10 reasons NOT to put a lift kit in your Jeep

  1. After a lift, your Jeep will NOT ride like it did when it was stock height (don’t believe the marketing hype or message boards)
  2. You WILL spend significantly more money on your Jeep after the lift kit is installed
  3. Lift kits lead to bigger tires. Bigger tires lead to new steering parts, better brakes, gearing upgrades, a stronger tire carrier, refinancing your house, etc.
  4. Your wife/girlfriend will complain that your Jeep is hard to get into and is scary to drive
  5. 33-inch tires will start to look tiny. Your brain does strange things in an effort to make you justify that 38’s are the new 33’s
  6. Fixing driveline vibrations & re-balancing tires will drive you insane
  7. You may experience the dreaded “death wobble.”  If you do, you’ll be investing in new underwear
  8. You’ll get pissed at Jeep for not adding welders and onboard air as standard equipment from the factory
  9. You’ll start wondering if your Jeep can climb random things (e.g. the rock in your neighbor’s yard, guard rails, the hood of your boss’ Mercedes)
  10. There will be times when you hate your Jeep and will want to burn it to the ground

131 Comments. Leave new

  • zach

    But fitting 35s under a nearly stock TJ = Fantastic. LOL

    Reply
    • Actually, I think those are 46s. 😮

      Reply
      • Justin

        there actually 44s

        Reply
        • steve

          if you guys are talking about the picture thats a yj..

          Reply
  • How about top heavy? Some thing about keeping the Greasy side down that appeals to me. I have been giving 4×4 tours in the San Juans of Colo for over 20 years and I often see the High Boys running around Main Street but rarely on Black Bear.

    Reply
  • K5KEV

    #4

    And the issue with this is????

    Reply
    • I guess it’s not a huge issue…depends on your woman. 🙂 I just added rocker guards w/ a step as well as some grab handles…problem solved.

      Reply
    • brian

      fat chicks cant jump, #4 should be on reasons to do it.

      Reply
  • raul

    ha this is all true..but we still do it..

    Reply
  • stefanie

    uumm…. Hi my boyfriend wants a lift kit and big tires. guess what? im not scared!

    Reply
    • @stefanie He sounds like a lucky guy. Lift that thing and then wheel it like you stole it. 🙂

      Reply
  • Britt

    Ok yah all these things maybe true but honestly who dont love lifted trucks and jeeps? I know I LOVE them. So if you want to spend the money on all the new parts I say F*** yah go for it!!!

    I LOVE the jeep by the way 😉

    Reply
  • Allen Forti

    #4) Thats the Idea… wife/girlfriend not allowed on my Jeep. If I know for sure my wife wont get in my jeep i”ll go right now and install the highest lift kit I could find! LOL And you have to be crazy to let your wife drive such a amazing vehicle!!!!

    Reply
  • dude

    there is nothing more cookie cutter or boring than a stock Jeep

    Reply
  • Yea,, i totally agree.
    because you will turn your jeep to a fabulous WRECK.

    don’t keep it stock, but don’t go toOo high 😉

    Reply
  • anthony

    thats funny your jeep is on midway i live down the street i drive a silver tj rubicon on a lift lol

    Reply
  • Terry Schiestel

    When a guy wants BIG TIRES on his Jeep, he will put BIG TIRES on his Jeep. then he will want BIGGER TIRES on his Jeep…… so there is no end to it until he can’t go BIGGER !!!

    Reply
  • Scott. BIG Orenge...

    I own a 2005 TJ on 35’s w/6″ lift I did myself after buying it stock (boring!), and now… man, I tell you, Its a blast, I can’t get enough….I can hardy wait to spend more meney for upgrades….its a JEEP THING!!! Maybe this speaker should buy a car if they’re lookin for a smoother ride!!!

    Reply
  • Zack

    I have an 01 lifted wrangler sport…35’s 6 inch..its beastlike and I love it..My girl acts like she’s scared but she digs it haha…truth is lifted jeeps are chick magnets!

    Reply
  • GET A LIFT,FAT GIRLS CANT JUMP””””””””

    Reply
    • Steve

      Would make an awesome sticker!

      Reply
  • 6.5” rough country lift with 35/13.5 will fix that problem.

    Reply
  • Big daddy

    ya 01 wrangler sport 4 inch with 35’s not quite as high as i want it but i ain’t had no problems that i can think of other than havin to pull other people outta holes ha ha

    Reply
  • HADEN;)

    i have a 97 tj with dana 44s detroit lockers front and rear 4″ rough country springs and custom long arms with 2.0 fox shocks .. it rides way smoother than it did stock. and my girl loves it !!!

    Reply
    • @Haden
      Sounds like you’ve really got your ride dialed in. Congrats!

      Reply
  • HADEN;)

    o and im running 35″ procomps.. plenty big for wat i use it for

    Reply
  • Natalie

    My man got himself a 1971 J-10, lifted it and put on 35’s. I can’t wait to drive that baby through the desert… he’s teaching me to drive in May. 😀 So excited.

