Lift Kit Guide
Best Lift Kits for the
2018 – 2026 Jeep Gladiator: Every Kit Compared
A complete comparison of every lift kit available for the 2018–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT — covering Sport, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, and all trim levels. Lift heights, pricing, fitment notes, and real-world owner feedback for the pickup that shares its platform with the Wrangler JL.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Front Lift | Rear Lift | Fits | Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyjacker 2.5in | +2.5" | +2.5" | All Trims | Dual Rate + Black Max | $638 | SHOP → |
| Pedders TrakRyder | +1.5" | +1.5" | Sport, Overland, Rubicon | Matched Spring & Shock |
|
SHOP → |
| Fabtech 3in Sport II | +3.0" | +3.0" | 2020 Gas 6-Cyl | Complete System | $1,045 | SHOP → |
| Skyjacker 3.5in / 2in | +3.5" | +2.0" | Non-Rubicon | Long Travel + M95 | $1,201 | SHOP → |
| ICON 2.5in Stage 1 | +2.5" | +2.5" | 2020–2021 | Premium System | $1,531 | SHOP → |
| Tuff Country 3.5in | +3.5" | +3.5" | All Trims | Complete + SX8000 |
|
SHOP → |
| Fabtech 3in Sport w/ DL | +3.0" | +3.0" | 2020 Gas 6-Cyl | Dirt Logic Shocks | $1,931 | SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Trim-Specific Fitment
The Gladiator comes in Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave trims — each with different factory spring rates and shock packages. Rubicon and Mojave sit higher from the factory. Some kits are designed for non-Rubicon models only; others fit all trims. Mojave models have Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks that some kits retain. Always confirm your trim before ordering.
Tire Clearance by Lift Height
A 1.5" lift clears 33" tires on most trims. A 2.5" lift handles 33–35" tires. A 3" lift fits 35" tires cleanly. A 3.5" lift opens the door to 35–37" tires. The Gladiator’s bed and payload capacity are unchanged by lift height, but larger tires add unsprung weight. Always confirm backspacing and fender clearance for your wheel and tire combination.
Driveline & Bed 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. The Gladiator’s longer wheelbase (vs. Wrangler) can affect how quickly geometry issues appear.
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. The Gladiator shares its front suspension with the Wrangler JL, so many JL track bar solutions work.
Skyjacker 2.5in Dual Rate Long Travel Lift Kit w/ Black Max Shocks
The Skyjacker 2.5" Dual Rate Long Travel kit is the most affordable complete lift on this list. It’s a one-box solution that includes dual-rate coil springs, Black Max twin-tube shocks, rear track bar relocation bracket, bump stop extensions, and all necessary hardware. The dual-rate design provides a softer initial rate for on-road comfort, then progressively stiffens for off-road control. Skyjacker has been building Jeep lifts for decades, and this kit fits every Gladiator from 2018 through 2026.
At $638, you get a full suspension upgrade without hunting for separate shocks or geometry parts. The 2.5" lift comfortably clears 33" tires and many owners run 35s with minor fender trimming. Black Max shocks are the entry-level option in Skyjacker’s lineup — if you want better damping, the same spring kit is available with M95 monotube shocks for roughly $200 more. For budget-conscious Gladiator owners who want a complete, bolt-on lift, this is the pick.
Pros
- Lowest price complete kit on this list ($638)
- One-box solution — springs, shocks, hardware included
- Fits all Gladiator trims 2018–2026
- Dual-rate long travel springs for improved articulation
- Rear track bar relocation bracket included
- Straightforward bolt-on installation
- Lifetime warranty from Skyjacker
Cons
- Black Max shocks are twin-tube — consider M95 upgrade for serious trail use
- 2.5" lift limits tire size to 33–35"
- No adjustable control arms included
- Ride is firmer than Pedders or ICON at similar lift heights
Pedders TrakRyder 1.5in Lift Kit
Pedders is an Australian suspension specialist with over 70 years of engineering experience. The TrakRyder system is unique 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 vehicle-specific valving that delivers exceptional damping control.
The 1.5" lift is conservative but purposeful: it levels the Gladiator, clears 33" tires, and preserves factory ride characteristics. This kit fits both Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT from 2018 through 2026, so it shares a large install base and community feedback. If your priority is daily-driver comfort with a modest lift for tire clearance and stance, the TrakRyder is the pick. It’s currently on sale at $990, down from $1,100.
Pros
- Springs and shocks engineered as a matched pair for superior ride quality
- TrakRyder Foam Cell shocks with vehicle-specific valving
- Fits Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT 2018–2026
- 1.5" lift preserves factory ride and driveline geometry
- 70+ years of Australian suspension engineering
- Currently on sale — $990 (down from $1,100)
- Best on-road comfort of any kit on this list
Cons
- Moderate lift (1.5") limits tire size to 33"
- No track bar bracket, bump stops, or sway bar links included
- Less community presence than US brands like Fabtech or Skyjacker
- Not ideal if you want 35" tires or aggressive trail use
Fabtech 3in Sport II Gas Suspension System w/ Stealth
Fabtech is one of the most respected names in off-road suspension, and the 3" Sport II is their most popular Gladiator kit. This is a complete bolt-on system with American-made dual-rate coil springs, Stealth monotube shocks, sway bar links, bump stops, track bar bracket, and all hardware. The dual-rate design provides a soft initial rate for highway comfort, then firms up for trail articulation. At just over $1,000, you get Fabtech quality without stepping up to Dirt Logic pricing.
