Jeep Wrangler JK Leveling Kit vs 2.5" vs 3.5" vs 4" - How To Select The Best Jeep Lift Kit
If you have ever scratched your head pondering what is the best size lift for your Jeep, this video is for you. Ryan will discuss the four most popular lift sizes for your Wrangler JK and detail everything you need to know or consider.
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What size lift kit do you have or think is best?
Stock tires on my JK are 32.5 inches tall(255-75-17). With a leveling spacer kit installed, I am running 34 inch tires(285-75-17) with absolutely no problems, and love this mild lift tire combo for that fact that it seems to not have drawbacks for axle strength and gearing.
Pretty much same setup I'm running on my 2 door sport, Teraflex leveling kit, but with rubicon coils and shocks for the higher spring rate, and I fit 35's with plenty of room for a LCG weekend warrior.
4" trail master lift with fox shocks and adjustable track arm with 17" pro comps and 35x12.5 bfg mud terrain km2
Running 2.5 Rubicon Express lift kit with 35s.
im running a 1.75 inch lift with 35's and have no issues with rubbing off road
This was a FANTASTIC video. One of the most straightforward and easy to follow vids on lifts and respective tire sizes. Thank you so much for this. Easy and understandable.
I'm using a Rancho 2" leveling kit on my 2 door JK, along with Metalcloak fenders, and the clearance is great for 35s.
Best video I’ve seen covering this yet. No mumbo-jumbo. Solid summary of all types and variations of lifts. Thank you. Subbed
Welcome! Thanks for watching! -Zach
Maybe so,,, but I am still confused on what a leveling kit does.
been waiting for this video! thank you!
I have a 3 inch on my JK and it is a great sweet spot.
I like the look of a 6" lift on 38s
Great overview for folks. Thanks for posting!
Wrangler Riders I have 33" toyo open country tires on 20" fuel wheels. With the wheels being 20", does that make it like if I have 35"?
a 33" tire whether it is mounted on a 14, 15, 16 or even a 20" wheel still is 33" tall. Think of it this way, if you have a doughnut and you cut a bigger hole in the middle does it make the doughnut any bigger? Lastly, a 20" wheel in a 33" tire, while great on the street, will offer very little tire side wall flex when aired down for the trail. Because of the lack of sidewall, the wheel would be much more prone to damage as well. Hope that helps! Doug R. Elder at Wrangler Riders.
New to this hobby and just found your page. Can you include pricing in your video, that would be helpful
so much great info. telling anyone that asks, to check out this video!
I first had a leveling kit, with 285/70R17. Opted for 2" lift with Maxxis Bighorn tire/rim package. I don't do anything crazy, but crawl with no worries.
Can you recommend me what tires to put on a 2008 jeep wrangler and I would appreciate it
You could have posted this video before I bought my 2.5" from you. 200 Miles later I just ordered the 4" springs. Just kidding cant wait to get the 4" installed
Thanks for video! Could you help to choose please? What is better: adjustable control arms or control arms brackets or 3-link long arm kit (diy kit)? These kits have approximately similar prices. Using vehicle everyday and offroad on weekends. Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited Rubicon 2015. Lift 3.5 inches. The main goal to put 37 inches tires and make Jeep suspension is very reliable. Few times per year we go to the mountains for a couple days. There is no any service or welding or even electricity. So suspension must be very reliable to not to way some parts in the mountain:)
Oh man, the music was a bit too much for that video. At the end I could barely focus on what you were saying.
I always enjoy the informative videos from ET. Unfortunately you always make reference to the JKU, what about us JK's?
75% of the wrangler sold are jku :(
Thankyou for this
Thanks for watching! -Zach
3.5 with 33s ! Love mine
Can't beat having all that room to flex on the haters. 😎 -Zach
Could you please make a video on mopar JL different types of lift kits please
I have a 2.5 inch lift with 35 inch tires
Wow that video took a ton of work to make!
I think the sway bar links replace the front sway bar links for the Teraflex leveling kit. You are confusing installation of sway bar links with another teraflex lift kit that does do the back to front swap. Check out the Teraflex youtube VBLOG to verify the proper leveling kit installation of the sway bar link.
As far as ride quality, what do you think of the EVO lift? I hear it is the best.
I bought a used 2013 JK that’s already been lifted with a rough country lift. The tires on it are 33”. How can I determine what size lift i have to be certain?
I like the content, but the cut back and forth shots while only slightly zooming in is hard to watch. Overall, great content.
