shouldn’t settle for anything other than suspension lift kits. These kits provide additional wheel travel which you can exploit during off-roading, improve the contact of the tire with the road and provide an enhanced ride.

Also, whether they use coil or leaf to lift the Jeep, you can count on suspension lift kits to ensure your safety. They provide the added travel that is necessary for a vehicle to perform safely at a height, while also providing the required ground clearance for above-par departure angles and breakover.

Depending on the lift size, some suspension lift kits might also come with a host of accessories. They might include aftermarket Jeep shocks, control arms, sway bar links, bump stops, brackets or track bar, brake line brackets, and transfer case lowering kit.

Pros

  • Allow for additional wheel travel
  • Provide an enhanced ride
  • Increase your Jeep’s ground clearance

Cons

  • Require constant monitoring and maintenance

FAQs

Q: What are the differences between short and long arm lift kits?

A: There are many differences between short and long arm lift kits. While the former install on the stock arm mounts, long arm lift kits require you to remove the factory control arm brackets.

Short arm lift kits, therefore, are easier to install. Though they provide less wheel travel, low articulation, and smaller ground clearance than long-arm lift kits. Hence the reason why long arm kits are popular among drivers looking to conquer extreme obstacles. 

Q: Do I need to make modifications when installing a lift kit?

A: As long as you’re installing a 2.5’’ or lower lift on your Jeep Wrangler TJ, you won’t be affecting its geometry much. That means that you might not have to make many modifications in this size range.

However, if you’re planning to go above 2.5’’, you may have to install extensions for steering linkage, shifter, and radiator. Also, if the kit doesn’t come with all the parts it requires to stabilize your Jeep’s geometry, you may have to purchase and install longer rear and front track bars as well.

Q: Why do I need a slip yoke eliminator for my Jeep Wrangler TJ?

A: Installation of a lift kit on your TJ will increase the angle of its rear driveshaft. This might cause premature wear and driveline vibrations – especially if you have installed a 2’’ or larger kit.

To prevent such a scenario, you might need to install a slip yoke eliminator. It will prevent damage to your Jeep by adding the ‘slip’ function to its driveshaft and replacing the ‘slip’ yoke with a ‘fixed’ one on the rear side of the transfer case.

Conclusion

Whether you came here in search of a lift kit that could improve the highway handling of your Jeep Wrangler TJ – or you wanted a product that would enhance its off-road performance – the products recommended in this review have got you covered on both counts.