This kit is designed for 2020 Gladiator models with the 3.6L V6 gas engine. Fabtech also offers Sport II variants for 2021–2023 diesel and Mojave models (which retain the factory Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks). The 3" lift clears 35" tires cleanly and 37" with minor trimming. If you want the best price-to-quality ratio for a complete 3" lift with monotube shocks, the Sport II Stealth is the pick.
Pros
- Complete system — springs, shocks, hardware included
- American-made dual-rate coil springs
- Stealth monotube shocks for consistent damping
- Clears 35" tires (37" with minor trimming)
- Fabtech’s most popular Gladiator kit
- Upgrade path to Dirt Logic shocks available
- One of the most trusted brands in Jeep off-road suspension
Cons
- 2020 gas 6-cylinder only — diesel/Mojave need different SKU
- 3" lift may require driveline corrections on some trucks
- No adjustable control arms included
- Stealth shocks are good but not premium-tier
Skyjacker 3.5in Front / 2in Rear Suspension Lift Kit w/ M95 Mono Shocks
The Skyjacker 3.5" front / 2" rear kit delivers the most aggressive lift on this list. The asymmetric lift addresses the Gladiator’s factory rake — the front sits lower than the rear from the factory, so a taller front lift levels the truck and improves approach angle. The dual-rate long travel coil springs maximize suspension articulation, and the included M95 monotube shocks dissipate heat efficiently for consistent damping on long trail runs.
This kit is designed for non-Rubicon Gladiators (Sport, Overland). Rubicon models have different factory spring rates and ride height; Skyjacker offers separate Rubicon-specific kits. The 3.5" front lift clears 35" tires easily and 37" with trimming. Budget for driveline corrections (adjustable control arms, possibly SYE) at this lift height. For Gladiator owners who want maximum stance and trail capability, this is the aggressive pick.
Pros
- Largest practical lift on this list (3.5" front / 2" rear)
- Levels factory rake — improves approach angle
- M95 monotube shocks for heat dissipation and consistent damping
- Dual-rate long travel springs maximize articulation
- Fits Sport and Overland 2018–2026
- Clears 35" tires easily, 37" with trimming
- Lifetime warranty from Skyjacker
Cons
- Non-Rubicon only — Rubicon needs different kit
- 3.5" lift will require driveline corrections
- Budget extra $300–$600 for adjustable control arms
- Stiffer ride than 2–2.5" kits on highway
ICON 2.5in 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 Gladiator. The front and rear dual-rate progressive wound coil springs are specifically tuned for the JT’s weight and center of gravity, providing a softer initial rate for comfort and a firmer secondary rate for bottom-out protection. ICON’s proprietary deflective valving technology delivers the smoothest, most controlled damping of any shock on this page.
This kit is marketed for 2020–2021 Gladiators; many owners report compatibility with 2022+ models, but confirm fitment before ordering. The 2.5" lift clears 33" tires with ease and 35" with aftermarket fenders or trimming. The Stage 1 is springs and shocks only — no track bar bracket or bump stops included. For Gladiator owners who refuse to compromise between on-road comfort and off-road capability, ICON is the performance pick.
Pros
- Vehicle-specific valving — not one-size-fits-all
- Dual-rate progressive coil springs tuned for the Gladiator
- Race-proven engineering (Baja 1000, King of the Hammers)
- Best on-road comfort of any 2.5" kit on this list
- Made in California, USA
- ICON1K R&D program — tested over 1,000 miles of terrain
- Superior damping control for mixed use
Cons
- 2020–2021 fitment — verify compatibility for 2022+
- Springs and shocks only — no track bar bracket or bump stops
- 2.5" lift limits tire size vs. 3" or 3.5" kits
- Premium price for moderate lift height
Tuff Country 3.5in Suspension Lift Kit w/ Nitrogen Charged SX8000 Shocks
Tuff Country has been building lift kits for over 30 years, and their 3.5" Gladiator kit is a complete trail-ready system. It includes coil springs, Nitrogen Charged SX8000 shocks, track bar relocation bracket, sway bar links, bump stop extensions, and all hardware. The SX8000 shocks are Tuff Country’s premium offering — nitrogen-charged for consistent damping and fade resistance on long trail days. The 3.5" lift clears 35" tires without trimming and accommodates up to 37" with minor fender work.
This kit fits every Gladiator from 2018 through 2026, including Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave. Tuff Country also offers a no-shocks version (43205) for owners who want to pair the springs with their own shocks. The limited lifetime warranty backs the build quality. For Gladiator owners who want a complete 3.5" lift with premium shocks and broad trim coverage, Tuff Country is the trail pick. It’s currently on sale at $1,777, down from $2,015.