    Reply
    • @Natalie
      That’s great! J10s are cool rigs…I love when people keep the “antiques” going (and aren’t afraid to take them offroad as well). My wife and I do some “team” driving as well sometimes. I get to run the lockers when she takes the wheel. 🙂

      Reply
  • Steven

    i got a 2007 jk unlimited 4″ lift with 33″ i love it and couldnt be anymore happy

    Reply
  • Nic

    Zack too bad you cant tuck 35’s under a Stock tj you can barely tuck 33’s. you Need atleast a 2” lift and thats ***** inless you cut the fenders out and put fender flairs.

    Reply
  • akn

    Hello all,

    I had my 09 JK/4idr unlim lifted a month ago. After 6m scouring the net, ended up with the AEV 4.5″ full suspension lift, running on BFG-KM2/35s. It’s a kick pulling up next to H2 mall-Hummers and towering over them. Even more pulling one out of a mud pit in NJ’s Pine Barrens… AEV kits are expensive, but well worth it. Especially if you value what’s in your seat 😉

    On the highway, 80-85 no problem – until it gets a little windy… Then its time to slow down or risk soiling your boxers 😉

    Anywho – life is short… Yesterday’s gone, tomorrow might never come… All you have is the now. Enjoy.

    Reply
  • Why would you drive a jeep and not lift it

    Reply
  • mason

    i have a 94 yj with 2.5 lift with 33” and its my baby and it can go threw any thing i want it to go threw (witch isnt much but it fun as hell) 🙂

    my dads got a 99 tj with 6” lift with 35” and he loves it

    my brother has a 98 tj with 2.5 lift with 31” and he loves it

    its a jeep thing you wouldnt understand 🙂

    Reply
  • Tyler

    agreed i love my 99 tj lifted 4 inch’s and 35″ Irok swampers.. i love pulling up to the stock jeeps and asking the well know question… Why so small? and pull away

    Reply
  • Cody

    I have a 94 cherekee with 5 1/2 inch lift and 35 inch tire

    Reply
  • i absolutely love my cherokee
    i get everything from rustys off road
    and smp fabworks
    if i got the money i might as well spend it
    ona jeep, lol
    its got it all
    i put just under 16k into it
    and i drive it everyday

    Reply
  • z71

    i just lifed my truck another $3000
    angled tips, straight pipes, glass packs,
    had it for years never get rid of a good
    CHEVY!!!

    Reply
    • Does it have a sticker of Calvin peeing on the Ford logo? LOL, to each his own! Glad you enjoy your rig.

      Reply
  • Jeeps For life

    Hey Guys!
    Since you guys are talking about Jeeps and my first car I got is a 1989 Jeep YJ 4.2L carburetor engine. I am actually looking for some help from you guys. I am thinking of putting on either a 2.5″ full lift kit or a 4″ full lift kit along with 15″-17″ deep dish rims and when I mean deep I mean really fat rims (when looking at them from the front or the back), and I am planning on putting 37″ tires or bigger. Any suggestions of where I can get these from for a good price along with them being shipped to Canada? I would appreciate it.

    Reply
    • 1991 Jeep Yj

      No doubt about it that 4wheelparts.com has great prices and deals. If you go to ask.com you can also look up redeem coupon codes to get certain percentage off you total cart purchase. I bought a 1991 Yj 4.0 about 4 years ago that came with 33″ and a 4″ lift. Since then I have installed a dana 44 frontend, dana 60 rearend, 2″ body lift, custom lift shackles, rocker guards, a spring over axle lift, rhino liner, all new interior, a brand new sail cloth best top, 42″ super swamper TSL’s, chrome mod wheels, all new custom built cv drive shaft, over the top steering, chrome tub front and rear bumpers, chrome grill, and I still plan on doing tons more. A true Jeeper dosnt bitch about their ride, They hold their head up and say damn straight thats mine. Sure they cost alot of money to invest in but if you dont like it then dont buy one. And as of lift, go to whatever you want and if you end up scared to drive it then your just a big p*ssy.

      Reply
    • Coos_24

      Any one else has the hair stand up on the back of your neck when a Jeep is called a car.

      2011 Jk 3.5 lift running 35s with 5.13 gears

      Reply
  • Jeeps For Life

    Thanks 1991 Jeep YJ. I want a beast when driving down the road especially with those lowered card I would just love to pull up either behind them or beside them and start down. But yea as you were saying it will require a good amount of money but I am willing to spend and good amount. I also wanted to get clarified about the u-joints I heard if I raise it more the 2.5″ with the suspension lift kit I will be looking at changing the u-joint for the drive shafts? I just wanted to get it clarified.

    Reply
    • Once you get up towards 4″ of lift you certainly increase your chances of needing a longer driveshaft to help eliminate vibrations from steep driveline angles.

      Reply
      • Smitty

        I have a jeep Cherokee xj and love the nuts and bolts of it, im new to “jeeps rule ok!” What are the biggest tyres I can put on my stock jeep, it has 17i” wheels,I have a 3″ lift kit I’m going to fit, can you see any problems.

