Lift Kit Guide
Best Lift Kits for the
2007 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
A complete comparison of every lift kit and lift spring available for the 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK — covering both the 2-Door and 4-Door Unlimited, Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, and all trim levels. Lift heights, pricing, fitment notes, and real-world owner feedback.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Front Lift | Rear Lift | Fits | Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuff Country 2in | +2.0" | +2.0" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Spacer + Shocks |
|
SHOP → |
| JKS JSPEC (2.5in / 3.5in) | +2.5" to +3.5" | +2.5" to +3.5" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Dual Rate Springs | $332 | SHOP → |
| Fabtech 3in Sport System | +3.0" | +3.0" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Complete System | $778 | SHOP → |
| Rugged Ridge 2.5in | +2.5" | +2.5" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Complete Kit | $800 | SHOP → |
| Pedders TrakRyder | +2.0" to +2.8" | +2.0" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Matched Spring & Shock |
|
SHOP → |
| Skyjacker 3.5–4in Long Travel | +3.5"–4.0" | +3.5"–4.0" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Long Travel + M95 | $1,081 | SHOP → |
| ICON 3in Stage 1 | +3.0" | +3.0" | 2-Door & 4-Door | Premium System | $1,703 | SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
2-Door vs. 4-Door Fitment
Many lift kits have separate springs for the 2-Door JK and the 4-Door Unlimited — the Unlimited is roughly 500 lbs heavier. Using 2-door springs on a 4-door results in incorrect ride height and spring rate. Always confirm which configuration your kit is designed for before ordering.
Tire Clearance by Lift Height
A 2" lift comfortably clears 33" tires. A 2.5" lift handles 33–35" tires (some trimming may be needed). A 3" lift fits 35" tires cleanly. A 3.5–4" lift opens the door to 35–37" tires. Always confirm backspacing and fender clearance for your specific wheel and tire combination.
Driveline Geometry
Lifts above 2.5" change driveshaft angles and can cause vibrations, especially at highway speeds. A slip yoke eliminator (SYE) or adjustable control arms may be needed to correct pinion angle. Budget an extra $200–$600 for driveline corrections on 3"+ lifts.
Track Bar & Steering
Most 2"+ lifts shift the front and rear axles slightly off-center. An adjustable track bar bracket or replacement track bar ($100–$300) is recommended to re-center the axles and prevent steering wander or death wobble. A front-end alignment is essential after any lift installation.
Tuff Country 2in EZ-Ride Lift Kit
The Tuff Country 2" EZ-Ride is the most affordable way to lift your JK. It uses durable polyurethane coil spring spacers that mount directly above the factory coil springs, providing a clean 2-inch lift without replacing any factory components. This spacer-based design replicates the factory ride characteristics — you get more ground clearance and room for 33" tires without changing how the Jeep drives. Tuff Country has been in the lift kit business for over 40 years, and this is one of their most popular kits.
Three purchase options are available: the base kit without shocks ($251), with SX8000 shocks ($515), or with SX6000 shocks ($533). If your factory shocks have fewer than 50,000 miles, the no-shocks kit is a smart way to save money. If they're worn, bundle the SX8000 shocks for the best value. All three options fit both 2-door and 4-door JK models, and all are currently on sale.
Available Configurations
| SKU | Configuration | Lift | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42005 | No Shocks | +2.0" F&R |
|
| 42005KN | With SX8000 Shocks | +2.0" F&R |
|
| 42005KH | With SX6000 Shocks | +2.0" F&R |
|
Pros
- Lowest price on this list — from $251
- Simple spacer installation, no spring swap required
- Fits both 2-door and 4-door with one SKU
- Three purchase options (with or without shocks)
- Replicates factory ride quality
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Currently on sale (all three variants)
Cons
- Only 2" lift — limits you to 33" tires
- Spacer design, not a true coil spring replacement
- Does not improve suspension travel or articulation
- No sway bar links, track bar bracket, or bump stops included
- May need aftermarket track bar bracket for axle centering
JKS Manufacturing JSPEC Dual Rate Coil Springs
JKS Manufacturing is a Jeep-only brand — they exclusively design and manufacture parts for Jeep vehicles. Their JSPEC coil springs are the best springs-only option for JK owners who already have good shocks or plan to choose their own. The dual-rate design provides a softer initial rate for comfortable on-road driving, then progressively firms up as the spring compresses further — giving you confident control off-road without the harsh ride on pavement.
