Jeep Lift Kit Q & A

by Torque Staff Report

Q – What is a lift kit and why would I need one?

A – Basically, a lift kit for your Jeep does just what the name says — it adds parts to the vehicle to lift it up, giving it more ground clearance which is especially useful off-road. With that added space, you can fit larger tires on the Jeep allowing it to overcome obstacles like rocks or tree stumps that would normally get in the way. Or, if you are not into off-roading, a Jeep lift kit simply gives it a more aggressive, head-turning stance versus a normal car or truck.

Q – Will a lift kit void my factory warranty?

A – This is perhaps the most asked Jeep Wrangler lift question. And it is certainly a valid one because you are adding parts to the vehicle to change its look and performance. You may even have friends who have warned you about warranty issues after the installation of these kits. However, the correct answer is that your Jeep warranty cannot be voided when you install a Jeep suspension lift. The only parts not covered by the factory warranty will be the ones you replace with the kit — stuff like coil or leaf springs, shocks, control arms, sway bar links and brake lines). For any mechanic or dealership to deny you on a warranty claim, they would have to prove that one of your replacement parts was to blame for the failure. That means, for example, if they denied you warranty coverage on your transmission, they would have to prove your lift was the cause of the transmission failure.

Here is why — the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

This law was specifically enacted to keep manufacturers from denying claims based on bogus reasons (like you modified your vehicle, so it’s not covered). Additionally, it was designed to prevent automobile manufacturers from misleading customers that they must have all services performed at a dealership with original equipment parts.

So add that lift kit proudly and don’t be afraid you'll negate your factory warranty.

Q – Will my Wrangler handle differently with a lift kit installed?

A – If you’ve graduated from driving a car to a Jeep, you know it does handle somewhat differently thanks to its higher center of gravity. And after installing a lift kit, that center of gravity goes a bit higher as well. However, the overall handling will still be very similar to stock. Perhaps even better because you probably are replacing worn-out components with new equipment.

Now keep in mind, each manufacturer is different and it is possible the springs and shocks included in your new lift kit may be stiffer or softer than stock, which can affect ride quality. But adding a new lift kit to your Jeep will not turn the vehicle into something nearly impossible to drive.

Q – What is included with Jeep suspension lift kits?

A – A standard suspension lift kit will contain replacement components that are longer or taller than stock in order to provide that extra clearance. This means stuff like new coils or leaf springs, shocks, lower and upper control arms, bump stop extensions as well as extended brake lines and elongated sway bar links. Not all kits will contain the same items, as some eliminate shocks or provide brackets to install on existing factory pieces, but generally speaking, the larger the lift size, the more components are included to gain that height.

Additionally, lift kits contain specific components designed for certain year model Jeeps, so don’t just order any suspension lift and think it will fit your model.

Q – Can I fit larger tires on my Jeep after installing a suspension lift?

A – Yes, absolutely. And this is one of the main reasons Jeep owners choose to install a lift kit. It doesn’t mean you have to add larger tires on the vehicle, but tires and a new lift kit are a great combination — especially if you have off-road aspirations. As far as what tire size you can use, that really depends on the vehicle type (CJ, YJ, TJ, etc.) and what suspension you chose. Generally, you should be able to fit upwards of 33- to 35-inch tires on most vehicles with at least a 2.5-inch suspension lift.

Q – Is an alignment required after my Jeep gets lifted?

A – Installing a new suspension lift does mean replacing some, or most, of the original factory suspension components — thus changing the vehicle’s geometry. So, yes, it is highly recommended to get a wheel alignment once the kit is installed. Having someone perform an alignment, or doing it yourself on a driveway with a chalk test, ensures uniform wear on the tires and also removes any steering issues from changing components.

Q – What is the cost of a Jeep lift kit?

A – Entry-level lift kits are an inexpensive way to get better off-road performance on your Wrangler and are usually fine for those who do not plan on much off-roading. The components will vary depending on the vehicle, but should at least include larger springs, and brackets or extensions for things like the rear track bar, bump stops and sway bars.

However, if you want a more inclusive system, or are thinking of a four-inch (or higher) lift to perform even better off-pavement, then those kits begin to increase in price. Additionally, if you do not want to perform the installation yourself, then don’t forget there will probably be a professional labor charge involved.

Q – What lift kit should I choose for my Wrangler?

A – As we mentioned before, the kind of lift kit you purchase should really reflect your off-road aspirations. There is no need to invest in a high-end kit if all you want to do is lift the vehicle, slap on some larger tires, and make it look more aggressive for your daily drive.

Conversely, spending the extra dollars on a more involved kit will get you stronger and more durable components, as well as actual replacement items instead of just brackets or extensions — ensuring you’ll have what you need for your off-road adventures.

For those with newer Jeeps, a solid 2.5-inch suspension lift is the most commonly purchased kit size. This set-up allows you to put on 35-inch tires and conquer most trails save for the more extreme black and red versions. On older vehicles, that size lift should accommodate around a 32-inch tire.

Q – Are there any other reasons to purchase a lift kit?

A – While a new suspension lift on your Jeep does offer several performance benefits, some choose to add these kits just for an upgraded look. A lifted Jeep, beefed up with larger and wider tires, does impose a certain rugged appearance that a stock vehicle just cannot achieve.

Additionally, personalization is a huge part of the Jeep landscape. And just like adding different-looking bumpers or wheels helps a Jeep stand out, so does a lift kit and better ground clearance. By adding height and a different stance, your Jeep is less likely to look like others on the street or trail.

Q – Do Jeep lift kits have a warranty?

A – Generally, all suspension lift kits will have a warranty included with purchase. However, that warranty will most likely vary depending on the kit manufacturer. Also, it is important to remember that a lift kit warranty will cover a manufacturing defect in a particular product, and not something you do to the Jeep itself. That means if you dent a side panel or crack the differential while off-roading, neither of those will be covered. But, say, a shock fails or one of the control arms somehow has an issue, then those would be covered.