        Reply
  • Jeeps For Life

    That’s true you have a good point. I know I don’t know a lot about Jeeps and I apologize in advance for asking a lot of questions, but I am thinking what a better way of finding than to ask people who already have done a lot of things to their Jeeps and know first hand what not to do. I also want to know since the drive shafts would need to be changed what about the gears within the transmissions and rear differential would you recommend I increase the gears to handle the lifting and big tires?

    Reply
    • The need to change gears depends on a few things such as: what gears you currently have, what size tires you’re going to, and what your personal preferences are. Your YJ (stock) has either 3.07s, 3.54s, or 3.73 gears (it varies by model). If you can find the tag on your rear differential (assuming it’s still there) it should have a ratio stamped on it. If there isn’t a tag, you’ll need to pull the diff apart and read the numbers stamped in the ring gear (hopefully you’ve still got a tag on the outside). 3.73 gears is your best case scenario since those are the “lowest” gears of the 3 mentioned. I ran 33″ tires with 3.73 gears in my TJ for several years and it wasn’t that bad…you definitely lose power, but it’s still very driveable. Some people run 33s with 3.07s, but personally, I think that would be a little under-powered for my taste (especially since I take my Jeep on the highway). Regearing is pricey (~$1,000-$1,500 to pay someone to do it), so you want to make sure that you’re confident in your choice of tire size and only have to regear once.

      Reply
  • Jeeps for Life

    I looked for the tag but since its there is a lot of rust I didn’t have any luck getting the ratio for the gears. I am going to be running either 40″ tires or 44″ on 15″x10″ deep dish rimes and with either a 4″ lift or 2.5″ lift for suspension and another 3″ body lift kit (maybe still debating on that). I will be using it on the highway to go to back to school so I need smooth drive on the highway and an amazing ride for off roading.

    Reply
    • 40″ or 44″ tires are a whole different ballgame. For starters, you’ll definitely need new gears with tires that large. Additionally, you’re going to need completely new axles as well. Your stock axles aren’t going to handle 40″+ tires (esp. if you go offroad)…you’ll destroy them.

      Reply
  • Jeeps for Life

    Oh lol ok then…. I thought wrong then haha. So then what are the biggest tires I can get without having to change the axles because I don’t want to change the axles just yet. But the differential is something I will change for sure.

    Reply
    • If you’re going to wheel it, 33s are probably the max tire size. If you baby it, you might be able to get away with 35s. The stock rear axle (Dana 35) is your weak link. The stock front axle (Dana 30) should handle 35’s, but the stock rear axles are prone to breakage with larger tires and/or aggressive offroading.

      Reply
  • Jeeps For Life

    Ok so what axle would you recommend I get when I do get to the bigger tires for off-roading.

    Reply
    • There are a few options:
      1. Buy “Super 35” kit to make your existing Dana 35 axle stronger
      2. Replace Dana 35 with a Dana 44 axle from an old Commanche (MJ) or Cherokee (XJ)
      3. Replace Dana 35 with a Ford 8.8 axle from a 1995 (or newer) Ford Explorer
      4. Buy a brand new Dana 44 from an aftermarket manuf like Currie

      Replacing with a used 8.8 or Dana 44 are probably the cheapest (and most popular) options.

      Reply
  • Big-Bad-5

    1981 CJ-5, 6″ springs, 4″ shackles/shackle reversal (front), spring-over (5″ more), stretched drive-train 8″ front and 10″ rear (needed the room), squeezed in 454, full-width axles, OX lock on front and rear, spinning 54″ Interco tires, and a FULL cage!

    Must plan turns early!

    My wife asked “why?” Because I can!

    Only thing taller are the big rigs…and we’re almost eye-to-eye!

    Can’t lose it in the parking lot, it’s the tallest thing out there…

    Reply
  • rob

    death wobble sucks

    Reply
  • Mik

    I have a 99′ Jeep, for my 16th i got a measly two inch lift kit, and along with that the death wobble… tried to explain it to my dad and he just ignored me and told me to deal with it… lol he tried driving it to figure out what was the problem, but it would never do it when he was in the car. One of my friends was driving behind me when it happened, he said he thought the car was about to explode. we fixed it with a 50$ steering stabilizer from auto zone.

    Reply
    • Death wobble can pretty scary, esp. if you’re cruising at a good pace. I got some severe death wobble when I first lifted my TJ…had to change my boxer shorts when I got home. 😮 “Usually” the trackbar or steering stabilizer is the culprit.

      Reply
  • josh

    96 xj runnin 31″ on 3.5″lift with folded flairs. About to roll over to 2000,000 on the ODO. in about 700 miles. Ya gotta love Jeep and the I6 4.0 HO

    Reply
  • Jackson

    Ok I have 35 by 14 1/2 all it did was make my jeep like 20 mph faster only body lift make it set different if you do a 2 inch lift and 32 by 12 1/2 tires it will basically be the same way you just have to get it aligned will fed Seth wobble if not get stabilizers by the way jeep are to much fun that is their only problem

    Reply
  • Dray

    2007 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
    6″ lift kit
    37″ mickey thompson baja mtz’s

    rides like a jeep should.