At $332 for a complete front and rear coil spring set, the JSPEC offers remarkable value. Four kits are available: 2.5" or 3.5" lift, each in 2-door or 4-door specific configurations — all at the same price. The longer spring length also accommodates longer shocks, which increases wheel travel and suspension articulation. If you want to pick your own shocks (Bilstein 5100s are a popular pairing), this is the kit to start with.
Available Configurations
| SKU | Configuration | Lift | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| JSPEC2250 | 4-Door / 2.5" Lift | +2.5" F&R | $332 |
| JSPEC2251 | 2-Door / 2.5" Lift | +2.5" F&R | $332 |
| JSPEC2350 | 4-Door / 3.5" Lift | +3.5" F&R | $332 |
| JSPEC2351 | 2-Door / 3.5" Lift | +3.5" F&R | $332 |
Pros
- Best price for quality coil springs ($332 for F&R set)
- Dual-rate design for on-road comfort and off-road control
- Two lift heights (2.5" and 3.5") at the same price
- Separate 2-door and 4-door kits with correct spring rates
- Longer spring length accommodates longer shocks for more travel
- Jeep-only manufacturer with deep platform expertise
- Powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance
Cons
- Springs only — shocks, bump stops, and hardware not included
- You'll need to source shocks separately (budget $200–$400 for Bilstein 5100s)
- 3.5" version will require driveline corrections (SYE, adjustable control arms)
- No track bar bracket or sway bar links included
Fabtech 3in Sport System w/ Performance Shocks
Fabtech is one of the most respected names in off-road suspension, and the 3" Sport System is their bread-and-butter JK kit. This is a complete bolt-on system — it includes American-made coil springs, front and rear performance shocks, front sway bar links, front bump stops, rear bump stop extensions, a rear track bar bracket, and all necessary brake line and e-brake cable brackets. You open the box, install everything, align the Jeep, and you're done. No hunting for individual parts.
The 3" lift is the sweet spot for JK owners who want to clear 35" tires without major driveline modifications. Fabtech's preset coil springs maintain consistent ride height over time, and the included performance shocks are tuned specifically for lifted JK applications. If you decide you want better damping later, Fabtech offers the same kit with Stealth shocks ($945), Dirt Logic shocks ($1,861), and DL 2.25 Reservoir shocks ($2,286) — same springs and hardware, just upgraded dampers.
Pros
- Complete system — springs, shocks, all hardware included
- American-made coil springs with preset manufacturing
- Clears 35" tires (37" with minor trimming)
- Upgradeable shock path (Performance → Stealth → DL → DL Resi)
- Includes rear track bar bracket for axle centering
- Separate 2-door and 4-door kits with correct components
- One of the most trusted brands in Jeep off-road suspension
Cons
- 3" lift may require driveshaft corrections on some JKs
- 2012+ models require exhaust spacers (not included)
- Performance shocks are the entry-level option — consider Stealth or DL for serious trail use
- No adjustable control arms included (recommended but separate purchase)
Rugged Ridge 2.5in Suspension Lift Kit with Shocks
Rugged Ridge is a Jeep-only brand — part of Omix-ADA, the world's largest independent distributor of Jeep parts. Their 2.5" lift kit is our Best Overall pick because it strikes the perfect balance between lift height, completeness, price, and fitment versatility. The 2.5" lift is the Goldilocks zone for JK owners: it comfortably clears 33" tires and many owners run 35s with minor fender trimming. The kit includes 5/8" coil springs set to factory rates, premium shocks, powder-coated steel bars, a rear track bar brace, and a rear bump stop bracket.
What makes this kit stand out is its universal fitment — one SKU fits both 2-door and 4-door JK models. Rugged Ridge achieves 2.5" of lift on 4-door Unlimited models and up to 3.5" on the lighter 2-door models with the same spring set. The coil springs are engineered to match factory rates, which means the ride quality stays close to stock. The 5-year limited warranty is solid, and the included track bar brace addresses one of the most common complaints with lifted JKs — axle misalignment.
Pros
- Complete kit — springs, shocks, track bar brace, bump stop bracket, all hardware
- One SKU fits both 2-door and 4-door JK models
- Factory-rate coil springs maintain stock ride quality
- 5170H hot-rolled steel bars with E-coat and powder coat
- Rear track bar brace included (addresses axle centering)
- 5-year limited warranty
- Jeep-only brand with deep platform expertise
- 2.5" is the ideal height for 33–35" tire clearance
Cons
- 2.5" lift may not be enough for aggressive off-road builds
- Factory-rate springs won't improve articulation — ride travel stays stock
- No sway bar links or control arms included
- Shocks are functional but not premium — consider upgrading to Bilstein 5100s later
Pedders TrakRyder Lift Kit
Pedders is an Australian suspension specialist with over 70 years of engineering experience. The TrakRyder system is unique on this list because the springs and shocks are developed and tuned as a matched pair from the factory. Most lift kits source springs from one supplier and shocks from another — Pedders designs both in-house to work in harmony, resulting in the best ride quality of any kit in this price range. The TrakRyder Foam Cell shocks feature a 40mm bore and vehicle-specific valving that delivers exceptional damping control.
