Things to Consider before Installing a Jeep Wrangler Lift Kit
There are many options when it comes to Jeep Wrangler lift kits in Illinois. Body lift kits, leveling kits, and suspension lift kits are all a bit different. There are many manufacturers offering a slew of choices. Understandably, it can be a bit challenging to narrow these down. Luckily, there are some basic guidelines and key factors that should help you make an informed decision.
Lift Kits
There are three main types of lift kits. Body lift kits increase the distance between the frame and the body, suspension lift kits increase the distance between the axles and the frame, and leveling kits are used to bring the front and rear of the Jeep to equal heights. Whether you've noticed or not, the front and rear of Jeeps and other vehicles tend to be slightly different heights, which creates a slight dip. Leveling kits eliminate this difference.
All lift kits allow you to install larger tires, but this doesn't mean they're all the same. Body lift kits tend to be for aesthetics. Although they do increase the height of the Jeep, they don't increase ground clearance. Leveling kits slightly increase the ground clearance because the front of the Jeep is lifted to match the rear. With suspension lift kits, the height and clearance can be lifted around 1-2 inches or even 4 inches or more.
The main thing to consider is why you want to lift your vehicle. If you want a specific visual appeal, a body lift kit should be fine. If you want the option to go off-road on occasion, but you otherwise don't want any changes, a leveling kit is a great choice. However, serious off-road adventures tend to be more demanding. If you love trails and want to be competitive, a larger lift kit is a good idea. This demands a suspension lift kit.
Smaller Lift Kits
A little bit of extra clearance may be all you require. Smaller lift kits typically consist of coil spacers that are placed under the stock springs to give a bump in front height with long shackles in the rear. These are usually 1.5 to 2 inches. This accommodates 31-inch tires, and there are some definite benefits to this option. The factory ride is maintained, so it'll still "feel" like the Jeep you already know and love. Additionally, mechanical issues generally aren't an issue. The installation tends to be fairly quick and easy, especially if your installers are experienced with lift kits. If you want an off-road option but still mostly use your Jeep for daily work and errands, a smaller lift kit is a great choice.
Bigger Lift Kits
Bigger lift kits are 2 inches and above. You'll see many of these listed as 2.5 inches or 3.5 inches, but even greater heights are possible. As you'd expect, these bigger kits tend to be a bit more involved when it comes to installation. These lift kits for Jeeps come with a number of parts. It's a good idea to know what you're doing before installing one of these. If you aren't 100% confident in your mechanical expertise, hire professionals. You'll be much happier with the results, and you're less likely to have problems in the future. With these lift kits, many people have 35-inch tires and see excellent results.
There are many varieties of suspension lift kits for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in Illinois. Contact BD Motorsports at 217-752-6225 if you have any questions.