| There are essentially two ways to lift your 1987-95 | | | | as the Jeep Wrangler is notorious for having a short |
| Jeep Wrangler YJ: suspension lift or body lift. Each | | | | rear driveline that isn't readily accepting to increased |
| has its pros and cons in terms of price, performance, | | | | u-joint angles. |
| and ease of installation, but let's first distinguish | | | | Pros: Increases ground clearance, increased approach |
| between the two. | | | | and departure angles, allows fitment of larger tires. |
| A suspension lift raises the vehicle's frame (chassis) | | | | Cons: Expensive, longer installation time, drive line |
| away from the axles by replacing the springs with | | | | angles are increased (more susceptible to vibrations), |
| taller (or more arched) springs. A body lift raises the | | | | brake lines need to be re-routed or lengthened, new |
| vehicle by lifting the body away from the frame with | | | | shocks needed, increased center of gravity. |
| spacers. This keeps the frame at its existing distance | | | | A body lift is relatively simple in that it primarily |
| from the ground. A suspension lift is recommended | | | | consists of a set of spacers that are inserted at the |
| for anyone planning to use their vehicle off-road while | | | | mounting points between the frame and body of the |
| a body lift is recommended for anyone that wants | | | | vehicle. This leaves all the heavy parts of the vehicle |
| to make their vehicle look lifted with no true | | | | (frame, engine, transmission, transfer case, etc) at |
| intentions of going off-road. This doesn't mean that a | | | | their factory locations so the vehicle's center of |
| body lifted vehicle can't go off-road. It just won't | | | | gravity (though increased) will not be increased as |
| perform as well as a suspension lifted vehicle because | | | | much as a suspension lift. |
| it hasn't gained any ground clearance. Suspension lifts | | | | Pros: Cheap, can be installed quickly with basic hand |
| for the Jeep Wrangler YJ typically range between | | | | tools, allows fitment of larger tires, simple (all |
| 2-inches to 4-inches (though there are some | | | | components come in a small box). |
| companies that produce "extreme" kits in excess of | | | | Cons: Appearance (there will be a noticeable gap |
| this), while body lifts range between 1-inch to | | | | between the body tub and the frame), extra |
| 3-inches. | | | | leverage is placed on the mounting points, no |
| A suspension lift is more complicated than a body lift | | | | increase in ground clearance. |
| because it alters all of the suspension components | | | | Ultimately, a body lift provides no benefits other than |
| that give the vehicle its factory ride characteristics. | | | | allowing the installation of larger tires whereas a |
| Taller leaf springs are typically stiffer than factory | | | | suspension lift is designed for improved performance |
| leaf springs so the vehicle will have a harsher ride | | | | off-road (while also allowing the installation of larger |
| quality than with soft factory springs. Longer shock | | | | tires). If you're on a budget and want to make your |
| absorbers will be needed. The vehicle will also have a | | | | Jeep Wrangler look like a big off-road rig with no real |
| higher center of gravity because the entire weight of | | | | intentions of ever going off-road, then a body lift |
| the vehicle (everything except the axles) will now be | | | | would be adequate for you. However, if cost isn't a |
| raised further from the ground. In some cases, the | | | | factor and you're looking to make your Wrangler |
| transfer case will need to be lowered and the rear | | | | more off-road capable and trail ready, then a |
| differential repositioned to minimize driveline vibrations | | | | suspension lift is the only way to go. |