Four variants are available: standard and Heavy Duty (HD) versions for both 2-door and 4-door JKs. The standard kits deliver approximately +2.5" front and +2.0" rear lift on the 2-door, and +2.8" front / +2.0" rear on the 4-door. The HD variants are designed for heavily loaded vehicles — steel bumpers, roof racks, winches, and overlanding gear — with stiffer spring rates that maintain proper ride height under load. All four variants are currently on sale at $990, down from $1,100.
Which Variant Do You Need?
| Part Number | For Vehicles | Front Lift | Rear Lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| PED-814102 | 2-Door Standard | +2.5" | +2.0" |
| PED-814103 | 2-Door Heavy Duty | +2.6" | +2.0" |
| PED-814104 | 4-Door Standard | +2.8" | +2.0" |
| PED-814105 | 4-Door Heavy Duty | +2.0" | +2.0" |
Pros
- Springs and shocks engineered as a matched pair for superior ride quality
- TrakRyder Foam Cell shocks with 40mm bore and vehicle-specific valving
- HD variants for heavily loaded overland builds
- Separate 2-door and 4-door kits with correct spring rates
- 70+ years of Australian suspension engineering expertise
- Currently on sale — $990 (down from $1,100)
- Excellent ride quality both on-road and off-road
Cons
- Moderate lift (2.0–2.8") limits tire size to 33–35"
- No hardware kit included (no track bar bracket, bump stops, or sway bar links)
- Less community presence than US brands like Fabtech or Skyjacker
- HD version for 4-door provides only +2.0" front lift (designed for load compensation)
Skyjacker 3.5–4in Long Travel Lift Kit w/ M95 Monotube Shocks
The Skyjacker Long Travel kit delivers the biggest practical lift on this list — 3.5" to 4.0" of lift depending on your JK's configuration. The dual-rate long travel coil springs are engineered to maximize suspension articulation: they're softer at the top of travel for comfortable highway driving, then progressively stiffen as the spring compresses to prevent bottoming out on rocks and trail obstacles. This design gives you significantly more wheel travel than stock or spacer-lifted JKs, keeping your tires planted on uneven terrain.
The included M95 monotube shocks are a major upgrade over the twin-tube shocks found in cheaper kits. Monotube designs dissipate heat more efficiently and provide more consistent damping under repeated hard hits — critical on rocky trails. The kit also includes a rear track bar relocation bracket, bump stop relocation hardware, and is FMVSS126 safety compliant. Skyjacker also offers this kit with more affordable Black Max shocks ($934) or Hydro 7000 shocks ($890) if you want to save on the shock package.
Pros
- Largest lift on this list (3.5–4.0") — clears 35" tires easily, 37" with trimming
- Long travel dual-rate springs maximize articulation and wheel travel
- M95 monotube shocks for superior heat dissipation and consistent damping
- High-strength alloy springs resist sagging and fractures
- FMVSS126 safety compliant
- Separate 2-door and 4-door kits
- Lifetime warranty from Skyjacker
- Also available with Black Max ($934) or Hydro 7000 ($890) shocks
Cons
- 3.5–4" lift will require driveline corrections (SYE or adjustable control arms)
- Budget extra $300–$600 for adjustable control arms and track bar
- Stiffer ride than 2–2.5" kits, especially on highway
- More complex installation than spacer or 2" lifts
- At this lift height, steering geometry changes become noticeable
ICON 3in Stage 1 Suspension System
ICON Vehicle Dynamics is a California-based suspension manufacturer with roots in professional off-road racing — Baja 1000, King of the Hammers, and Ultra4 competition. The Stage 1 system brings that race-proven engineering to the JK platform. The front and rear dual-rate progressive wound coil springs are specifically tuned for the JK's weight and center of gravity, providing a softer initial rate for comfort and a firmer secondary rate for bottom-out protection. This delivers 30% more wheel travel than stock, which is the biggest improvement in articulation of any kit on this list.
