The Jeep Wrangler JL is one of the most capable off-road vehicles you can buy, and lifting one is practically a rite of passage for Jeep owners. Whether you just picked up a Sport for weekend trail runs or you own a Rubicon that already has solid axles and lockers, a lift kit lets you fit bigger tires, improve your articulation, and tackle obstacles that would stop a stock Wrangler.
At American Fusion Wheels in Shawnee, KS, we build Jeeps every week. The JL platform (2018 and newer) has excellent aftermarket support, and we have installed everything from simple spacer lifts to full long-arm systems. Here are our top picks.
Know Your JL Trim Before You Buy
The Wrangler JL comes in several trims, and your starting point matters when choosing a lift. The Sport and Sport S use the base Dana 30 front and Dana 35 rear axles. The Willys adds some off-road features but keeps the same axles. The Sahara is road-oriented with a focus on comfort. The Rubicon comes with heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, electronic lockers, a disconnecting sway bar, and 33-inch tires from the factory, giving you a significant head start.
The 4xe plug-in hybrid adds roughly 600 pounds of battery weight, which affects spring rates and kit selection. The 392 with its 6.4L V8 also has unique weight distribution considerations. Make sure any kit you choose accounts for your specific trim and powertrain.
Our Top Lift Kit Picks for Jeep Wrangler JL
1. Rough Country 2.5-Inch Lift — 00 to 00
Rough Country makes the Jeep lifting experience affordable for everyone. Their 2.5-inch kit for the JL includes coil spring spacers and shock extensions, giving you enough room to run 35-inch tires on most JL trims. The installation is quick and the ride stays close to stock. If you are on a budget and want to step up to 35s without a major investment, this is the most popular starting point we see at our shop.
2. Teraflex 2.5-Inch Coil Spring Lift — 00 to ,100
Teraflex is one of the most respected names in the Jeep world, and their 2.5-inch coil spring lift shows why. Instead of spacers sitting on top of the factory springs, this kit uses complete replacement coil springs tuned specifically for the JL platform. The difference in ride quality is noticeable. You get a more controlled, less bouncy ride both on road and off. Teraflex also includes Falcon shocks in some packages, which are specifically valved for the JL. This is the kit we recommend for JL owners who want to do it right the first time.
3. BDS 3-Inch Lift — ,500 to ,000
BDS brings serious engineering to the JL platform. Their 3-inch kit uses replacement coil springs, new front and rear track bars, adjustable front control arms, and NX2 shocks. The geometry corrections mean you maintain proper driveline angles and steering feel even at 3 inches of lift. This kit comfortably handles 35-inch tires and can work with 37s on the right wheel and backspacing combination. If you want to go higher than 2.5 inches without compromising how the Jeep drives, BDS is a strong choice.
4. Fox 2.0 Performance Series — ,200 to ,600
Fox shocks have a huge following in the Jeep community, and the 2.0 Performance Series lift delivers approximately 2 inches of lift through longer-travel monotube shocks paired with coil spacers or replacement springs. The real value here is the shock performance. Fox 2.0s handle heat buildup better than stock shocks, which matters when you are crawling trails in low gear for extended periods. If your Jeep sees regular trail use, the Fox 2.0 system is worth serious consideration.
5. Mopar 2-Inch Lift — 00 to ,200
Mopar is the factory parts division of Stellantis, which means this is the closest thing to a factory-backed lift you can get. The 2-inch kit is designed to work seamlessly with the JL's electronics, including the Electronic Stability Control system. It also preserves your factory warranty coverage, which is a significant advantage if your Jeep is still under warranty. The lift gives you room for 35-inch tires and maintains the JL's excellent on-road manners. For owners who want the peace of mind that comes with an OEM solution, Mopar is the obvious choice.
6. Metalcloak 3.5-Inch Lift — ,500 to ,500
Metalcloak builds some of the most premium Jeep suspension systems on the market. Their 3.5-inch kit features their True Dual-Rate coil springs, RockSport shocks, and a complete set of adjustable control arms. The dual-rate springs are the standout feature: they ride softly on the highway but stiffen under compression for off-road impacts. If you want to run 37-inch tires and demand top-tier performance both on road and on the trail, Metalcloak is the kit that serious Jeep builders choose.
Tire Size and Lift Height Combinations
- 2 to 2.5-inch lift: Fits 35-inch tires on most JL trims. The Rubicon can run 35s with just a small lift or sometimes with no lift at all depending on wheel offset.
- 3 to 3.5-inch lift: Opens the door to 37-inch tires. May require fender trimming or high-clearance fenders depending on wheel backspacing.
- 4-inch-plus lift: Necessary for 38- or 40-inch tires but requires extensive modifications including driveshaft upgrades, axle regearing, and possibly axle upgrades on non-Rubicon trims.
Important Considerations
- Axle gearing: Bigger tires need lower gears. If you go to 35s, consider 4.56 gears. For 37s, 4.88 or 5.13 gears keep the truck driveable. We offer gear installation as well.
- Bump stops: Most quality kits include extended bump stops. These prevent your suspension from compressing into the body, which is critical with larger tires.
- Alignment: Alignment is included with every lift kit installation at our shop. Jeeps are particularly sensitive to caster and toe settings after a lift.
Build Your Jeep in Kansas City
We love building Jeeps at American Fusion Wheels. From simple 2-inch lifts on daily-driven Sports to full trail-ready Rubicon builds with 37s, we have done it all. Every installation includes alignment as part of the package, and we take the time to make sure your Jeep drives as good as it looks.
Ready to lift your JL? Explore our Jeep lift kit options or learn more about our Jeep lift kit installation process. Call us at 913-291-2027 or visit us at 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee, KS 66216.