I know it’s an old video. But the yellow Jeep in the background,what is the setup on that? Lift,wheels tires,offset? It looks perfect from this angle.
Great video. Lot's of quality info shared. Thanks! Are the Rough Country shocks better than stocks? Thel also sell a 2 inch spacer lift kit that uses your stock coils and shocks. So, i am between those 2. Any suggestion? Thanks!
Thanks for watching, we appreciate it! The Rough Country shocks included in the kit are nitrogen charged, which will provide a slightly stiffer ride that will handle better on the trails, and will also prevent cavitation better than standard hydraulic shocks. If you're on a budget, going after a spacer lift is a fine option. But if you have the room in your budget I would personally recommend getting the lift with full coil springs and shocks. Pair them up with an adjustable track bar to keep your front axle centered, and you'll be good to go! -Zach
I’ve got a 96 Jeep Cherokee, it’s got a 4 inch rough country lift, I’m about to pack 32.12x50’s under it, would I need to think about putting some wheel spacers in it?
Can you create a video for the Mojave while maintaining the factory fox shocks? I would like to maintain my fox shocks but get the max lift. I have the Apex swaybar disconnect on standby for when XT customizes a lift 4" lift kit. Great stuff, keep it coming.
Factory Fox shocks with 35 Mackey Thompsons
Hello, I'm a new subscriber and I'm new to this. What are the pros and cons of getting a lift kit that has shocks, and do lift kits need maintenance? I'm not on a budget. I can spend a good amount of money. Thanks
SUBBED!! Great video!! Now I’m gona go out and buy a jeep 🚙
Did you buy the Jeep?
I have a 08 Jeep Liberty thanking about doing 2.5 lift just for the springs
Do it! Lifted Libertys are sick! -Zach
If I went with the 3.5 lift and 35’s would I have to make any changes to the gearing or driveshaft or brake lines etc. ?
Trying to find out what lift i have on my 02 wrangler . is there any measurements I can take to find this out ?
I need help with reverse will not hold on my 1988 YJ after install of Superlift 3.5 suspension lift advise?
I love off Road cars (and videos)
If I delete the fenders will I still loose some up travel if I run 35s on a stock height Jeep?
How well will the 4in lift work for off-roading clearance with 37in tires
I have the 2.5 with 35s no problems and works great in mountains able to handle steep grades and inclined and still see ahead of vehicle less tip over risk
Can't go wrong with a low center of gravity build! -Zach
Hi i have a similar build (nitto 35 inch mud tires paired with 17 inch fuel wheels) but i was having a few issues with my biscowel bumper so i had to make some adjustments via cutting and it seems to have been fixed however i am worried because i am not sure if i will run into more issues later on or if i am experiencing issues i am not even aware of yet your input regarding this natter would be greatly appreciated @sheerwill survival
Meme Man I haven’t had any rubbing or turning problems their 17 1250 35 with just skyjacker 2.5 lift and I did ad rear Bolt on track bar holder as my original track bar bracket on factory Dana rearend broke off dealer fixed but it takes a lot of stress on that rear track bar so I order a heavy duty over skyjackers original bracket other than that no problems take off road a lot it’s a 2007 JK Sahara
Meme Man I have warn front bumper and Olympic rear winch bumper
I see we have different models mine is a 2017 wrangler rubicon and i also have a warn synthetic winch thanks for the information sir i'll show your input to my dad and our local mechanic if it's of use to them because i'm new to this whole modding thing and understand very little
With the 3.5 lift there is some worry about axle. Ie..falling out with a big drop. How do you address that? 2015 JK unlimited Rubicon
I want to put on 46 inch mickey thompson baja claws, i already have the tires and rims, just need to know what size lift and which makers msle that size lift. Please help. I have a 2016 jeep rubicon.
What if I have a Rubicon? What sized lift kit minimum can I do for 35’s?
I run the cheapo Rough Country 2.5 lift with their shocks (gonna replace that all soon), and 35" tires. I have no rubbing and I don't run any bump stops other than what comes standard on the RC shocks with that lift. I did have to cut my fenders though. So 3.5 lift is not necessary for 35's.
yeah i agree. Im running 35s on a 1,75 inch lift with stock fenders and I havent had any issues on and off road
Did u regear to run that 35 “
I ran 35s on a 2 1/2 Rough Country lift on my 09 JKU and it ruined the ride and made it even more sluggish than it already was. I now have a 15 JK and am considering just doing a leveling kit with 33s. Just going by past experience but any advice would be appreciated
What kit and tire size do you have on the yellow one behind you
No mention of exhaust relocation for clearance?
