Lift Kits for Jeeps

The ability to go off the beaten path is a primal urge for many of us. While most Jeeps and other 4x4 vehicles come from the showroom ready to manage a muddy path or some shifting sand, most of them don't have the clearance or the cajones for real off-road adventure. Fortunately for us, lift kits for jeeps are available for the more adventurous Jeep owner who sees boulders as options rather than obstacles.

The primary purpose of a lift kit is to do what it says; lift your vehicle further off the ground. This will allow you to drive over uneven terrain and the occasional large rock without damaging your undercarriage. The secondary purpose of a lift kit is to increase your suspension travel, which is the amount of vertical movement your suspension is capable of. Increased suspension travel allows you to drive over deeper holes and climb bigger rocks. The third purpose of a lift kit is to strengthen your suspension to put up with the abuse you plan to give it. The stronger shocks, bigger springs and more substantial steering linkage will better be able to absorb the repeated impacts of off-roading.

Lift kits for Jeeps are fairly easy to come by, and can run anywhere from $500 to over $3000, depending on the capacity and quality you prefer. A fairly standard lift kit will lift your rig 6 inches higher than where the factory put it, but more extreme (and expensive) kits are available for an 8 or 10 inch lift if you prefer.

The most important thing to know about lift kits for jeeps is whether or not you know how to install one. A properly installed lift kit will give you more off-roading options than ever before, while a poorly installed one can be downright dangerous.