    Reply
  • Matt

    91 yj 13inches and 38.5 boggers. fully built 350. wheels and drives like a jeep should!

    Reply
  • Michael McBroom

    I have 1990 Cherokee and I want to put 33’s on there and i didn’t know if a 4.5″ lift would give enough clerance, I really didnt want to go with a 6″ kit.

    Reply
  • shaughnt

    What’s up everyone!! I have a 88 Wrangler and I have a few questions.

    I am looking forward to a RE 4″ lift, right now I have 31’s and won’t be able to afford 33’s for a little while. Thoughts?

    What kind of rear end do I have assuming its stock?
    What kind of front end do I have assuming its stock?
    What are lockers?

    I also wanted some advice about this old carb that I’m dealing with. The previous owner, some time ago, replaced the fuel injection with a carb. What would be the purpose of that? Why would someone do that? It seems to me that having fuel injection would be the way to go.

    Thanks

    Reply
  • Chris

    My specs. ive spent over 50,000 on my jk
    Pioneer CD/DVD in-dash flip out player with Infinity front speakers and Kicker rears speakers (the sub and amps go with me); additionally it has a camera mounted on front bumper for views
    via the DVD screen during extreme climbs, in carbon fiber center dash face

    Cobra 75 WX CB/weather advisor with 5′ FireStick antenna

    Nth Degree 6″ long arm lift with tummy tucker

    ORO AirRock airbag suspension system to allow for your choice of ride heights for on and off road, off camber correction, hill climbing and descending adjustments
    (No more sagging rear when fully loaded for the trail, same ride height due to airbags)

    Rock Hard rollcage, full (with all additional tie bars) – to floor

    4.88 Yukon gears front & rear

    Superior front chromoly axles w/ dustboots

    Superior rear chromoly axles

    RockCrusher differential covers front & rear

    ORO U-Turn steering system

    High Angle Driveline with 1330 u-joints

    Nth Degree front differential slider

    Nth Degree rear deferential slider

    Nth Degree oil pan skidplate

    Five 35″ x 12.5 R15 Goodyear MT/R’s w/65% tread on Eagle Alloy faux bead locks

    Walker Evans fully adjustable/rebuild-able shocks with reservoirs (models 500-16-310 and -312)

    ORO SwayLock in-cab air actuated sway bar release

    Kilby OnBoard Air with 3 gallon belly tank and two air chucks for airing up tires/air tools etc.

    K&N FIPK Cold Air Intake

    AirRaid throttle body spacer

    Warn Rock Crawler front bumper with brush guard hoop

    Warn 9500 Ti winch

    100′ Viking Synthetic Winchline w/ hawse lead

    Delta H4 conversion headlights

    PIAA amber auxiliary driving lights

    Garvin Ind. Wilderness rack system rear bumper/spare tire carrier with trail rack, drivers side and swing-away passenger side jerry can racks, axe & shovel mounts, and Hi-Lift mount
    (all items included)

    Garvin Ind. Expedition rack (currently not mounted)

    Kilby BodyClamz body mount sliders

    Kilby steering box skid plate

    Kilby gas tank skid plate

    Kilby Interior Trail/Storage rack

    Skidrow radiator skid plate

    Poison Spyder rear Trails corners

    Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers with slide bars

    ORO LED tail lights with LED license plate light

    Kodiak Ind. dual battery system with Odyssey batteries (primary battery is less than 6 months old)

    Aftermarket clear lenses for all parking lights

    Louvers installed on hood for extra heat dissipation during low speed crawling

    Reply
  • Steve

    i have a 95 yj and it started out with 35 baja claws 7 inch lift lockers front and rear 488 gears and lots of fun then one day it happened it started to look small again so one day i thought i would put another lift and some tires so now it has a 13 inch lift and hopefully before to long ill have some 38.5 superswamper boggers but its true its alot of fun alot of money and work

    Reply
  • cole

    i got a 89 jeep wrangerl with a 20 in lift and 46 in mcikey ts and its fun as sh*t and yea the girls do love the jacked up jeeps

    Reply
    • 97 tj in nc

      If you have a 20 in lift jacked up is the right word as you are going to fall over if you lean to far out the side. lol

      Reply
  • Jeepfreak

    84 CJ7, 16″ lift, 19-44 boggers, 1 ton corporate running gear. Drive down the interstate at 65 miles/hour and you should see the expression on some people’s faces-they are totally blown away!! Hell yea, fun, fun, fun, and lots of work but well worth it.

    Reply
    • ^This comment is useless without pics. 🙂 Just kidding…would love to see pics though. Sounds like an awesome rig!

      Reply
  • I have a 95 yj, and I won’t a lift kit but don’t won’t to spend much money on it
    I have looked at shackle lifts but thts not high enough
    And I won’t to know how easy/hard is a leaf over axle
    Is it a very good lift kit? Plz reply

    Reply
    • Elijah,
      Spring over axle (SOA) lifts can require a lot of fabrication, time, and tweaking (which can end up costing a lot if you don’t do everything yourself). So, depending on your mechanical skills, you may want to price out a standard suspension lift and weigh the differences (keeping in mind the time investment).