Leveling kit or stock. The further you get from that shows how little you'll actually use it off road
So if I get a 3.5 inch lift kit and 37inch tires would I need to get a aftermarket bumper
Nice video I have 40s on me 1991 yj
What suspension upgrades have you done
@@lil_mx3912 I'm actually working on that right now not Shure yet what lift to go with I have 40 swamp tires
4 inches lift high enough to use 38x15.50r20 tires or I need higher lift like 6,50? And what's the widest tires size for JK? I know only 38x15.50 or 40x15.50...
Running 32s on my JKU. Should I level or lift?
I have the 285 R17 tires, with no lift! Discount Tire told me that my tires are actually 32.7 inch and my question is can I get the 295 R17 Tires on my 2014 Jk with no lift? Discount Tire told me that the 33 inch tires are actually the 295.
Also the Rubicon is also "lifted" higher than a stock wrangler of the same year. I have a 2.5 lift and 35" tires with plenty of up travel.
On stock springs, JK Rubicons will be about an inch higher than Sport/Saharas of the same generation. There's much more of a difference in JL Rubicons to Sport/Sahara JLs though. -Zach
@@extremeterrain I also have Fox Shocks. Not sure if that makes any difference or not?
Most likely not. The new added height from a lift kit is all from the springs, not the shocks. That's why you can buy a shock thats made for 0-1.5" of lift, or 2-4" of lift, etc. 😁 -Zach
when you put on a new lift kit, you are going to sit the same height as any other Jeep running the same kit. You are just getting rid of your "little bit extra" of lift from factory.
when the differential clearance doesn’t change so why we should use lift kit?so it sucks coz makes your driving squishy , using standard bigger tires is the best way to improve performance
Super Sir SALUTE your hard work Sir 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💯🤠💥💥💥💥💥
Thanks for watching! -Zach
good video. Simple question at what size of leveling kit we need to modified the shocks and the drive line joint or angle
If you plan on lifting or leveling your Wrangler above 1.5" new shocks will be highly recommended, anything over 3" and you will need seriously need to start thinking about addressing your driveline angles either with adjustable upper and lower control arms or/and a new driveshaft. -Zach
Hey bro I need to lift my 1989 jeep Comanche what do you recommend me.
Just bought a 2017 jeep wrangler unlimited wheeler with everything done already which is great . I have 35x12.50x17 now and want to go bigger to a 37x13.50x24. Idk if the drive shaft has been replaced but the gears are 513 front and back . The front bumper isn't in the way nor the fenders . It seems the guy that had before went to rock trails . Besides the drive shaft what else do I need for the 3.5 lift that I already have . Thx ahead for any advice.
Ah prolly just beef up ya wheel bearings, brakes, ball joints🤷♂️
How about a more realistic video on lift kit companies and their spring sag. Very few companies actually offer a higher rated spring for the added weight of bumpers, rockers, winches, spare tire, etc. like AEV, Teraflex, and RockJock Curry
You need the 4 inch to run real 35x12.5 with decent wheel options and you can still stuff them if you do the 3.5 or 2.5 and try stuffing the 35 you are extremely limited on wheels offset ECT and may end up running a 35x11.5 tire which can be more expensive than the overly sold 35x12.5 18s and 20s
This just is not true. 35" only needs a 2.5 inch lift.
3 1/2 with 35s looks nice
It all really depends on your offroad to on road ratio. If you daily and highway drive the jeep then I wouldn't put anything higher than 3 inches on it
XP BN lkkn
how's the body roll for a 2.5 inch lift kit?
can you do this for an xterra buy chance
JK owners seem to love the slammed on 35s look for some reason
R L not a JK owner but guilty
Indrid Cold maybe because jk owners are still paying off their loan lol
Indrid Cold could it be that the JK has a shit engine. My TJ had the 4.0 L straight 6. Loved it. My JK has That crappy 3.8 L v6. I’m reluctant to sink thousands into it because of the engine.
Do you have to regear to run 35s?
What is the easiest way to see what size lift you have ?
What’s the best all terrain tires 35s
Good video but you can run 37" tires with a 3.5 if you use flat fenders.
