How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Jeep Gladiator? Cost Breakdown
If you own a 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator and want to improve its off-road performance, one of the most exciting modifications you can make is adding a lift kit. But before you dive in and order a 6-inch suspension lift, it’s important to understand what’s involved so you can make the best choice for your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide will walk through everything you need to know about lifting a Jeep Gladiator, from costs and options to tips for choosing the right lift kit.
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How Much Does It Cost To Lift A Jeep Gladiator?
The first question many Jeep owners have is simply: “How much does it cost to lift a Jeep Gladiator?” Unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, since lift kits can range in price from just a few hundred dollars for basic spacers to $5000 or more for long travel suspension systems. Generally speaking though, you can expect to spend:
- $400-$800 for a budget 1-3 inch body or coil spring lift kit – parts only
- $800-$1500 for a mid-range 3-4 inch kit with shocks and control arms
- $2000+ for a high performance 4-6 inch long travel lift kit
On top of the lift components themselves, you’ll also need to budget for:
- Professional installation – At least $500-1000 in labor if you don’t DIY
- Wheel alignment – $100-$300 needed after install to realign
- Larger tires – 33-35 inches recommended, $1000+ for a set
So realistically, plan on investing $1500-4000+ to lift your Jeep Gladiator, depending on options. It’s not a small project, but lift kits can profoundly transform your Gladiator into a super-capable off-road machine.
What Are The Benefits Of Lifting A Jeep Gladiator?
Lifting your Jeep offers some key advantages:
- Increased ground clearance for climbing over rocks, roots and ruts
- Ability to run larger, more aggressive tires for traction
- Improved approach, departure, and breakover angles
- Enhanced suspension articulation and wheel travel
- Better visibility of off-road terrain
- Unique, customized look and style
For diehard off-roaders, lift kits make traversing rugged trails easier. Even a modest 2-3 inch lift allows fitting bigger tires to roll over obstacles. Going beyond 6 inches does compromise daily drivability though.
Types Of Lift Kits For The Jeep Gladiator
There are three main types of lift kits available:
Body Lift
The most affordable option is a body lift kit, which only raises the body 1-3 inches by installing spacers between the body and frame. This requires no suspension modifications, but provides minimal off-road gains besides fitting slightly bigger tires. Ride quality also suffers.
Coil Spring Lift
Far more popular are coil spring lift kits, which replace the factory springs with longer, stiffer aftermarket coils for 2-4 inches of lift. Many kits include extended shocks and additional components like track bar relocation brackets. This style retains good ride comfort while allowing 33-34″ tires.
Long Travel Suspension Lift
For maximum lift of 6 inches or more, a long travel kit is needed. These kits replace the entire suspension with high performance components like adjustable control arms, radius arms, and bypass shocks. The ride is customized for off-road use but comfort suffers on-road. Large 35″+ tires can be installed.
Important Considerations When Choosing A Lift Kit
Choosing the right lift involves balancing factors like cost, lift height, ride quality, and drivability. Here are some key considerations:
- Lift height – Don’t lift more than you need for tire clearance. 1-3″ is sufficient for most. Too much lift impacts handling.
- Ride comfort – Upgrade to high quality shocks to compensate for stiffer springs. Fox and King shocks are popular options.
- Drivetrain angles – Excessive lift may over-stress CV axles and requires corrections to driveshaft angles.
- After install – Any lift over 2″ will need alignment. Test drive before pickup to check for noises or vibration.
- Warranty coverage – Lift kits void the factory warranty. Some manufacturers like BDS provide their own warranty on lift components.
5 Excellent Lift Kits For Jeep Gladiators
Here are 5 top-rated options from leading manufacturers:
1. Rocky Road 3″ Suspension Lift Kit
- Highly rated coil spring kit for Gladiators
- Includes Fox 2.0 or upgrade to 2.5″ shocks
- Maintains factory-like comfortable ride
- Ideal for fitting 33″ tires
2. Readylift 3″ SST Lift Kit
- Affordable kit great for levelling stance
- Includes extended sway bar links
- Easy to install – no need to disassemble suspension
- Adds just enough lift for 32-33″ tires
3. Teraflex 3″ Leveling Lift Kit
- Budget-friendly coil lift perfect for levelling
- Rear lift blocks and extended links included
- Quick at-home install possible in a day
- Designed for fitting 32-33” tires
4. BDS 4″ Suspension Lift Kit
- One of the best kits for fitting 35” tires
- Features adjustable front and rear track bars
- Custom-tuned Fox 2.0 shocks balance lift and comfort
5. JKS 3.5″ J-Kontrol Lift Kit
- Retains factory geometry using coil spring spacers
- Includes rear track bar relocation bracket
- Dual steering stabilizers reduce bump steer
- Great mid-range option for 33-35“ tires
Professional Installation Is Recommended
While some basic lift kits can be installed at home in a day or two, having a professional shop complete the install is a wise investment for a few reasons:
- Complex disassembly and reassembly of suspension required
- Specialty tools like spring compressors needed
- Additional adjustments likely required after install
- Vital for safety and proper handling of vehicle
- Provides warranty on labor as well as parts
Shop rates average $100 per hour, so expect to pay $500 or more for installation labor. The peace of mind of having an experienced lift shop dial in the installation is worth the price.
Lift Kit Maintenance Is Crucial
Once you’ve invested in a lift, it’s important to keep up with maintenance:
- Inspect bushings – Replace worn bushings immediately to prevent steering wander
- Shock service – Budget for periodic rebuilding or replacement of shocks
- Check torque – Vibration can loosen lift components over time, check specs
- Fluids – Change differentials more often, lifted Jeeps see more stress
Don’t cheap out on maintenance items – a proper lift kit puts more stress on components. Take care of it and your Jeep will handle beautifully on and off-road.
Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Lifting Your Jeep
While lifted Jeeps look awesome crawling over boulders, there are some downsides to consider:
Potential Pros
- Improved off-road clearance and traction
- Open up more extreme trails
- Fit larger tires for a customized look
- Better approach, departure and breakover angles
- Increased visibility of terrain
Possible Cons
- Voided factory warranty coverage
- Harsher ride from stiffer springs
- More expensive to maintain
- Decreased mpg and acceleration
- Steering precision can suffer
- Increased wear on driveline components
Assess your own needs to decide if the pros of lifting outweigh the cons. For light off-roading, a budget lift and modest tires is plenty. But frequent rock crawling may warrant a premium lift kit.
Choosing The Right Lift Height
Determining how much lift you really need is important. Consider:
- The stock Jeep Gladiator has excellent clearance already. For light trails, a 1-2″ lift may be plenty.
- Going above 2-3″ will impact ride comfort, handling, and MPG.
- Each inch of lift allows fitting 1 inch larger tire diameter. But too large looks silly.
- Wheel speed increases with larger tires, stressing drivetrain. -Anything beyond a 4″ lift requires significant modifications.
Evaluate your own off-roading terrain and needs. For most owners doing light trails, a 2-3 inch lift paired with 32-33 inch tires offers great capability without compromising everyday drivability too much. Let your realistic needs, not Instagram, determine lift height.
Conclusion
Installing an aftermarket lift kit on your Jeep Gladiator opens up new possibilities for personalizing your truck and tackling more challenging off-road trails. But it’s a complex process requiring research and an investment ranging from $1500 up to $4000+ when done right. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and realistically assess how much lift you need. For most Gladiator owners, a 2-3 inch coil spring lift paired with 32-33 inch tires hits the sweet spot. With the right lift kit and professional installation, you can take your Jeep’s off-road performance to new heights!