      Reply
  • AjWood

    Hey guys, i love reading all your comments on jeeps! Love em.
    now its my turn, just turned 16 finally got my 2000 jeep wrangler se 4cyl 2.5

    now its time to get some ladies.

    everything is stock
    suggestions on what to do?

    Reply
  • I HAVE A 99 CHEROKEE WITH A 3IN ON 33S RIGHT NOW THIS WEEKEND IM PUTING ON A 10.5 IN LIFT WITH 38 INCH MT TIRES AND I LOVE BEING BROKE BECAUSE ONCE YOU GET ON THOS TRAILS NOTHEN ELSE MATTERS BUT TO HIT IT HARD

    Reply
  • 1996 XJ 4.0 auto np231, 140kmiles, 7″ long arm y-link front, 4-link and coils going on in rear, SYE, Tom Woods, 17″ moab wheels on 33″ MTRs, 4.5″ backspacing, CB, Rear custom bumper with tire carrier, and high lift carrier, Pioneer/ Iphone handsfree, Wideband o2, full custom exhaust

    gears, locker, axle gussets, ladderbox frame all coming soon

    NEVER ENDING

    Reply
  • john

    hey i just have a quick question. so i leave in september for bootcamp, im going into the marines. and i bought a 1990 yj for the summer just to have fun in. right now its sitting on 33’s. do you think it would be a bad idea to put a 3 inch body lift in? i dont plan on this jeep being my daily driver once i get out of bootcamp i just want to have some fun this summer.

    thanks
    -john

    Reply
    • John,
      Most people don’t recommend more than 1-1.5″ body lift b/c of the center of gravity issues as you go higher as well as looks (a 3″ body lift really creates a BIG gap betw body & frame).

      Reply
    • Devin

      John i would suggest that u put a budget lift on your jeep if u just want to have fun with it for one summer. these are also known as shackles all they do is rise your suspension with out much damage to ride quality as you keep your existing springs.

      Reply
  • xj

    i agree with xj owners like myself i have two on stock one lifted love them both screw wranglers.

    Reply
  • Justin

    Jeeps are suppose to be lifted. I am on my 5th jeep. 05 jeep grand cherokee. And yep its lifted and a pussy magnet. So suck it!

    Reply
  • Jack

    Are you jokeing my wrangler haz 600 hp 4 in lift kit 35 by14 1/2 black and all chrome attachment it werth abowt 80,000.00 up I never lost to an xj in my jeep to list all of my parts it wud take much time . O an you can wheely I win

    Reply
    • Jessie

      man thats not shit i have a srt 8 motor in a wrangler 14 in lift sitting on 52’s
      thanks to a fab shop in my back yard and a few strings were pulled and i have the baddest monster in LA look it up on youtube boy is legandary

      Reply
  • Kelly

    Im a girl and I drive a Jeep and I was the one that wanted a lift on it. Also I like my 33 10 50s! Silly Boys Jeeps are for Girls :p

    Reply
  • andre

    i gotta queston i gotta 2011 jeep wrangler rubicon and i possibly have a two inch lift idk if the rubicon comes with an installed lift but i think have a 2 inch lift any ways the tires on 32 and i wanted to go to 34 would i need to lift my jeep any more for 34 inch tires and if i did let me know the cons like if the ride would be rougher and such, thanks.

    Reply
  • steve

    Am putting a 6.5 lift kit with long arms and “35 tires. i like to know if my 4.0 L is to small for it. thanks steve

    Reply
    • Steve, your 4.0L will be fine with 35s as long as you regear properly. If you run 3.07s, for example, your Jeep will drag ass w/ 35s. However, if you run 4.88 gears you should be happy.

      Reply
      • DailyDriven

        Your 4.0 is built for torque as it’s a straight 6. 35’s would drive you fcking crazy driving it daily with anything less than 4.11 gears. Like me for instance, I’m on 30’s until I find 33’s and I’ve got a 5speed XJ with 3.07 gears. Even with such small tires it makes me want to pull my hair out driving it as a daily. Soo remember, bigger tires means you’ve gotta get some better gearing otherwise you’ll want to set your jeep on fire. END OF STORY

        Reply
  • Lee Schweizer

    Can I put lift kit on my 2012 jeep compass ?
    thanks

    Reply
    • DailyDriven

      Go return your compass and find yourself an old Jeep Cherokee.

      Reply
      • Julia

        BBBOOOOOYYYYYY get a dang wrangler or get out of this forum SMH

        Reply
  • Bmonroe

    Just lifted my 04 wrangler, 33″ tire….mickey thompsons, rides great. 12 miles per gallon, forces the 488 gear change. Hopefully that will make things better??? Money money….oh well ….looks awesome.