You can run 37s with no lift, flat fenders and a lot of cutting
And rims with4.5" backspacing
AEV said their lift kit doesn't need new control arm because they think the factory control arm is pretty strong and long enough. It is on their website under FAQ. What do you think?
For 2.5, yes. For 3.5 or 4.5 no
I want a 3.5 on 35 or 4 on 35 for off roading Clearance I had my 17’ Silverado on 35 and a 6inch lift
Jeeps don’t need as much as trucks because the fender wells are more open
James McCracken yeah I unfortunately sold my jk A while back now I might pick up a jl ruby in the next few months has to be the diesels
@@TipOfTheSpear907 did you ever find out what the 35s with a 4 inch lift looks like in person?
@@mallkrawlerz620 yeah they look good but the JL ruby can take more tire
@@TipOfTheSpear907 did it look funny thought? Like it missed leg day?
What about starting with a leveling kit and adding a nicer 2.5" lift kit when budget allows? Is that possible?
Honestly with a basic kit like the Teraflex 2.5" spring lift or the Rubicon Express 2.5" spring lift you get a pretty complete kit without the limitations of the stock springs.
Sure why not its just money your blowing.... But really it depends what size of tire you want to run. The smart way would be to save your money til you can afford what you want and just do it.
That's what I did on my '15,, 35s now with a rtt and gear I'm beating my stock fenders to crap on trails. Don't like the look of most flat fenders except for Nemesis which are pricey. Not sure a 2.5 lift will work without fender mods. Now looking at AEV 3.5 lift $$$
with the 2.5 lift kit(shocks and springs) is necessary alignment??
Yes dude if you lift your vehicle at all you need an alignment
Indeed. I had the same question.
been thinking about getting a f-150 or 250. Question what would you recommend on lift and tires? it will be my daily commuter but weekend warrior backrosds. Or would you have another opinion on a vehicle that is on the bigger size with lot or room inside.
How about go watch and comment on videos about Fords instead????
Question. Do I need to account for the automatic sway bar disconnect and axel lock in my Rubi when choosing a 3” lift? I just want to know if this will change any of the parts required for the lift
Not at all! Just make sure the lift comes with new swaybar end links and you'll be good to go! -Zach
Thanks a lot! Thanks for the amazing videos you guys rock
Just a clarification so everyone is aware. The tyre size isn't changed on the 2.5, 3.5 and 4" lifts shown at 6:24 . But if you view 6:09 you will see what a 37" tire looks like on the 4" lift
wondered why they changed on the 37, should have showed it fist with the orignal tires then swaped
What is the name of the fender flares?
I want to lift my Jeep about 2-2.5 in but keep stock tires for a while so I can afford other upgrades like bumpers, would that look goofy? Eventually I would want to upgrade the stock to 33s. I wouldn’t be going on to many trails just every once in a while when I want to explore. (Edit) I have a 2009 2 door wrangler
It may look a little off, but its totally up to you! You could always purchase the lift ahead of time, and then save up your money for tires and put everything on at the same time too. Wishing you the best with your build! -Zach
2.5 on mine w 35 still get in garage and not top heavy
Would you recommend 35.0 in. tyres with a 4.0 in. to 5.0 in suspension lift in a WRANGLER (JL) ??? Please advise
On the Wrangler JL, you really don't need a 4 or 5 inch lift to run 35s, if anything that may be *too* much lift. If you're only planning on running 35s I would highly recommend sticking with a 2.5 inch lift to keep your center of gravity nice and low. That will help with daily driving and off-roading. -Zach
What does giving Up Travel mean?
What bumper is on the yellow JK?
Which lift is the best for off roadingv
I want a 4 inch lift with 40s any suggestions ?
Can I DIY with this?
I’m about to put a 4” rough country on my daily driver
I have a 2inch lift on my jeep tj and currently running 31s. Will a 33s fit with out changing my lift?
Yea it should fit perfectly but there will be less space between tire and fender
Hi there I have 35x12.50r20 tires Mickie tomson wheels Dick CEPEK MS tires I'm looking for some 20x9" Rims used and A/T TIRES new
3.5 for me 👍
yeah im happy with how it turn out look tough but not too much
6.5 for me
Is there a lift kit 3 inches straight
If I do a leveling kit like the one in this video, could I add a 2.5 or 3.5 inch lift to it later on? Or would I need to remove the leveling kit?
Greg Hankins you have to do so much of the same work twice if you do that. Personally, I would wait until you’re ready to do the lift. If you never want anything more than leveling - go for it. If you think you will someday lift it, just wait. That being said, if you are just chomping at the bit to tear into your Jeep (I get that!) Go for it! That’s the fun of having a Jeep!
