Lifted Jeep Renegade: Kits, Costs & Off-Road Upgrades

Are you considering lifting your Jeep Renegade for better off-road performance? Adding a lift kit is one of the most popular ways to enhance a Renegade’s capabilities beyond the stock setup.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lifting your Jeep Renegade:

• The benefits of lifting your Renegade
• How much lift to choose
• Types of lift kits available
• What’s included in a kit
• Estimated costs
• Tips for installation
• Important maintenance considerations

Plus plenty more details to help you decide if a Renegade lift kit is right for your build. Let’s get started!

Why Lift a Jeep Renegade?

Lifting a Jeep Renegade using a suspension lift kit has some key advantages:

• Increased ground clearance – This allows you to clear larger rocks, ruts, and other obstacles when off-roading. The Renegade’s clearance gets better with a lift kit.
• Room for larger tires – More clearance means you can run larger all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. More traction and stability for off-road driving.
• Improved approach/departure angles – Lifting the body increases the Renegade’s ramp over angle for clearing steep inclines when off-roading.
• Enhanced suspension articulation – Upgraded suspension components flex better for increased wheel travel over uneven terrain.
• Aggressive look – The lifted stance just looks cool! Distinguishes your Renegade from the crowd.

Jeep owners who take their rigs off-road on rough trails will see the biggest benefits from lifting their Renegade. The additional ground clearance and suspension travel allow you to drive up and over obstacles that would hit the underbody on a stock Jeep.

How Much Lift Is Best For A Jeep Renegade?

When installing a Renegade lift kit, most owners choose to boost their Jeep between 2 and 3 inches of lift. This range offers a great blend of improved off-road performance without compromising too much daily driving comfort or drivability.

Here’s an overview of common Renegade lift heights:

1-2 Inch Lift Kits

A more subtle lift of 1-2 inches is great if you just want slightly larger tires and minor improvements to off-road ability and appearance. The ride remains close to stock, and you can install it yourself in most cases.

2-3 Inch Lift Kits

This is the most popular range for Renegade owners who take their Jeep off-roading regularly. A 2-3 inch lift provides a noticeable improvement in ground clearance, while retaining a comfortable ride. Tires up to 235/65R17 can be installed without trimming.

3-4 Inch Lift Kits

A 3-4 inch lift is ideal for dedicated off-road enthusiasts. This taller lift maximizes clearance and requires more supporting modifications. Handling and comfort are more affected, but off-road performance reaches its peak.

In general, Jeep does not recommend going above 2.5 inches of lift for a Renegade. Much beyond that and you’ll start to negatively impact handling, steering, and control on pavement. For most Renegade owners, 2-3 inches of lift hits the best compromise between off-road improvements and daily drivability.

Types Of Lift Kits For The Jeep Renegade

There are two main types of lift kits available for the Renegade:

Coil Spring Spacers 

Coil spring spacers are a very popular choice because they offer an inexpensive and straightforward lift. As the name implies, these spacers install between the coil springs and axle housing to raise the stock suspension. High quality coil spacer kits run $200-$500 for a 2-3 inch lift. The install can usually be handled in your home garage with common tools and a jack and stands.

Suspension Lift Kits 

For maximum lift height and peak off-road performance, a full suspension lift kit is the way to go. These kits include new shocks, steering components, control arms, springs, and more. You can expect to pay $800-$1500 or more for a suspension lift kit, not including professional installation. While pricier, suspension lifts offer superior articulation and ride quality compared to just adding spring spacers.

What Does A Renegade Lift Kit Include?

The components included in your Renegade lift kit will vary based on factors like the lift height and type of kit.

Parts In A Coil Spacer Kit

For a basic 2-3 inch coil spacer kit, you typically get:

• Coil spring spacers
• Extended front sway bar end links
• Extended bump stops
• Shock extensions or new shocks

These are the essential parts needed to lift the Renegade’s suspension and account for the new ride height. Shop for coil spacer kits specifically designed for your Jeep’s year and configuration.

Components In A Suspension Lift Kit

A complete suspension lift kit includes more comprehensive upgrades:

• Upgraded coil springs
• New performance shock absorbers
• Adjustable/extended control arms
• Extended sway bar end links
• Steering and track bar components

Suspension lift kits contain everything you need for maximum lift and off-road capability. The key is finding a kit tuned for your Renegade rather than a generic lift kit. The only suspension lift kit available for the Renegade is the American Trail Products 4″ Lift Kit, which is compatible with 2015-2020 models.

Top Brands and Vendors for Renegade Lift Kits

When shopping for a Renegade lift kit, stick with reputable manufacturers and trusted retailers. Here are some good options:

Manufacturers

• Rough Country
• Rock Krawler
• ReadyLift
• Skyjacker
• Teraflex
• Rubicon Express

Retailers

• Quadratec
• ExtremeTerrain
• Morris 4×4
• Northridge 4×4
• RealTruck

Research product reviews and ask other Renegade owners for input on the best kits. Avoid no-name brands or kits that seem abnormally cheap – they often use inferior components prone to early failure. Invest in a quality kit from a proven brand for maximum life and performance.