    Reply
  • cindy

    my son installed a lift kit on his jeep…he now has the death wobble…he’s tried everything he can to get rid of it..what does he need to do to get rid of it

    Reply
  • @Cindy: unfortunately, there are a variety of things that can work together to trigger death wobble (e.g. alignment, balancing, bad ball joints, etc.). That being said, if it truly is bad “death wobble” (i.e. violent/scary shaking), the front trackbar is often the culprit (especially if the stock trackbar was reused and a new hole drilled). Make sure the front trackbar is torqued down to spec and has zero movement at both the axle and frame ends. I’d recommend starting there and expanding your search to other areas if the trackbar doesn’t appear to be the issue. FYI, if you ask around you’ll probably get a lot of people who tell you to replace the steering stabilizer. This “may” temporarily fix the issue, but typically it’s just masking a larger problem that will eventually resurface. Good luck.

    Reply
    • Patrick

      The DW I got on my Jeep was caused from an alignment issue that could not be resolved except with a long arm kit. That was back when Long Arm kits were still being fabricated in people’s back yards and not by any major manufacturers yet. In any case, the cause was the lift since it pulled my front tires back slightly and out of alignment. It was like a shopping cart wheel, if you can picture it, shaking violently as it was moving forward. Eventually, it got worse because the bushings started to wear out. Once I got long arms and new bushings the problem went away. Fortunately, my DW only happened at slow speeds like 35 mph. Some people get it at high way speeds and that’s extremely frightening to think about. Anyway, I wish you the best as you try to figure out the issue but as I’ve learned over the years as I was diagnosing my DW, it’s different from Jeep to Jeep which makes it difficult to pinpoint. It’s also best to try to diagnose early on because once parts start to wear everything will appear to be the problem.

      Reply
  • Mike (4dr JK daily driver)

    Garrett et al.,

    I have a 2012 JK 4 door. It’s a daily driver and I love it because I’m a new father and it allows me to have the freedom of a jeep and the practicality of a family-sized vehicle.

    My wife and I tried to take it off road at a national forest in my area that has trails. We made it about 30 yards on the easiest trail before I realized that I was going to have to turn around because I was bottoming out on nearly every mound (and I wasn’t just taking them head-on, but diagonally and slow).

    Because of this experience — the joy of initially hitting the trail and the disappointment of turning around — my wife and I have been talking about getting a lift kit. Believe it or not, it’s her idea, so I don’t have to worry about the ‘fed-up wife’ issue, which seems to be pervasive throughout these boards and blogs.

    I make decent money and would be able to afford a high-end kit and new tires/wheels. But, I don’t make enough money to sink 6-8k initial investment AND have to continue to dump in money on a regular basis. I also don’t have time, inclination or know-how to play weekend mechanic.

    Talking to you is one link in a long chain of research that I intend to do prior to deciding whether to go down this path, so don’t feel overly pressured. However, reading your article makes me think that you would have a unique perspective and I really want your opinion on whether I should even start this journey in the first place.

    If you think I should continue down this path, please throw in a little insight into how big a lift I might need as well. I’m not talking about climbing mountains, just doing some easy and moderate trails about once a month. Part of the problem though is that it is a 4 door, meaning more scrape potential due to the longer wheel base.

    I really appreciate your advice.

    Mike

    Reply
    • devin

      mike pick up a budget lift or spring spacers give that a try its a cheep ooptoin for now but i would sugest since your worid about draging going wiht a good skid plate the good ones take up less room and are more durable

      Reply
    • Chris

      I also have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that is my daily driver as well as off road camping vehicle. We have installed a 3″ BDS suspension lift, 33″ tires, rock sliders and a Rock Hard oil pan skid plate since the oil pan is out in the open just asking for a rock to puncture it. We are able to run most level 3 and a few level 4 trails in Texas with it. The skid plates still get a lot of use (which is why I bought them) with the 3″ lift, but by only going with 3″ we did not have to change any other components of the Jeep such as drive shaft or gears. Also, with a 3″ lift we can still go to 35″ tires without an issue. So far, with all of the items above included, we spent $3K ($1400 on tires / rims, $800 on lift, $400 on sliders and $400 on skid plate). Jeep does stand for “just empty every pocket”, but with the 3″ lift you can get the most lift possible without having to change anything else out, plus you still stay within manufacturer warranty.

      Let me know if I can help further.

      Reply
  • clbm

    I have a 2011 Rubicon & I’ve played with the idea of lifting it — just a little 😉 I’m a Single Mom & it’s the only transportation I have, so I don’t want too much but I’m thinking a 2.5 lift would be just right. I’ve found new wheels I really want to put on & I know I’d need new tires (tho I have no idea as far as sizes go) but I’ve heard once you start making adjustments you really can’t stop — that if you lift you get bigger tires — bigger tires mean changing out the back bumper to fit the new spare & then having to re-gear… Is all this true?? (I’m open to any helpful comments, I know I love my Jeep but have no technical knowledge past driving & playing in it & no one in my circle does either)

