The Jeep Wrangler is undoubtedly one of the most popular off-road vehicles in the world, especially in the US. What started as a tiny and extremely basic little vehicle has since transformed into a large SUV with a decent amount of interior amenities. One thing, however, hasn’t changed: the need for increased ground clearance and larger tires.
There are tons of different options for lift kits and finding the right one can be stressful. For this reason, we put together a list of our favorite JK Wrangler budget lift kits to help you better decide on your lift.
#1 TeraFlex 2.5” Spacer Lift w/ Shock Extensions
First up on our list is the TeraFlex 2.5” spacer kit. TeraFlex has been making suspension lifts and suspension components for tons of different off-road trucks since 1996. This kit may seem a little expensive at a glance, but it includes absolutely everything you need for easy installation.
- 2.5” front spring spacers
- 2” rear spring spacers
- Rear sway bar links
- Rear brake line extensions
- Shock extensions
- Black powder coat finish
One of the best features of this kit is the exclusive spring retention spacers. If you’ve ever flexed out and had a spring fall out, you know how dangerous and annoying it can be. The spring retention spacers are designed to stop this from happening so you can focus on finding the right line without worrying about a spring falling out. This kit allows for up to a 35” tire with a 4.5” or less backspacing wheels.
#2 Clayton 2.5” Spring Lift w/ Arms
Second, on our list is the 2.5” spring lift from Clayton Offroad. This lift is more expensive than the other budget lifts, but it includes quite a bit more. While most 2.5/3” lifts use spring spacers and stock suspension arms, the Clayton kit uses springs and better suspension arms. Essentially, this is a premium 2.5” lift for those who want the best without breaking the budget.
- 2.5” front springs
- 2.5” rear springs
- Rear sway bar links
- Front upper control arms
- Trackbar and trackbar bracket
- Brake Lines
All arms use either Currie Johnny Joints or Clevite mechanically bonded rubber bushings. These joints help improve articulation and improve the overall feel of your JK. Unfortunately, shocks are not included so you will need to source those yourself.
#3 Daystar Lift 1.75” Spacer Lift w/ Shocks
For those who want something smaller than a 2.5” lift, the Daystar 1.75” spacer lift is perfect. Not only is this kit super cheap, it includes shocks so you don’t have to source them separately. The small lift height means fewer parts are needed, making this budget lift super cheap. If you want something a little more complete, the other kits on this list might suit you better.
- 1.75” front springs
- 1.75” rear springs
- Includes shock absorbers
They construct the spring spacers from a high-density polyurethane which helps absorb some vibrations that could otherwise be transferred to the cab of your JK. This kit is a great way to gain some clearance and make room for bigger tires.
#4 Fabtech 3” Spacer Lift w/ Shocks
Next on our list is the Fabtech 3” spacer lift kit. This kit is unique because of its included dropped pitman arm which helps keep the steering geometry within the factory specs. This kit uses a spring spacer design, so if you don’t like spacers then it might be better to look at this Rugged Ridge kit listed above.
- 3” front spring spacers
- 3” rear spring spacers
- Rear sway bar links
- Rear track bar relocation bracket
- Front track bar relocation bracket
- Front shocks
- Rear shocks
- Dropped pitman arm
- Front driveshaft boot clamp kit
As you can see, this kit includes quite a lot of stuff. One of the coolest parts of this kit is the included driveshaft boot clamp kit. This increases the clearance between the front driveshaft and the transmission during full articulation. If you want a kit that includes everything to keep your alignment in factory spec, this kit is a great option.
#5 Revtek 3″ Spring Spacer Lift w/ Shocks
Another great option for a budget lift is the Revtek 3″ spring spacer lift kit. Realistically, there isn’t anything unique about this kit which really makes it different from the other kits listed here. The only unique parts are are the front axle alignment cam bolts which help keep the axle aligned.
- 3” front spring spacers
- 2” rear spring spacers
- Front sway bar links
- Front axle alignment cam bolts
- Rear track bar relocation bracket
- Front shocks
The main attraction with this lift kit are the front shocks, which help to maintain similar ride quality to stock and improve articulation by allowing for a full range of travel. Best of all, this kit is made in the USA!
FAQs
- Do I Need Shocks? – When you increase the ride height of your Jeep, you put the shocks in a position they were not designed to operate in. On top of that, your OEM shocks will become a limiting factor for suspension travel. It’s always best to purchase shocks designed for your lift kit height, but shock spacers are a great budget option.
- Do I Need Track Bar Relocation? – Unfortunately will all Jeep, the track bar is something which should not be overlooked. The more you lift your Jeep, the more your axles will be pulled to the side. This is easily fixed by either lowering the mounting point with a relocation bracket or buying an adjustable track bar.
- Do I Need Sway Bar Links? – Technically speaking, you don’t even need your sway bars for off-road use, but you legally need them for on-road use. It’s always a good idea to keep your sway bars working for road use, which will mean you may need longer sway bar links depending on the height of your lift kit.
- Do I Need Control Arms? – Unfortunately, most budget lift kits aren’t going to include aftermarket control arms. With aftermarket arms, you can massively improve articulation, especially if you opt for a long-arm system. You don’t need aftermarket control arms, but they’re a great way to further improve performance.
- What Tires Can I Fit? – Tire size possibilities change drastically depending on your fenders and how much cutting you’re willing to do. Generally speaking, you can fit up to a 35″ tire on the JK with a 3″ lift kit. For those who are willing to cut body panels, you can fit up to a 37″ tire or bigger. Anything past a 35″ tire and you’ll want to invest in supporting modifications such as axle upgrades.
Each one of the kits has its pros and cons. We picked these kits because we believe they are the best bang-for-buck options out there. Stepping up to a full lift kit with aftermarket control arms is always a great idea, but that can be expensive.
If you have any questions about these parts, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can be reached by phone at 1.480.966.3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com.