Is all of this information still relevant for JL?
I have a bds 3.5 lift kit with fox shocks. You think I'll need to add anything else to run 37s?
I'm not too sure what all comes with that kit, but at that height and tire size you *really* want to make sure you lift everything properly. Outside of springs and shocks, you're going to really want to make sure you keep your suspension geometry correct. I'd recommend looking into a full set of 8 adjustable control arms to keep your Jeep riding smoothly and to keep your caster/camber angles in check. You should also look into getting an adjustable track bar to keep your front axle centered and keep things feeling planted, a new rear track bar ( or track bar bracket) and possibly a drag-link flip kit to keep your steering geometry in check. Brake line extensions are a must as well. Looking into new drive shafts at that high of a lift may be a good option as well to avoid wear and drive-line vibrations. Long story short, the higher you lift your Jeep the more that needs to be accounted for. Take your time with research too. Hope this helps! -Zach
I went to a Jeep customized place and they had a Jeep on 37's on a 2 inch lift
The World is full of idiots....
You could, probably rip off a fender, that and it’ll rub on the front bumper
I would argue that you have the sizes wrong. The 33" tire will comfortably fit a stock JK, 35" on a 2.5" lift, and so on. Up travel is nice if you're bombing along but for a comfortable daily driver and a good rock crawler, low COG is far more important than uptravel.
smudgeone I see most people do 33 with 3"?! I don't have a off-roading car but I'm looking into buying one and that's what I see the most.
Agent. K. Nobody runs 33s with 3" of lift on a 07-present JK/JKU Wrangler. Stock tire size is 32, 33s fit stock as well. This video is extremely conservative with tire sizes. 2.5" kits will clear 35s, 37s need 3.5" and flat flares or a 4-4.5" kit. Older Jeeps like 87-95 YJs and 97-06 TJ/LJs and even XJ cherokees need about 3-4" to clear a 33" tire.
MrThtguy That's what I'm looking at, XJ
3.5-4.5" usually sits nicely with XJs on 33s. Gives you plenty of room for travel and turning with little to no rub.
With 35s and 2.5" lift you need to cut fenders. Anyone who says otherwise simply has way too much of a bump stop installed and misses out on much of uptravel.
I plan to buy a 2-door JK with 33'' tires, which lift kit should I buy? 2.5''? I feel a 3'' or 3.5'' lift kit might be better right?
If mostly is dd your intention, then go for 32.5" - 33" tires with 2"-2.5" lift kit. You can watch my jk videos in my Channel
Kai it's your money buy what you want. You might want bigger tires one day. So it is best to do what you think is best for you.
I have been wanting to add a lift kit and new tires to my Wrangler but I don’t know where I can get it done at. I’m not able to do the work myself. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Any local shop should be able to install a lift kit for you, honestly! I'd recommend searching online for 4x4 shops by you as well, they'll be the best ones to install something. -Zach
So I’m wanting to get the 1.5 -3.50 lift fox shocks only and 3inch coil springs will I need anything else so I can run a 35” tire? I know there are lift kits with all the things in it, but I want to by each part separate at a time (more budget friendly lol). Will I need anything else?
If you're lifting the JK three inches with only coils and shocks, we do also recommend longer sway bar links, brake line drop brackets, bump stop extensions, as well as an adjustable track bar or track bar relocation bracket!! Hope this helps!
Should keep the stock tires of when showing the lifts
What far of a lift do you recommend on 17" wheels on 33 inch tires?
In all reality, I've seen people run 33" tires on their Jeeps without any lift at all. That being said, it is a lot easier to run larger tires with a lift, especially if you're planning on taking it off road. 33" tires work best with 1 to 2 inches of lift. -Zach
When lifting 2.5, do axel breather lines need to be extended as well as brake lines?
vanludwig28 no,yu dont need the longer brake lines either.Most kits come with a bracket for the brake lines to mKe them a little longer.My 3.5 inch kit came with brackets.
Appreciate it.
Why can't we see the chart as shown in the thumb nail??
If I get a pair of 33's on my new jeep do I need to do any lifting or anything to my jeep or can I just throw them on and I'm all set?
What kind of Jeep?
Chris Bradley I have the same question I have a 2013 jeep sport wrangler
Jacob Gindi no but youll rub and lose up travel