    Reply
    • Daniel

      Hello I saw your post, sorry for it being so late, but I have a pretty good summarization of the whole Jeep experience. I am 19 years old and own a 2005 Rubicon and spent… well more money on my Jeep than I would like to think about because it is my favorite project. All I have on my Jeep is a 2 inch old man emu lift, which drives better than stock, but allows for me to put 33s on it with no problem. I have taken it on the trails and have found out that this is a good setup, but if you are going to be doing serious crawling then you need a much larger lift, possibly a 6 inch lift, which turns into about 10 to 12k in expenses after you do figure in all of the stuff you listed above. So the best thing you can do, since you have a JK Rubicon is to just get a 2.5 or 3 inch lift, throw you some 35s on the thing and cruise in style. It is recommended that you have a tire carrier bumper, which takes the stress off of the tailgate from the rear tire, so that you don’t have to worry about tailgate sag or sizing issues. These can be a bit pricey, but whether you upgrade the tire size or not it is still a great addition to the jeep. So really if you get 35 inch tires installed on your stock rubicon the only difference you are really going to notice is a slight lack in power. Since the gears have not been adjusted to either 4.56 or 4.88 ratio the Jeep will not have access to every bit of power it had with the stock 32s, but it should be just fine. So I recommend if you don’t want to have to worry about anything then leave it stock, but if you want a nice rig that turns as many heads as you do driving it, then go ahead and get the 35s and budget lift. Good luck and I hope this helps.

      Reply
  • Matt

    2000 jeep wrangler 4.0 NV3550 np231 60k miles. 2 inch custom lift on 37’s with all the goodies you can imagine. Daily driver and every weekend rock rig. Wouldn’t trade it for anything. Only a pussy will tell you not to lift a jeep for these reasons. Get a prius if you’re scared to lift a jeep

    Reply
  • Dylan

    Me and my cousin rode all the way to Nashville in his grand Cherokee sport with a 3″ body lift from myrtle beach SC it rode way better than his daddy’s stocked 2011 wrangler

    Reply
  • Nicole

    Burn it to the ground? That sounds like it is NOT a good relationship! Haha. Good luck to ya. I’m going to try and get a 14in lift on my Chevy. XD

    Reply
  • phil

    hey i have a 2008 dodge nitro and i want to get a 10″ lifs and 35s, it has a 3.7L does anyone know if the nitro would have enough powe to do that? and were would i get a lift kit for my dodge nitro?

    Reply
  • john G.

    so i have a 1990 jeep wrangler YJ and i want to put a 4″ lift kit on it, but alot of people tell me i have to do this and this, so what would i have to do? the biggest concern is the drive shaft or as i was told “slip yolk” i would have to get a limited slip so it wont slip out the transfer case lol, any comments or help would be awesome!!

    Reply
  • I am planning to put a lift in my jeep. But after reading this blog I have canceled my plan. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  • misty

    I have a 06 liberty and want to put on big tires. What would I need to do?

    Reply
  • slud

    We are first time Jeep Owners… 2002 Jeep Wrangler. This is just a ” drive around in the summer with the top down Jeep” but we still want it to look cool….. We were thinking a lift kit but after reading this I am thinking against it… would you think just bigger tires?? how big could we go without putting a lift on?
    Thanks for all the feed back!

    Reply
    • devin

      One thing for you to consider is a body lift all this will do is add space between the frame and body tub leaving more space for tires. Or a spacer lift which simply inserts between the spring and shock tower to provide a small lift.

      Reply
  • wade

    10 in lift on my jeep cj8 with a briggs and stratton motor

    Reply
  • jesse

    only reason not to lift a jeep is gas mileage that i can think of… i got a 89 jeep pioneer lifed 3 in has 31 inch mud tires and still has penty of power i can smoke/burn the 31in mud tires with no prob…. only get 7 mpg tho also i have done alot to the motor

    Reply
  • bobby

    ok i got a 93 jeep wrangler my first jeep and yes its a 4cy anyways i think its all stock no lift but the tires are 31 10.50 i want to put a 4 inch lift on it what all would i need to make this happen i dont go mudding are anything just want it for the looks and its not a dailey driver thanks for all help

    Reply
  • Emmanuel Castaneda

    I just put a rough country 4″ suspension on my yj. What do you guys recommend I do to it so I wont lose horse power and rides smooth

    Reply
  • Michael

    I have a 99 XJ sport. What size lift would I need for 31″ mudders? I have 235s on now with stock height and not much room. Could maybe go 245 but I know it would rub. I was told 1″ spacers and 2″ blocks would do the trick but I wamna take sure. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Oh and talking about lifted trucks? I have 65 Chevy with a 454 sitting on 42s with a 10″ suspension and 6″ body lift. Had to lower almost everything and rebuild entire front end but was worth it.

    Reply
  • willd83

    I have a 2001 Cherokee sport. Im wanting to install a lift kit whats my best options.

    Reply
    • Tristan

      3in rough country on 31s i put wheel spacers on rides like a dream and pulls just fine

      Reply
  • Nikki

    I’m a girl with a lifted JK the only person who complains is my 66 yr old grandma. Girls like Jeeps too! THANKS

    Reply
    • tattoo john

      Nikki ,YES girls also look good in jeeps ,you tell em!!!