How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Jeep Renegade?

Here are typical price ranges for Renegade lift kits:

• Basic coil spacers – $200 to $500 for the kit. DIY installation possible.
• Mid-range suspension kit – $800 to $1200. Pro install often recommended.
• High-end suspension kit – $1500 to $2000+. Requires pro install.

Keep in mind you may need extra parts like extended brake lines, adjustable track bars, driveshaft spacers, etc. depending on factors the lift height. Plus alignment, headlight aim adjustment, and shop fees.

Plan for a total budget of:

• $500 to $1000 for a 2-3 inch coil spacer lift
• $1500 to $2500+ for a 2-3 inch suspension lift

As you can see, suspension lifts with higher end components and professional installation are a significant investment. But the difference in off-road handling and control is well worth it for serious off-road enthusiasts.

Is Installing a Lift Kit Difficult?

Basic coil spacer kits can usually be handled at home by mechanically inclined owners. With good instructions, patience, and proper tools, expect a full weekend for the install and alignment.

Full suspension lift kits, especially above 2 inches of lift, are best left to professional installers. There is very limited space to work under the Renegade’s hood, so some steps are tricky even for experts. Shop rates average $100 per hour, so plan for $400-$800 in labor costs.

How to Install a Jeep Renegade Lift Kit

Here is an overview of the installation process if you DIY a basic coil spacer lift kit:

Step 1: Assemble Tools and Supplies

Gather everything you need including:

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Basic metric tool set
• Torque wrench
• Pry bars, hammers -Wheel chocks

Don’t forget safety gear like eye protection and gloves.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Renegade

Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels. Use the floor jack to lift the front end and place jack stands under the frame rails for safety. Repeat to lift and support the rear.

Step 3: Remove Wheels

With the Jeep lifted securely, remove all four wheels/tires. Starting on the driver front is common.

Step 4: Disassemble Suspension

Follow the lift kit instructions to remove components like sway bar links, struts/shocks, brake lines and track bars depending on the kit design.

Step 5: Install Spacers and New Parts

Attach the coil spring spacers in the correct orientation, extended end links, new shocks, etc. according to the lift kit guidelines.

Step 6: Reinstall Wheels

Mount the wheels/tires and snug the lugs just until the Renegade is resting on the tires again. Do not fully torque yet.

Step 7: Lower Vehicle and Torque Lugs

With the full vehicle weight on the tires, torque wheel lugs to the spec in your manual, usually around 100 ft-lbs.

Step 8: Get Alignment Done

Take your Renegade to a shop for a wheel alignment to adjust camber, caster, toe etc. Test drive and inspect. Enjoy your lifted Jeep!

Always follow all instructions and safety precautions closely when installing any lift kit.

Essential Maintenance After Lifting Your Renegade

Once lifted, be diligent with these maintenance items:

• More frequent alignments – Have alignment checked whenever installing new tires or if you notice uneven wear.
• Check torque on suspension bolts – Re-torque to spec after initial 500 miles. Check occasionally thereafter.
• Monitor tire tread wear – Rotate tires every 3,000-5,000 miles. Consider more frequent rotations.
• Re-torque wheel lugs – Check torque spec every 1,000 miles or so. Lifts stress components.
• Inspect steering and suspension – Look for signs of premature wear on ball joints, bushings, tie rods, etc.
• Replace shocks per schedule – Shock absorbers wear faster when lifted. Follow recommended replacement intervals.

Keep on top of scheduled maintenance to ensure safe operation and maximum life from your lifted Renegade and its components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s wrap up with answers to some common questions about lifting Jeep Renegades:

What size tires can I fit after lifting?

With a 2-3 inch lift, most owners can fit 265/75R16, 275/70R17, or 285/70R17 tires without rubbing after minor trimming. Measure carefully before purchasing new tires.

Do I need a slip yoke eliminator?

If lifting more than 2 inches, a slip yoke eliminator is often recommended to allow for driveshaft angle changes. This prevents vibration and premature failure.

Will lifting void my factory warranty?

No, installing an aftermarket lift kit alone will not void the Jeep factory powertrain warranty. But damage or wear resulting from the lift may not be covered.

Can I return to factory height later?

Yes, you can remove a coil spacer lift and restore factory suspension height. With a suspension kit, you would need to source replacement factory components.

Let’s Get Your Renegade Lifted!

Adding a lift kit can take your Jeep Renegade’s off-roading abilities to the next level. Follow the recommendations in this guide when choosing a lift height and kit type for your needs and budget.

With high quality components and professional installation, a lifted Renegade will provide years of enhanced capability and rugged fun. Your dream build is waiting – now get out there and conquer those trails!