The included ICON V.S. 2.0 Aluminum Series shocks are the star of this kit. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum with ICON's proprietary deflective valving technology, these shocks provide the smoothest, most controlled damping of any shock on this page. Vehicle-specific valving means they're not a one-size-fits-all revalve — they're tuned for the JK's exact suspension geometry and spring rates. The 3" lift clears 33" tires with ease, and 35" tires are possible with aftermarket high-clearance fenders. This is the kit for JK owners who refuse to compromise between on-road comfort and off-road capability.
Pros
- 30% more wheel travel than stock — best articulation in this guide
- ICON V.S. 2.0 aluminum shocks with vehicle-specific deflective valving
- Dual-rate progressive coil springs tuned for the JK platform
- Race-proven engineering (Baja 1000, King of the Hammers)
- Aircraft-grade aluminum shock bodies
- Fits both 2-door and 4-door with one SKU
- Best on-road comfort of any 3" kit on this list
- Made in California, USA
Cons
- Most expensive kit on this list at $1,703
- No control arms, track bar, or bump stops included — springs and shocks only
- At this price, you're approaching entry-level coilover territory
- 3" lift may still require driveline corrections on some JKs
- Overkill for owners who just want clearance without performance focus
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your JK?
| Configuration | Tuff Country | JKS | Fabtech | Rugged Ridge | Pedders | Skyjacker | ICON |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Door JK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4-Door JK (Unlimited) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| One SKU fits both | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Heavy Duty Option | — | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
✓ = Available • ✗ = Separate SKUs for 2-Door & 4-Door • — = Not offered
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lift do I need to clear 35-inch tires on my JK?
A 2.5" lift will physically fit 35" tires on most JKs, but you'll likely need fender trimming and may experience rubbing at full lock or full articulation. A 3" lift is the recommended minimum for 35" tires without significant modifications. For 37" tires, plan on 3.5–4" of lift with aftermarket fenders or fender trimming. Wheel backspacing also plays a critical role — wider offset wheels push tires closer to fenders and can cause rubbing even with adequate lift.
Do I need new shocks when installing lift springs?
If you're installing a complete kit that includes shocks (like Fabtech, Rugged Ridge, Pedders, or Skyjacker), you're already covered. If you're buying springs only (like JKS JSPEC), you should pair them with shocks designed for your new lift height. Factory shocks are valved and travel-limited for stock height — they'll bottom out or top out at 2.5"+ lifts. Bilstein 5100 series are the most popular aftermarket shock pairing, typically $80–$120 each.
Will a lift kit cause driveshaft vibrations?
Lifts of 2" or less rarely cause driveline vibrations. At 2.5", some JKs (especially 2-door models with shorter wheelbases) may develop a slight vibration at highway speeds. At 3"+ lifts, driveshaft angle correction is strongly recommended. Solutions include adjustable lower control arms ($200–$400 for a set) to correct pinion angle, or a slip yoke eliminator (SYE) ($300–$500) for the rear driveshaft. Many of the kits on this list include caster cam bolts or track bar brackets that help address geometry changes.
Do I need adjustable control arms with a lift?
For lifts under 2.5", factory control arms typically work fine. At 3"+ lifts, adjustable control arms become highly recommended. They allow you to correct caster angle (which affects steering feel and return-to-center behavior) and pinion angle (which causes driveline vibrations if incorrect). Budget $200–$600 for a quality set of adjustable upper and lower control arms. Some brands like Fabtech include caster correction hardware in their kits.
What is the difference between a spacer lift and a coil spring lift?
Spacer lifts (like Tuff Country) place a polyurethane or metal spacer on top of the factory coil spring, pushing the vehicle up without changing the spring. They're cheaper ($150–$300) and easier to install, but don't improve suspension travel or articulation. Coil spring lifts (like JKS, Fabtech, ICON) replace the factory springs with taller, purpose-built springs that can improve ride quality, wheel travel, and load capacity. Spring lifts cost more ($300–$1,700+) but deliver a better overall result for off-road use.
I have a 2-door JK. Do the same kits fit?
All seven kits on this list fit both 2-door and 4-door JKs, but fitment varies by brand. Tuff Country, Rugged Ridge, and ICON use one SKU for both configurations. JKS, Fabtech, Pedders, and Skyjacker offer separate 2-door and 4-door kits with different spring rates tuned for each configuration's weight. The 4-door Unlimited is approximately 500 lbs heavier, so using 2-door springs on a 4-door will result in the vehicle sitting lower than intended.
Ready to Lift Your Wrangler JK?
Browse all of our lift kits and lift springs for the Jeep Wrangler JK, or contact us if you need help choosing the right kit for your specific build goals.