      Reply
  • chrissy89

    I have a XJ sitting on 35s and I love it…

    Reply
  • Cody

    I have a 90 YJ. 4.2L. Ax15 ,soon to be replaced with a nv4500 and np231.
    2″ body lift, 3″ of shackle lifts and 4″ lift springs.
    Put at 14 bolt rear end with 4:11 gears, full floater, and did the spring over at the same time. Factory Dana 30 until I can find 78 ford Dana 60.
    Bed liner on the inside. With all new gauges and wiring.
    Put the mega short yoke eliminator and a double cardan style CV drive shaft.
    Went with Clifford cam and header. Offenhauser Intake.
    0 deck the block , bored it 60 over. and milled 60 off the head. Went with roller rockers.
    Holly 470cfm truck average carb.
    Very loud. X pipe with gas packs. No cat. Lmao.
    O and 35″ tires for now. Saving for 44s

    Reply
  • Derek Sculley

    If you drive a stock jeep…. sell it to a real jeeper… jeeps are made to be customized , upgraded and built up… go buy a tracker if you want a daily drive with a soft top… oh BTW I have a 5.5 inch Rubicon express lift with 33×12.5s and it drives like a Cadillac. Crappy lift = crappy ride… Oh and a real jeeper doesn’t just upgrade because it looks cool. They do it because they broke something in a Mudd hole or on a rock climb and that’s when you upgrade that stock part you broke. Or when you were off road you realize you can’t climb as much as the guy with the 35s or can’t get through that hole.

    So what I’m saying is if your jeep doesn’t get dirty while offroading then sell it and buy some tampons.

    Reply
  • Hey guys, 42 years old and finally a Jeeper…Recently purchased a 04 tj 4.0 sport. Trying to figure out if I have a lift. It came with 33s and I have had people tell me that it looks like it has a lift but I don’t know. To me they just looked stuffed in there with no room, looks good but when turning on a incline the front scrubs. Also my top speed is about 70 and that’s a while to get there! should I change gears? 1 -4 gets up and goes but hit 5th and its like hitting a sand trap

    Reply
  • Linda

    Hi all~
    Ok, I am a Mom………(stop throwing stuff already, just help me!) My YOUNG daughter is about to get her permit, wants a Wrangler, and wants it lifted. Who does this lifting thing, and how dangerous is it? Thanks. I promise after you answer my questions, I will leave your forum. 🙂

    Reply
    • Julia

      Im 18 years old girl and all I have ever drove is a jeep, and i LOVE it!!!! Over the years i have made the best memories in my jeep and have also built many friendships with other jeep drivers at my high school. I actually feel safer in my lifted jeep than smaller cars because i sit above other cars. Not much work at all but most of the maintenance is really easy and you can do it by yourself.

      Reply
  • this is very broad, people who want to get a lift on their jeep usually have a good idea of what has to be put into it. and as far as the money goes, a jeep is never finished, with all of the aftermarket parts available, the project never seems finished.

    Just
    Each and
    Every
    Penny

    Reply
  • Scott

    I have a,90 3″ body and 4″ suspensions on 35’s
    It drives straight as an,arrow,with no,hands it’s lockers,front and rear with 456 gears
    It rocks
    I did,replace,the valve cover and I had to buy gromits and oil cap,seperate,,,now,the,oil cap is,to,small and i can not find one to fit all this came,from Napa…
    ANY IDEAS,,ALSO. The plugs that Napa,says ,,are longer than,ones in it. And I a am,afraid,to put the,ones it calls for so I put short,ones,back in
    It’s 2.5 4 cyl

    Reply
  • Rick

    The jeep in that picture is just plain stupid and ugly as dog shit. Whoever did this is a moron and deemed there once perfectly capable jeep useless and incapable of any off road terain other than… maybe mud!!!

    Reply
  • Julia

    People like this do not deserve to even look at jeeps! Please just sell your jeep cause you do not appreciate it. These type of people disgust me, so please get out of this forum and buy a prius. I am a girl that drives a lifted jeep and judge any stock jeep that drives past me because they simply do not even deserve a jeep wave. Also on another side note any girl who gets into a lifted bad ass jeep and complains does not even deserve to go for a ride in the beauty!

    Reply
  • Mary

    New Jeep owner here! Would love to lift my 2016 JK Unlimited and will one day. Right now she is a working girl for the Postal Service.

    Reply
  • I get full blown death wobble with my stock tj.

    Reply
  • Hayden

    Lmao #5 made me laugh cuz it’s deadass true

    Reply
  • T. saroch

    Sorrel, guys but I have done things both ways. One, my stock JL Rubicon goes we’re most of the lifted stuff doesn’t. Two, my lifted rig is totally set up correctly,where most of you “mall crawlers” could not spend the $$ or get it done correctly. If you know so much,why don’t you become an automotive engineer & make the big bucks. Yes, it looks cool, but is it safe in all situations? I have seen dozens of improperly lifted rigs roll over where I went without a hitch. I have done Moab many times,every trail up to #7 in my stocker without even a scratch except for my skid plate. It’s a skid plate, not a crash plate. Do your thing, cruise the mall, spend your$$,screw up a nice Jeep.

    Reply

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