Pros
- Complete kit — springs, SX8000 shocks, all hardware
- Fits all Gladiator trims 2018–2026
- 3.5" lift clears 35" tires, 37" with minor trimming
- Nitrogen-charged SX8000 shocks for fade resistance
- Track bar bracket and sway bar links included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Currently on sale — $1,777 (down from $2,015)
Cons
- 3.5" lift will require driveline corrections
- No adjustable control arms included
- SX8000 shocks are good but not coilover-tier
- Heavier than 2.5" kits — stiffer ride on pavement
Fabtech 3in Sport System w/ Dirt Logic Shocks
The Fabtech 3" Sport System with Dirt Logic shocks is our Best Overall pick because it strikes the perfect balance between completeness, performance, and brand reputation. Dirt Logic is Fabtech’s in-house shock brand — stainless steel bodies, rebuildable, and valved specifically for lifted Jeep applications. This kit includes dual-rate coil springs, front and rear DL shocks, sway bar links, bump stops, track bar bracket, and all hardware. You open the box, install everything, align the truck, and you’re done.
The 3" lift is the sweet spot for Gladiator owners who want to clear 35" tires without major driveline modifications. Fabtech’s preset coil springs maintain consistent ride height over time. This kit is designed for 2020 Gladiator 6-cylinder gas models. For diesel or Mojave, Fabtech offers the Sport System with DLSS shocks (K4190DL). If you want the most versatile, complete, and performance-oriented kit on this list, the Sport System with Dirt Logic is the pick.
Pros
- Complete system — springs, Dirt Logic shocks, all hardware
- Dirt Logic stainless steel shocks — rebuildable
- American-made dual-rate coil springs
- Clears 35" tires (37" with minor trimming)
- Includes track bar bracket, sway bar links, bump stops
- One of the most trusted brands in Jeep off-road suspension
- Best balance of completeness and performance on this list
Cons
- 2020 gas 6-cylinder only — diesel/Mojave need different SKU
- Most expensive kit on this list at $1,931
- 3" lift may require driveline corrections on some trucks
- No adjustable control arms included
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Gladiator?
| Configuration | Skyjacker 2.5 | Pedders | Fabtech Sport II | Skyjacker 3.5/2 | ICON | Tuff Country | Fabtech Sport DL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport / Overland | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rubicon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mojave | ✓ | ✓ | * | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | * |
| Diesel (2021–2023) | ✓ | ✓ | * | ✗ | — | ✓ | * |
| 2020 Gas 6-Cyl | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded (use Rubicon-specific kit) • — = Not tested • * = Use caution (different SKU may be required)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much lift do I need to clear 35-inch tires on my Gladiator?
A 2.5" lift will physically fit 35" tires on most Gladiators, but you may need fender trimming and could experience rubbing at full lock or articulation. A 3" lift is the recommended minimum for 35" tires without significant modifications. For 37" tires, plan on 3.5" of lift with aftermarket fenders or fender trimming. Rubicon and Mojave sit higher from the factory, so they may clear slightly larger tires at the same lift height. Wheel backspacing also plays a critical role.
Do I need new shocks when installing lift springs?
If you’re installing a complete kit that includes shocks (like Fabtech, Tuff Country, Pedders, or Skyjacker), you’re already covered. If you’re buying springs only, 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"+ lifts. Bilstein 5100 series are a popular aftermarket pairing, typically $80–$120 each. Mojave models have Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks that some Fabtech kits retain.
Will a lift kit cause driveshaft vibrations?
Lifts of 2" or less rarely cause driveline vibrations. At 2.5", some Gladiators 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. The Gladiator’s longer wheelbase (vs. Wrangler) can affect when vibrations appear. Many kits include track bar brackets that help with axle centering.
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) 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 include caster correction hardware in their kits.
What is the difference between a spacer lift and a coil spring lift?
Spacer lifts place a polyurethane or metal spacer on top of the factory coil spring, pushing the vehicle up without changing the spring. They’re cheaper and easier to install, but don’t improve suspension travel or articulation. Coil spring lifts replace the factory springs with taller, purpose-built springs that can improve ride quality, wheel travel, and load capacity. Spring lifts cost more but deliver a better overall result for off-road use. All seven kits on this list use coil spring lifts.
I have a Mojave or Rubicon Gladiator. What are my options?
Mojave models have Fox 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks from the factory. Fabtech offers Sport II and Sport System kits specifically for Mojave/diesel that retain those shocks. Rubicon models have different factory spring rates; Skyjacker’s 3.5"/2" kit is non-Rubicon only, but their 2.5" kit and most other brands fit Rubicon. Tuff Country, Pedders, and ICON fit all trims. Always confirm your trim and engine (gas vs. diesel) before ordering.
Ready to Lift Your Gladiator?
Browse all of our lift kits for the Jeep Gladiator, or contact us if you need help choosing the right kit for your specific trim and build goals.
