If you drive a Jeep, we bet you’ve thought about lifting it at some point. Lift kits are one of the most popular Jeep upgrades we install at Trails West. But not all lift kits are the same. Suspension lifts, body lifts, and leveling kits have unique benefits and drawbacks that you’ll want to understand before making your choice.
In this blog, we’ll explain the different types of lift kits and the benefits of each. We’ll also help you decide which kind of lift kit is best for you and answer some of the most common questions we get about lift kits for Jeeps.
What Are Lift Kits and How Do They Work?
A lift kit is a set of parts that raises your Jeep higher off the ground. This extra height can come from lifting the suspension or the body:
Suspension Lift Kits
Suspension lift kits raise your entire vehicle by modifying the components that connect your wheels to your frame. We replace or extend your Jeep’s coil springs, shocks, control arms, and sometimes the track bars and brake lines to reposition the axles and frame farther apart. This changes the geometry of how your Jeep’s wheels and suspension move.
Body Lift Kits
A body lift, on the other hand, just raises your Jeep’s body. Body lift kits come with polyurethane or aluminum spacers that are placed between your Jeep’s body and frame. The frame and the suspension stay in their original positions. Your Jeep will handle similarly after a body lift since a body lift doesn’t involve changing the wheels or axles.
Leveling Kits
Stock Jeeps sit slightly lower in the front and higher in the rear. Leveling kits are minor suspension lift kits that use spacers to raise the front of your Jeep, evening out its stance. Many Jeep owners like leveling kits because they fix the “nose-down” look. Leveling kits also give you more room for slightly larger tires.
The Benefits of Suspension Lift Kits
Higher Ground Clearance
Suspension lift kits raise your Jeep’s frame and undercarriage higher off the ground, not just the body. This extra ground clearance helps you straddle obstacles and avoid scraping your undercarriage.
Better Off-Road Performance
Lifted Jeeps can handle steep inclines and sudden drops better since the front and rear bumpers have more clearance. This is important for any kind of off-road adventure when you’re driving over rough terrain.
Better Wheel Articulation
Suspension lifts give your wheels more room to move up and down, which helps keep all four tires in contact with the ground. Your Jeep will be more stable and controlled, even on rugged terrain.
You Can Install Bigger Tires and Custom Accessories
If you want to install bigger tires, a suspension lift is usually the way to go. A good suspension lift gives you space for larger tires and makes it easier to add other custom accessories later on.
The Benefits of Body Lift Kits for Jeeps
Factory Suspension Feel
A body lift raises the body of your Jeep without changing the suspension. This is ideal if you already like how your Jeep handles and don’t want to risk changing it. You get the look of a lifted Jeep without altering your suspension.
More Tire Clearance
Body lift kits don’t raise your Jeep’s frame as a suspension lift does, but they do create more space in the wheel wells. This extra room lets you install slightly larger tires.
Lower Cost and Simpler Installation
Body lift kits are usually cheaper and easier to install. You don’t have to replace any major components either. A body lift kit is a good first step into the world of Jeep modding.
Which Kind of Lift Kit is Right for You?
The right lift kit depends on your lifestyle and how you use your Jeep day to day. Some people want to just lift their Jeep a few inches higher and keep things simple. Other Jeep owners want a Jeep that can handle trails and other rough terrains.
When a Body Lift Kit is Better
- You use your Jeep as your daily driver
- You just want a more even stance without major changes
- You want to install slightly larger tires
- Don’t want to change your Jeep’s handling
- You want a simple setup with fewer parts
- You don’t do off-roading
- A lower-cost upgrade
When You Should Invest in a Suspension Lift Kit
- You go off-roading all the time
- You want better performance on rough terrains
- You want to install much larger, more aggressive tires
- You’re planning to install other aftermarket accessories like armor or a winch system
- You’re okay with spending more
- You don’t mind changes to your Jeep’s handling
FAQs About Jeep Lift Kits
Do lift kits affect gas mileage?
Yes, you’ll probably see a slight drop in fuel efficiency, especially if you install larger tires too. Lifting your Jeep leads to more wind resistance, and the extra weight forces your engine to work harder. The change in gas mileage isn’t usually extreme, but it’s noticeable over time. This is something you should keep in mind if your Jeep is your daily driver.
How high should I lift my Jeep?
It depends on how you use your Jeep. A 2–3-inch lift is ideal if you use your Jeep as your daily driver because you get more clearance without drastically changing the handling. Taller suspension lifts are better for off-road setups.
Is a body lift or a suspension lift better for beginners?
We recommend a body lift if you’re a beginner. Body lifts are cheaper and simpler to install. They won’t change your handling much either. Suspension lifts are more for off-roading.
Contact Trails West Today
Truck and Jeep Lift Kits in the Columbus Ohio Area
Looking to upgrade your truck or Jeep with a lift kit? Visit our custom truck and 4X4 supercenter in Pataskala, Ohio. We can lift any kind of Jeep, whether you have a Jeep Wrangler or a Grand Cherokee. Call us today to schedule an appointment or visit our supercenter in Pataskala to browse our selection of custom Jeep parts and accessories.